Over-Ear
AKG N90Q
64Good
$26
Full review dataAKG N90Q vs QCY H3S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the QCY H3S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: QCY H3S - Outstanding overall at around $34.
Over-Ear
QCY H3S
81Outstanding
$34
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
QCY H3S leads on 5 of 7 measures.
- AKG N90Q
- QCY H3S
HearWiki score
64
81
Sound
8.3
7.5
Noise cancelling
6.5
7.4
Battery
2.8
9.8
Calls
5.0
5.4
Value
-
9.5
Price (USD)
$26
$34
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The QCY H3S is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the QCY H3S adds USB-C. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- N90Q2018
- H3S20257 yr newer
What differsN90QH3S
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
N90QH3S
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $26
- $34
- HearWiki score
- 64
- 81
- Released
- 2018
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 52 mm dynamic
- 2-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- hybrid
- Driver size
- 52 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 25 kHz
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Bluetooth
- -
- 6.0
- Codecs
- -
- AAC, LDAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Wireless range
- -
- 10 m
- Battery life
- -
- 102 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 58 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 120 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 10 min → 7 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- Yes
- ANC type
- -
- adaptive
- Transparency mode
- No
- -
- Companion app
- No
- -
- Custom EQ
- No
- -
- Wear detection
- No
- -
- Controls
- buttons
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- No
- Yes
- Weight
- 460 g
- 240 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- Yes
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Balanced connection
- No
- -
- Microphones
- 1
- 7
What reviewers said
AKG N90Q
The AKG N90Q is a premium closed-back ANC headphone with a bold, heavy build and a customizable tuning system that sets it apart. It delivers clean, detailed audio with impressive isolation and a spacious soundstage, though its size and weight make it better suited for stationary listening than on-the-go use. Note that it requires power to operate, so battery life is a practical consideration.
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Large, immersive soundstage for a closed-back design
- Pro:High-quality build and included accessories
- Con:Heavy and bulky, not ideal for portable use
- Con:Requires charging to function at all
- Con:Sound can feel analytical rather than engaging
QCY H3S
The QCY H3S is a budget-friendly over-ear wireless headphone that packs adaptive active noise cancellation, a hybrid dual-driver setup, and support for LDAC and Bluetooth 6.0. Its foldable design and lightweight build add to its portability and convenience.
- Pro:Effective adaptive ANC for the price
- Pro:LDAC and AAC codec support for high-quality audio
- Pro:Multipoint connectivity and Bluetooth 6.0
- Con:No water resistance rating
- Con:No wireless charging support
- Con:Controls are button-based, not touch
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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