QCY specializes in attractively priced audio products with outstanding features. What was already true for the in-ear model MeloBuds N70 can also be applied to the new QCY H3S over-ear headphones. For a price of around 60 euros, they come with dual drivers, high-resolution codecs and an impressive battery life, as our test proves.
Technical data
| The product | H3S |
| Design | Over-ear (closed) |
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth codecs | AAC, SBC; LDAC |
| Maximum range | 12 meters |
| Battery life | Up to 58 hours (with ANC); Up to 102 hours (without ANC) |
| Driver | 13 mm tweeter; 40 mm mid-woofer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth; USB-C |
| Weight | 240 g |
| Special features | Multipoint; Foldable design; ANC |
| price | € 59.99 * |
QCY H3S test: Simple but high-quality design
The QCY H3S over-ear headphones, which are available in black or gray, weigh around 240 grams and, in combination with the soft ear pads, deliver convincing wearing comfort.
The new edition of the popular H3 is based on a very similar design that is very simple. Only the side markings in the ear cups provide an orange color accent. However, the anodized housing makes a very high-quality and robust impression that is clearly superior to the competition in this price range.
The adjustable headband is also made of plastic, but still looks very robust. The ear cups can not only be twisted in, but can also be folded in to save space. The mechanism even looks more sophisticated than some more expensive products. The QCY H3S make a really good impression in terms of design and workmanship.
Top features at a bargain price
The features of the QCY H3S are absolutely impressive. The headphones use the modern Bluetooth 6.0 codec, which enables a reliable and economical connection. The manufacturer has equipped the headphones with two drivers: a 13 mm driver for clear highs and a 40 mm driver for rich bass.
Also included and rare in this price range: Hi-Res wireless audio including the high-resolution LDAC codec, with which the H3S also aims to satisfy audiophile demands. Two devices can be paired simultaneously using Multipoint.
The manufacturer also promises 360° surround sound, but this is more of a marketing gimmick. The H3S do not realize a real surround sound, here more expensive models such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen.) (our test) create a significantly better surround sound experience.
The H3S also feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which is designed to reduce noise by up to -56 dB with the help of seven built-in microphones. The counterpart in the form of a transparency mode is of course also included.
However, the 3.5 mm jack connection has been reduced in comparison to its predecessor and is now completely absent. The included USB-C port is only intended for charging. The affordable headphone model also does without features such as wear detection or similar.
Operation and app connection
In terms of operation, the QCY H3S rely on classic buttons that are located on the inside of the right ear cup and are easy to reach by hand. At the top is an ANC button that you can use to switch between active noise cancellation, transparency mode and normal mode.
Below this is the multifunction button, which switches the headphones on and off, activates the voice assistant and much more. The function of the button can be configured for single, double, triple or quadruple taps in the companion app.
The volume rocker underneath can be used to increase or decrease the volume. The operation of the headphones works flawlessly and extremely reliably.
Settings are made via the QCY app, which comes with numerous functions. In addition to the option of adjusting the sound using an equalizer, including your own EQ if desired, you can also adjust the ANC, even in several stages.
The controls can also be customized, for example to activate additional functions such as switching between songs. You can also control the multipoint in the app or switch between music and gaming mode.
Battery life of the QCY H3S
Another highlight of the QCY H3S is undoubtedly the battery life, which easily surpasses even some of the top models from well-known manufacturers that cost four to five times as much. With active noise suppression, the H3S lasts a whopping 58 hours. By comparison, the Sony WH1000-XM6 (our test) can’t even manage that without ANC.
If you do without noise cancellation, you can even achieve an impressive runtime of up to 102 hours. That’s three and a half times as much as the Sony flagship. Charging is also pleasantly quick. Thanks to the quick-charging function, 10 minutes on the USB-C cable is enough for a further seven hours of playback. Outstanding.
Audio quality, ANC and microphones
From a sound perspective, the QCY H3S also cuts a fine figure. The configuration of two driver units proves to be a clever move on the part of the manufacturer, as the sound clearly stands out from the mixed sound of its predecessor.
The H3S delivers rich bass, which – unlike the H3 – does not overpower the mids and highs. This makes the headphones particularly enjoyable in bass-heavy genres, but they also cut a fine figure in other genres such as classical music, metal and the like.
However, this must be seen in perspective. The QCY H3S clearly lacks the sonic brilliance and airiness of expensive ANC headphones. Although the treble is well resolved, the sound image is rather narrow, which hardly allows the sound to really unfold in the room.
Nevertheless, the mids and highs are successfully separated from each other, which allows for a lively and detailed sound across all frequencies. Can you hear the difference to 200-euro headphones? Definitely. But in this price range and especially up to 100-120 euros, the QCY H3S are unbeatable.
Good ANC, usable microphones
Fortunately, the active noise canceling of the QCY H3S also cuts a good figure. This is usually the area where inexpensive models tend to be weak. Although it doesn’t reach the level of more expensive top models here either, the noise suppression is still good.
Low, monotonous frequencies are almost completely filtered out. But even medium and high frequencies, such as typing on the keyboard, voices or fan noise, are greatly reduced and come through far less than with some competitors.
Especially as the ANC can not only be adjusted in several stages, but also reacts adaptively to ambient noise if desired. Unfortunately, the “Ambient Sound Mode” transparency mode, which amplifies ambient noise, cannot quite keep up. A strong background noise is perceptible here, while voices come through somewhat flat and less clear.
The microphone quality can’t quite keep up, even though the QCY H3S has a full seven mics. Nevertheless, the headphones don’t have to hide from the higher-priced competition.
QCY H3S microphone test recording:
Although the recordings lack a little clarity and detail, the voice intelligibility is still quite good. At least in fairly quiet indoor areas.
QCY H3S Review: Conclusion
With the QCY H3S, the manufacturer has launched a powerful ANC headphone that storms our best list with an impressive price-performance ratio. For well under 100 euros, you get a complete package that makes even some competitors that are twice as expensive look pretty good.
Good sound, outstanding battery life, convincing active noise suppression and reliable operation are all on the H3S’s plus side. In terms of sound and ANC quality, the affordable model cannot compete with the top models from Sony, Bose and others, but the results are still at a good to very good level.
If you are looking for durable and good over-ear headphones with convincing sound, you won’t find anything better in the price range up to 100-120 euros.
- Convincing sound
- LDAC codec
- Impressive runtime
- Excellent wearing comfort
- Good ANC
- Convincing operation
- Unbeatable price
- No wear detection
- Sound lacks some airiness
- Microphones could be better
QCY H3S
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Noise canceling
Features
Value For Money
89/100
Good sound, convincing ANC and an impressive battery life: The QCY H3S are a real price-performance hit!
