Two true wireless earbuds, both under $150, both aiming for audiophile-grade sound. The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 and the SoundPEATS H3 take different routes to get there, and their strengths and weaknesses are not as obvious as the spec sheets suggest. This head-to-head uses the HearWiki database to compare them honestly, without inventing a winner where none exists.
Price and positioning
The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 asks $99, while the SoundPEATS H3 asks $130. That $31 gap is meaningful, but it does not automatically make the Cambridge pair the better value. The Melomania A100 are positioned as a versatile everyday pair with adaptive ANC and a long battery. The H3 are pitched at listeners who prioritise sound quality above all else, with a hybrid driver setup that is unusual at this price. Neither is a budget throwaway; both are serious attempts at the mid-range TWS market.
The scores, side by side
The headline HearWiki buyability scores are close: the Melomania A100 score 87/100 and the H3 score 86/100. That one-point difference is negligible in real terms. Both are strong buys, and the gap should not sway you by itself. The sub-scores tell a more interesting story. The Melomania A100 earn 9/10 for sound, 8/10 for calls and 8/10 for battery, with a value score of 10/10. The H3 also earn 9/10 for sound, but drop to 5/10 for battery and 6/10 for calls, with a value score of 9/10. The headline scores are not a weighted average of these sub-scores, so do not try to reverse-engineer them. Just note that the H3's weak points are battery and calls, while the Melomania A100 are more balanced.
Sound
Both pairs score 9/10 for sound, so this is a tie on paper. The Melomania A100 use a single 10mm dynamic driver and support LDAC, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, alongside SBC and AAC. The H3 use a hybrid setup with a 12mm dynamic driver and dual balanced armatures, and they support the same high-resolution codecs. Published reviews suggest the H3 deliver a more detailed and punchy presentation thanks to the armatures, while the Melomania A100 lean on a warmer, more natural tuning. If you listen to complex instrumental music or want to pick out individual layers, the H3 may satisfy more. If you prefer a cohesive, musical sound for everyday listening, the Melomania A100 hold their own. Neither is objectively better; it comes down to taste.
Noise cancelling and battery
Both have active noise cancellation. The H3 score 8/10 for ANC, effectively level with the Melomania A100's 8/10. The difference is small, and both are described as effective for the price, though not flagship-level. Battery is where the gap widens. The Melomania A100 offer 11 hours per charge, and that figure is recorded with ANC off. With ANC on, published reviews note that battery life drops significantly, though the exact figure is not recorded in the HearWiki database. The H3's battery life is not recorded in the database at all, but published reviews mention around 7 hours per charge, which is average. If you need all-day battery without recharging, the Melomania A100 have the edge, provided you keep ANC off.
Calls and everyday use
The Melomania A100 score 8/10 for calls, while the H3 score 6/10. That is a clear difference. Reviews of the H3 consistently point to call quality as a weak point, with background noise not handled as well as rivals. The Melomania A100 are more reliable for calls, with better microphone performance in noisy environments. Both support Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint, so switching between devices is not an issue. The Melomania A100 have an IPX5 rating, making them sweat-resistant, and they support wireless charging. The H3 also carry an IPX5 rating, but wireless charging is not recorded in the database for them, so do not assume it. Touch controls on the Melomania A100 are noted as sensitive in some reviews, which may annoy you if you prefer a firmer touch.
Which one should you buy?
If you want a balanced pair for calls, battery and everyday use, and you like the idea of adaptive ANC, buy the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100. They cost less, they last longer, and they handle calls better. If you are a music-first listener who rarely makes calls and does not mind charging more often, the SoundPEATS H3 deliver a more detailed sound for a higher price. The H3 are not a better buy overall; they are a better buy for a specific use case. For a full side-by-side breakdown, see the comparison table. You can also browse more options in our best true wireless and best earbuds under $100 guides.
FAQ
Which earbuds have better sound quality, Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 or SoundPEATS H3?
Both score 9/10 for sound in the HearWiki database, so neither is objectively better. The SoundPEATS H3 use a hybrid driver setup that may reveal more detail, while the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 offer a warmer, more natural sound. Your choice depends on whether you prefer analytical or musical tuning.
How long does the battery last on each pair?
The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 last 11 hours per charge with ANC off, though that drops with ANC on. The SoundPEATS H3 battery life is not recorded in the HearWiki database, but published reviews mention around 7 hours. If battery life is your priority, the Melomania A100 are the safer pick.
Are the SoundPEATS H3 worth the extra money over the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100?
The SoundPEATS H3 cost $31 more and offer a more detailed sound, but they fall behind on calls and battery. The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 are cheaper, more balanced and better for everyday use. The H3 are only worth the extra money if you prioritise sound detail above all else and rarely make calls.
