Status Audio Between 3ANC: Are these earbuds worth the hype?

The Status Audio Between 3ANC earbuds arrive in a market saturated with noise-canceling options, promising a unique blend of style and performance. These earbuds stand out with their distinctive square design, a deliberate departure from the rounded aesthetics favored by many competitors. The real question, however, is whether this bold design translates into a superior audio experience, especially in the realm of active noise cancellation. Can the Status Audio Between 3ANC truly carve out a niche for themselves?

The “square” in the title isn’t just marketing hype; these earbuds are genuinely boxy. This might be a love-it-or-hate-it proposition for potential buyers. The charging case echoes this design, further solidifying the Between 3ANC’s commitment to its angular aesthetic. But how does this translate into comfort?

Fit: The angular design might not perfectly contour to every ear shape. Experimenting with the included ear tips is crucial for finding a secure and comfortable fit.
Build Quality: The earbuds feel solid and well-constructed, suggesting durability.
Portability: The square case is relatively compact, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag.

Beyond the unique design, the audio performance of the Between 3ANC is paramount. The earbuds boast active noise cancellation (ANC), which promises to block out ambient sounds and create a more immersive listening experience. Let’s delve into the details:

The Between 3ANC delivers a balanced sound signature with a slight emphasis on bass. This makes them well-suited for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. However, audiophiles seeking a more neutral and analytical sound might find them lacking in detail and clarity.

The ANC performance is adequate but not exceptional. It effectively reduces low-frequency sounds like engine rumble and traffic noise, but struggles to completely eliminate higher-frequency sounds like chatter and keyboard clicks. The noise cancellation is a good feature, but not a top-tier offering.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any pair of wireless earbuds. The Between 3ANC offers a respectable battery life, providing several hours of listening on a single charge. The charging case provides additional charges, extending the total listening time to a considerable amount.

Before making a decision, it’s worth considering other options in the noise-canceling earbuds market. Here’s a brief comparison:

Earbud Model	Price	Noise Cancellation	Sound Quality	Design
Status Audio Between 3ANC	$$	Good	Balanced, Bass-forward	Square, Unique
Sony WF-1000XM4	$$$	Excellent	Detailed, Neutral	Rounded, Classic
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)	$$$	Excellent	Balanced, Clear	Rounded, Iconic

Table of Contents

Design and Comfort

Fit: The angular design might not perfectly contour to every ear shape. Experimenting with the included ear tips is crucial for finding a secure and comfortable fit.
Build Quality: The earbuds feel solid and well-constructed, suggesting durability.
Portability: The square case is relatively compact, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag.

Audio Performance and Noise Cancellation

Sound Quality

Active Noise Cancellation

Battery Life and Features

Alternatives to Consider

Before making a decision, it’s worth considering other options in the noise-canceling earbuds market. Here’s a brief comparison:

Earbud Model	Price	Noise Cancellation	Sound Quality	Design
Status Audio Between 3ANC	$$	Good	Balanced, Bass-forward	Square, Unique
Sony WF-1000XM4	$$$	Excellent	Detailed, Neutral	Rounded, Classic
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)	$$$	Excellent	Balanced, Clear	Rounded, Iconic

My Personal Experience

Now, let me tell you about my time actually using these earbuds. After reading all the specs and seeing the marketing materials, I was eager to see if the Between 3ANC lived up to the hype. My first impression was definitely about the design. They are undeniably square! I’m not usually one for such a geometric look, but they grew on me. I even got a few compliments from colleagues at the office, who, like me, were initially surprised by the shape.

Getting the right fit took a bit of fiddling. I spent a good 15 minutes trying out the different ear tips. Eventually, I settled on the medium size, which provided a snug and secure fit. Even with the right tips, I felt a slight pressure after wearing them for a couple of hours. I think someone like my friend, Eleanor, who has smaller ears, might find them a bit uncomfortable for extended use.

Putting the ANC to the Test

I really wanted to put the active noise cancellation through its paces. I work from home, but that doesn’t mean it’s always quiet. My neighbor, bless his heart, seems to have a penchant for loud lawnmowers and leaf blowers at the most inconvenient times. The Between 3ANC definitely helped dampen those sounds, allowing me to focus on my work. I still heard a faint hum, but it was much less distracting than without the ANC. I also tested them on a recent bus ride, and they did a decent job of minimizing the engine noise and the general chatter of other passengers. I wouldn’t say they completely eliminated the noise, but they made the ride significantly more bearable.

Sound and Daily Usage

As for the sound quality, I agree with the assessment of a balanced, bass-forward profile. I listen to a lot of indie pop and electronic music, and the bass definitely added a nice punch to my favorite tracks. I streamed music through Spotify and YouTube Music. I tried a few lossless tracks from Qobuz and Apple Music but I think the limitations of Bluetooth are clear in this case. I did notice that the sound could get a bit muddy at higher volumes, especially on tracks with complex instrumentation. For phone calls, the microphone quality was perfectly adequate. People on the other end could hear me clearly, even when I was walking outside in a slightly windy environment. I even tried using them for a Zoom meeting, and I had no issues with audio clarity. I used the Between 3ANC for around 5 days to see how it holds up.

Battery life was never a concern. I consistently got around 5-6 hours of listening time on a single charge, which was more than enough for my daily needs. The charging case provided several additional charges, so I never had to worry about running out of battery during the day. I think I only had to charge the case twice during the entire week I was testing them.

Author

Redactor

Ethan Cole is a passionate technology enthusiast and reviewer with a deep understanding of cutting-edge gadgets, software, and emerging innovations. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, he has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, unbiased analyses of the latest technological advancements. Ethan’s fascination with technology began in his teenage years when he started building custom PCs and exploring the world of coding. Over time, his curiosity evolved into a professional career, where he dissects complex tech concepts and presents them in an easy-to-understand manner. On Tech Insight Hub, Ethan shares detailed reviews of smartphones, laptops, AI-powered devices, and smart home innovations. His mission is to help readers navigate the fast-paced world of technology and make informed decisions about the gadgets that shape their daily lives.