Plugfones Guardian EX1
Technics EAH-AZ80
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
Technics EAH-AZ80
The Technics EAH-AZ10 earbuds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, featuring clear separation, wide soundstage, and natural tuning that rivals higher-end models. Users praise the comfortable and secure fit, effective noise cancellation that doesn't muddy the audio, and impressive battery life lasting up to 7 hours. However, a few critical reviews highlight poor touch controls that are unresponsive, and one user experienced a significant volume imbalance after 1.5 years, with the company offering only a 10% discount on a replacement rather than a fix. Overall, these are highly recommended for audiophiles and daily use, but potential buyers should be aware of possible durability and control issues.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with clear separation
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Effective noise cancellation without audio degradation
- Impressive battery life up to 7 hours
- Great call quality
Cons
- Unresponsive touch controls
- Volume imbalance after extended use
- Poor customer service for defects
- Bulky design for some users
- ANC not sufficient in very loud environments
Scores
Specifications
| Plugfones Guardian EX1 | Technics EAH-AZ80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | — | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Weight | 0.04 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, LDAC, SBC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | hybrid |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 7 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 1.1 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | — | 16 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓★ |
| Capacity | — | 85 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | — | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 8★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Alexa, Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Technics Audio Connect |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
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)
Technics EAH-AZ80
- Strong mic (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Pricing
Plugfones Guardian EX1 offers 3.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 35 specs.
