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JLab Studio Pro ANC 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 Studio Pro ANC
  • QCY H3S
HearWiki score
69
81
Sound
6.6
7.5
Noise cancelling
5.5
7.4
Battery
8.1
9.8
Calls
6.1
5.4
Value
6.0
9.5
Price (USD)
$37
$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?

New platform

QCY H3S (2025) against JLab Studio Pro ANC (2021). The QCY H3S is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 6.0 against 5.0, Top codec LDAC against AAC and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • Studio Pro ANC2021
  • H3S20254 yr newer
What differsStudio Pro ANCH3S

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
6.0
Top codec
AAC
LDAC
ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Studio Pro ANCH3S
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$37
$34
HearWiki score
69
81
Released
2021
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
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
6.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
45 h
102 h
Battery life (ANC on)
43 h
58 h
Full charge time
103 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 7 h
10 min → 7 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
Yes
Weight
222 g
240 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
Studio Pro Wireless
-
Microphones
5
7
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
1-mic ENC
-

What reviewers said

JLab Studio Pro ANC

The JLab Studio Pro ANC offers a compelling mix of hybrid noise cancellation, long battery life, and versatile wired/wireless usage at a very accessible price point. It's a comfortable, feature-rich option for budget-conscious listeners, though its performance aligns with its affordable tier rather than exceeding it.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC and transparency mode at a low price
  • Pro:Can be used wired via USB-C or 3.5mm while retaining ANC
  • Con:Sound quality is merely adequate for the price
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth connection
  • Con:Build feels budget-oriented

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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