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
Users are overwhelmingly positive about the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, praising the exceptional sound quality, especially with LDAC and Dolby Atmos, and the surprisingly effective AI-powered call noise cancellation that blocks out background noise like screaming kids or car washes. Comfort, customization via the app, and solid battery life are also highlighted. The only potential downside mentioned is the high price, but most feel the premium features justify the cost.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with LDAC
- AI-powered call noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for long wear
- Customizable EQ via app
- Solid battery life
Cons
- High price point
- ANC slightly weaker than AZ80
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 (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Technics EAH-AZ100
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
Pricing
Plugfones Guardian CY-1
Technics EAH-AZ100
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 39 specs.
