Plugfones Guardian CY-1
SoundPEATS H3
What Buyers Say
Plugfones Guardian CY-1
The Plugfones are a budget-friendly hybrid of earplugs and earbuds, praised for their comfort, decent sound quality, and effective noise reduction in moderate environments. However, some users report durability issues, such as foam tips breaking off in the ear, and the audio jack can be loose. They are particularly popular among motorcycle riders and industrial workers for discreet music listening.
Pros
- Comfortable for long wear
- Decent sound quality for price
- Effective noise reduction in moderate environments
- Discreet design for workplace use
- Good for motorcycle riding
Cons
- Foam tips may break off in ear
- Audio jack can be loose
- Not effective for very loud noises
- No microphone or volume control
- Durability concerns with daily use
SoundPEATS H3
The Soundpeats H3 earbuds are widely praised for delivering exceptional sound quality that rivals far more expensive models, with tight bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. Users highlight the secure IEM-style fit, effective active noise cancellation, and reliable connectivity, though some note the EQ in the companion app could be more impactful. Battery life varies with codec and ANC usage, and the charging case is a bit bulky, but overall these are seen as an outstanding value for audiophiles on a budget.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality for the price
- Secure and comfortable IEM-style fit
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Good codec support (LDAC, AptX Adaptive)
Cons
- EQ in app could be more impactful
- Battery life varies with codec/ANC
- Charging case is somewhat bulky
- No auto-pause when removing earbuds
- Slightly metallic treble on some tracks
Scores
Specifications
| Plugfones Guardian CY-1 | SoundPEATS H3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Silicone & Foam (replaceable) | — |
| Weight | 0.02 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Driver Size | — | 12 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 3★ |
| Impedance | — | 28 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | LDAC, aptX Lossless |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive hybrid |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4★ |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 7 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 minutes for 2 hours of playtime |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 37 hrs★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | PeatsAudio App |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX5 |
Pros & Cons
Plugfones Guardian CY-1
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (73rd percentile)
- Strong social proof (73rd percentile)
- Below average mic (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
SoundPEATS H3
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
Pricing
Plugfones Guardian CY-1 offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 26 specs.
