Over-Ear
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9
53Average
$47
Full review dataAudio-Technica ATH-ANC9 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 7 of 7 measures.
- Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9
- QCY H3S
HearWiki score
53
81
Sound
6.8
7.5
Noise cancelling
5.2
7.4
Battery
7.8
9.8
Calls
5.2
5.4
Value
-
9.5
Price (USD)
$47
$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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- ATH-ANC92020
- H3S20255 yr newer
What differsATH-ANC9H3S
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
ATH-ANC9H3S
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $47
- $34
- HearWiki score
- 53
- 81
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 2× 40 mm driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- Driver type
- -
- hybrid
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 2
- Frequency response
- 10 Hz - 25 kHz
- 20 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 100 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 100 dB/mW
- -
- 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
- Controls
- buttons
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 220 g
- 240 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- Yes
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Microphones
- 4
- 7
- Microphone type
- electret
- -
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 offers solid active noise cancellation in a comfortable, wired over-ear design, with a balanced sound signature that suits everyday listening. Its practical touches include a detachable cable and long battery life via a single AAA battery, making it a dependable travel companion. While not the most exciting or durable option, it delivers competent performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Pro:Long battery life with AAA battery
- Con:Controls can be awkward to use
- Con:Build feels less durable than premium rivals
- Con:Soundstage is somewhat narrow
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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