True Wireless
QCY MeloBuds ANC
72Good
$40
Full review dataQCY MeloBuds ANC vs Soundcore P42i: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Soundcore P42i comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Soundcore P42i - Great overall at around $71.
True Wireless
Soundcore P42i
78Great
$71
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
QCY MeloBuds ANC
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery6.0
Calls7.0
Value8.5
Soundcore P42i
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery8.5
Calls7.5
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | QCY MeloBuds ANC | Soundcore P42i |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $40 | $71 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm dynamic driver | dynamic |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 200Hz ~ 5KHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | -9 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 6.1 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 6.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | 10 m | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 6 h | 8.5 h |
| Battery incl. case | 34 h | 56 h |
| Full charge time | 90 min | 60 min |
| Quick charge | 5 minutes = 1 hour | 10 min = 3.5 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | - | 4.4 g |
| Case weight | - | 51 g |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IP55 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 6 |
| Call noise reduction | ENC | AI noise reduction |
What reviewers said
QCY MeloBuds ANC
The QCY MeloBuds ANC deliver an impressive mix of adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity at a wallet-friendly price. While they don't lead their class in any single area, their balanced sound, solid call quality, and useful extras make them a smart pick for budget shoppers. Battery life is decent for the price, though it drops noticeably with ANC engaged, and some rivals edge them out in specific features.
- Pro:Strong value with LDAC and adaptive ANC
- Pro:Clear call quality with six-mic ENC
- Pro:Compact case with wireless charging
- Con:Battery life drops sharply with ANC on
- Con:Sound stage lacks some refinement
- Con:ANC not class-leading versus pricier rivals
Soundcore P42i
The Soundcore P42i is a budget-friendly true wireless pair that punches well above its weight, offering adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging in a comfortable, IP55-rated shell. With long battery life and a robust app suite, it delivers premium features without the premium price tag, making it an exceptional value pick for everyday listeners.
- Pro:Excellent value with premium features at a budget price
- Pro:Comfortable fit and strong adaptive ANC for the class
- Pro:Long battery life with convenient wireless charging case
- Con:Bass may not satisfy heavy bassheads
- Con:Touch controls can be finicky at times
- Con:Call quality is decent but not top-tier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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