[{"id":280456888479,"handle":"audio","updated_at":"2025-04-06T15:45:19-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-02T11:21:36-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"top-level","published_scope":"global","title":"Audio","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-06T15:53:45-07:00","alt":"audio","width":971,"height":386,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/audio.png?v=1641509626"}},{"id":273813176479,"handle":"headphones","updated_at":"2025-04-05T14:25:35-06:00","published_at":"2021-07-29T09:40:32-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Headphones","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2021-07-29T09:40:30-06:00","alt":"headphones","width":1146,"height":455,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/article-details-image.png?v=1641476934"}},{"id":281018171551,"handle":"in-ear-earbud-headphones","updated_at":"2025-04-05T14:25:35-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-22T12:57:31-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"default","published_scope":"global","title":"In-Ear \u0026 Earbud Headphones","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-04T11:00:52-07:00","alt":"in ear earbuds","width":1146,"height":455,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/b_w-pi7-whi-12.jpg?v=1641836205"}},{"id":639924502687,"handle":"kef-headphones","title":"KEF Headphones","updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:00:28-06:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscover the Perfect Portable Audio Experience with KEF Headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/kef\" title=\"KEF Brand Page at Preferred Online KEF Dealer ListenUp\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKEF \u003c\/a\u003eheadphones include the MU7 and MU3, where precision audio meets award-winning design. The \u003cstrong\u003eKEF MU7 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones\u003c\/strong\u003e deliver superior sound and all-day comfort, perfect for audiophiles and professionals alike. Meanwhile, the \u003cstrong\u003eKEF MU3 In-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Earphones\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed by Ross Lovegrove, offer pure, accurate sound in a compact, ergonomic form for on-the-go lifestyles. With advanced noise-canceling technology, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and stunning aesthetics, the MU7 and MU3 headphones redefine portable audio, ensuring exceptional performance, style, and functionality. Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear designs, KEF has the perfect solution for your audio needs.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-10T12:44:16-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"KEF"},{"column":"title","relation":"contains","condition":"Headphones"}],"published_scope":"global","image":{"created_at":"2025-01-10T12:44:15-07:00","alt":"Shop all KEF Headphones at the Preferred KEF Online Dealer ListenUp","width":380,"height":380,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/KEF-Headphones.png?v=1736538256"}},{"id":640250413215,"handle":"kef-specials-and-sales","updated_at":"2025-04-05T18:35:17-06:00","published_at":"2025-02-06T11:53:22-07:00","sort_order":"manual","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"KEF Specials and Sales 2025","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/pages\/kef\" title=\"KEF Landing Page at Online Authorized KEF Dealer ListenUp\"\u003eKEF\u003c\/a\u003e Specials and Sales at ListenUp, your destination for high-fidelity audio at unbeatable prices. Throughout the year, ListenUp offers KEF discounts and limited-time deals on a variety of KEF products, including speakers, home theater systems, subwoofers, and more. Whether you're looking for the precision-engineered \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/collections\/kef-headphones\" title=\"KEF Headphones Landing Page at ListenUp\"\u003eKEF headphones\u003c\/a\u003e for immersive sound on the go or the acclaimed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenup.com\/products\/kef-q150-bookshelf-speakers\" title=\"KEF Q150 Sale at ListenUp\"\u003eKEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers\u003c\/a\u003e for rich, room-filling audio, this collection delivers premium performance with exceptional savings. Check back often for periodically released special offers on KEF’s most sought-after audio gear.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon’t Miss Out on Exclusive KEF Deals!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKEF specials run \u003cstrong\u003eperiodically throughout the year\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering you the chance to save big on \u003cstrong\u003espeakers, home theater systems, subwoofers, and more\u003c\/strong\u003e. Be the first to know when a \u003cstrong\u003enew KEF sale drops\u003c\/strong\u003e—\u003cstrong\u003esign up now\u003c\/strong\u003e for exclusive alerts on limited-time discounts and special offers!\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2025-02-06T11:53:21-07:00","alt":"KEF Specials and Sales at ListenUp","width":1800,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/e842d94f-86c2-42d9-890b-694cf64211a9.jpg?v=1738868001"}},{"id":281018138783,"handle":"noise-canceling-headphones","updated_at":"2025-04-05T14:25:35-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-22T12:57:14-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"default","published_scope":"global","title":"Noise-Canceling Headphones","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-06T06:49:40-07:00","alt":"noise cancelling headphones","width":1146,"height":455,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/noise-cancelling-headset.png?v=1641476981"}},{"id":300709740703,"handle":"on-sale","updated_at":"2025-04-06T18:52:01-06:00","published_at":"2024-05-30T09:39:13-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"web","title":"On Sale","body_html":""},{"id":301151355039,"handle":"welcome10","updated_at":"2025-04-06T15:45:19-06:00","published_at":"2024-07-02T15:18:25-06:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":null,"published_scope":"web","title":"Welcome10","body_html":null},{"id":281018204319,"handle":"wireless-bluetooth-headphones","updated_at":"2025-04-05T14:25:35-06:00","published_at":"2021-12-22T12:57:59-07:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"default","published_scope":"global","title":"Wireless Bluetooth Headphones","body_html":"","image":{"created_at":"2022-01-06T08:02:02-07:00","alt":"wireless bluetooth headphone","width":1146,"height":456,"src":"\/\/listenup.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/wireless-bluetooth-headset.png?v=1641481322"}}]
The KEF Mu3 Charcoal Grey Wireless Earbuds offer premium sound quality and cutting-edge design by Ross Lovegrove. Featuring active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0, and ergonomic comfort, they deliver pure, detailed audio with stable connectivity. Enjoy up to 24 hours of playtime, fast charging, and IPX5 water resistance for all-weather use. Ideal for music lovers seeking style, functionality, and exceptional sound.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation:
KEF's noise-cancellation technology filters out ambient noise without compromising the clarity and detail of your music, creating a serene listening environment.
Ergonomic Design:
Designed for long-wearing comfort, the Mu3 features a balanced fit and four silicone ear tip options to ensure optimal noise isolation and secure placement.
All-Day Battery Life:
With 9 hours of continuous playtime and an additional 15 hours from the wireless charging case, these earphones are built to keep up with your day. A quick 5-minute charge provides an extra hour of playback.
Seamless Connectivity:
Enjoy instant pairing and stable connections with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality streaming on iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance:
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation:
KEF's noise-cancellation technology filters out ambient noise without compromising the clarity and detail of your music, creating a serene listening environment.
Ergonomic Design:
Designed for long-wearing comfort, the Mu3 features a balanced fit and four silicone ear tip options to ensure optimal noise isolation and secure placement.
All-Day Battery Life:
With 9 hours of continuous playtime and an additional 15 hours from the wireless charging case, these earphones are built to keep up with your day. A quick 5-minute charge provides an extra hour of playback.
Seamless Connectivity:
Enjoy instant pairing and stable connections with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality streaming on iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance:
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Expert Insight
The KEF Mu3 earphones are a game-changer for anyone who values premium sound and comfort. The active noise cancellation is impressive, and the ergonomic design ensures they stay comfortable even during long listening sessions. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity and stunning battery life, these earphones are a must-have for music enthusiasts!
Premium Sound Quality: Engineered with KEF's renowned 8.2mm drivers for pure, accurate audio.
Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks out external noise while maintaining musical detail.
Ergonomic Design: Lightweight, balanced fit with four ear tip sizes for comfort.
All-Day Battery Life: 9 hours per charge, plus 15 hours with the charging case.
Seamless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections for iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance: Splash-proof for reliable use in all weather conditions.
Experience unparalleled sound quality and innovative design with KEF’s Mu3 Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earphones, crafted in collaboration with visionary designer Ross Lovegrove. These earphones deliver pure, accurate sound on the move, combining state-of-the-art audio engineering with ergonomic comfort and stunning aesthetics. Whether you're immersed in music, taking calls, or staying aware of your surroundings, the Mu3 offers seamless connectivity, all-day battery life, and advanced noise cancellation to suit every lifestyle.
Q: How effective is the noise cancellation on the KEF Mu3? A: The Mu3 earphones feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that eliminates external noise while preserving the clarity and detail of your music.
Q: Are these earphones compatible with both iOS and Android devices? A: Yes, the KEF Mu3 uses Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring stable and seamless connectivity with iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Q: How long does the battery last? A: The earphones offer 9 hours of playtime per charge, with an additional 15 hours from the charging case, totaling up to 24 hours of use.
Q: Can I use these earphones in rainy weather or while working out? A: Yes, the Mu3 earphones are IPX5 splash-proof, making them resistant to water and sweat.
Q: What is the charging time for the earphones? A: A quick 5-minute charge provides 1 hour of playback, while a full charge ensures up to 9 hours of use.
Q: What comes in the box? A: The box includes the Mu3 earphones, a charging case with wireless charging capability, a USB-C cable, four sizes of silicone ear tips, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.
Reviews
Customer Reviews
4.5Based on 2 Reviews
5 ★
50%
1
4 ★
50%
1
3 ★
0%
0
2 ★
0%
0
1 ★
0%
0
Customer Photos
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Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
Just got these and they sound excellent, they fit so well can hardly tell you are wearing them.
The case is very nice and I cannot believe that they have active noise canceling.
I am so glad I bought these.
DS
05/11/2023
Dov Samuels - KEF.com Customer Review
Online
I've been very impressed
4-stars only because there is room for improvement. I'm happy with my purchase and use them daily. These are the most comfortable ear buds that weren't custom fitted that I have worn. I can fall asleep with them in and wake up and not even realize that they are still in my ears. Even sleeping on my side is not uncomfortable. I also sometimes wear them inside a motorcycle helmet, which can put a little pressure from the side, and they remain comfortable . If you have comfort issues around typical ear buds and the main body fits in your outer ear without stretching the cartilage out, these are the earbuds for you.
Sounds quality is excellent. I've had many pairs of high end ear- and head-phones over the years, so I can't say that they are the best sounding ear buds I've ever heard, but they certainly have sound quality that matches the price point and beyond.
Battery life is great. I've had music running through them for 8 hours more than once (without ANC or ambient, of course). I haven't had opportunity to validate the amount of charge in the charging case or even the speed of charging from the case, but not for lack of using it, so it clearly has enough charge and charges quickly enough that I haven't encountered its limits.
It's really a shame that the case can't be charged wirelessly. I also don't like that the earbuds are totally dependent on the case. Lose or break the carrying case and your earbuds are useless until it is replaced. Perhaps fitting wireless charging into such a small form factor that charging them independently isn't possible, but in that case, a non-portable charger in addition to the battery storage in the charging case would be worth the slight additional cost, since a static charger is MUCH less likely to get lost, broken, or water damaged. It's only a matter of time before most of us send the portable case through the laundry, I'm sure.
The bluetooth implementation is where they lose points. If you only ever use one device with them, most of this won't apply, but I find the bluetooth pairing process to be seriously problematic when switching between devices. If you don't have the case with you, you cannot clear the current pairing so they cannot be connected to a different device unless the current device they are paired to disconnects. I've lost count of the number of times I've put them in my ears, walked to the other end of the house, gone outside to my workshop, and then realized that they are still paired to a device in a my office , only to have to go back inside, find the case so that I can force-unpair them, and then pair them to the new device, or go to my office and disconnect from them from the device in there. When force-unpairing, it is often really difficult to get them to pair to a new device. Sometimes only one of them will pair with the next device. Sometimes neither of them. I sometimes have to attempt to pair 5 or more times before it actually works correctly, and this is to a device that they are familiar with. It can often take 5-10 minutes to get them to pair to my phone or laptop if I don't explicitly disconnect from the previous device. Every other bluetooth device I own will happily switch between multiple devices by just telling the new device to connect to them, as long as they have already been paired once. There is no need to force my other bluetooth devices to disconnect and go into pairing mode in order to create a connection to a familiar device.
I also don't like the long-press to change volume interface. I'd rather do long press for the functions currently assigned to short press and do repeated short presses to change volume.
The active noise canceling is pretty weak. Fortunately, the passive attenuation from a good fit is quite high. ANC only really works on relatively high frequency constant noise. It does almost nothing for lower frequency noise (tire rumble, lawn mower). On an airplane, they are pretty effective against the engines and the sound of air blowing from above, but useless against nearby conversation and howling babies, though the passive attenuation is not bad for that. I'd estimate that they are about the equivalent of 12-15db foam earplugs. Leave ANC off and enjoy longer battery life. Ambient mode is noticeable, but not very useful. They don't attenuate outside sound enough that you really need ambient mode to hear, and it doesn't work well enough to hear outside noise over the sound of whatever content they are playing.
Don't buy these for the software-based audio processing, basically. Buy them because you want good sounding, wireless earbuds with excellent battery life and exceedingly good comfort.
Despite my complaints, I would absolutely buy these again. I haven't encountered any wireless ear buds that don't have at least as many defects, and most of my issues could be addressed fairly easily in a future version.
Product Description
Product Description
The KEF Mu3 Charcoal Grey Wireless Earbuds offer premium sound quality and cutting-edge design by Ross Lovegrove. Featuring active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0, and ergonomic comfort, they deliver pure, detailed audio with stable connectivity. Enjoy up to 24 hours of playtime, fast charging, and IPX5 water resistance for all-weather use. Ideal for music lovers seeking style, functionality, and exceptional sound.
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Features & Specs
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation:
KEF's noise-cancellation technology filters out ambient noise without compromising the clarity and detail of your music, creating a serene listening environment.
Ergonomic Design:
Designed for long-wearing comfort, the Mu3 features a balanced fit and four silicone ear tip options to ensure optimal noise isolation and secure placement.
All-Day Battery Life:
With 9 hours of continuous playtime and an additional 15 hours from the wireless charging case, these earphones are built to keep up with your day. A quick 5-minute charge provides an extra hour of playback.
Seamless Connectivity:
Enjoy instant pairing and stable connections with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality streaming on iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance:
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation:
KEF's noise-cancellation technology filters out ambient noise without compromising the clarity and detail of your music, creating a serene listening environment.
Ergonomic Design:
Designed for long-wearing comfort, the Mu3 features a balanced fit and four silicone ear tip options to ensure optimal noise isolation and secure placement.
All-Day Battery Life:
With 9 hours of continuous playtime and an additional 15 hours from the wireless charging case, these earphones are built to keep up with your day. A quick 5-minute charge provides an extra hour of playback.
Seamless Connectivity:
Enjoy instant pairing and stable connections with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality streaming on iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance:
Resistant to splashes and sweat, the Mu3 is perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, and all-weather use.
Premium Sound Quality:
Each earbud houses an 8.2mm full-range driver meticulously tuned by KEF's expert engineers, delivering rich midrange, crisp highs, and resonant bass for an immersive audio experience.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight
The KEF Mu3 earphones are a game-changer for anyone who values premium sound and comfort. The active noise cancellation is impressive, and the ergonomic design ensures they stay comfortable even during long listening sessions. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity and stunning battery life, these earphones are a must-have for music enthusiasts!
Premium Sound Quality: Engineered with KEF's renowned 8.2mm drivers for pure, accurate audio.
Active Noise Cancellation: Blocks out external noise while maintaining musical detail.
Ergonomic Design: Lightweight, balanced fit with four ear tip sizes for comfort.
All-Day Battery Life: 9 hours per charge, plus 15 hours with the charging case.
Seamless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections for iOS and Android devices.
IPX5 Water Resistance: Splash-proof for reliable use in all weather conditions.
Experience unparalleled sound quality and innovative design with KEF’s Mu3 Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earphones, crafted in collaboration with visionary designer Ross Lovegrove. These earphones deliver pure, accurate sound on the move, combining state-of-the-art audio engineering with ergonomic comfort and stunning aesthetics. Whether you're immersed in music, taking calls, or staying aware of your surroundings, the Mu3 offers seamless connectivity, all-day battery life, and advanced noise cancellation to suit every lifestyle.
Q: How effective is the noise cancellation on the KEF Mu3? A: The Mu3 earphones feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that eliminates external noise while preserving the clarity and detail of your music.
Q: Are these earphones compatible with both iOS and Android devices? A: Yes, the KEF Mu3 uses Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring stable and seamless connectivity with iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Q: How long does the battery last? A: The earphones offer 9 hours of playtime per charge, with an additional 15 hours from the charging case, totaling up to 24 hours of use.
Q: Can I use these earphones in rainy weather or while working out? A: Yes, the Mu3 earphones are IPX5 splash-proof, making them resistant to water and sweat.
Q: What is the charging time for the earphones? A: A quick 5-minute charge provides 1 hour of playback, while a full charge ensures up to 9 hours of use.
Q: What comes in the box? A: The box includes the Mu3 earphones, a charging case with wireless charging capability, a USB-C cable, four sizes of silicone ear tips, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.
Reviews
Reviews
Customer Reviews
4.5Based on 2 Reviews
5 ★
50%
1
4 ★
50%
1
3 ★
0%
0
2 ★
0%
0
1 ★
0%
0
Customer Photos
Write a ReviewAsk a Question
Reviews
Questions
Thank you for posting a question! Your question will appear on the site once we've answered it.
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
Just got these and they sound excellent, they fit so well can hardly tell you are wearing them.
The case is very nice and I cannot believe that they have active noise canceling.
I am so glad I bought these.
DS
05/11/2023
Dov Samuels - KEF.com Customer Review
Online
I've been very impressed
4-stars only because there is room for improvement. I'm happy with my purchase and use them daily. These are the most comfortable ear buds that weren't custom fitted that I have worn. I can fall asleep with them in and wake up and not even realize that they are still in my ears. Even sleeping on my side is not uncomfortable. I also sometimes wear them inside a motorcycle helmet, which can put a little pressure from the side, and they remain comfortable . If you have comfort issues around typical ear buds and the main body fits in your outer ear without stretching the cartilage out, these are the earbuds for you.
Sounds quality is excellent. I've had many pairs of high end ear- and head-phones over the years, so I can't say that they are the best sounding ear buds I've ever heard, but they certainly have sound quality that matches the price point and beyond.
Battery life is great. I've had music running through them for 8 hours more than once (without ANC or ambient, of course). I haven't had opportunity to validate the amount of charge in the charging case or even the speed of charging from the case, but not for lack of using it, so it clearly has enough charge and charges quickly enough that I haven't encountered its limits.
It's really a shame that the case can't be charged wirelessly. I also don't like that the earbuds are totally dependent on the case. Lose or break the carrying case and your earbuds are useless until it is replaced. Perhaps fitting wireless charging into such a small form factor that charging them independently isn't possible, but in that case, a non-portable charger in addition to the battery storage in the charging case would be worth the slight additional cost, since a static charger is MUCH less likely to get lost, broken, or water damaged. It's only a matter of time before most of us send the portable case through the laundry, I'm sure.
The bluetooth implementation is where they lose points. If you only ever use one device with them, most of this won't apply, but I find the bluetooth pairing process to be seriously problematic when switching between devices. If you don't have the case with you, you cannot clear the current pairing so they cannot be connected to a different device unless the current device they are paired to disconnects. I've lost count of the number of times I've put them in my ears, walked to the other end of the house, gone outside to my workshop, and then realized that they are still paired to a device in a my office , only to have to go back inside, find the case so that I can force-unpair them, and then pair them to the new device, or go to my office and disconnect from them from the device in there. When force-unpairing, it is often really difficult to get them to pair to a new device. Sometimes only one of them will pair with the next device. Sometimes neither of them. I sometimes have to attempt to pair 5 or more times before it actually works correctly, and this is to a device that they are familiar with. It can often take 5-10 minutes to get them to pair to my phone or laptop if I don't explicitly disconnect from the previous device. Every other bluetooth device I own will happily switch between multiple devices by just telling the new device to connect to them, as long as they have already been paired once. There is no need to force my other bluetooth devices to disconnect and go into pairing mode in order to create a connection to a familiar device.
I also don't like the long-press to change volume interface. I'd rather do long press for the functions currently assigned to short press and do repeated short presses to change volume.
The active noise canceling is pretty weak. Fortunately, the passive attenuation from a good fit is quite high. ANC only really works on relatively high frequency constant noise. It does almost nothing for lower frequency noise (tire rumble, lawn mower). On an airplane, they are pretty effective against the engines and the sound of air blowing from above, but useless against nearby conversation and howling babies, though the passive attenuation is not bad for that. I'd estimate that they are about the equivalent of 12-15db foam earplugs. Leave ANC off and enjoy longer battery life. Ambient mode is noticeable, but not very useful. They don't attenuate outside sound enough that you really need ambient mode to hear, and it doesn't work well enough to hear outside noise over the sound of whatever content they are playing.
Don't buy these for the software-based audio processing, basically. Buy them because you want good sounding, wireless earbuds with excellent battery life and exceedingly good comfort.
Despite my complaints, I would absolutely buy these again. I haven't encountered any wireless ear buds that don't have at least as many defects, and most of my issues could be addressed fairly easily in a future version.
