Budget wireless earbuds flooded the market with options that often sacrifice quality for affordability. I tested both brands extensively over the past few weeks to determine which one offers better value for money. Between stem-style designs and in-ear fits, comfort during extended wear became a deciding factor for my everyday use.
Design and Build Quality
The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite follows the familiar stem-style design that looks much like Apple’s AirPods. Weighing just 4.47 grams per earbud, these are impressively lightweight with ergonomic shape that fits snugly in most ears. The glossy accent runs down the stem and houses touch controls. The charging case opts for a matte finish that resists scratches well and keeps the buds secure with strong magnets.
The SoundPEATS Air5 takes the same stem design but builds on it with a polished metal accent along each stem. You get four color choices including a beige gold that looks nice in hand but picks up fingerprints within minutes. The case hinge is tighter, the lid opens smoothly, and the magnets keep the earbuds firmly in place. No silicone ear tips in the box since this is a semi in-ear design.
The SOUNDPEATS Clip1 goes a completely different route. These clip onto the ear without entering the canal. The case is what impressed me most. It has a nicer feel, isn’t a fingerprint magnet, and is just better overall compared to the older PearlClip Pro. I’m about textures, and this is the kind of case that I love.
TOZO T6 takes a different approach with stemless look and smooth plastic build. The charging case has a wonderful bit of heft to it with reassuring click every time you close the lid. Multiple ear tip sizes are included to ensure a good fit for different users. At around $30, the build quality feels sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap despite the low cost.
The TOZO NC20 Pro has a practical design that looks appropriate for everyday use. The in-ear form factor is what you’d expect from TOZO’s ANC-focused models. But the charging case is the real story here. It integrates a touch screen for direct control, letting you switch ANC modes and adjust playback without reaching for your phone. When I first set them up, I was surprised how useful this turned out to be in practice.
For water resistance, TOZO wins hands down. The T6 earbuds sport an IPX8 rating, which means they can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities where sweat and rain are concerns. The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite comes with IPX5 water resistance, sufficient for casual use but not quite as robust. The same IPX5 rating carries across most SoundPEATS models including the Air5, Air5 Pro, and Clip1.
Sound Quality Breakdown
I spent considerable time evaluating both sets across different genres to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
SoundPEATS Air5 Lite Sound
The Air5 Lite delivers sound quality that’s way better than you’d expect from $35 earbuds. The 13mm composite bio-diaphragm driver provides deep bass and clear audio with V-shaped sound signature. This means bass and treble are emphasized while mids are slightly recessed. This tuning makes music sound more exciting and dynamic for casual listeners.
The bass is punchy and energetic, though it doesn’t go super deep. If you’re a bass head, you might find it a little lacking in the sub-bass department. The mids are clear and detailed but take a bit of a backseat to the bass and treble. Vocals come through clearly without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
What impressed me most was the LDAC support for high-res audio. This codec allows for much higher quality audio streaming compared to standard SBC or AAC. The result is clearer, more detailed sound with less compression. To take full advantage, you’ll need a compatible device, most Android phones support it but iPhones don’t.
SoundPEATS Air5 and Air5 Pro Sound
The Air5 runs on the Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset which opens the door to aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound. That kind of spec sheet was reserved for $150 earbuds not that long ago. The 13mm composite drivers delivered clean separation and a sound that leaned warm but stayed open. Bass had weight without taking over. Vocals sat where they should. The more expensive Air5 has flatter and more natural mid-tones than the Air5 Lite, but it misses the energetic bass.
The Air5 Pro is tuned to provide a wide, immersive soundstage where instruments are precisely located and clearly separated. Vocals remain transparent and natural, perfectly balanced against the accompaniment without being harsh or muffled. It took the Air5 formula further with controlled sub-bass extension and a midrange that sounds natural instead of recessed.
The Capsule3 Pro+ does something different entirely with its xMEMS solid-state speaker. Unlike traditional coil speakers, xMEMS uses a monolithic silicon membrane that is 95 times harder and 4 times faster than plastic. The treble comes through with detail but rolls off before it gets harsh. Bass thumps without taking the rest of the mix hostage.
TOZO T6 and T10 Sound
The TOZO T6 delivers a bass-heavy listening experience with sculpted V-shaped sound signature. The bass has a nice punch without overpowering the mids and highs for most casual use. The 8mm speaker driver ensures authentic sound with bass that’s balanced and decent, neither too dull nor too overpowering.
Moving up to the TOZO T10, you get slightly scooped sound with strong bass and moderate high-mid vocal emphasis. The bass is thick enough to satisfy bass lovers and nuanced enough to give room for other frequencies. Lower frequencies are almost 20dB above neutral target at the highest point. These earbuds maintain control and agility for fast-paced music, though high-energy tracks can overwhelm the presentation.
Both TOZO models feature OrigX system responsible for the earphones tuning. The highs and lows are clear and precise, with sound quality that’s fantastic given the price. At 55-65% volume, the earbuds offer the best balance of clarity and punch. The treble range is somewhat unremarkable but can be adjusted through the companion app’s equalizer settings.
TOZO NC20 Pro Sound
The NC20 Pro is where TOZO gets serious about sound. It uses a single 12mm dynamic driver with DLC-based diaphragm technology and supports LDAC Hi-Res wireless audio. The result is a sound profile that focuses on clarity, balance, and controlled low-end presence rather than exaggerated impact.
The amount of space the NC20 Pro is able to convey is respectable. From its left and right placement to its inward depth, it provides a sound field that keeps elements clearly separated. It places each sound in a stable position, stacking layers in a controlled manner. The high frequencies can be slightly energetic at times, but they never stray into harshness. There’s enough air to expand the overall height of the sound signature. Bass favors control over impact, and the stable mids with restrained highs make it suitable for long listening sessions.
Active Noise Cancellation
This is where things get interesting. The SoundPEATS Air5 features ANC, but with semi-in-ear design, there are natural limitations to how much noise can be blocked. It only helps to soften a very small portion of noise around you, and only when you’re listening to music. Most folks purchase a set like this so they CAN hear outside noises anyway. The ANC depletes battery quickly and lasts about 4 hours with it enabled.
The Air5 Pro does better, with ANC that actually reduces background noise during listening. But SoundPEATS as a brand has been slower with noise cancellation compared to TOZO.
The TOZO NC9 offers hybrid Active Noise Cancelling technology that reduces background noise up to 45dB. This makes them highly effective for commuting or working in noisy environments. The ANC mode significantly improves overall sound quality and enhances bass and sub-bass without reducing mids and highs. At this price point, any ANC is impressive, and the NC9 does a good job even with minor hiss.
The NC20 Pro pushes noise cancellation further with adaptive ANC that adjusts based on environmental noise. You can control it directly from the touchscreen case, which is something I didn’t expect to use as much as I did. It won’t match Sony XM5s, but for a $60 earbud it blocks out a surprising amount.
Setting realistic expectations, the NC9 technology is not world-leading ANC that will make your surrounding world disappear into silence. What they will do is gently hush noise around you, taking the edge off harsh sounds. Coupled with passive noise isolation from proper seal, the effect is even better for blocking out constant environmental background noise.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery performance varies significantly across these models. The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite offers up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge with up to 30 hours total with the charging case. You can enjoy 3 hours of playback with just a 15-minute quick charge.
The SoundPEATS Air5 gets about the same at 6 hours per charge with 30 hours total. The Clip1 does better with 8 hours per charge and 40 hours total. The Capsule3 Pro+ has a below average battery performance, needing a recharge after slightly less than 4 hours when using ANC and LDAC. That’s less than many competitors that boast between 5 and 8 hours on a single charge. It’s the one true weakness of an otherwise great model.
The TOZO T6 gives you about 10 hours from a single charge with the charging case totaling 45 hours of listening time before needing recharge. This extended battery life means you can use them throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging. The T6 also supports wireless charging, which is rare at this price point.
For the TOZO NC9, battery life is fairly impressive. You can get over 14 hours of playtime from a single charge with ANC off, or up to 10 hours with ANC on. With the charging case fully charged, you get another 45-50 extra hours of recharge capacity. This compares favorably with runtime of some top ANC-equipped earbuds.
The NC20 Pro tops the chart with around 8 hours per charge with ANC on, and over 80 hours total from the case. That’s a lot of listening before you need a cable. The TOZO HA1 over-ear headphones hit 70 hours of playback on their own, which is hard to beat at any price.
Call Quality and Microphones
The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite has a four-microphone system (two mics in each earbud) designed to pick up your voice while reducing background noise. In quiet environments like your home or office, call quality is pretty good. Your voice comes through clearly without trouble. However, things get trickier in noisier environments. If you’re outside on a windy day or in a crowded place, the mics struggle to block out all the background noise.
The Air5 and Air5 Pro use CVC 8.0 noise reduction with multi-mic setups. Voices come through clean and natural in quiet environments. The Clip1 handles calls well for an open-ear design, though open-ear will always let in more background noise. Even the PearlClip Pro keeps voice quality acceptable.
TOZO earbuds generally feature built-in dual noise cancelling microphones. The onboard microphones for your voice are very sensitive, but other participants on calls could hear intermittent complaints of chamber or tunnel echo effects. To be heard well enough for complaint-free call, you needed to be in virtually silent environment. The TOZO NC9 with six microphones and ENC Ambient Noise Reduction filters out background noise for clearer call quality in various environments, though not perfect in extremely noisy conditions.
The NC20 Pro improves things with a six-microphone array designed to reduce background noise and maintain vocal clarity. It’s better than the budget models, but still falls behind what SoundPEATS offers at the same price.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort during prolonged wear became crucial during my testing. The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite’s lightweight design at 4.47g prevents ear discomfort, ensuring pleasant wearing experience. The semi-in-ear style means you can wear them for hours without the full seal pressure. Achieving secure fit required some adjustment initially, and I was concerned they might fall out, but with proper positioning they stayed put.
The Air5 is even lighter at just 3.8 grams per earbud, one of the lightest in any category of true wireless earbuds. No ear tips, no plugged-up sensation. The Air5 Pro goes the traditional in-ear route with silicone tips and a secure seal. The Clip1 clips onto the ear more securely than the previous model, providing a snug fit that stays in place even during movement. Weirdly, despite actually being lighter than the PearlClip Pro, they feel heavier on the ear. Not uncomfortably so, and maybe just because they’re bigger.
SoundPEATS gives you more variety. Semi in-ear, clip-on open-ear, and traditional in-ear. If you hate ear tips, there’s an option. If you want open-ear awareness, there’s an option. TOZO mostly sticks with silicone tip designs.
The TOZO T6 earbuds are designed for comfort and stability. Once properly fitted with right ear tip size, they stay securely in place even during vigorous activities. Their lightweight design adds to comfort, making them suitable for extended use. The angled nozzles and tiny size of earpieces provide snug fit without becoming uncomfortable to the ear canal.
The TOZO T10 presents different story. They feel heavy (but they aren’t) and the tips are longer, making the ear canal feel full. Perhaps it’s the feel of the longer tip putting pressure inside as it tilts due to weight. Discomfort soon follows after 1-3 hours of wear. They’re bulkier than most buds and the design is poor fit for those with smaller ears.
The NC20 Pro sits comfortably for long sessions and doesn’t budge during workouts. The A1 at 3.7 grams per earbud is nearly unnoticeable even during long sessions.
App Support and Features
The SoundPEATS PeatsAudio app offers features like EQ customization, touch control settings, and low-latency gaming mode. The interface is clean and straightforward, not cluttered with unnecessary options. You can choose from multiple presets or create own with 10-band EQ. The app is a little buggy and janky sometimes, with opening EQ page potentially altering default tuning. Settings save directly to the earbuds, so they stick regardless of what device you’re using.
The TOZO app is minimalistic, showing battery levels and offering manual EQ with up to 32 presets for sound customization. You can also modify touch controls and check for firmware updates through the app. With 32 EQ options available, your audio can be tailored to your preference, and you can share customized EQ settings in the app’s global community zone.
For the NC20 Pro, the app works alongside the touchscreen case, giving you two ways to control settings. You can switch ANC modes, adjust playback, and tweak EQ directly from the case without ever opening the app on your phone.
Both apps support Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 technology, providing stable and reliable connection. The latest Bluetooth enhances connection stability. Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, letting you switch between them without needing to disconnect.
Connectivity and Controls
The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite supports Bluetooth 5.4, which is one of the latest standards for wireless connectivity. Pairing the earbuds with your device is straightforward, just open the case and they’ll enter pairing mode automatically. Once paired, they reconnect almost instantly every time you pop them back in your ears.
The Air5 and Air5 Pro go further with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, and Snapdragon Sound. That’s a codec list that covers every phone and source device you could pair with. The Clip1 runs LDAC with Dolby Audio processing. The Capsule3 Pro+ supports LDAC and Hi-Res Audio certification.
TOZO earbuds feature one-step pairing. Pick up the two headsets from charging case and they will be paired automatically. Then simply enable Bluetooth connection on your mobile phone to pair the device. The Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.3 connection is rock solid with consistently reliable pairing when taking them out of the case.
TOZO’s codec support varies by model. The budget T6 and T10 are stuck on SBC and AAC. The NC20 Pro adds LDAC, which is a big step up. The Golden X1 supports both LDAC and Snapdragon Sound. But across the lineup, SoundPEATS gives you more codec options at every price point.
Touch controls on both brands are responsive, allowing you to easily manage your music and take calls. The SoundPEATS uses customizable touch gestures that you can remap through the app. The TOZO touch sensitive panels are large but can be somewhat unresponsive, usually needing multiple tries to skip forward or back a song, especially if hands are sweaty.
Price and Value Proposition
This is where reality sets in. The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite currently sells for around $37.99 on Amazon, slightly higher than the advertised under $30 price point. For this cost, you’re getting semi-in-ear design with LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and decent sound quality with warm bassy profile.
The Air5 costs between $80 and $110 depending on where you pick it up. The Air5 Pro sits around $79. The Clip1 arrives at $69.99, positioning itself as the third choice in wireless audio, neither traditional in-ear nor bone conduction. The Capsule3 Pro+ falls in the $60-70 range.
The TOZO T6 is available for $29.99, often on sale with additional coupons bringing it down to $25. This makes them an attractive, cheap set of buds that offer better value per dollar. You get IPX8 waterproofing, wireless charging capability, and 45 hours total battery life. The build quality is as good as you could ask for in this price segment.
The TOZO T10 also sells for around $29.99, snipped down from original $49.99. At $25-30, these offer impressive value with their bass-forward sound and good battery life. The TOZO NC9 with full ANC functionality sits at $35-40, providing premium-level features at fraction of the cost. The NC20 Pro comes in around $60, packing adaptive ANC, LDAC, touchscreen case, and 80 hours total battery into one package.
Which Brand Wins?
After testing both brands extensively, the answer depends on what you prioritize.
Choose SoundPEATS Air5 Lite if you want semi-in-ear comfort for all-day wear, LDAC high-res audio support for compatible devices, and lighter weight design. They’re easy recommendation for $35-40 if you prefer open-fit style that doesn’t seal your ear canal completely. The sound quality is solid with smooth and bassy presentation, and multipoint connectivity works seamlessly.
If you want to spend more, the Air5 and Air5 Pro on Qualcomm hardware punch above their price tags. The codec support, the tuning, the call quality. That’s where SoundPEATS really separates from TOZO. And the variety of form factors, semi in-ear, clip-on, and sealed, means you can find something that suits how you actually wear earbuds.
Choose TOZO if you need serious waterproofing with IPX8 rating, longer battery life totaling 45-50 hours, and wireless charging support. The T6 offers outstanding value at $25-30 with robust build quality that punches way above asking price. For active lifestyle enthusiasts who engage in sports or outdoor activities, the water resistance provides peace of mind.
For ANC performance on tight budget, the TOZO NC9 at $35-40 can’t be beat. The hybrid active noise cancelling reduces up to 45dB of ambient sound, rivaling earbuds that cost significantly more. Battery life is another major win with up to 59 hours total playtime.
The NC20 Pro at $60 offers the best of what TOZO can do. Adaptive ANC, LDAC sound, touchscreen case control, and battery life that goes on forever. The sound favors control over impact, with stable mids and restrained highs that make it comfortable for long sessions.
Both brands prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to get feature-packed, high-performance earbuds. The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite and TOZO T6 are each best in their respective categories, offering remarkable blend of technology, design, and user experience. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the open-ear comfort and high-res codec support of SoundPEATS, or the rugged waterproofing and extended battery life of TOZO.
Under $30, TOZO. Above $50, SoundPEATS. In between, it depends on whether you care more about blocking noise or hearing detail.
For most people seeking reliable wireless earbuds without breaking the bank, either brand delivers compelling package. I’ve been able to test a lot of affordable true wireless earbuds, and both stood out as some of the most well-rounded that I’ve ever had pleasure of using. The audio quality is great, battery life is long-lasting, and build quality feels premium despite budget pricing.
