TOZO NC7 Vs. NC9: Is It Worth It?

I’ve spent weeks testing the TOZO NC7 and NC9 earbuds, and I’m here to share my experience to help you decide which pair fits your lifestyle. Both models promise active noise cancellation (ANC), solid sound, and impressive battery life at a budget-friendly price. In this article, I’ll break down their features, compare their performance, and weigh their pros and cons to guide you toward the best choice. Whether you’re a commuter, gym-goer, or casual listener, let’s find out which TOZO earbuds deserve a spot in your ears.

Comparison Table: TOZO NC7 Vs. NC9

My Journey With TOZO Earbuds

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I’ve always been on the hunt for earbuds that deliver premium features without draining my wallet. TOZO caught my attention with their NC7 and NC9 models, both boasting active noise cancellation (ANC) at prices that don’t scream “luxury.” As someone who juggles noisy commutes, gym sessions, and quiet evenings with music, I was curious to see how these budget-friendly earbuds stack up. Over the past few weeks, I’ve worn them everywhere—on buses, during workouts, and even while working from home—to get a real sense of their performance. Let’s break down what makes each model tick.

Design And Comfort: How They Feel In Your Ears

When I first unboxed the TOZO NC7, I was struck by its sleek, minimalist design. The earbuds sport a three-tone plastic finish—matte, glossy, and plain black—that gives them a premium vibe despite the budget price. They’re lightweight at 5.5g each, and the ergonomic shape fits snugly in my ears without feeling invasive. I wore them for hours without discomfort, though I did notice a slight ache after extended use, especially during long calls. The NC7 comes with multiple ear tip sizes, which helped me find a secure fit that stayed put during runs.

The NC9, on the other hand, feels a bit bulkier. While they’re also 5.5g per earbud, their larger, contoured design fills the ear more noticeably. This can be a pro or a con depending on your ear size. For me, the NC9’s fit was secure but less discreet than the NC7. I appreciated the six ear tip sizes included, as they allowed me to dial in a comfortable seal. However, for smaller ears, the NC9 might protrude a bit, and I felt some fatigue after a couple of hours, especially when lying on a pillow.

Pros And Cons: Design And Comfort

TOZO NC7
Pros: Lightweight, discreet, ergonomic fit; multiple ear tip sizes; ideal for extended wear.
Cons: Slight discomfort during very long sessions; touch controls can be sensitive.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Secure fit with multiple ear tip options; stylish matte and glossy finish; IPX6 water resistance.
Cons: Bulkier design may not suit smaller ears; ear fatigue after prolonged use.

Sound Quality: Which Earbuds Sing Better?

Sound is where these earbuds start to show their personalities. The NC7 delivers a V-shaped sound signature with punchy bass and bright highs. Out of the box, the bass is bold—perfect for EDM or hip-hop—but the mids can feel recessed, making vocals and instruments like guitars sound less lively. I used the TOZO app’s 16 preset EQs to tweak the sound, reducing the bass and treble to bring out the mids. After some adjustments, the NC7 sounded more balanced, though the soundstage remained narrow, and imaging wasn’t as precise as higher-end models.

The NC9, by contrast, offers a U-shaped sound profile with more balanced mids, deeper bass, and clearer highs. I found the NC9’s sound fuller and more detailed, especially for genres like jazz or classical, where the mids shine. The TOZO app’s 32 preset EQs gave me more flexibility to fine-tune the sound, and the “Bass+” setting matched the NC7’s low-end thump while keeping vocals crisp. However, the NC9’s sound can feel a bit bright for some tracks, especially with female vocals.

Pros And Cons: Sound Quality

TOZO NC7
Pros: Punchy bass, bright highs; customizable via 16 EQ presets; great for bass-heavy genres.
Cons: Recessed mids; small soundstage; requires EQ tweaks for balanced sound.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Balanced mids, deep bass, clear highs; 32 EQ presets for customization; versatile for various genres.
Cons: Slightly bright treble; less bass emphasis without EQ adjustments.

Noise Cancellation: Blocking Out The World

Active noise cancellation on budget earbuds used to be a pipe dream, but TOZO makes it a reality. The NC7’s hybrid ANC impressed me by significantly reducing low-frequency noises like bus engines or office hum. It’s not Bose-level, but for $50, it’s a steal. The ability to toggle ANC off completely (unlike the NC9) is a game-changer, as it conserves battery life when I don’t need noise blocking. Transparency mode, which lets in ambient sound, worked well for quick conversations, though it amplified background noise more than I’d like.

The NC9’s ANC is slightly stronger, particularly for consistent white noise like airplane cabins or traffic. I tested it in a busy café, and it muted the chatter enough to focus on my music. However, you’re stuck with either ANC or transparency mode—no option to turn ANC off entirely, which can be a drawback if you want to save battery. The NC9’s transparency mode felt similar to the NC7’s, but I noticed a slight hiss in quiet environments, which was distracting.

Pros And Cons: Noise Cancellation

TOZO NC7
Pros: Effective hybrid ANC; option to turn ANC off; decent transparency mode.
Cons: Transparency mode amplifies some background noise; ANC not as strong as NC9.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Stronger ANC for white noise; effective transparency mode; great for noisy environments.
Cons: No option to disable ANC; slight hiss in quiet settings.

Battery Life: How Long Can They Last?

Battery life is a standout feature for both models. The NC7 boasts an impressive 9-12 hours per charge (ANC off) and up to 72 hours with the charging case. I got close to 9 hours during a mix of music and calls with ANC on, which is remarkable for budget earbuds. The compact, flat case supports wireless charging, making it easy to top up on a charging pad.

The NC9 offers 7-8 hours per charge with ANC on, and up to 59 hours with the case. While still impressive, it falls short of the NC7’s marathon performance. I found the NC9’s pill-shaped case a bit less pocket-friendly, but it also supports wireless charging. Both models use USB-C for wired charging, which is quick and convenient.

Pros And Cons: Battery Life

TOZO NC7
Pros: Exceptional 72-hour total battery life; 9-12 hours per charge; wireless charging.
Cons: Battery life drops with heavy ANC use.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Solid 59-hour total battery life; 7-8 hours per charge; wireless charging.
Cons: Shorter battery life than NC7; larger case less portable.

Connectivity And Controls: Staying Connected

Both earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections with minimal latency. I paired them with my phone and laptop without issues, even in crowded areas. The NC7’s in-ear detection pauses music when you remove an earbud, which I found handy during workouts. The touch controls, however, were a mixed bag—sensitive but sometimes unresponsive, requiring precise taps.

The NC9 also features Bluetooth 5.3 and reliable pairing, but its touch controls felt less consistent. I accidentally triggered commands when adjusting the earbuds, and the lack of a standard listening mode (ANC off) was frustrating. The NC9 Pro model supports the TOZO app for programmable controls, but the standard NC9 relies on default settings.

Pros And Cons: Connectivity And Controls

TOZO NC7
Pros: Stable Bluetooth 5.3; in-ear detection; responsive touch controls.
Cons: Touch controls can be overly sensitive; limited app customization.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Reliable Bluetooth 5.3; intuitive controls (when they work); app support on Pro model.
Cons: Inconsistent touch controls; no standard listening mode.

Durability And Build: Ready For Real Life

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Both models are IPX6 water-resistant, meaning they can handle sweat and rain. I wore them during sweaty gym sessions and got caught in a downpour—both survived without a hiccup. The NC7’s case feels sturdier, with a strong magnetic closure that keeps the earbuds secure. The NC9’s case, while durable, has a weaker magnetic lock, making it slightly harder to retrieve the earbuds.

The NC7’s three-tone plastic design is a fingerprint magnet, but it feels solid. The NC9’s polycarbonate and ABS build is equally robust, though the glossy finish shows smudges more. Neither feels cheap, but the NC7’s compact case gives it a slight edge in portability.

Pros And Cons: Durability And Build

TOZO NC7
Pros: IPX6 water resistance; sturdy, compact case; durable build.
Cons: Fingerprint-prone finish; touch panel smudges easily.

TOZO NC9
Pros: IPX6 water resistance; robust build; stylish design.
Cons: Weaker case magnet; glossy finish shows smudges.

Call Quality: Can You Hear Me Now?

The NC7’s six microphones with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) delivered clear calls in quiet settings, but in noisy places like airports, background noise crept in. The NC9, with two dedicated call microphones, performed slightly better, filtering out more ambient sound. However, both struggled in very loud environments, making them better for casual calls than professional meetings.

Pros And Cons: Call Quality

TOZO NC7
Pros: Clear calls in quiet settings; six ENC microphones.
Cons: Struggles with loud background noise.

TOZO NC9
Pros: Better call clarity in noisy settings; dedicated call microphones.
Cons: Subpar in very loud environments; slight hiss during calls.

TOZO App: Customization At Your Fingertips

The TOZO app is a game-changer for both models, offering EQ customization and ANC controls. The NC7’s 16 preset EQs let me tailor the sound to my liking, though I wished for more options. The NC9’s 32 presets gave me more flexibility, especially for fine-tuning bass-heavy tracks. The app also lets you adjust ANC modes, but the NC9 Pro’s additional features (like custom button controls) aren’t available on the standard NC9.

Pros And Cons: TOZO App

TOZO NC7
Pros: 16 EQ presets; easy ANC mode switching; user-friendly app.
Cons: Fewer EQ options than NC9; limited button customization.

TOZO NC9
Pros: 32 EQ presets; robust sound customization; intuitive app interface.
Cons: Standard NC9 lacks advanced app features; Pro model needed for full control.

Who Are These Earbuds For?

The NC7 is perfect for those prioritizing battery life and portability. Its compact case and ability to turn ANC off make it ideal for long commutes or travel. If you love bass-heavy music and don’t mind tweaking EQ settings, the NC7 delivers a punchy, energetic sound.

The NC9 suits listeners who crave balanced sound and stronger ANC. Its deeper bass and clearer mids make it versatile for various genres, and the extra EQ presets offer more control. However, its bulkier design and shorter battery life might not suit everyone.

My Verdict: NC7 or NC9?

After weeks of testing, I lean toward the NC7 for its unbeatable battery life, compact case, and ability to disable ANC. It’s a practical choice for everyday use, especially if you’re on the move. However, the NC9’s superior sound quality and stronger ANC make it a compelling option if audio fidelity is your priority. Both are fantastic for the price, but your choice depends on what you value most—battery and portability (NC7) or sound and noise cancellation (NC9).

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

What is the difference between TOZO NC7 and NC9?

The NC7 offers longer battery life (up to 72 hours with case), a compact case, and the ability to turn ANC off. The NC9 has stronger ANC, more balanced sound, and 32 EQ presets versus the NC7’s 16.

Is TOZO NC9 noise cancelling?

Yes, the NC9 features hybrid active noise cancellation, effectively reducing white noise like traffic or airplane sounds, though it doesn’t block all ambient noise.

What is the new TOZO NC7?

The TOZO NC7 (2022 model) is an upgraded version with Bluetooth 5.3, a 7mm dynamic driver, 16 EQ presets, and up to 72 hours of battery life with the case.

How long does TOZO NC9 last?

The NC9 lasts 7-8 hours per charge with ANC on, and up to 59 hours with the charging case, depending on usage.

Conclusion: Your Call, Your Sound

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You’ve got two solid options with the TOZO NC7 and NC9, each bringing premium features to a budget price point. If you need earbuds that last forever and slip easily into your pocket, the NC7 is your go-to. If you’re after richer sound and better noise cancellation, the NC9 has the edge. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and my real-world experience to help you pick the pair that fits your life. Whichever you choose, TOZO delivers value that’s hard to beat. Let me know your thoughts or questions—I’m all ears!