Plugfones Guardian EX1
SoundPEATS H3
What Buyers Say
Plugfones Guardian EX1
The Plugfones are a budget-friendly hybrid of earplugs and earbuds, praised for comfort, decent sound, and effective noise reduction in moderate environments. However, some users report durability issues like foam tips breaking off in the ear, and the noise blocking may not suffice for extremely loud settings. The loose audio jack is a minor but recurring annoyance.
Pros
- Comfortable for long wear
- Decent sound quality for price
- Effective noise reduction in moderate noise
- Discreet design for workplace use
- Comes with carrying case
Cons
- Foam tips may break off in ear
- Noise reduction insufficient for very loud environments
- Loose audio jack causes intermittent sound
- No microphone or volume control
- Low-end bass not prominent
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 EX1 | SoundPEATS H3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Weight | 0.04 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 EX1
- Strong anc (73rd percentile)
- Strong social proof (73rd percentile)
- Strong comfort (72nd 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 EX1 offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 25 specs.
