Plugfones Guardian CY-1
Technics EAH-AZ100
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
Technics EAH-AZ100
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, with users highlighting deep bass, clear highs, and immersive audio. Comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation are also frequently commended, though some users note the price is high and volume could be louder. A few minor issues like Bluetooth LE disconnects and initial multi-device pairing were mentioned, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Deep immersive bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- High price point
- Limited maximum volume
- Bluetooth LE disconnects
- Initial multi-device pairing issues
- Plastic exterior
Scores
Specifications
| Plugfones Guardian CY-1 | Technics EAH-AZ100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Silicone & Foam (replaceable) | 5 x Eartip Pairs |
| Weight | 0.02 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | hybrid | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 10 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | — | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, HFP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | — | Bluetooth |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 8 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 min. for 90 min. playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 28 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Android & iOS |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
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)
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Plugfones Guardian CY-1 offers 6.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 39 specs.
