PistonBuds Pro Q30

So I picked up the **ROSE Ceramics MK2** out of curiosity because I kept seeing people mention “ceramic shells” and I thought it was just another gimmick. Tried it for about a week during commuting, gaming, and work, and… honestly? It’s way better than I expected for the price bracket. **Sound (vs Soundcore P3 / Earfun Air Pro 3 / QCY T13 Pro)** Most buds under $50 lean heavy V-shape: bloated bass, sharp vocals, annoying treble spikes. The MK2 is different — it’s warm, smooth, and easy to listen to. No shouty mids, no piercing highs. Bass is present but controlled. Definitely not as bassy as P3, but much more balanced and way less fatiguing. Earfun Air Pro 3 has more clarity, but it also gets sharp sometimes; MK2 stays relaxed. **Comfort & Build (vs 1More PistonBuds Pro / QCY HT05)** The ceramic shell is the first thing that stood out. It feels premium and weirdly “cool to the touch.” Fit is lighter and more comfortable than the PistonBuds Pro — zero pressure buildup for me. Weight is surprisingly low for something ceramic (5g each). I wore it for a 3-hour train ride without needing to adjust. **Battery & ANC** Specs say 12h per charge + 45h total. I got around 10–10.5h with mixed AAC/LDAC use, which is still way above most budget buds (P3 gives \~7h, HT05 around 6–7h). ANC isn’t “flagship strong,” but definitely better than QCY and 1More’s budget line. Good enough for subway rumble. **Latency / Gaming mode** Gaming mode actually works. Not zero-lag, but noticeably better than P3 and most QCY models. You can play MLBB / CODM without insane delay. **Price-to-performance** For anyone who wants: * chill warm tuning * long battery life * comfy fit * LDAC support * decent ANC * sub-$50 price The MK2 hits that sweet spot surprisingly well. It doesn’t try too hard, but it also doesn’t feel cheap in any way. **Final thoughts** If you’re looking for heavier bass → Soundcore P3 still wins. If you want brighter, more technical sound → Earfun Air Pro 3. If you want maximum comfort + warm tuning + long battery + good value → **ROSE Ceramics MK2 is honestly underrated.** Didn’t expect to like it, but it’s staying in my backpack as my new daily TWS. https://preview.redd.it/c2gwhqa7yq3g1.png?width=540&format=png&auto=webp&s=8f115bba4da57940c96f7cb247686fd3d049a731 https://preview.redd.it/vrz4ofs7yq3g1.png?width=540&format=png&auto=webp&s=d8b6986bc28fea9f4d9fb1a205fb10c73f6c3146

So I have problems with tinnitus and sensory issues on top of that and noise cancelling headphones usually help with both but while Im working I cant hear my boss or customers so Im looking for a pair of earbuds and a pair of over-ears with good smart transparency for under $150 so I can hear people and not be miserable. Im not looking for the best or anything I just need a sturdy pair that’ll last the day while I do manual labor. Currently I use Soundcore Q20i, I love the way they fit and the noise cancelling setting but they lack smart transparency. So I’m considering just upgrading to the Q30 but I wanna know if there’s better options for close to the same price. For earbuds I need them to hang on to my ear, I’ll lose my mind if I have to pick my earbud up out of the dirt with my dirty hands T-T

kinda went through the same search last year. ended up with the Sony WH-CH720N - they're light, sound is solid for music, and the mic works fine for zoom. under $120 usually. another buddy swears by Anker Soundcore Q30 if you want something even cheaper with good noise cancellation.

I use the soundcore Q30s. Paid like 100$ for them. Quite affordable compared to Bose and the likes. Been using them for a year and have been happy with them

I started the same as you with purchasing the Zero 2. This was my first iem purchase and later returned them because I thought the sound was terrible. Of course I didn't know any better and should have tried other tips to get a good seal. Yea I've had iems before the Zero 2, like the 1More Quad Driver which came with multiple tip options, but it wasn't until I spent so much time in this sub that I learned of the importance of getting that seal. I also got the Rock Lobster early this year and enjoy them when I'm in a rock listening mood. Love the design and they're a good beater set in my collection.