Gadgets
OneOdio Focus A10: Making ANC accessible
We take a look at these headphones that make active noise cancellation technology affordable.
There are a lot of elements you look for when searching for new headphones. Whether it be ease of use, comfort, or sound fidelity. There are always plenty of colors and options to fit the wallet, but when it comes to Active Noise Cancellation, we know it adds a little extra to the price tag. Finding headphones that cost less than $100 and feature this technology is something that sounds suspiciously wonderful. OneOdio has those headphones that promise Hi-Res audio, Active Noise Cancelling, hybrid connectivity, and more with the Focus A10.
Specifications
Let’s start with its specifications
What’s in the box and design
From the moment we open the box, we find a great feature for headphones of this type: a case. While we’ve come across some headphones that come completely on their own or with a pouch, here we appreciate that it comes with a solid case that allows us to store it when we’re on the go. Upon opening the case, we find OneOdio’s Focus A10, which folds up for a better fit, as well as its USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable.
The ear cups have a soft, cushioned cover for your ears. On the right side, we find the volume buttons, the auxiliary input, and the power button, which lets us control the music and answer calls. On the left, we find the USB-C charging port and the audio mute button.
Sound quality
One of the big surprises is the quality of these headphones. A quick test revealed a good balance between bass and treble, with the feeling that nothing is overly saturated. Unlike many other wireless headphones, the lack of an app to play with the equalizer is a minor flaw, but it is understandable knowing that these are budget headphones.
Is the noise reduction any good?
While the sound quality is pretty good for what you’re paying, the real question comes in the Active Noise Cancellation section. It actually does a good job in this area, although you shouldn’t expect too much. While it does a good job of reducing low and mid-frequency noise, higher-frequency sounds still get through, albeit not as loudly.
In everyday situations like working from home, I barely noticed the neighbors going in and out of their apartment, or walking around the neighborhood, it made many of the everyday sounds less noticeable. You really do get what you pay for. When you’re listening to music, the situation improves and it’s not bad, but again, it doesn’t cover all aspects as well.
Battery life
With an 800 mAh battery and a battery life of 25 hours with Bluetooth and ANS, I’d say that’s pretty good, considering those are the roughest uses. Using Bluetooth with the ANC off, you can extend it to 45 hours, which isn’t bad at all, as it’s perfect for extended use without really having to worry about how much longer the battery will last.
The Verdict
It’s clear that with many technologies, you get what you pay for, but you may be in for some surprises. While the main attraction of the OneOdio Focus A10 is its Active Noise Cancelling, we can say that it’s not all bad, although it could always be better. When you take into account the incredible battery life and very well-balanced audio, we can consider it as a product to consider if the budget is limited.