Inside the drawer of my desk resides an assortment of wired earbuds—an ever-growing collection that I cannot bring myself to discard, no matter how outdated they seem. Most of these earphones are remnants of a time before the age of Bluetooth domination, and though I have long since transitioned to primarily using wireless earbuds, typically my trusty AirPods Pro, there remains an undeniable comfort in the physical certainty of a cable. Occasionally, it feels deeply satisfying to simply connect a wire and experience uninterrupted audio without the sometimes aggravating unpredictability of wireless pairing or battery drains. However, there is one persistent shortcoming that continues to nag at me: the absence of active noise cancellation, commonly abbreviated as ANC.
Every once in a while, I find myself checking the latest developments in the realm of wired earbuds that incorporate ANC technology, only to end up consistently disappointed. The problem lies in the power requirement—ANC must be actively powered, and the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack cannot deliver the necessary current. Consequently, manufacturers have experimented with workarounds, such as integrating a small battery pack into the earbud cable or relying on external USB-C dongles equipped with their own power sources. Yet these solutions strip wired earphones of what has always been their purest advantage: complete independence from charging. The same principle applies when attempting to use Bluetooth over-ear headphones, initially designed for wireless use, in a wired configuration. Even when physically tethered, such devices still demand power for their sound-filtering features, and many refuse to operate at all once their internal battery inevitably depletes.
Then, in early September, Belkin introduced a device that closely aligned with what I had been seeking for years: the SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds with a USB-C connector, priced remarkably affordably at just under thirty dollars. I initially encountered these earbuds while attending IFA 2025, where I was able to preview them briefly. On that bustling show floor filled with constant chatter and ambient clamor, I found the earbuds to be surprisingly light, comfortable to wear, and capable of producing sound that seemed quite balanced for their range. Naturally, such chaotic conditions were hardly conducive to critical evaluation, so it was a pleasant surprise when Belkin later provided me with a pair to test in the quiet of my own environment.
Belkin’s SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds occupy an interesting middle ground. They do not provide the most sophisticated or world-class level of noise cancellation, but they manage to offer considerable convenience, impressive sound quality for their price range, and—perhaps most appealing of all—a promise never to run out of battery power. They deliver an enjoyably balanced listening experience, maintain comfortable ergonomics even with extended use, perform admirably in phone calls, and come at a price low enough to feel almost anachronistic in today’s tech market. At the same time, compromises must be acknowledged: the ANC performance is relatively modest, the cable amplifies even the smallest bumps into audible rustles, and these earbuds are only functional with devices that can transmit audio through a USB-C port.
My years of unwavering appreciation for Apple’s AirPods Pro—starting from the first iteration and continuing through the current AirPods Pro 3—have taught me that wireless convenience, while alluring, often comes at a cost. Even the most refined examples of Bluetooth technology can become temperamental, showing their age through diminished battery life, worn components, and the occasional infuriating firmware glitch. For months, my own AirPods Pro even misidentified themselves every time I opened their case, cheerfully declaring they were not mine, until a subsequent firmware update accompanying the AirPods Pro 3 release finally corrected their bizarre behavior. After years of enduring this kind of digital finickiness, there’s an undeniable relief in simply plugging something in and knowing it will work immediately—no recharging hassles, no pairing rituals, no mysterious software updates disrupting functionality. It’s pure, unmediated sound whenever I desire it.
When comparing the physical attributes, Belkin’s SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds may appear somewhat bulky—approximately the same size as AirPods Pro—but their lightness ensures they remain comfortable even over long listening sessions. They feature an IPX5 rating, signifying modest resistance to sweat and splashes, a sensible level of protection for daily use. By contrast, Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro carry IPX4 or IP54 certifications depending on the model’s charging port type—Lightning or USB-C. Belkin offers these SoundForm earbuds in standard black or white color options, and they use an intelligently designed flat cable that resists tangling and bends easily without twisting.
The soft silicone ear tips deserve particular praise. Compared to Apple’s versions, they stand up far better to the inevitable buildup of earwax (a detail that may be unpleasant to acknowledge but one many users will relate to). The earbuds arrive with three interchangeable pairs of tips, each easily replaceable thanks to their non-proprietary design—making it possible to use generic or third-party replacements if the included ones fail to deliver a secure fit.
That said, Belkin’s wired design introduces minor inconveniences. The inline control module—housing the buttons for volume adjustments, track playback, and the activation of sound modes—functions just as expected. However, changing equalizer presets requires pressing and holding both volume buttons simultaneously, a slightly awkward maneuver. The three EQ options include Bass Boost, a Balanced setting, and Belkin’s proprietary Signature Sound profile. Switching between ANC and Transparency Mode involves holding a side button, which feels less graceful than the capacitive squeeze gestures employed by AirPods Pro. These limitations are ultimately minor and easy to live with, especially once the desired EQ setting is chosen.
The key technical compromise lies in their reliance on a USB-C connection rather than a traditional analog 3.5mm plug. Consequently, these earbuds are incompatible with older or specialized devices such as legacy MP3 players or earlier gaming systems. I personally confirmed compatibility with my iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 6, both Apple silicon-based MacBooks, and my Nintendo Switch 2. However, there are caveats: the Switch 2’s Pro Controller supports headsets only through its 3.5mm audio jack, not the USB-C port, and the original Switch models—including the OLED version—offer no USB-C audio support either, much to my disappointment.
Despite those exceptions, the SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds work seamlessly with nearly all the modern devices I rely on daily. Nonetheless, the shift to USB-C raises concerns about long-term durability. Although the connector seems robustly crafted, repeated plugging and unplugging may gradually degrade its internal retention mechanism. For now, it shows no signs of fragility, but only time and continuous use will reveal how well Belkin’s engineering holds up.
Sonically speaking, Belkin has equipped these earbuds with 12mm drivers—a size that situates them neatly between Apple’s AirPods Pro generations. Of course, physical driver size alone is no guarantee of superior sound, especially for a product retailing at $30, but I found their acoustic performance honestly impressive. Their bass response is lively and energetic without artificial inflation, while midrange and treble frequencies emerge cleanly defined rather than metallic or muddy. Compared directly to the AirPods Pro 3, Belkin’s sound signature feels cooler and less bass-heavy. This difference, although noticeable, remains understandable given the price disparity between the two products.
At higher volumes—around the eighty-percent mark—the bass begins to lose some structural integrity, becoming softer and slightly fuzzy. Similarly, in recordings that demand strong detail retrieval, the earbuds reveal their budget nature. For example, on gravelly, lo-fi tracks, the earbuds amplify imperfections and make them appear unintentional. Their stereo imaging is intimate rather than expansive, confining most sound within the listener’s headspace. While that closeness can enhance quiet, emotional performances, it feels less suitable for more grandiose compositions. Additionally, the microphonic effect of the cable is pronounced: moving one’s head or brushing the wire can transmit unwanted noises into the ears, a phenomenon especially noticeable when the cable rubs against facial hair or clothing.
The ANC implementation is basic yet serviceable. It effectively suppresses low, consistent background sounds such as the hum of a desk fan, but struggles with complex or dynamic ambient noise. When walking near busy streets, the system quiets the surrounding world enough to make conversations and music enjoyable, though it is not strong enough to tame the interior roar of an airplane cabin. Voice-call quality, however, is commendable. During outdoor calls, my contacts reported hearing environmental sounds faintly but described my voice as consistently clear and intelligible. Turning ANC off rendered those external noises more intrusive but did not diminish vocal clarity significantly. Interestingly, my AirPods Pro 2 occasionally fail in precisely this respect, often muting or distorting speech during calls in windy conditions.
Over time, I found myself appreciating Belkin’s offering far more than I expected. These earbuds will never supplant my AirPods Pro 3 in everyday mobility, yet they became my preferred companion for specific contexts—especially while gaming on my Nintendo Switch 2 or working quietly on my MacBook. The physical connection, while lacking portability’s freedom, fosters a nostalgic sense of reliability—a delightful return to a period when headphones were universally compatible and functioned without hesitation. Though they cannot connect to legacy devices such as my PlayStation Vita or old iPod Nano, most of my modern electronics feature USB-C ports, ensuring widespread usability. I admit, I would have loved to see USB-C audio supported by the Switch 2 Pro Controller as an added surprise, but such convenience remains wishful thinking for now.
Ultimately, for anyone who misses the simplicity and reliability of wired listening, or who seeks a practical, affordable alternative to modern wireless earbuds without sacrificing too much of today’s convenience, Belkin’s SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds present an enticing proposition. They merge a touch of nostalgia with contemporary utility, offering dependable performance, solid voice quality, and perpetual readiness—not once will you have to check a battery indicator. Priced comfortably below thirty dollars, they are a testament to how far accessible audio technology has come. The Belkin SoundForm ANC Wired Earbuds (USB-C) officially release on October 17 through Belkin’s own store, followed soon after by availability on Amazon.
Sourse: https://gizmodo.com/belkins-soundform-anc-wired-earbuds-sound-decent-but-theyre-no-threat-to-airpods-2000654232
