A touchscreen on an earbud charging case sounds suspiciously like a gimmick that can be used to charge you extra however with these earbuds coming in at just £46 that cannot be the situation here. The TOZO NC9 Pro makes a surprisingly convincing argument for giving your earbud case a little more responsibility.
The display lets you adjust volume, switch noise cancelling modes and control playback without having to fish your phone out of your pocket. It quickly becomes a genuinely useful addition, particularly when you’re commuting or have your hands full.
The sound is surprisingly pleasant with Hi Res Audio Wireless certification and LDAC support, the NC9 Pro is designed for detailed wireless listening on compatible devices. There’s plenty of bass for anyone who likes their music with a bit of oomph, while the TOZO app offers customisable EQ settings for those who prefer something more balanced.
Hybrid active noise cancellation helps take the edge off traffic or office chatter. Transparency mode lets you hear what’s happening around you without removing the buds, while six microphones work to improve voice clarity during calls. Call quality is good enough, although windy conditions can cause problems.
Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity includes dual device pairing, which is handy when switching between a laptop and phone. Battery life is good with up to 60 hours including the charging case depending on the settings. Fast charging provides a useful top up when you’ve forgotten to plug them in overnight.
The earbuds themselves are fairly conventional looking, with silicone tips to help achieve a secure fit. Comfort will depend on your ears, however, and the touchscreen case is understandably bulkier than a basic charging case.
The NC9 Pro manages to squeeze a surprising amount of technology into an affordable pair of earbuds. The touchscreen could easily have been a gimmick, but combined with enjoyable sound, useful noise cancellation and generous battery life, it gives these little buds a personality of their own. RRP £46
- Handy touchscreen charging case
- Hi Res Audio Wireless with LDAC support
- Customisable EQ through the app
- Hybrid active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode
- Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
- Up to 60 hours battery life with case
- Fast charging
- Touchscreen case is fairly bulky
- Call quality suffers in windy conditions
- Bass may be too strong for some tastes Fit and comfort depend on ear shape
