Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review: the best earbuds prompts in the business with excellent ANC too

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Key Points:

• Release Date: March 27, 2024
• Price: $219 / £169 / AU$299
• Features:
  • Effective ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)
  • Multi-point connectivity
  • aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Up to 10 hours battery (buds) with ANC, 33 hours total
  • IPX4 waterproofing
  • 10mm drivers, class A/B amplification
• Sound Quality:
  • Expansive, detailed, clean, neutral
  • Minor shortfall in dynamic nuance
• Design:
  • Ergonomic, comfortable, black color only
  • Large but durable case
• Voice Prompts:
  • Matt Berry's voice available
• Value:
  • Competitive price compared to flagship models
  • Exceptional sound quality and ANC

Pros:

• Excellent ANC
• High battery life
• Customizable EQ
• Superior audio quality

Cons:

• Lacks advanced spatial audio features
• Only available in black
• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Alternatives:

• Technics EAH-AZ80
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Specifications:

• Price: $219 / £169 / approx. AU$335
• Battery Life: 10 hrs (ANC on); 16 hrs (ANC off); 36 hrs (case, ANC off)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LE Audio
• Durability: IPX4
• Color: Black

Pros:

• Sound Quality: Hi-Fi, powerful bass, clear treble, 10mm drivers, Class AB amplification.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting, fast charging, Qi wireless charging.
• Features: Active noise canceling (3 levels), new Melomania app with 7-band EQ, custom sound profiles, gaming mode.
• Design: Smaller, rounded, comfortable, multiple tip sizes.

Cons:

• Controls: Touch commands can be unreliable, wear detection issues.
• Noise Canceling: Good, but not top-tier; high frequencies can break through.

Verdict: Exceptional sound quality and value, especially for audiophiles.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Price: $219
Pros:

• Expansive sound with larger 10mm drivers
• Effective ANC
• Hi-res Bluetooth codecs: AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LC3, SBC
• Long battery life: 10 hours (ANC on), 16 hours (ANC off), case adds 23-36 hours
• Qi wireless charging
• IPX4 rating

Cons:

• Bulky earpiece design
• Faint mic signal
• Poor call quality
• Transparency mode less effective than competitors

Comparisons:

• For Android: Good alternative to pricier options like Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299)
• For iPhone: AirPods Pro ($249.99) recommended for better integration and mic quality

Features:

• Touch controls, customizable via app
• Ambient Noise Control modes: Normal, Noise Cancelling, Transparency
• Customizable EQ presets
• Multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair

Packaging:

• Made with 50% recycled plastics and plastic-free packaging

Overall: Top-notch earbuds for Android users seeking hi-fi audio, strong ANC, and long battery life at a competitive price.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Review

Pros:

• Matt Berry Voice: Unique and entertaining voice prompts.
• ANC: Effective active noise cancellation.
• Battery Life: 10 hours (ANC on), 16 hours (ANC off), 52 hours total with case.
• Comfort: Lightweight, secure fit with multiple eartips.
• Audio Quality: Clear, balanced sound with detailed instrument separation.
• Bluetooth 5.3: Supports aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, LC3.
• Touch Controls: Customizable and responsive.
• Melomania Connect App: EQ presets, wear sensor, multipoint connection, gaming mode.

Cons:

• Dynamics: Constrained, lacking in dynamic contrast.
• Transparency Mode: Less effective, hard to hear over music.
• Wear Sensor: Inconsistent performance.

Price: £169 / $219

Score:

• Sound: 4
• Features: 4
• Comfort: 5

Google Pixel Buds Pro review: Fourth time's the charm

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are the company's fourth attempt at wireless earbuds and they finally got it right. These earbuds offer good audio quality, competent active noise cancellation (ANC), and impressive battery life. They also come with features like wireless charging, Fast Pair, and Bluetooth multipoint. The design is slightly bulkier than previous models but still comfortable to wear. The sound quality is natural and spacious, with good bass. The ANC works well for low, humming sounds but is not as effective for higher-pitched or irregular noise. The transparency mode is excellent, providing clear audio from the surroundings. The touch controls are easy to use and there is support for multipoint audio and Fast Pair. The battery life is improved, with seven hours of use with ANC on and 11 hours with it off. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro are a great choice for Android users looking for premium earbuds.

Google Pixel Buds Pro review: Now this is better

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are noise-cancelling earbuds with Bluetooth Super Wide Band and Clear Calling. They have a sleek design, a semi-water resistant charging case, and comfortable fit. The buds offer a great Google Assistant experience and intuitive touch controls. The sound quality is balanced with a wide frequency range and impressive volume EQ. The active noise cancellation is effective, and the transparency mode is clear. The buds have practical battery life and quick charging times. The call quality is acceptable, and the connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth multipoint. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro are a great option for Android users looking for a top-notch Google Assistant experience.

Google Pixel Buds Pro review

The Google Pixel Buds Pro is tailored for Android phone owners, with features like active noise canceling (ANC), Google Assistant integration, and access to the Google Translate app. The buds have a comfortable fit but may come loose during activities. The touch controls are mostly intuitive, but some commands may be misfired. The Pixel Buds Pro app provides updates and limited customization options. The buds have a boosted bass and treble response, which may be too much for some genres. The ANC effectively cancels out low-frequency sounds. The battery life is good, lasting 7 hours with ANC on. The Pixel Buds Pro is comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but the latter has better ANC and codec support. Other alternatives include the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 and the Nothing Ear 2. iPhone owners may consider the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Earbud review: Google Pixel Buds Pro fall well short of their $200 price

The Google Pixel Buds Pro fall short of expectations for their $200 price. They only last 4-5 hours with ANC on, while cheaper alternatives like the Earfun Free Pro 2 and Tranya M10s offer longer battery life. Sound quality depends on personal fit and comfort, with some earbuds requiring constant adjustment for optimal sound. The Edifier Neobuds Pro and Soundcore Liberty Pro 3 have good sound but suffer from imperfect fit. The Creative Outlier Pro earbuds offer excellent sound, fit, and quality for under $90.

Google Pixel Buds Pro review: the sweet sound of redemption

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are a significant improvement over previous models, with better sound quality, longer battery life, and improved connectivity. The active noise cancellation is effective, although not as strong as competitors like Sony and Apple. The transparency mode is decent but not as natural as other earbuds. The design is chunkier but still comfortable, and the earbuds stay securely in place. The audio quality is good, although not on par with top-tier options. The Pixel Buds Pro have multipoint support and seamless switching between devices. The earbuds come with Google Assistant and will soon support spatial audio. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro are a solid choice for Pixel fans.

10 things I noticed after switching to Pixel Buds Pro

• Quick and easy setup with the Pixel Buds Pro.
• Personalized fit with eartip seal check during setup.
• Comfortable design for long hours of wear.

Google Pixel Buds Pro Review: Better Fit, Better Sound

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are wireless earbuds with a tapered design that provides a secure and comfortable fit. They have impressive sound quality and noise canceling capabilities. The buds are water-resistant and have a good battery life. They support multipoint Bluetooth pairing and have a touch control for volume. However, they lack support for certain audio codecs and some features are not available for Apple users. The Pixel Buds Pro are a good option for Android users looking for earbuds with a great fit and sound quality.