Note: Soundly readers get 10% off QuietOn at this link
As I write this review, I’m in a busy coffee shop, and the banging and clanging of dishes around me is non-existent. That’s because I’m wearing QuietOn 3.1.
QuietOn is the smallest active noise cancellation (ANC) device on the market.
QuietOn’s real focus is all about sleep. The tiny form factor is designed for side sleepers who don’t want a piece of plastic protruding from their ears (looking at you AirPods).
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
Featured in this article
Unboxing and Setup
QuietOn is Almost shockingly simple. The device does not connect to Bluetooth; it does not stream music, and it doesn’t even have buttons.
Pull the tiny buds from their portable recharging case and place them in your ears. The devices allow sound to pass through for 25 seconds before ANC kicks in.
This delay is a nice touch because it gives you a clear sense of the difference between passive and active noise cancellation.
Once the noise cancellation begins, you’ll know! These buds are small but very powerful. QuietOn 3.1 blocks out significantly more noise than my AirPods Pro, and the devices are less than half the size.
QuietOn 3.1 comes with a simple little recharging carry case. The case uses a standard micro USB cord and can recharge your devices fully in about 2 hours.
Each charge gives you 28 hours of nonstop noise cancellation.
Comfort and Side Sleeping
QuietOn 3.1 comes with three ear tips to fit different size ear canals (small medium, and large). The ear tips are foam vs. the rubber you find on AirPods. I found the fit was snug and gave my ears a “full” but comfortable feeling. The foam tips do an impressive job sealing up the ear to prevent sound leaks.
Comfort is significant for side sleepers, and this is where QuietOn shines. The tiny device sits flush with my ear canal, which makes the device practically unnoticeable while laying on most pillows.
Drawbacks?
The biggest drawback for QuietOn is also its greatest strength. This device doesn’t do anything other than active noise cancellation. For the price, you could get a wireless earbud with lots of capabilities. But, for many people, a device that perfectly does one job is just the ticket.
The only other complaint I have is that the earbuds don’t magnetically snap back into place. Instead, they use port-charging units and click into place more firmly when you close the lid. Pretty minor complaint but AirPods and other premium buds have me spoiled.
Purchase And Returns
QuietOn offers free returns for 30 days, and occasional discounts. Soundly readers can use this link to get 10% off QuietOn devices.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review. If you have questions or thoughts, I’d love to hear from you at hello@soundly.com.
