Let’s get one thing out of the way: the QCY MeloBuds N70 are not here to dethrone Apple, Bose, or Sony. If you’re expecting AirPods Pro-level noise cancellation or that plush Bose sound signature, let’s save you some time and heartbreak. What the MeloBuds N70 do offer, however, is a feature-packed experience at a price point that’s almost comically low compared to the big names—and that’s where things get interesting.
Right now, you can pick these up for around $90 AUD($59.99 USD), depending on where you shop online. That’s less than a third of what you’ll pay for the latest AirPods Pro, and it’s not even close to what Bose or Sony would ask for a similar feature set. I’ve spent a good chunk of time with these buds jammed into my ears, working, commuting and I’ll admit, my expectations were dialled to “cautiously optimistic.” QCY isn’t a household name outside of AliExpress bargain bins and the odd TikTok ad, but the N70s punch well above their weight in both comfort and tech.
Let’s start with battery life, because my phone’s always dying and I refuse to add earbuds to the daily charging ritual. On a single charge, you get up to 10 hours of playtime—yes, ten. That’s enough for a return flight from Brisbane to Singapore, with podcasts to spare. Throw in the charging case, and you’re looking at a ludicrous 50 hours total. Apple’s AirPods Pro, for comparison, tap out at around 30 hours with the case. If you hate cables as much as I do, this is a win.
Sound quality? It’s fine. It won’t blow you away with staging or bass but its definitely “nod your head on the bus” fine. The bass is present, the mids are clear, and the highs don’t pierce your soul. There’s a personalized EQ feature—run a quick hearing test and the app tweaks the sound for your unique ear sensitivity. It’s a clever touch, and unlike most companion apps, QCY’s doesn’t demand your email, blood type, or first-born child to even use. Download it, pair up, and you’re in. For Android users, this merciful lack of sign-up friction is a breath of fresh air.
Now, onto the headline features. LDAC & Hi-Res Wireless certification means you’re getting higher quality audio streams if your device supports it. That’s the kind of spec you’d expect on earbuds twice the price. The IPX5 waterproof rating is another tick—these survived a sweaty HIIT session and a rainy dash to Woolies without complaint. The fit is, surprisingly, excellent. Five sizes of ultra-soft silicone tips ensure that even my comically large ears found a snug, secure seal. If you’re cursed with odd ear geometry, you’ll appreciate the options but I do wish it came with some memory foam tips.
But QCY didn’t stop there. Multi-point connectivity is here, and it actually works—even with LDAC enabled, which is rare at this price. I had my MacBook and iPhone connected simultaneously, and switching between them was seamless. No awkward silences, no Bluetooth headaches, just smooth transitions. If you’re the type who juggles work and personal phones, this is a game-changer. Gamers, rejoice too: there’s a dedicated low-latency game mode and even though it’s not going to win you any tournaments, but it’s absolutely playable and surprisingly responsive.
And for the perpetually forgetful among us, the “Find My” feature is a lifesaver. Lose a bud in your couch or under the car seat, and you can ping it from the app. It’s not quite Apple’s hyper-precise Find My, but it’s more than you get from most budget brands, and it works well enough to save you from a frantic search.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is present and accounted for, but let’s not kid ourselves: it doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Apple, Bose, or Sony. Those brands have poured obscene amounts of R&D into hush-hush algorithms that can silence the apocalypse. The N70s will mute the hum of your office air conditioner and take the edge off traffic noise, but don’t expect miracles.
Transparency mode, though? This is where I was genuinely surprised. Given how muted the noise-cancelling is, I expected the transparency feature to be an afterthought. Instead, it’s actually better than I anticipated—outside sounds come through clearly and naturally, making it genuinely useful for situational awareness at the office, on a walk, or dodging Brisbane’s kamikaze electric scooters. Sure, it’s not the gold standard, but it’s far from tinny or artificial, and sometimes I found myself leaving it on rather than yanking the buds out.
Touch controls? They exist, but they’re finicky. Sometimes a tap registers, sometimes it doesn’t, and you end up jabbing your ear like you’re trying to summon a genie. In-ear detection is similarly hit-and-miss; occasionally it pauses when you pull a bud out, sometimes it just keeps playing. These are minor annoyances, but if you’re used to the flawless execution of pricier buds, you’ll notice.
Let’s talk value. For around $90 AUD, the MeloBuds N70 retail for a fraction of what Apple, Bose, or Sony charge for their flagship models. For the price of a single AirPod Pro 3 (not the pair, mind you), you can snag the N70s, a charging case, five ear tip sizes, a USB-C cable, and a manual you’ll never read. You’re getting LDAC, Hi-Res audio, ANC, waterproofing, multi-point, low-latency game mode, Find My support, and a genuinely comfortable fit—features that, in the world of named brands, would easily push the sticker price well north of $300 AUD.
Are there compromises? Absolutely. The ANC is decent but not world-class, the touch controls are inconsistent, and sound isolation without ANC is average at best. Foam ear tips would have been nice, and the build quality, while solid, isn’t going to win any design awards. But for what you’re paying, these are nitpicks rather than deal-breakers.
The real question is: should you buy these, or splurge on the big names? If you crave the absolute best noise cancellation, impeccable build quality, and seamless iOS integration, you’ll still want to pony up for Apple, Bose, or Sony. But if you’re looking for a pair of everyday buds that deliver 80% of the experience for 30% of the price, the QCY MeloBuds N70 should give you serious pause before dropping triple digits on the usual suspects.
In a world where tech brands love to nickel-and-dime you for every feature, QCY’s MeloBuds N70 are a refreshing reminder that value still exists—if you’re willing to accept a few quirks. For my money, these are the best bang-for-buck wireless earbuds you can buy right now, and proof that Chinese brands aren’t just catching up—they’re quietly rewriting the rulebook.
QCY kindly provided the MeloBuds N70 to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
