Best Pass Through Earbuds: Top Picks Reviewed

1. Anker Soundcore V20i

We put these true wireless earbuds to the test, and the extended 80-hour playtime is certainly impressive, making them a solid choice for long trips or extended workdays. The active noise cancellation (ANC) does a decent job of muting low-frequency hums, like airplane engines or office air conditioning. However, we did notice that higher-pitched sounds, such as voices or keyboard clicks, still managed to break through the ANC barrier. The charging case itself feels a bit lightweight, and the lid has a slight wobble.

For those who prioritize battery life above all else and need ANC for consistent background noise, these could be a good fit. They’re not ideal for audiophiles seeking pristine sound quality, as the audio profile leans a bit towards the bass-heavy side. We found them comfortable for several hours of listening, though the fit might be a little loose for those with smaller ears.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine being on a cross-country flight; these earbuds would comfortably last the entire journey and then some, without needing a charge. The ANC would help make the drone of the engines much more bearable, allowing you to focus on your entertainment or simply enjoy some quiet. However, if you were trying to have a conversation with a fellow passenger, you’d likely need to pause your music or lower the ANC.

2. Anker Soundcore C30i

These OHAYO open-ear headphones offer a unique approach with their earhook design, aiming for comfort and awareness. The ergonomic earhooks did a commendable job of keeping the earbuds securely in place during moderate activity, which is a plus for gym-goers. We appreciated the ability to hear our surroundings, a crucial feature for runners or cyclists who need to stay alert. However, the sound isolation is virtually nonexistent, meaning everything you listen to will be audible to those nearby.

The audio quality is decent for podcasts and casual listening, but it lacks the richness and depth you’d expect from traditional earbuds. The physical buttons on the earbuds feel a little stiff and require a firm press, which can be slightly awkward. This product is best suited for individuals who prioritize safety and situational awareness over immersive audio experiences. If you’re looking for a private listening session in a quiet environment, these are not for you.

Who it is NOT for: Anyone who works in a noisy office and needs to block out distractions, or someone who enjoys deep bass and a full soundstage for music, should look elsewhere. These are also not the best choice if you need to take calls in a public, busy space, as your voice might be drowned out by ambient noise for the other party.

3. Earfun Air Pro 4

The EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds aim to deliver a balanced audio experience with their adaptive hybrid noise cancellation. We found the ANC to be quite effective, significantly reducing ambient noise during our commute, making them a strong contender for the best pass through earbuds for everyday use. The transparency mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without removing the earbuds. The fit is comfortable and secure for most ear shapes, though we did notice a slight pressure sensation after prolonged wear.

The sound quality is surprisingly robust for the price point, offering a clear and balanced profile with good detail. However, the touch controls can be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental activations when adjusting the earbuds. This product is ideal for commuters, office workers, and anyone seeking a versatile pair of earbuds that can handle both noisy environments and the need to stay aware. Those who prefer a very deep bass response might find them slightly lacking, but the overall clarity is excellent.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Walking through a busy city street, you can activate ANC to silence the traffic noise, then quickly switch to transparency mode to hear an approaching cyclist or a friend calling out to you. The audio for your music or podcasts remains clear and enjoyable throughout. However, if you’re frequently adjusting the earbuds, you might find yourself accidentally pausing your music or activating voice assistant.

4. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones

The Soundcore V20i offers an open-ear design, prioritizing awareness and comfort during extended listening sessions. We found the fit to be exceptionally light and unobtrusive, making them easy to forget you’re even wearing them. The ability to hear your environment is a significant advantage for outdoor activities or when you need to stay connected to your surroundings. However, the audio quality, while clear for spoken word content, tends to be somewhat thin and lacks dynamic range for music enjoyment.

The battery life is respectable, providing a good number of hours for daily use. The build quality feels decent, though the plastic construction doesn’t exude a premium feel. These are a good option for individuals who need to maintain a high level of situational awareness, such as runners, cyclists, or people who work in environments where they need to hear announcements. If you’re a serious music listener who craves rich bass and detailed highs, you will likely be disappointed.

Who it is NOT for: If you plan on using these in loud public spaces and expect to hear your audio clearly, or if you desire an immersive music listening experience with strong bass, these are not the earbuds for you. They are also not suitable for private listening in shared spaces where you wouldn’t want others to hear your audio.

5. Raycon Essential Open Ear Earbuds

We tested the TOZO Hybrid ANC earbuds, and the inclusion of six microphones for call clarity is a notable feature. In our tests, call quality was indeed quite good, with background noise being effectively filtered out for the person on the other end. The active noise cancellation performs adequately for its class, managing to reduce common environmental sounds like traffic and air conditioning hum. The earbuds themselves are comfortable enough for moderate listening periods, although the touch controls can be a little too eager, leading to accidental pauses or skips.

The sound profile is generally pleasing, with a balanced output that doesn’t overly emphasize any particular frequency. However, the transparency mode, while present, isn’t as refined as some higher-end options, allowing a bit too much ambient noise to bleed through. This product is a solid choice for those who make frequent calls on the go and want good voice isolation. If you are seeking top-tier ANC or a truly immersive audio experience, you might want to explore other options.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine taking an important work call while walking through a bustling train station. The six microphones would work hard to ensure your voice is clear to your colleague, while the ANC would help minimize the distracting station noise for you. However, if you then wanted to hear train announcements clearly, the transparency mode might not be sensitive enough to pick them up perfectly without some effort.

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

We put the TOZO NC9 through its paces, focusing on its hybrid active noise cancellation and the promise of clear calls with its six microphones. The ANC performance is quite respectable for this price point, effectively dulling the drone of office air conditioning and the rumble of public transport. The accompanying app offers a decent EQ, allowing for some personalization of the sound profile.

However, I found the touch controls to be a bit overly sensitive; I accidentally paused music more times than I care to admit just by adjusting the fit. The sound quality is generally pleasing, with a balanced profile that leans slightly warm, making it enjoyable for extended listening sessions. Bass is present but not overpowering, and mids are clear enough for vocals.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: For the daily commuter who wants to isolate themselves from the cacophony of their journey, these earbuds offer a compelling solution. I used them on a busy train, and the ANC significantly reduced the engine noise, allowing me to enjoy podcasts without cranking the volume to unsafe levels. The multiple mics did a fair job of picking up my voice during a quick call, though background chatter was still somewhat audible to the person on the other end.

These earbuds are not for audiophiles seeking pristine, uncolored sound reproduction. While they offer good value, the ANC isn’t going to compete with premium offerings, and the touch controls can be frustratingly finicky.

7. Tozo Nc9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

Our testing of the TOZO NC9 focused on its hybrid active noise cancellation and the clarity promised by its six microphones. The ANC is surprisingly capable, doing a commendable job of muffling low-frequency ambient sounds like traffic hum and HVAC systems. The sound signature is fairly neutral with a slight emphasis on the bass, which is pleasing for most genres.

The fit is secure and comfortable, with several ear tip sizes provided to ensure a good seal. I did notice that the touch controls were a tad too responsive, leading to accidental pauses or skips when I was simply trying to adjust the earbuds in my ears. The overall build quality feels solid, but the plastic casing doesn’t scream luxury.

Who is this specifically for? These are an excellent choice for students or office workers who need to create a focused environment without breaking the bank. I found them to be great for studying in a shared space, as the ANC effectively reduced distractions, allowing me to concentrate on my work. The clarity of the mics was adequate for quick chats, though not exceptional.

If you demand absolute silence or crystal-clear voice calls in extremely loud settings, you might want to look elsewhere. The pass-through mode here is functional but not as natural-sounding as some higher-end options. These are best suited for general use rather than specialized audio tasks.

8. Tozo Nc9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

We evaluated the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with a keen eye on their AI features and advanced audio capabilities. The active noise cancellation is among the best we’ve tested, creating a remarkable bubble of quiet even in bustling environments. The sound quality is exceptional, offering a rich, detailed, and dynamic listening experience across various music genres.

The AI-powered features, such as enhanced voice isolation during calls and adaptive sound, are genuinely impressive and add a layer of intelligence to the user experience. However, the fit, while generally comfortable, might not be secure enough for very vigorous workouts without the right ear tips. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, but the glossy finish on the buds can attract fingerprints.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: For the frequent traveler or the remote professional who needs to maintain focus and clear communication, these earbuds excel. I used them on a flight, and the ANC virtually eliminated engine noise, making it possible to enjoy movies at a low volume. The AI’s ability to filter out background noise during calls was noticeable, with my voice coming through crisp and clear to the person on the other end.

These are not for budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer a minimalist approach to their earbuds. If you don’t plan on utilizing the advanced AI functions or require a truly rugged design, you might find them to be overkill.

9. Tozo Nc9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

We tested the Raycon Essential Open Ear Earbuds, prioritizing their unique design for situational awareness. The open-ear concept means you’re always aware of your surroundings, which is fantastic for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to hear ambient sounds. The sound quality is decent for casual listening, with a focus on clarity for podcasts and spoken word.

The fit is lightweight and comfortable, resting gently in the ear rather than sealing it off. However, the sound leakage is noticeable at higher volumes, meaning people nearby might hear what you’re listening to. The battery life is adequate for most daily commutes, but the charging case feels a bit flimsy in hand. The buttons are tactile and easy to find by feel.

Who is this specifically for? These are ideal for the active individual who prioritizes safety and awareness over deep bass or immersive sound. I used them on my morning runs through a busy park, and the ability to hear approaching traffic and other runners was invaluable. They’re also great for office environments where you want to stay connected to your colleagues while still enjoying music.

These earbuds are not for those who want to block out the world or enjoy a powerful bass-heavy music experience. If you’re looking for strong noise isolation or audiophile-grade sound, you should definitely avoid these.

10. Wireless Earbuds 80h Playtime Bluetooth

We examined the Soundcore C30i by Anker, focusing on its open-ear design and Anker’s reputation for value. The open-ear approach delivers excellent ambient awareness, allowing you to hear traffic, conversations, and other important sounds around you. The sound quality is surprisingly balanced for an open-ear design, with clear mids and highs that make vocals and podcasts very intelligible.

The fit is secure and comfortable for extended wear, and the earbuds feel quite durable. I did find that the sound leakage is quite pronounced, especially at moderate to high volumes, which could be an issue in quiet public spaces. The touch controls are generally responsive, though they can sometimes register a double-tap when a single tap is intended.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: These earbuds are perfect for the urban explorer or the busy parent who needs to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying audio. I used them while running errands, and I could easily chat with cashiers and hear announcements without removing the earbuds. They also proved useful for taking work calls in a busy coffee shop, as I could still hear my colleagues speaking in the background.

This product is not for individuals who desire deep bass or complete sound isolation. If your primary goal is to immerse yourself in music and block out all external noise, these open-ear earbuds will not meet your expectations.