The true wireless earbuds we’re going to check out today are the TOZO NC9. So far, they’ve released the NC9, the NC9 upgraded or updated, and now this third iteration, which they’re simply calling the NC9 again.
TOZO NC9 – a popular budget choice
The NC9 has remained one of TOZO’s most popular true wireless earbuds. This latest version builds on its predecessors, keeping the design compact and simple.
Design and case features
The earbuds themselves are very small and use touch controls. I’m happy to report you have full control over everything right out of the box. One major change in this version is the case. Despite its matte finish, it now features an LED display on the front.
This display shows the battery life for each earbud as well as the case itself. While I’m personally not a fan of this feature, I know many people like it since it gives an exact battery readout at a glance.
Features and durability
The TOZO NC9 pair is equipped with pretty decent hybrid active noise canceling and Bluetooth 5.3. Its IP rating is a bit inconsistent in the official documentation. Some listings mention IPX8 (completely waterproof), while others state IPX6. Anyway the NC9 is highly resistant to water, making it safe against rain, sweat, and even submersion.
For an inexpensive pair of earbuds, it’s reassuring to know they’re built to handle tough conditions.
TOZO NC9 app
Before using the earbuds, I highly recommend downloading the TOZO app. You will be able to update firmware, customize EQ settings, and even access EQ presets shared by other users.
You can also tweak the touch controls to suit your preferences. For example, changing a single tap to a double tap for specific commands. The app includes a low-latency gaming mode, which reduces lag for watching videos or gaming.
Noise canceling modes
The NC9 offers multiple noise canceling modes:
- Normal listening mode
- Wind noise mode, ideal for outdoor use or cycling
- Leisure mode for light noise cancellation
- Custom mode with adjustable sliders for tailoring the noise canceling level
- Transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings clearly
For the price, the noise canceling is outstanding, especially for lower tones like engine noises or AC units. Higher-pitched sounds, such as voices, do bleed through somewhat, but that’s common even with more expensive models.
The transparency mode is equally impressive. It sounds natural, without the overly digital or compressed quality found in many other earbuds, making it easy to hold conversations without removing the earbuds.
Included accessories
Inside the box, you’ll find six sets of silicone ear tips, which is far more than most earbuds provide. A USB-C cable is also included for charging, though the case doesn’t support wireless charging.
Battery life
The NC9’s battery life is another highlight. You can get about 14 hours of playback on a single charge with noise canceling off, or 7–8 hours with it on. Combined with the charging case, the total battery life extends to an impressive 59 hours.
While the case does claim fast charging, the specs suggest it’s not particularly groundbreaking: about 10 minutes of charging provides an hour of use. Still, it’s very convenient if you’re in a pinch.
Call quality
For phone calls, the earbuds feature six microphones with environmental noise canceling to block out background sounds. Overall, I found the call quality to be clear and reliable, even in outdoor environments with background noise like traffic or birds.
Sound quality
The NC9 is equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and TOZO’s Aurajax Acoustic 2.0 technology. While I usually dismiss such fancy branding as marketing gimmicks, the sound quality genuinely surprised me.
For the price, the audio is exceptionally clean and detailed. Treble is sharp and pronounced, which might feel a bit harsh at times depending on the track, but it adds impressive clarity.
The bass is tight and punchy without overpowering the mids and highs. Using the app’s Bass Plus EQ setting enhanced the sound for me, adding just the right amount of low-end oomph. Vocals, whether in music or dialogue, are clear and upfront.
The soundstage is also noteworthy for earbuds in this price range, creating a sense of space that feels like a large room. Instrument separation and positional audio are accurate, making these great for all types of content, from music to movies.
TOZO NC9: final thoughts
If you can overlook the lack of Qi wireless charging and smart sensors, the TOZO NC9 is a fantastic pair of earbuds. While I’m not a fan of the LED display on the case, I know many of you will appreciate it.
For me, the sound quality and battery life alone make these worth the price. TOZO’s slogan “Just for good sound!” perfectly sums up what these earbuds are about. They skip unnecessary bells and whistles, focusing instead on delivering excellent audio performance at an unbeatable price.
That wraps up my review of the TOZO NC9. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more!
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