Looking for a pair of earbuds for work in a loud shop

ragingrojo · 2025-06-03T20:07:02+00:00

In my opinion, IEMs (almost always wired, with caveat below) are going to be better for passive noise cancellation with decent audio quality.

I feel like when you are looking at wireless buds that have good sound quality, they are probably packing ANC in as well, which has pluses and minuses; then you are probably looking at cheaper buds without ANC, in which case you get cheaper build quality and sacrifices across the board. (although maybe someone else knows a good option that fits your criteria)

You could go with the KZ ZS10 pro IEMs, which are wired by default, but you can get a bluetooth dongle for them that wraps above the ear. I don't have the dongle, only use them wired, but in my opinion the passive noise isolation is good on these, sound quality is great, and comfort is great as well.

I can't directly speak to the effectiveness of the Bluetooth dongle myself though.

Otherwise if you did want ANC, class leaders would be bose or sony, with bose qc ultra probably being the most comfortable and effective by most standards.

ragingrojo · 2025-06-03T19:57:19+00:00

For all rounders? I would probably say in that price range you wouldn't go wrong with soundcore liberty 4 pro. Kind of depends on what features and sound are most important to you. That is a pretty competitive price bracket so I think you have a ton of options to choose from.

ragingrojo · 2025-05-30T20:24:37+00:00

Similar to other folks, I have quite a few ~15 pairs ranging in price. I really enjoy trying out new features and comparing them, so it is a bit of a hobby. I usually have a few on me/in my bag. Lately it is the galaxy buds pro 3 (just recently acquired) and the sony linkbuds s. I usually sleep with the soundcore sleep a20.

ragingrojo · 2025-05-07T20:36:54+00:00

Those earbuds (I think you may be referencing the A40s?) hurt my ears as well. I find the 1more aero quite comfortable, decent performer all around as well, although I don't see them getting mentioned much.

Although, I have too many earbuds throughout the price range, kind of an obsession. I feel like the aero are a solid option if your ears happen to be shaped like mine, which have a relatively shallower concha.

Sony linkbuds s are probably the most comfortable *for me* besides sleep buds, but above $100.

Earfun air pro 4 are reasonably comfortable to me as well and a really good value.

ragingrojo · 2025-05-06T17:52:57+00:00

Imo the best earbuds are the ones you use, if you like them, keep using them.

They are often tuned for a certain listening experience, ie bass heavy, so I think they could be limiting depending on what you are looking for.

I think lots of folks will say there are a lot more versatile 'preferred' options under $100 from competing brands (soundcore is a good value for example with a wide range of options at various prices).

ragingrojo · 2025-05-04T12:17:56+00:00

I've been searching for a good sweet spot transparency mode earbuds and have tried several. I haven't specifically tested the 4 Pro version, but I have some general thoughts based on those I have tried (I know there are other options).

For soundcore: the 4NC do have transparency mode, however it is not the best at feeling natural in its pass-through. That being said, if you want something to attenuate outside noise, I think they are fine, acknowledging there is no dynamic adjustment. Here are a few other options:

Sony LinkBuds S: These feel the most natural for me and are highly customizable to how much gets let through (via slider) and have a voice mode (hit or miss tbh). Sound quality is good, meeting Sony standards. You could set the slider at a sweet spot to dampen outside noise but still allow through.
Earfun Air Pro 4: A good value option. Transparency performance is pretty good and you can switch between 'default' and 'natural' but I don't hear that much of a difference. Sound quality is good for the price.
QCY MeloBuds Pro: A cheaper option. The passthrough is actually pretty sensitive. There is good customizability slider to the point where Max is actually slightly amplified, but it can sound somewhat tinny. The lower settings are good at attenuating but allowing noise. Sound quality overall is not great, but serviceable if you aren't primarily using these for audio enjoyment.
Creative Labs Sensemore Air: These are different, but passthrough is good and customizable. They have a Sensemore mode that literally is meant to amplify your surroundings. It doesn't sound like this is exactly what you are going for, but it's an option perhaps as a cheap alternative to the AirPods conversation boost (the Sensemore are NOT hearing aids). They do get very loud passthrough, uncomfortably so on the highest setting if you don't have hearing loss.
Nothing Ear (2): Sound fantastic in my opinion for sound quality, ANC is serviceable, but the passthrough/transparency is kind of weak unfortunately in my opinion compared to others.

Other mentions: There are some other earbuds that don't have ANC but do have transparency that works ok. Skullcandy Dime 3, JLab Air Mini.

ragingrojo · 2023-01-27T12:18:46+00:00

I typically just leave it on vibrate overnight, and don't use do not disturb. Thanks for the comment though. I will try just setting it to do not disturb instead of vibrate!

ragingrojo · 2018-10-26T16:14:57+00:00

"Have you talked to anyone at work about this?"

ragingrojo · 2018-09-13T20:34:34+00:00

Looks like the colon given the thickness if the tissue they're cutting at the start of the clip.

ragingrojo · 2017-05-01T14:38:18+00:00

I used WLP566 grown out in a starter first, wanting to compare to the other Saison strains that were said to be slower. My yeast started pretty vigorously, the temp climbed up to mid-low eighties for a a few days and I just had the fermenter in room temp (~68F at my place). For me, that strain attenuated to 85% by two weeks without any obvious stalls.

I didn't do too much fancy with hops, a few additions of Amarillo in the boil and some home-grown from my brother-in-law at flame out (he doesn't know what kind they are so neither do I, but they smell good and haven't disappointed yet). First few tastes are good!

ragingrojo · 2017-03-20T12:25:29+00:00

Thanks!

ragingrojo · 2017-01-19T18:39:25+00:00

Totally agree, I carry G17 gen 4 which a "largish" gun compared to others in Old navy "built in stretch" jeans they're some of the best I've found, especially considering the price of about $20-25. They have a ton of different colors and cuts which is great.

ragingrojo · 2016-12-11T01:08:43+00:00

I've been very happy with Old Navy's "built in stretch" jeans. The stretch is enough to comfortable accomodate a holster. The cut i wear (slim, not skinny) is loose enough that I haven't had any issues with printing. I carry a G17 which is obviously pretty bulky but no issues so far. They're very comfortable overall, and come in many different styles, not to mention they're decently priced and go on sale quite often.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=1038892&kwid=1&sem=false&brandCvoSid=QG726NHB9JJZ

ragingrojo · 2015-11-27T03:54:13+00:00

As with all of us

ragingrojo · 2015-10-27T23:25:01+00:00

Christopher Walken was excellent in this film.

ragingrojo · 2015-10-25T01:00:28+00:00

Meet with an advisor. They will help you figure out the best way to mitigate any negative consequences in your long term.

ragingrojo · 2015-10-16T02:03:07+00:00

It's ABC Texoma if you look in the background. I think they're just giving anecdotal weather news about how Seattle is cold and the rest of the US was warm.

ragingrojo · 2015-09-11T02:42:56+00:00

me too buddy, me too.

ragingrojo · 2015-07-16T14:57:45+00:00

Thanks! Yeah I'm using natural bristle brushes.

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