Tribit QuietPlus 81 overview: low cost ANC headphones with just a few too many flaws

Tribit QuietPlus 81: overview

In the event you’re searching for an ultra-cheap pair of noise cancelling headphones, the Tribit QuietPlus 81 look like a really tempting possibility certainly. With a listing worth of simply $49.99 / £49.99 (about AU$75), they pack lots in – ANC, a ton of playtime, and a neat, foldable design. However are they actually price testing?

Properly, in plenty of methods, these headphones are spectacular. Above all, I used to be blown away by their ultra-long battery life. You get 70 hours with ANC on, and a whopping 110 hours with ANC off. Meaning you’ll barely need to cost these cans, ideally suited in case you’re somebody that’s on the go fairly a bit… or are simply forgetful like I’m.

Like the most effective headphones round, these even have fairly in depth EQ choices. There are a number of style and situation-specific presets, however you too can set your individual with the included 10-band equalizer. This implies you could create the sound that works finest for you – an vital inclusion, provided that these headphones don’t sound nice out of the field.

Sure, I perceive that these are extremely low cost, and I didn’t have massive expectations for these headphones, sonically talking. However nonetheless, I believe there are better-sounding choices within the funds class – extra on these within the ‘Additionally think about’ part. However primarily, these cans simply lack the readability, dynamism, and element that others supply.

When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, synth beat intro lacked the razor-sharp supply that makes it so impactful. The drum machine that follows sounds fairly deep, but in addition fairly bloated, leaving the observe devoid of its intense, energetic character. With the usual ‘Music’ tuning, devices within the treble vary are hid, however even with a customized setup, I wasn’t capable of get the expressive sound I used to be chasing.

Shifting over to 12 O.C Riddim by M-Excessive – a observe that’s nice for testing the low-end capabilities of headphones – and the image was pretty blended. Excessive-pitched percussion within the construct up once more lacked the vibrancy and edge I used to be searching for, and though the headphones may attain right down to the observe’s darkish depths, bass wasn’t agile or clear sufficient for a really immersive hear.

Simply typically, these headphones lack the refined sound you’d anticipate from a funds mannequin just like the 1More Sonoflow Professional HQ51. With a customized EQ, you will get ample sound when listening at mid-volumes, simply don’t anticipate to get something out of the strange for $50 / £50 headphones.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 (Black) at Amazon for $49.99

Let’s get onto one other essential space and focus on ANC. So, these headphones can be utilized in regular mode, transparency mode (for enhanced consciousness), and with noise cancelling on. I spent most of my time testing the headphones with ANC on, and in honesty, it was about nearly as good as I’d anticipated.

When working within the workplace, I may nonetheless hear chatter and typing with quantity set to 70%. On walks, visitors noise was nonetheless fairly distinguished too, as was the sound of passerbys speaking. Certain, these dampen surrounding sounds decently sufficient, however they’re unlikely to impress on the noise cancelling entrance.

One function that me on these headphones, although, was their means to set off transparency mode instantly. You may merely maintain down on the fitting earcup, and listen to your environment – as seen on the superb Sony WH-1000XM6. Is that this probably the most responsive? No – the function doesn’t activate immediately as it could on the XM6. However nonetheless, it’s pretty efficient, and a worthwhile inclusion.

Extra typically although, controls on the QuietPlus are fairly poor. After a firmware replace, I used to be capable of entry ‘customizable contact controls’, however I couldn’t set playback management to the fitting ear cup… that’s restricted to bodily button controls. These buttons are black on black, and are barely onerous to learn – and the amount controls being certain to at least one small-sized button could be very impractical.

Contact controls themself are pretty responsive, however all they’ll do is activate XBass mode – which doesn’t sound good – or summon a voice assistant. I personally would’ve most well-liked customary contact controls to play, pause, or skip music – as seen on a mannequin just like the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones (2nd Gen).

There are just a few different options to discover, like a lower-latency sport mode, wired listening by way of a 3.5mm slot, and listening to safety. Yow will discover nearly every little thing you want within the Tribit app, though it is a fairly rudimentary piece of software program – one thing I flagged in my overview of the Tribit PocketGo.

By way of design, these headphones are hit or miss. They’re foldable, which makes them pleasingly compact, and their adjustable headband makes them simple to suit. One factor that is not too well-designed is the packaging. The field says these headphones supply “ULTRA LONG BATT” and “SMOOTH TALKING”… that is one technique to make a primary impression.

Anyway, despite their use of ‘protein leather-based cushioning and reminiscence foam’, I discovered the QuietPlus 81 to be somewhat uncomfortable for prolonged use. To me, they’re somewhat tight-feeling, and padding on the scarf feels somewhat skinny. Seems-wise, nonetheless, these headphones are strong. They don’t look extremely plasticky, and the earcups have a rounded look, which is pretty interesting.

In the long run, then, would I like to recommend the Tribit QuietPlus 81 headphones? Sadly, the reply isn’t any. There are definitely some commendable qualities on supply right here, like that good battery life and ten-band equalizer. However sonically, these fail to beat out rivals of their worth class. Mix that with some unremarkable ANC and options, and I’d say you’re higher off placing that $50 / £50 in the direction of a pair of the most effective low cost headphones as an alternative.

Tribit QuietPlus 81 overview: specs

Tribit QuietPlus 81 overview: worth and launch date

$49.99 / £49.99 (about AU$75)Launched in December 2025