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JLab JBuddies Pro Wired 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

QCY H3S leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • JLab JBuddies Pro Wired
  • QCY H3S
HearWiki score
63
81
Sound
5.5
7.5
Noise cancelling
-
7.4
Battery
-
9.8
Calls
5.0
5.4
Value
7.0
9.5
Price (USD)
$25
$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?

Half a step newer

The QCY H3S edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • JBuddies Pro WiredYear unknown
  • H3S2025
What differsJBuddies Pro WiredH3S

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

JBuddies Pro WiredH3S
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$25
$34
HearWiki score
63
81
Released
-
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
85 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
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
No
Yes
Weight
145.2 g
240 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
Yes
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
1
7
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuddies Pro Wired

The JLab JBuddies Pro Wired are an affordable, kid-focused over-ear headphone that relies on a simple wired connection for reliable, low-latency audio. Their lightweight, foldable build and integrated microphone make them a practical choice for young listeners needing a basic, no-fuss headset for school or travel. While not aiming for high-end sound, they offer a straightforward and budget-friendly listening experience.

  • Pro:Lightweight and foldable design for easy portability
  • Pro:Simple wired connection with no battery or pairing required
  • Pro:Built-in microphone for calls or online classes
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient sounds leak in
  • Con:Sensitivity is low, requiring higher volume from devices
  • Con:Non-detachable cable limits replacement options

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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