Plugfones Guardian CY-1
Technics EAH-AZ100-N
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-N
The Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, particularly with LDAC and Dolby Atmos. Users highlight the surprisingly effective AI-powered call noise cancellation, which blocks out background noise like screaming children or car washes. Comfort and customization via the app are also praised, though some note the ANC is slightly weaker than the previous AZ80 model.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with LDAC
- AI-powered call noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for hours
- Customizable EQ via app
- Effective ANC and pass-through modes
Cons
- High price point ($300)
- ANC slightly weaker than AZ80
- Touch controls take getting used to
Scores
Specifications
| Plugfones Guardian CY-1 | Technics EAH-AZ100-N | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Silicone & Foam (replaceable) | Extra large, Large, Medium, Small |
| 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★ |
| 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 (74th 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-N
- 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 7.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 38 specs.
