Battery Life
One of the highlights of the 3ANC is its battery life. The earphones can be used for up to nine hours, and I managed to get eight and a half hours of playback with my Android 13 phone. The charging case charges the buds up to three times, and I found the total time of 23-24 hours to be in line with industry standards. However, the 8h-9h single charge is above the industry standard these days, and it’s nice to see that the 3ANC’s larger-than-average shells have been put to good use. The case fully charges in under an hour and a half and supports both wired and wireless USB-C charging. My Qi-certified pad charged it in about two and a half hours, but yours may charge faster depending on the wattage.
Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Modes
Noise cancellation is average compared to premium alternatives such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen. The 3ANC focuses mainly on low-frequency attenuation, reducing frequencies such as airplane or bus hum. The mid-frequency attenuation is not as good as the low-frequency attenuation, but it still offers some ANC, which is always welcome. The tips supplied do not help with passive isolation as they are thin; switching to thicker silicone tips with longer stems, such as double flanges, improves both ANC and passive isolation.
Call Quality
The Between 3ANC is equipped with six beamforming microphones that feature environmental noise reduction technology. I conducted several call quality tests and found that the microphones effectively deliver your voice to the receiving end in quieter environments. In noisier surroundings, while the earphones still managed to capture and convey the speaker’s voice, they also picked up some background noise during speech. However, when the user is silent, the earbuds effectively suppress most ambient sound. Despite some room for improvement in noise handling, the call quality provided by the 3ANC is good.
Sound & Performance
The Status Between 3ANC earphones feature three different sound signatures that can be selected in the app, each with its own unique characteristics. The following sections describe each signature in detail.
Status Signature
The Status Signature preset is designed for those who enjoy a vibrant and dynamic listening experience. It’s a V-shaped sound profile that emphasizes bass and treble, delivering a robust bass impact and lively treble that adds a sense of excitement to any track. With ANC on, there’s a noticeable dip in the mid-bass, which cleans up the sound slightly. It’s important to note that this review is based on firmware version 1.7.
The bass here is substantial, with the punch and rumble that bass fans will appreciate, although it can sometimes overshadow the mids. The mids, although a little recessed, retain their clarity but can become congested with complex tracks. The treble, while energetic, tends to be on the lean side. Of the three presets, the Status Signature strikes the best balance between tonality and technical prowess, particularly with electronic music, where synthetic sounds dominate. While the 3ANC may not deliver the most accurate instrumental tonality compared to its peers, it excels at providing an enjoyable and engaging experience with electronic genres.
Status Audiophile
The Status Audiophile preset dials back the bass and treble for a more balanced and natural sound. The upper mids and treble take a step back, resulting in a sound profile that’s less vibrant but more faithful to the original recording. It’s not advisable to activate ANC with this preset, however, as it will significantly reduce the mid-range and bass, resulting in a leaner and noticeably less dynamic sound. This preset is best suited to quieter environments and genres such as jazz and blues, where it allows the natural timbre and less aggressive sound to shine through, providing a less colorful and more accurate listening experience.
Original Between Pro
The Original Between Pro preset amplifies the upper mids, resulting in a sound that can be overly aggressive and metallic, which may not be comfortable for all listeners. This setting is prone to congestion and can feel dynamically compressed, making it less suitable for a wide range of genres, especially complex genres where multiple instruments are competing for stage space. Audiophiles who are sensitive to treble or prefer a more relaxed listening experience may find this preset tiresome. Personally, I would not recommend this preset.
Comparison
vs. FiiO FW3 ($99 USD)
The Status Between 3ANC earphones offers a customizable sound with three different sound signatures.
The FiiO FW3, with its single dynamic driver, offers a sound that is tonally more balanced across the frequency spectrum, with a slight warmth that makes for a coherent and engaging listening experience. The bass is present but not overpowering and maintains a good balance with the midrange. The treble is smooth and well extended, avoiding sibilance and harshness.
Comparing the two, the Status Between 3ANC’s ability to adjust the sound profile allows for a more personalized listening experience, especially for those with specific preferences for different frequency ranges. The FiiO FW3, while less customizable, offers a reliable and balanced sound that will satisfy most audiophiles without the need for additional tweaking. The FW3’s sonic signature is well suited to a wide range of musical genres, offering a full and dynamic presentation that is both engaging and comfortable for extended listening sessions.
When it comes to comfort and build quality, I prefer the Status 3ANC as it feels much more premium and penetrates deeper into my ear. It also has an ANC mode to help with ambient noise.
Last Words
The 3ANC stands out with its sleek design and impressive battery life, making it a stylish accessory for daily use and long commutes. However, when it comes to the core audio experience and ANC capabilities, it doesn’t quite eclipse the competition, especially at its current price point.
Nonetheless, Between 3ANC is a decent option for those prioritizing style and battery life over sound quality and ANC. It’s a step in the right direction for Status Audio, and it is a clear indication that the company is attentive to trends and user preferences and, with further refinement, could be a harbinger of more sophisticated offerings in the future.
Pros
+ Aesthetic design
+ Great material quality
+ Lightweight build
+ Great single-run battery life (8-9h)
Cons
– Pricing could be more competitive
– ANC could be better
– Limited codec support
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
Elude
I’ve been using my earfun free 2S for almost 3yrs now, mine ipx7,aptxCodec,low latency game mode etc..what I’m saying is the batt just awesome for almost 3yrs..Peace!
Steve Hooper
I found the battery life with the Between Pro earbuds not as advertised. Status response was that the advertised battery life is only in production test lab settings. I have lost 38% of battery life in 6 months. Status says this is acceptable. At this rate, my battery life will be down to three hours before the warranty expires. This is unacceptable, even though I think they sound amazing.