EarFun Wave Pro

Battery life

Thanks to a long-lasting battery, these Bluetooth headphones provided a runtime of 65 hours with the volume turned up, while they could achieve 45 hours when noise cancellation was active. In addition, a five-minute quick charge will provide capacity for a good four hours in standard mode or just under three hours in ANC mode. However, the headphones were fully charged via the USB-C port after two hours. Alternatively, wired use was also possible, which expanded the range of applications for these over-ears. However, you will have to make do without noise cancelling and transparency mode, as cable operation was passive with the electronics switched off.

Operation

All controls on the EarFun Wave Pro are located on the right-hand side of the ear shell. A multifunctional trio of power, plus and minus buttons are used to control playback, make phone calls, select tracks and adjust the volume. In addition, the NC button can be used to switch between ANC, transparency and basic mode, and this can be expanded via the app to include gaming mode or voice assistants; overall, it worked reliably.

We noticed that the stability of the Bluetooth connection differed depending on the audio codec used. While dropouts could often occur even at short distances when using LDAC, the AAC codec had an above-average range. This means that you can cover around 30 metres outdoors or cross several rooms and change floors within buildings while maintaining a stable signal.

EarFun audio app

There are ten preconfigured settings available for sound customisation via connection with the app (available for Android and iOS): “Rock”, “Pop”, “Country”, “R&B”, “Classical”, “Jazz”, “Bass Boost”, “Bass Cut”, “Treble Boost” and “Treble Cut”. What’s good about this is that the pre-sets supplied can also be used as a starting point for your own settings and can then be saved separately. Alternatively, an EQ section with ten bands can also be used. Great stuff!

These headphones have an environmental control that also includes two variants for noise cancellation, “comfortable” and “low”, as well as a special mode for attenuating wind noise during outdoor activities. A general transparency mode is available to amplify outside noise.

Firmware updates and a timer were also included in the range of functions, while gaming mode and multipoint connections could be switched on and off. If you are using an Android device that supports the LDAC codec, then you will find the additional option to activate or deactivate it in the settings.

Voice intelligibility when making calls

In a quiet environment, the EarFun Wave Pro offered solid, easily understandable voice transmission. The microphone technology also attenuated wind and background noise quite well. While light wind noise was largely filtered out, stronger gusts were perceptible in the background to the person on the other end of the line. However, as your own voice was clearly in the foreground, it was possible to communicate without any major restrictions. This also applied to louder background noise.

Noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode

When in “comfortable” ANC mode, the lower frequency range was already significantly attenuated, and this was noticeably intensified with “deep” noise cancelling. This was a good setting for when you are travelling or commuting. In view of the price range, both noise-cancelling variants effectively reduced background voices; these lost their presence and were definitely perceived more quietly. Comparable results could also be achieved in the high-frequency range, where overall, these over-ears offered effective shielding. The background noise was pleasingly discreet in both noise cancelling and transparency modes. Environmental control had an impact on the sound, however, as the playback was richer and more bass-emphasised than in basic mode. Nevertheless, the transparency mode was able to improve the perception of external sound. It was also possible to hold a conversation without having to take the headphones off when playback was paused.

Sound

The EarFun Wave Pro’ tuning seemed balanced and offered an appealingly clear sound image, which tended towards bright rather than dark and conveyed a fairly expansive listening impression. Live recordings, as well as more complex productions, could benefit from this, as these were presented in great detail and did not come across as cramped or overloaded.

Although there was a certain fullness in the bass range, which ensured powerful reproduction across all genres, these headphones avoided excessive emphasis. This was particularly true of the low bass, which was not intended to sound particularly powerful or voluminous. However, if you do want a more substantial low end for listening to modern music styles, you have the option of expanding the lower bass range with the EQ, which was already the case when using the headphones wired. In this respect, the sound when listening via cable was more fun than the more neutral presentation in Bluetooth mode.

The playback in the mid-frequency range was quite warm and full of enthusiasm, creating a propulsive sound that was engaging for mobile use. On a positive note, voices in film dialogue, radio plays or podcasts came across as fresh and lively, especially since the clean reproduction ensured impeccable intelligibility.

The treble reproduction also left us with a very harmonious impression; it always seemed balanced and did not drop off in the upper registers. It was characterised by a very gentle reproduction of sibilants, which was pleasing but not artificial. In addition, there was no need to fear any harshness or sharpness, even at higher volume levels.

Conclusion

With their portable design and very comfortable fit, we recommend the EarFun Wave Pro as versatile Bluetooth over-ears for everyday use and travelling. Their plus points include effective noise cancellation, a long-lasting, fast-charging battery and support for high-quality audio codecs and multipoint connections. The balanced sound reproduction of these headphones can also be customised to suit your own listening habits via an app if required.