The QCY MeloBuds Pro (QCY HT08) is an upgraded version of the QCY HT05, which adds a lot of features usually only seen in more expensive products, such as LDAC codec, multipoint connection, adaptive ANC and wear detection.
- $48 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US or other Amazon countries
Appearance Design & Comfort Fit
The QCY MeloBuds Pro charging case has a pebble-like flat shape, and the overall shape is very round and compact. There is the QCY logo and LED indicator on the front. A USB-C port and a pairing button at the bottom. The charging case is the same shape as the QCY Ailybuds Pro+, but wider – if you like mini lightweight and semi-in-ear, you can choose the lower-priced Ailybuds Pro+.
QCY MeloBuds Pro has a similar appearance and outline to Ailybuds Pro+, and looks much better than QCY HT05. The MeloBuds Pro earbuds are made of ABS+PC material, and the outside of the earbud-stem is electroplated mirror decoration, which is more design-oriented. There is a runway-shaped tuning hole on the top of the earbud cavity, and covered with a silver metal mesh. There is an LED indicator on the top of the earbud-stem to show the connection status of the earbuds.
There is good support between the earbud cavity and the eartip, and it does not put pressure on the ear canal – so you can get good comfort and stability. Plus, it comes with three pairs of eartips of different sizes to accommodate users with different ear canal sizes. The IPX5 rating makes them fine for workout and outdoor sports use.
Connection & App Support
The MeloBuds Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which has higher connection stability and lower power consumption. In the factory state, the indicator light on the earbud flashes white, and you can quickly connect by selecting “QCY MeloBuds Pro” in the bluetooth list of your phone. When you use it again, open the lid to automatically connect to the successfully paired bluetooth device.
Also, the QCY MeloBuds Pro support multipoint connection and can connect mobile phone and computer at the same time. The only downside is that you have to turn off LDAC.
QCY MeloBuds Pro supports QCY App for Android and iOS – after installing and opening the App, it will automatically connect to the earbuds. The app is mainly divided into view earbuds status, sound and basic function settings. On the status page, you can view the power information of the left and right earbuds, but the power of the charging case will not be displayed.
The sound settings mainly include sound effect, 5 noise cancelling modes and transparency mode. There are 7 preset EQs and 10 frequency customizations (31Hz to 16000Hz) in the app. Plus, there are normal mode (ANC OFF), gaming mode, sleeping mode, dual device connection, find headset, wear detection and control customize in the app.
Battery Life & Calls & Gaming & Controls
The MeloBuds Pro also has a dedicated low-latency game mode you can activate from the Android and iPhone app or earbuds. This helps to synchronize the sound effects with the action on your screen.
The battery capacity of the charging case is 350mAh, and the earbuds is 35mAh. The single battery life after turn off the ANC mode is up to 8 hours, and the total battery life is up to 34 hours. When turn on the ANC mode is about 7 hours.
The phone call perform is convincing. They pick up your voice clearly and loudly, and reduces noises around you very well. The only weak point is wind noise – even with the anti-wind noise mode turned on, there is a lot of wind noise entering the ears.
The MeloBuds Pro uses touch gestures, supporting single-tap, double-tap, tri-tap and long press – customized in the app. When single-tap or double-tap, the earbuds will not bring too obvious stethoscope effect. And the wear detection is very sensitive – after putting on the earbud, the music will continue to play.
After the wear detection is turned on, you can choose to take off one earbud to pause the playback or use both earbuds. Plus, after turning on the ANC mode, take off the earbuds to turn off the noise cancelling, and put them on to turn it on – you can turn it off in the app.
ANC Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode
QCY MeloBuds Pro has 5 noise cancelling modes: adaptive noise cancelling, indoor, commuting, outdoor, anti-wind noise. The first three modes have 3-level of noise cancelling intensity to choose from, so as to adapt to more comprehensive usage scenarios.
After turning on adaptive ANC mode, it will automatically detect the wearing method and the fit of the earbuds to the ear canal, achieving a maximum noise cancelling depth of 46dB in the range of 20Hz-2500Hz. The MeloBuds Pro can eliminate common environmental noises in life, such as the sound of mechanical keyboards, air conditioning noise, and colleagues’ voices.
The transparency mode has 6 intensity levels and vocal enhancement. The vocal enhancement is good for close conversations, but conversations further away might need level 5 or 6. I would recommend level 4, as below this you’ll really struggle to make anything out.
Overall, at this price rang, it’s slightly inferior to better mid-range options like the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and OPPO Enco Air4 Pro, but outperforms the FIIL Key Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
$56 – Realme Buds Air 5 Pro review
$56 – OPPO Enco Air4 Pro review
$58 – FIIL Key Pro review
$50 – Redmi Buds 5 Pro review
Sound Description of QCY MeloBuds Pro
The QCY MeloBuds Pro earbuds has a built-in 12mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver, support SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs, and passed Hi-Res Wireless certification.
The low frequency quantity is moderate, with good extension and elasticity, but the atmosphere is a little lacking. The vocals are just the right distance, with enough extension and power to make you feel their presence.
The midrange has good power, clarity and resolution. Plus, the vocals and instrument details are restored to a high degree, and both male and female voices can be presented clearly. However, the male vocals sounding a little thin by comparison with female.
The treble is a bit muffled, and the extension is not as good as the QCY HT05 – but I think the overall sound quality is well balanced.
Note that the QCY MeloBuds Pro is equipped with spatial audio capabilities, but not available in LDAC mode. When it is turned on, I can sense the depth, but the vocals become distant.
Conclusion & Specs
For the price, the QCY MeloBuds Pro are undoubtedly the most comprehensive choice on the market right now. I was very pleasantly surprised by their features, most of which are well implemented. Plus, they also do all the basic functions very well. Even with some minor issues, they are still great value for money.
QCY MeloBuds Pro/QCY HT08 specs and features:
- Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC/LDAC codec
- 7 – 8 hours playback of per charge (ANC on/off)
- Charging case can charge earbuds fully 3 times
- IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat resistant)
- Comes with 3 sets of eartips, USB-C cable, user manual
- $48 – Check latest price on AliExpress, Amazon US or other Amazon countries