At $199, the Status Between 3ANC Wireless Earbuds enter a highly competitive market with the promise of advanced features and superior sound. However, upon closer examination, they reveal a mix of commendable efforts and significant shortcomings.
Catching the eye
The earbuds’ design is a double-edged sword. While their unique aesthetic in Bone and Onyx variants is visually appealing, the bulkiness could be a deterrent, particularly for those with smaller ears. With my larger ears, however, I found they looked just fine and the included ear tips helped me to find the perfect fit.
Not one, not two, but three drivers
At the heart of the Status Between 3ANC is the Hybrid Triple Driver system, which combines a dynamic driver with two balanced armature drivers. This setup delivers a sound profile characterized by deep bass and detailed highs. The sound quality has the power but lacks the nuance you’d find in competing products from Sony and Apple. The accompanying app, compatible with both iOS and Android, offers customizable EQ settings, which is a welcome feature.
ANC struggles
The earbuds feature a -38db Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) system, which, while impressive on paper, falls short of the performance delivered by competitors like Sony and Bose. The transparency mode, however, is a useful addition, allowing users to engage with their surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Go long
One of the standout features of the 3ANC is its battery life, offering eight hours of playback with ANC on and 12 hours with it off. The inclusion of a charging case, USB-C charging, and wireless charging options adds to the convenience. Bluetooth 5.2 and Multipoint Connectivity ensure a stable and versatile wireless connection.
The six beamforming microphones with Environmental Noise Reduction (ENR) promise stellar call quality, a claim that holds up for the most part.
A tough market
Priced at $199, the Between 3ANC earbuds sit in a competitive market segment. While they offer several high-end features and a premium feel, their performance in ANC and sound quality may not fully justify the price, especially when compared to alternatives like the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5.
Final Verdict
The Status Between 3ANC Wireless Earbuds are a classic case of style over substance. While they may appeal to users prioritizing aesthetics and battery life, those seeking top-notch sound quality and effective noise cancellation will find them lacking. If the price drops (again), separating them further from the heavy-hitting $200 competition, I would find it much easier to recommend them.
UPDATE: At the time of writing (November 19), the Status Between 3ANC is currently available for $139. This sale price runs through to December 1.
Disclosure: Between 3ANC earphones review sample provided by Status.
Positives and Negatives
-
Unique aesthetic.
-
Powerful sound.
-
In-app EQ works well.
-
Great battery life.
-
Size could be an issue for those with smaller ears.
-
ANC is poor.
-
High price point.
