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The selection of noise canceling earbuds in the market is tremendous. However, finding the right sound cancelling headphones isn’t an easy task: top-end accessories are often expensive. Tronsmart, which has been making gadgets for more than eight years, has created the flagship Apollo Air+ wireless noise cancelling headphones. They offer hybrid active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and aptX support for a reasonable price tag.
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Hybrid active noise cancellation is one of the highlights of Apollo Air+. A pair of microphones were installed on each earbud to pick up external sounds – this is the key difference between hybrid ANC and traditional ANC. Additional sensors help deal with extraneous noise more effectively.
How does active noise reduction work? Sensitive sensors process all the sounds, and the system delivers a wave of the same amplitude as the surrounding noise. The Apollo Air+ cuts out some of the low frequencies and reduces the overall volume of the environment. If you don’t turn on the music, the sound of wheels on the subway or a baby crying on a plane will still be heard, though not so clearly. Despite this, the gadget received an aggressive noise reduction, which is almost not inferior to the top models of well-known brands. You can put on sound cancelling headphones in the office or apartment, turn on ANC and enjoy the silence.
The vacuum plugs themselves provide good passive noise isolation. Even without music, you can’t always hear what’s happening around you. So that the noise cancelling headset does not interfere with talking with cashiers, waiters, and passers-by, the “Around Us” mode is provided. It amplifies ambient sounds and voices, for example, allowing conversations with co-workers to be maintained.
Maximum Technology
Tronsmart Apollo Air+ is equipped with Qualcomm QCC3046 processor. The modern chip made it possible to implement the TrueWireless Stereo Plus function: the signal is transmitted not from one case to another, but up to two cups at once. Each earbud is capable of working separately. Another similar solution significantly reduces audio latency, which is especially important when watching movies and gaming.
Good wireless earbuds from Tronsmart uses Bluetooth 5.2. This version of the protocol has low power consumption and increased protection against interference. True, all its advantages will be appreciated only by owners of smartphones with suitable wireless technology. However, there were no problems when working with old mobile phones: during the week of testing, there were no failures or cases of sudden disconnection of TWS-inserts.
A proximity sensor is located on the cup of each earbud. It controls the music when the accessory is inserted or removed from the ear. There is also another microphone that transmits sound during a phone call or video conference. The quality is decent: the interlocutors hear the user well even on a noisy road.
The battery capacity for each earbud is 35 mAh. The battery lasts for around 6 hours for listening to a track at moderate volume without ANC, and with noise reduction, the device will last about 4 hours. The 300 mAh charging case allows you to recharge the new wireless noise cancelling headphones three times. Total battery life is an average of 20 hours. The case can be charged via USB-C or Qi wireless technology.
Sound
The flagship received dynamic 10 mm graphene drivers with 32 Ohm impedance. Combined with support for the aptX codec, this results in pleasant and rich audio with a moderate emphasis on low frequencies. We have successfully tested the model on Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop. You may encounter minor difficulties when playing heavy and fast metal – there aren’t enough mids and highs. The volume reserve is impressive, with tracks almost impossible to hear at max.
Sound parameters can be adjusted using a proprietary App available on Android and iOS. It has eight equalizers presets. You can boost the bass, switch to better vocal reproduction, or set the optimum mode for rock. It’s also convenient to update the firmware in the mobile app, track the battery of each earbud, switch between noise reduction and transparency presets. And also adjust gestures and taps to change songs, increase volume, and more.
The wireless noise cancelling headphones operate using a touchpad on each housing. The list of actions is extensive. A single press adjusts the volume, a double press pauses or resumes music, a triple press switches between ANC and sound transmission modes. A short hold of your finger on the button launches the voice assistant on the smartphone, a long press – switches the track.
In Practise
The cover is made of matte plastic with a slightly rough surface. With careful use, it does not leave marks and scratches. The design is strict and minimalist, the only decoration being a thin strip of shiny material. The earbuds are firmly attached with magnets – everything is tightly fixed and will not accidentally open. There are no problems with the extraction either: the earbuds are pulled out with a slight movement of the hand. The lid of the case is well balanced and closes with a pleasant click. There is an LED indicator that indicates the battery charge level.
The sleek Apollo Air+ housings are made from glossy plastic. The device’s large legs accommodate various sensors, microphones, and connectors for recharging. The earphones are protected according to the IP45 standard, that is, they are not afraid of sweat, dust, and light rain. The earbuds fit snugly in your ears and don’t fall out during active walks or sports. The set includes 10 different earpads – it’s easy to choose a comfortable size for yourself.
Version without Plus
An affordable version of the flagship TWS headset has also gone on sale. Tronsmart Apollo Air (approx. $70 on Amazon) received a simple charging case without wireless charging, so the gadget can be charged with just one cable. The model has lost the sensors responsible for automatically pausing and playing music. The rest of the Apollo Air remains the same as the old modification. There is active noise cancellation with two microphones, the aptX codec is supported. Battery life hasn’t changed, and the difference in sound can’t be heard – the smaller version produces the same loud and clear sound.
Tronsmart Apollo Air+ Specifications
- Type: in-ear, TWS
- Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2
- Charging port: USB Type-C
- Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX
- Battery life: without charging case – up to 6 hours, with case – up to 20 hours
- Features: Touch control, wireless charging, IP45
Final line
Tronsmart has released functional good wireless earbuds, which are much cheaper than its famous counterparts. In addition to hybrid active noise reduction, the earbuds attract high-quality sound, laconic design, good battery, and a convenient charging case with wireless charging support.
Brands have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a budget with true wireless noise cancelling headphones, and the Tronsmart Apollo Air+ is impressive in that it offers active noise cancellation, touch controls, app support, good battery life, and decent sound, all for just $106.99 on Amazon.com. This is, in our opinion, the best value-for-money general-purpose true wireless noise canceling earbuds you can buy right now.
This price segment for sound cancelling headphones is exciting, with plenty of options that cover specific requirements and use cases. While the Tronsmart Apollo Air+ is an excellent pair of true wireless noise cancelling headphones, you might also want to consider options such as the Beats Studio Buds (REVIEW) for their better sound quality, or the JBL LIVE Free NC+ (REVIEW) for its better battery life and IPX7 water resistance for less than $150.
