This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
QCY provided this product for the review (sponsored).
Quick take
The QCY MeloBuds N65 are budget true wireless earbuds that punch far above their price. Over several days of home, train and outdoor use, the noise cancelling was strong enough that I did not feel it lost much to my AirPods Pro 3. Sound is soft in the treble and easy to listen to rather than detailed, and the mic is good enough for calls. If you use one phone, they are an easy recommendation.
What I tested
- QCY MeloBuds N65 in white (around ¥7,980, a little over ¥6,000 with a coupon at the time of recording)
- Compared against my own AirPods Pro 3
- Unboxing, weight, the app, ANC and transparency at home, music listening, a voice memo mic test, and a few days of commuting
Key numbers
| Item | MeloBuds N65 |
|---|---|
| Measured weight | 43 g with case, 4.8 g per earbud (AirPods Pro 3 with case: 55.2 g) |
| Colors | White, blue, black |
| Ear tips | 5 sizes in the box |
| Features | Adaptive "AI scene" ANC, wind noise reduction, transparency, spatial audio, game mode, multipoint |
What I found
- ANC: with the air conditioner running, it nearly disappeared. The adaptive mode switched sensibly while I walked around.
- Transparency is natural, with almost no hiss. Voices sound slightly muffled.
- Sound: mild treble, relaxed and easy to listen to. Next to AirPods Pro 3 it has less detail, but I stopped noticing unless I compared directly.
- Spatial audio works but feels a little laggy and less natural than on AirPods.
- Mic: AirPods Pro 3 are a bit better, but the N65 was loud and clear enough for calls.
- They connect almost instantly when you take them out of the case.
- The case is easy to drop the buds into without looking, which matters when you are walking.
- The case plastic could feel a little more premium.
Who it is for
- Good fit: you use one phone, commute a lot and want strong ANC for little money.
- Look elsewhere: you switch between a Mac, iPad and iPhone all day (AirPods are smoother), or you want the best possible sound.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. Chapters: 06:57 noise cancelling, 10:29 sound compared with AirPods Pro 3, 14:07 mic test.
Limitations
I used the N65 for a few days, so I cannot speak to battery life over time or long-term durability. The coupon pricing was specific to Japan. Prices are Amazon Japan prices in yen at the time of recording.
Products
QCY MeloBuds N65: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Earbuds, Speakers & Audio (35) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.