This guide helps you pair wireless noise-cancelling earbuds with a phone, tablet, or computer, set them up for a comfortable fit, and turn on the listening mode you want. It is for first-time users and anyone setting up replacement earbuds. You will need about 10–20 minutes, including time to charge the earbuds if needed.
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TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with LED Display
- ✔ Noise cancellation: Hybrid ANC, stated reduction up to 45 dB
- ✔ Playback with ANC: Up to 10 hours per charge; up to 40 hours with case
- ✔ Playback with ANC off: Up to 14 hours per charge; up to 60 hours with case
Soundcore P31i Translation Earbuds with Adaptive ANC
- ✔ Noise cancellation: Adaptive ANC, stated reduction up to 52 dB
- ✔ Playback with ANC: Up to 8 hours per charge; up to 40 hours with case
- ✔ Playback with ANC off: Up to 10 hours per charge; up to 50 hours with case
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds with Phone-Stand Charging Case
- ✔ Noise cancellation: Adaptive ANC, stated reduction up to 42 dB
- ✔ Playback with ANC: Up to 6 hours per charge; up to 25 hours with case
- ✔ Playback with ANC off: Up to 10 hours per charge; up to 45 hours with case
Noise cancellation can reduce steady background sounds, while transparency or ambient mode lets more outside sound reach you. These modes do not make it safe to ignore traffic, alarms, or people nearby. Follow the steps in order, and use the device maker’s instructions if its controls differ from the general directions here.
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 10-20 minutes
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Wireless noise-cancelling earbuds and their charging case
- A phone, tablet, or computer with Bluetooth
- The earbud manufacturer’s companion app, if available
- Charging cable and power source if the case or earbuds need charging
Knowledge:
- Basic ability to open Bluetooth settings on your device
- Ability to identify the left and right earbuds
Charge the case and earbuds before setup if their battery status is unknown. Keep the device and earbuds close together during pairing. Earbud button gestures, app menus, and mode names vary by model, so check the included instructions for model-specific controls. Do not wear earbuds while cycling, driving, crossing streets, or doing any activity that requires you to hear your surroundings.
TOZO NC9 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds with LED Display
The NC9 stands out for combining hybrid ANC with a particularly strong stated battery claim: up to 10 hours per charge with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours total with the case. That makes it the clearest choice here for listeners who want to keep noise cancellation on through a long day without reaching for a charger as often. Its six ear tip sizes also give us more room to find a seal than the P31i’s four listed sizes, which can matter for comfort and passive noise blocking.Compared with the P30i, the NC9 offers more stated playback with ANC on and adds a case battery display, while the P30i’s case has a distinct phone-stand use. The NC9 also provides 32 app EQ options, so we can adjust sound more extensively than the P30i’s listed details suggest. The tradeoff is that TOZO specifies Bluetooth 5.3, while both Soundcore models list newer Bluetooth versions. Its case takes two hours to charge, and the long 60-hour figure applies only with ANC off. We would choose it for endurance and fit flexibility, but skip it if the P31i’s translation and LDAC features matter more.
Pros:
- Up to 10 hours per charge with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours total with the case.
- Six ear tip sizes support a more flexible fit search.
- Hybrid ANC, transparency mode, and app EQ give listeners useful adjustment options.
- IPX8 water resistance and a case battery display add practical everyday features.
Cons:
- The 60-hour total playback claim is for ANC off; ANC-on total is listed as up to 40 hours.
- Bluetooth 5.3 is older than the Bluetooth 5.4 listed for both Soundcore options.
- The case takes up to two hours to charge.
Best for: Listeners who want long ANC-on playback and several ear tip sizes to refine fit.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking translation features, LDAC audio, or a case that props up a phone.
Bottom line: Choose the NC9 when ANC-on endurance and fit options matter more than advanced audio or translation features.
“Choose the NC9 when ANC-on endurance and fit options matter more than advanced audio or translation features.”
Soundcore P31i Translation Earbuds with Adaptive ANC
The P31i makes the most sense for buyers who want noise cancellation to sit alongside other listening tools. Its adaptive ANC is listed with a reduction of up to 52 dB, the largest figure among these three, and it supports LDAC and Hi-Res Audio. Those headline numbers may appeal to listeners who want more control over how their earbuds handle music and surroundings, though the published figures alone cannot predict perceived noise reduction or audio quality in every setting.It also separates itself from the NC9 and P30i with real-time AI translation in more than 100 languages. That is a specialized extra rather than a reason on its own to choose earbuds for ANC. Against the NC9, the P31i has a shorter stated ANC-on total of up to 40 hours versus the NC9’s 40 hours, but offers adaptive ANC, LDAC, and translation; against the P30i, it lists longer ANC-on earbud playback at up to eight hours versus six. The P31i’s case takes three hours to charge, the longest stated time here, and its ANC-on total still falls below its ANC-off claim. Choose it for a broader feature set, not if fast case charging is your main priority.
Pros:
- Adaptive ANC is listed with noise reduction up to 52 dB.
- LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and spatial audio broaden its audio feature set.
- Translation supports more than 100 languages.
- Six microphones and a 10-minute quick charge add call and convenience features.
Cons:
- Battery life is listed as up to 40 hours with ANC, compared with 50 hours with ANC off.
- The three-hour charging time is the longest stated among these options.
- The four included ear tip sizes are fewer than the NC9’s six.
Best for: Listeners who want adaptive noise cancellation plus LDAC audio and translation tools.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want the quickest case recharge or have no use for its extra software features.
Bottom line: Pick the P31i if adaptive ANC and its audio and translation features matter more than shorter charging time.
“Pick the P31i if adaptive ANC and its audio and translation features matter more than shorter charging time.”
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds with Phone-Stand Charging Case
The P30i’s most memorable difference is outside the earbuds: its charging case doubles as a phone stand. That can make it a useful companion for watching video during breaks or propping up a phone while traveling. The earbuds add adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and app settings, giving them the core listening flexibility expected of this group. Compared with the NC9, however, the P30i’s stated ANC-on playback is shorter at up to six hours per charge, and its total is up to 25 hours with ANC.Next to the P31i, the P30i has a more practical case feature but a less expansive audio and translation list. It uses 10 mm drivers and four microphones with AI-enhanced call processing, and its 10-minute quick charge provides up to two hours of use. The P31i’s quick charge claims 3.5 hours from the same charging interval. The P30i case takes 2.5 hours to charge, longer than the NC9’s two hours, and its 45-hour overall playback claim applies with ANC off. We’d favor it when the stand feature is genuinely useful; listeners focused on keeping ANC on for longer sessions should compare it closely with the NC9.
Pros:
- The charging case functions as a phone stand.
- Adaptive ANC and transparency mode support different listening situations.
- Four microphones with AI-enhanced call processing support calls.
- A 10-minute charge provides up to two hours of use.
Cons:
- ANC-on playback is listed at up to six hours per charge and 25 hours total with the case.
- The case takes 2.5 hours to charge.
- Its quick-charge claim is shorter than the P31i’s stated listening time from a 10-minute charge.
Best for: Everyday listeners who value a phone-stand case, app settings, and flexible ambient listening.
Not ideal for: People who keep ANC on for long stretches or want LDAC, translation, or the longest ANC-on playback.
Bottom line: Choose the P30i for its useful stand case and everyday features, while accepting shorter stated ANC-on endurance.
“Choose the P30i for its useful stand case and everyday features, while accepting shorter stated ANC-on endurance.”
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Before You Start
Remove any protective film from the earbuds or charging contacts. If the earbuds have been paired with another device, turn off Bluetooth on that device or disconnect the earbuds from it temporarily; earbuds can reconnect to a familiar device before your new device finds them.
Look up how your model enters pairing mode and how it switches between noise cancellation, transparency, and off. Some models use a case button, a touch control, a press-and-hold action, or an app. Avoid guessing at long presses because some models use them to reset the earbuds or change another setting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Charge and inspect the earbuds
Place both earbuds in the charging case and check that they sit in the correct positions and make contact with the charging pins. Connect the case to power if its battery is low, then check the indicator light or companion app for charging status. Remove the earbuds only when they have enough charge for setup and testing.
Tip: If an earbud does not show as charging, take it out, check for packaging film or debris on the contacts, and reseat it. Do not scrape the contacts with a sharp object.
Check: Both earbuds show a charging indication or a battery level in the app.
Step 2: Prepare your device’s Bluetooth settings
Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer and turn Bluetooth on. Keep the settings screen open while you put the earbuds into pairing mode. If the earbuds appear under previously connected devices, disconnect them first; if pairing still fails, choose the option to forget or remove them and pair again.
Tip: Keep the earbuds within a few feet of the device. Temporarily disconnect them from other nearby devices if they keep connecting elsewhere.
Check: Bluetooth is on, and the device is ready to display nearby accessories.
Step 3: Put the earbuds into pairing mode
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to enter pairing mode. Common methods include opening the case, holding the case button, or pressing and holding an earbud control. Watch for a flashing light or a voice prompt that signals the earbuds are ready. Do not use a factory reset unless the pairing instructions call for one.
Tip: If the earbuds do not enter pairing mode, return them to the case for a few seconds and try the model-specific sequence again.
Check: A pairing indicator appears, or the earbuds give an audible prompt that they are ready to connect.
Step 4: Pair the earbuds with your device
Tap or select the earbud name in the available Bluetooth devices list. If a pairing request appears, approve it. Wait for the device to show “Connected” or an equivalent status. If two similar names appear, check the manual or case label rather than selecting a random entry.
Tip: Some earbuds show separate entries for audio and calls. Follow the manufacturer’s pairing instructions and approve the relevant prompts.
Check: The earbuds show as connected in Bluetooth settings, and your device identifies them as an audio output.
Step 5: Install the companion app and check for setup prompts
If the manufacturer offers an app, download its official version from your device’s app store. Open it, grant only the permissions needed for features you plan to use, and select your earbuds if prompted. Follow any instructions to update firmware, set control gestures, or complete an ear-fit test. Keep the earbuds and device close during an update, and do not place the earbuds in the case unless the app tells you to.
Tip: An app is not required for every model. You can skip this step if your earbuds work without one, but some sound and control settings may only be available through the app.
Check: The app recognizes the correct earbud model, or you have confirmed that your model does not need the app.
Step 6: Fit the earbuds securely
Choose the included ear tip size that seals your ear comfortably, then fit the left and right earbuds as shown in the manual. Press them into place gently; do not force them deep into the ear canal. Try another tip size if an earbud feels loose, painful, or uneven. If the app has a fit test, run it with both earbuds positioned as you would wear them.
Tip: A good seal can improve bass and noise cancellation. A tight or uncomfortable fit is not a good fit; try a different size or model-specific position instead.
Check: Both earbuds stay in place when you move your head gently, feel comfortable, and pass any available fit test.
Step 7: Choose noise cancellation or another listening mode
Use the earbud controls or companion app to select noise cancellation. If the app offers different cancellation levels, begin with its standard setting. Switch to transparency or ambient mode when you need to hear conversation or surroundings, and choose off if you prefer no processing. Check which gesture or control changes modes so you can operate it without guessing.
Tip: Noise cancellation mainly reduces certain steady sounds; it may not remove voices, sudden noises, or every sound. Do not rely on it to protect you from hazards.
Check: The app, voice prompt, or control indicator confirms the selected mode, and the sound around you changes when you switch modes.
Step 8: Test audio, microphone, and controls
Play a familiar audio track at a low volume and check that sound comes from both earbuds. Pause and resume playback with the controls, then switch between noise cancellation and transparency. If you plan to make calls, place a short test call in a quiet place and confirm that the microphone is selected and your voice is clear.
Tip: Start at a comfortable volume. Raising the volume to overcome background noise can expose your hearing to unsafe levels.
Check: Audio plays in both earbuds, the selected controls respond, and the listening modes change as expected.
Step 9: Set up automatic connection and care
Return the earbuds to the case when you finish testing. Close the case, then open it near your device to check whether the earbuds reconnect automatically. Review the app’s options for multipoint connection, wear detection, or automatic mode switching only if you need them. Wipe the earbuds and case with a dry, soft cloth as directed by the manufacturer.
Tip: Do not rinse earbuds or use cleaning liquids unless the manufacturer’s care instructions allow it. Water resistance ratings do not always cover the case or charging contacts.
Check: The earbuds reconnect to your intended device, charge in the case, and remain clean and undamaged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to pair while the earbuds are connected to another phone or computer. — Disconnect them from the other device or temporarily switch off its Bluetooth before pairing. Remove the old pairing from Bluetooth settings if the new device still cannot find them.
- Choosing ear tips that do not seal or that cause discomfort. — Try the supplied sizes one at a time and check both ears. Use the app’s fit test if available, but stop using a size that causes pain.
- Expecting noise cancellation to remove every sound or make travel and street use safe. — Treat cancellation as a way to reduce some background noise, not as hearing protection or a safety feature. Use transparency when you need awareness and remove the earbuds around hazards.
- Using an unknown long-press gesture to change settings. — Check the manual or app for the correct control. A long press may reset the earbuds or trigger a feature other than mode switching.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The earbuds do not appear in the Bluetooth device list.
Solution:
Confirm that the earbuds have charge, then put them into pairing mode using the model’s instructions. Move them closer to the device and disconnect them from other nearby devices. If they were paired before, remove the saved entry from Bluetooth settings, restart Bluetooth, and search again.
Problem: The device says the earbuds are connected, but audio still comes from its speakers.
Solution:
Open the device’s audio output or playback menu and select the earbuds. Check that the media volume is up and that the app is sending sound to the Bluetooth device. Disconnect and reconnect the earbuds if they remain selected but silent.
Problem: Noise cancellation seems weak or sounds uneven.
Solution:
Reseat both earbuds and try a different ear-tip size to improve the seal. Confirm that noise cancellation is selected rather than transparency or off. Check the app for a fit test or adjustable cancellation level, and inspect the earbuds for dirt around microphones or vents. Clean only as the manufacturer directs.
Problem: Only one earbud plays audio, or the earbuds keep disconnecting.
Solution:
Return both earbuds to the case and confirm that each one is charging. Check the device battery level and keep the phone or computer nearby. Disconnect unused Bluetooth devices, then reconnect. If the issue continues, use the manufacturer’s reset procedure and pair the earbuds again; a reset may remove saved settings.
What Success Looks Like
Setup is complete when the device shows the earbuds as connected, both earbuds play audio, and the earbuds sit comfortably with a stable seal. You can select noise cancellation and transparency or ambient mode, tell which mode is active, and control playback. If automatic reconnection is supported, the earbuds reconnect after you return them to the case and open it near the paired device. You should also know how to disconnect or remove the earbuds from Bluetooth settings if you need to pair them with another device.
Next Steps
Keep the earbuds in their case when not in use and charge them before long listening sessions. Clean the tips and exterior on the schedule and by the method specified in the manual; let all parts dry before charging. If you use the companion app, check for firmware updates when a connection or control problem occurs, and follow its update instructions. Review the fit and listening mode whenever you change ear tips, switch devices, or notice weaker cancellation. For persistent battery, charging, or hardware faults, contact the manufacturer rather than opening the earbuds or case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use noise-cancelling earbuds without the companion app?
Usually, yes. Many models pair and play audio through Bluetooth without an app. The app may be needed for features such as equalizer settings, fit tests, firmware updates, or custom controls. Check the instructions for your model.
Why can I still hear voices with noise cancellation on?
Noise cancellation reduces some sounds more effectively than others and may not remove speech, sudden sounds, or every background noise. A poor seal can also make it less effective; try adjusting the earbuds or changing tip size.
Should I use noise cancellation or transparency mode?
Use noise cancellation in appropriate settings when you want to reduce background sound. Use transparency or ambient mode when you need to hear people or nearby activity. Remove the earbuds when you must hear hazards clearly; neither mode makes unsafe situations safe.
Can I pair the earbuds with more than one device?
Some models support multipoint connections, while others connect to one device at a time. Check the manual or app. If pairing with a second device causes problems, disconnect the first device or disable its Bluetooth before trying again.
What should I do if the earbuds do not charge in the case?
Check that the case has power, remove any protective film, and reseat each earbud. Inspect the charging contacts for dust or debris and clean them only as directed by the manufacturer. If an earbud still shows no charging indication, contact the manufacturer for support.
