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.
AOC provided the ACT2525 for this review.
Quick take
The AOC ACT2525 is a budget true-wireless earbud that ticks every box on paper: Bluetooth 6.0, active noise cancelling, IPX7 water resistance and a battery readout on the case. What surprised me most was the fit — I actually prefer it to my AirPods Pro 3. The ANC is strong, the sound is warm and bass-forward, and while the AirPods are better for mic quality and detail, the ACT2525 is plenty for everyday listening with one phone.
What I tested
- AOC ACT2525 with the pre-fitted ear tips, paired to an iPhone
- Side by side with Apple AirPods Pro 3: weight, fit, sound, ANC and a voice-memo mic test
What I found
| Item |  | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight with case (measured) | 44 g | 55.3 g |
| One earbud (measured) | 4 g | 5.6 g |
| Fit | Stem sits flush against my face | Ear-tip seal slightly better |
| Mic | Fine for calls | More natural, closer sound |
- Fit is the highlight. The rounded body sits snugly in the ear and the stem doesn't stick out the way the AirPods' stem does on me. Neither fell out, but the AOC felt harder to knock loose, which is good for running or working.
- ANC is strong and natural. The air conditioner in my room practically disappeared, without that blocked-ear feeling.
- Transparency mode is a bit muffled, but fine for a quick chat at a shop counter. Right-ear triple tap cycles transparency, ANC and off in that order, so you can't jump straight from ANC to transparency. Left-ear triple tap toggles a low-latency game mode.
- Sound is weighted toward the bass, with the low end and vocals packed together for a warm, enveloping feel. Separation is a little softer than the AirPods Pro 3 in a quiet room; on a train I doubt you'd notice.
- Case shows its battery level as a number. Opening the lid puts the earbuds straight into pairing mode.
- In the box: a USB-A to USB-C cable and four sizes of ear tips (including the fitted pair). The ear tips are a standard shape, so third-party tips may fit.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants noise cancelling, water resistance and a secure fit for not much money, and mainly listens from one phone. If you switch between an iPhone, iPad and Mac all day, AirPods' automatic switching is still worth paying for.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese; YouTube can show auto-generated captions. Useful points: around 4:00 weight, 4:50 fit vs AirPods Pro 3, 9:10 sound, 10:25 ANC and transparency, 12:40 mic test.
Limitations
Fit depends on ear shape, and this is just my ears. I listened by ear without measurement gear. In the video I said it was around ¥9,000; my video description later noted an Amazon Japan price of ¥5,299 (about ¥4,299 with a coupon) at that time. I didn't test battery life or water resistance.
Products
AOC ACT2525: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan link above is an affiliate link. 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.