EarFun Air 2 NC review – budget friendly buds with competitive features
EarFun’s Air 2 NC ear buds are possibly one of the best options for under £50.
Even if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money, you still want ear buds that sound great, fit well, look stylish, and last a long time. It’s not too much to ask, is it? Well, having all your requirements met without breaking the bank is no easy task, but the EarFun Air 2 NC buds are here to change that.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you’ll find the EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds, a compact pebble-like charging case, and a range of silicone ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The earbuds themselves are available in a sleek black or white finish, with a minimalist design that doesn’t scream “budget.”
You also get a USB-C charging cable and a user manual, which is clear and easy to follow.
Design and comfort
The EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods. They have a small, discreet design, with a matte finish on the stalks that adds a touch of sophistication. The earbuds are designed for comfort. Multiple ear tip sizes ensure a secure fit, making them comfortable enough for most users to wear for extended periods.
While they may not feel as sleek or customisable as more expensive models, they still offer a snug fit that provides decent noise isolation. The lightweight design is a plus for users who prefer earbuds that don’t feel heavy or bulky. This makes this particular pair ideal for gym-goers and runners. Upon testing, they stayed comfortably in both ears during a windy, rainy, nighttime run.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the EarFun Air 2NC earbuds is one of the most impressive aspects given their budget-friendly price point. Featuring 6mm dynamic drivers, these earbuds deliver a well-rounded sound profile that strikes a balance between bass, mids, and treble. However, they don’t quite compare to the clarity and refinement of more expensive earbuds. But for everyday listening, they offer a satisfying experience.
Frequency ranges
The EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds offer a balanced sound for their price, with punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp treble. The bass is strong but can get muddy at higher volumes. Vocals are clear, making them great for spoken word or acoustic music, though the mids can feel recessed in complex tracks. The treble is crisp but lacks the sparkle of higher-end models.
The earbuds feature an app with an EQ. This allows you to adjust the sound to your liking, which helps balance the bass and treble to suit your preferences. The soundstage is narrow, and while the detail isn’t as refined as premium earbuds, the overall performance is solid for casual listening.
Soundstage and detail
As mentioned, and as to be expected, the soundstage is relatively narrow compared to more premium buds. There’s a slight sense of space between instruments, but it doesn’t feel as open or expansive as earbuds with better drivers and tuning. While they provide decent enough separation between instruments, the overall level of detail and depth may not satisfy more discerning listeners.
For general, everyday use, however, the soundstage is perfectly passable. You might be noticing a recurring theme by now with these earbuds.
Active noise cancelling (ANC)
Cousin of the EarFun Air 2s, the standout feature of the EarFun Air 2 NC is their Active Noise Cancellation. For a pair of budget earbuds, the ANC works surprisingly well at blocking out low-frequency noise like traffic, office chatter, or the hum of an air conditioner. While it may not be as refined as premium options, it is effective enough to make a noticeable difference in noisy environments.
The earbuds also feature an ambient mode, which allows some external sound to come through for safer listening when you’re running or cycling outdoors. While the ANC isn’t perfect, it’s a useful feature for anyone looking to reduce distractions during daily use.
Call quality
The EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds perform reasonably well for call quality, thanks to the inclusion of 6 microphones and noise reduction technology that aims to filter out background sounds. In quieter environments, voices are captured clearly, making them reliable for phone or video calls. However, in noisier settings, your voice may still sound slightly compressed or lack richness.
Battery life
The EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds offer up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge when Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is turned off. When used with the charging case, the total playtime extends to 40 hours. With ANC enabled, the battery life per charge is reduced, but they still deliver several hours of continuous use. Additionally, they feature fast charging, allowing for 2 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging, so super handy if you just need to be kept company while nipping to the shops.
Controls and connectivity
The controls on the EarFun Air 2NC earbuds are a bit of a mixed bag, bordering on pretty irritating if you’re in a bad mood. The touch-sensitive stems are responsive, but they can also be a bit too sensitive, often registering accidental taps or missing intentional ones. For users who like quick and easy control, the touch controls can be frustrating, as tasks like adjusting volume or skipping tracks aren’t always as smooth as they should be. This drawback really reveals itself during exercise, when you don’t particularly want to take your focus off your workout to skip a track or adjust the volume.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a stable connection, but the touch controls are definitely a downside for those who prefer more reliable and intuitive control over their earbuds.
Value for money
At around £70/$85, the EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds offer excellent value for money. That’s one aspect of these earbuds truly excel at. For a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC, good sound quality, and solid battery life, they’re an affordable option for those looking to upgrade their audio experience without spending a lot.
While the touch controls are a bit frustrating and the sound can become muddled at high volumes, the overall performance of the earbuds is impressive for the price. If you’re looking for solid ANC and decent sound quality on a budget, the EarFun Air 2 NC is a great option. You can certainly spend a similar amount for less impressive earbuds, that’s for sure.
Summing up
The EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds deliver an impressive array of features for their price, including solid Active Noise Cancellation, customisable sound via the companion app, and excellent battery life. While their sound quality is well-suited for casual listening, with punchy bass and detailed highs, the mids and overall soundstage leave room for improvement. The call quality and build are good for daily use, but nothing exceptional.
For those seeking feature-packed, budget-friendly earbuds with great ANC and flexibility, the EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds are a strong contender, especially if you’re willing to trade premium sound refinement for affordability.
If these sound like the perfect pair of earbuds for you, you can purchase them here from our affiliate link.
This product was sent to us by EarFun. EarFun has not paid us for this review.