Status Between 3ANC Review

Today, we’re looking at the new $199 USD Between 3ANC True Wireless IEMs from Status.

Disclaimer: Status sent us the Between 3ANC TWS for this review, free of charge. As always, I am here to talk about my honest experience with the product.

Status Audio

Status Audio was established in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, NY, in 2014. Founded by James Bertuzzi, the company has carved out a niche in the crowded audio space with a philosophy that cuts through the noise: simplicity paired with high-quality craftsmanship. Each product, marked only by a discreet laser-etched code, speaks to a commitment to audio performance without distraction, ensuring that the listener’s experience remains the focal point. Today, we have their frontrunner, the Between 3ANC.

Between 3ANC

Between 3ANC, the latest TWS earphones from Status Audio prioritize what matters most regarding portable audio: clear sound and active noise cancellation. These earphones feature a triple-driver configuration (1DD+2BA) for detailed audio reproduction and offer noise-canceling capabilities to help you with the noise of the everyday hustle. With practical additions like wireless charging and a companion app to tailor your experience, the Between 3ANC is built to fit your daily life. Let’s see how it performs together!

Specs & Highlights

• x2 Balanced Armature + 10mm Dynamic Driver
• x3 Beamforming Microphones (per side)
• ANC Mode / Transparency Mode
• Bluetooth 5.2 AAC, SBC Codecs + Multipoint Connectivity
• Wireless Charging Storage Case
• Battery Life ANC On 7-8h | ANC Off 10-12h + Charging Case (23-24h in total)
• App Support & EQ via Between 3ANC Application on iOS & Android
• Faceplates with Touch Controls + IPX5 Waterproof Rating

Packaging & Accessories

Between 3ANC comes in a very stylish and compact box. The outside of the box is simple, with an illustration of the earphones and no text. The model name is written on both sides of the outer sleeve. When we remove the outer sleeve and look inside the box, we are greeted by a simple and elegant inner design. The model name, brand, and color of the headset are embossed on the black inner box.

Upon opening the box, the Between 3ANC sits firmly in its foam compartment. Just below this is a box of accessories. In total, there are three different sizes of fitwings, three different sizes of silicone ear tips, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. The unboxing experience is fairly straightforward and uncluttered, which was a nice touch. In addition to the accessories, the box also contains a user manual and an information card. The info card has warranty information and a thank you section. I like the build quality of the silicone ear tips and the fitwings. They’re smooth and easy on the skin.

Design, Build & Fit

The Status Between 3ANC earphones sport a distinctive rectangular shape, with the lower half of the stem encased in a metallic shell. The review model, in ‘Bone’ color, features a matte ivory finish that looks elegant and chic. This finish is practical as well, effectively repelling fingerprints and sweat.p

In terms of comfort, these earphones sit reasonably well in the ear. Their light construction is complemented by an assortment of ear tips and ‘fitwings’ designed to enhance stability and ensure an optimal fit for the wearer. However, it’s worth noting that they protrude more noticeably from the ears compared to more traditional in-ear designs, such as the 1More’s Evo or Apple’s AirPods.

The controls are placed at the top of the earphones (physical) and on the touch-sensitive faceplates, allowing for adjustments without messing with the seal. This design choice, however, contributes to a larger outer shell compared to many competitors. Despite their relatively large size, the earphones remain secure, thanks to the fitwings and the long nozzle. Yet, during intense activities or rapid head movements, there may be a need for occasional readjustment, as the earphones can give the impression they might slip out, a sensation attributable to their unique design.

The carrying case matches the finish of the earphones perfectly. Another big plus is that this case supports wireless charging. As for indicators, there are three LED lights on the front and a reset button on the back. I also liked the build quality of the case, as its material quality and overall aesthetic are pretty good. It is easily pocketable as well.

Overall, I liked the non-standard design and decent fit. The silicone material of the fitwings and ear tips is also soft and smooth against the skin, adding to the overall comfort. Also, IPX5-rated earphones are always welcome, but I’m not sure how the dual armatures in the nozzle will react to water or sweat when directly exposed.

Controls

Status Between 3ANC earphones feature a dual control scheme that combines physical buttons and touch-sensitive faceplates. Each earphone has a physical button on the top of the shell for specific commands, while the shell itself is touch-sensitive for additional functionality. It’s important to handle the earphones with care when using the physical buttons; applying too much pressure can disrupt the seal. Also, precision is key with the touch controls – a quick double-tap is required to distinguish them from a single tap.

The earphones provide helpful auditory cues: voice prompts indicate the status of ANC, ambient sound, volume levels, device connection, and power. There are also clear chimes for activating ANC or ambient sound and beeps for play or pause actions. However, there’s no audio feedback for navigating tracks. Also, the auditory cues are spoken in perfect English, which I encounter less and less in the market despite being an important detail.

As for the physical button, a single tap switches between ANC and transparency mode. A double tap calls up the phone’s voice assistant, while a triple tap gives you a battery update. A long press turns the earphones on or off.

The touch controls differ depending on which side you are using. On the left earphone, a single tap controls audio playback, a double tap rewinds tracks and handles call functions, and a long press lowers the volume or rejects calls. The right side mirrors these controls for playback and call management but allows you to skip forward with a double tap and increase the volume with a long press.

Navigating these controls can take some getting used to, but once you have, they offer a comprehensive way to manage your listening experience without having to reach for your device.

Connection Stability & App Support

Status Between 3ANC earphones utilize Bluetooth 5.2. However, the company hasn’t disclosed which chipset is used. The earphones paired up quickly with all the devices we tested and maintained a stable connection without any noticeable dropouts or problems.

The Between 3ANC’s codec support is limited to SBC and AAC. This is somewhat disappointing for the price, as those looking for high-res audio will often expect a wider range of codecs, such as aptX Adaptive or LDAC, which are absent here.

The companion app is available for both Android and iOS and is straightforward in its functionality. It shows the battery level for each earphone, allows you to toggle between ANC and transparency mode, and makes it easy to update the firmware over the air. The app also offers a ‘Sound Mode’ with three pre-sets and a customizable 8-band EQ for personalized sound adjustments. We’ll talk more about the Sound Mode in the Sound section on page two.

In terms of latency, there was little to no delay during YouTube video playback on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-equipped Android phone. However, during gaming, the latency is easily noticeable. On iOS, where AAC is the only codec option, the latency was OK on apps like Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. However, the latency was noticeable during gaming.

The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: Status Audio, Between 3ANC, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build & Fit, Controls, Connection Stability & App Support

Page 2: Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Modes, Call Quality, Sound & Performance, Comparison, Last Words