Take Note: Unbeatable ANC and Clarity in Budget Earbuds – Earfun Air 2 NC Review
Earfun Air 2 NC Review: A Budget Audio Powerhouse?
The Earfun Air 2 NC attempts to defy the curse of underwhelming sound quality that often afflicts budget-friendly audio tech options. Fortunately, they succeed, delivering punchy bass, crisp mids, and controlled treble, all while being competitively priced at $69 / £59 (about AU$110). So, what can you expect from these wireless earbuds?
Sound Quality
While these earbuds won’t blow you away with audiophile-grade sound, they perform commendably well, serving up well-weighted vocals and solid sub-bass. You might experience a bit of harshness when listening at very high volumes, but I didn’t find it necessary to listen that loudly to enjoy the sound.
Features and Customization
The Earfun Air 2 NC excel in the customization department, featuring an excellent EQ tab within the Earfun Audio app. With a range of presets, including genre-specific ones, you can tailor the sound to your preferences. There’s also a custom option and a personalized sound profile based on your listening habits, which I was impressed to discover even outshines some top-tier earbuds.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is another strong point, allowing you to switch between five different modes, including ear-adaptive and wind resistance configurations. You can even personalize the touch controls to your liking.
Design and Durability
Design-wise, the Earfun Air 2 NC won’t be the most elegant option on the market, with slightly chunky stems that may not appeal to those seeking a more discreet appearance. However, they do come with IPX5 waterproofing, ensuring protection against heavy rain or sweat, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Earfun Air 2 NC feature six hours of battery life with ANC enabled, and nine hours without. The charging case should provide enough juice for a few days of heavy use, especially when listening with LDAC compatibility.
How I Tested
I tested the Earfun Air 2 NC over two weeks, using them in various settings, including office work and walking. I mainly listened to music using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, as well as comparing them to my Sony WF-C700N earbuds when necessary.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Earfun Air 2 NC | JLab Go Pop ANC | Sony WF-C700N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 / £59 (about AU$110) | $29.99 / £29.99 / AU$69.99 | $119 / £99 / AU$199 |
| Drivers | 11mm dynamic | 10mm dynamic | 5mm dynamic |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 9 hours (ANC off); 6 hours (ANC on) | 7 hours (ANC on) | 7.5 hours (ANC on) |
| Weight | 48g | 4.1g (per bud) | 4.6g (per bud) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Frequency range | 20Hz-22kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IP55 | IPX4 |
Should You Buy Them?
Despite some minor drawbacks, the Earfun Air 2 NC is an excellent option for those on a budget seeking reliable wireless earbuds. With their solid sound quality, impressive customization features, and practical design, they’re well worth considering. Plus, their low price point and competitive features set them apart from other budget earbuds.
