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The QuietOn 3.1 earbuds are a bit of an oddball in the world of wireless tech. They don’t play music, take calls, or connect to your phone. Their sole mission? To reduce background noise in your environment. With active noise cancellation (ANC) and foam tips, they’re built to tackle low-frequency sounds like traffic or snoring. This review takes them apart, figuratively, based on weeks of real use, digging into how they perform, feel, and stack up against other options. No lab coats or fancy gear here, just one person’s experience with everyday noises and a bed.

Getting to Know the QuietOn 3.1

These earbuds come from a Finnish design originally made by QuietOn, a company that closed in 2024. Now, they’re sold by Soundless, founded by the same team, including the former CEO. They’re not available directly from the maker anymore, you’ll need to track them down through distributors listed on QuietOn.com. Small and flush-fitting, they’re paired with a charging case and focus entirely on noise reduction.

What Comes in the Package

Unboxing the QuietOn 3.1 reveals a compact setup:

1. Two earbuds, each marked with a subtle logo

2. A charging case with a matte exterior and metal interior

3. Four foam tip sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large

4. A USB-C to USB-A cable

5. A quick-start guide plus a detailed manual

The case snaps shut with a satisfying click, and the earbuds lock onto gold charging pins inside. Three LEDs per earbud and three on the case show battery levels. It’s a simple, clean package with a no-frills vibe.

How They Operate

There’s no app or Bluetooth to fuss with. Take them out of the case, and they start in hearing mode for about 25 seconds, letting sound pass through. After that, ANC activates, using a microphone to detect noise and cancel it with an opposite wave. To flip back to hearing mode, hold the case near an earbud in your ear, it’s tricky to align, though. Charging happens via the case, which plugs into a USB-C port. That’s it - no buttons, no extras.

A Quick History Note

The 3.1 model builds on earlier versions. The QuietOn 2.0 had a 20-hour battery and a Micro-USB case, while the 3.0 shrank the size. The 3.1 tweaks the foam tips and adds a delay to ANC activation, based on user feedback.

Testing Noise Reduction: What They Can Handle

To figure out what the QuietOn 3.1 can do, they were tested against a range of noises, inside the house, out on the streets, and even on a train. One person, no fancy equipment, just ears and real-life scenarios. Here’s the breakdown.

Indoor Noise Results

Common household sounds went head-to-head with the earbuds:

• Snoring: A speaker played loud snores next to the pillow. The earbuds softened the deep tones but didn’t erase them, scoring 6/10. Foam earplugs (Mack’s UltraSoft) and AirPods Pro 2 both hit 8/10.

• TV in Another Room: Five minutes of Star Trek and Friends tested them. Music and hums dropped to a 7/10, but voices crept through. Foam earplugs scored 8/10, AirPods Pro 2 hit 9/10.

• Washing Machine: Four meters away, the spin cycle’s rumble fell to 6/10—still audible, just less intrusive. AirPods Pro 2 led with 8/10.

• Kitchen Fan: A vent fan three meters off dropped to 7/10. Low hums faded, but sharper notes lingered. AirPods Pro 2 scored 9/10.

They’re decent at steady, low-pitched noises but let higher frequencies—like talking—slip by more than some alternatives.

Outdoor Noise Performance

Out in the world, they faced tougher challenges:

• City Traffic: Walking near roads, engines and distant horns faded to an 8/10. Sudden honks cut through, though. AirPods Pro 2 scored 9/10.

• Construction: Road work brought engine rumbles and tool noise. Low growls dropped significantly, but beeps and grinding stayed audible. No scores here, just observations.

• Train Travel: On a train, track rumble and engine hum softened, but announcements and chatter remained clear. AirPods Pro 2 cut more talking noise.

They excel with constant, low-frequency stuff, like a train’s drone, but sudden or high-pitched sounds poke through.

Side-by-Side Comparisons

Here’s how they stacked up against others across six indoor tests (total possible score: 42):

1. AirPods Pro 2: 43/42 (strong ANC, bulkier fit)

2. Mack’s UltraSoft Foam Earplugs: 35/42 (great all-round, cheap)

3. QuietOn 3.1: 34/42 (solid low-end blocking)

4. Sony WF-1000XM4: 31/42 (good, but not sleep-focused)

5. Quies Wax Earplugs: 26/42

6. Mack’s Silicone Earplugs: 25/42

The QuietOn 3.1 hold their own, especially on low frequencies, but foam earplugs and pricier earbuds can edge them out depending on the noise.

A Note on Alarms

Higher-pitched sounds, like a Samsung Galaxy alarm at 75% volume, still come through clearly from a bedside table. That’s handy for morning wake-ups.

Fit and Comfort: Living with Them Day and Night

Fit is everything with these earbuds. The foam tips need a tight seal for the ANC to work right. Four sizes come in the box, most folks find medium fits best. Squeeze the tip, insert with the stem up, twist counterclockwise, and let it expand for 15-20 seconds. It takes practice.

Sleeping with Them

They’re small and curved, sitting flush in the ear. Back sleepers have no trouble wearing them all night. Side sleepers face a challenge: the bud on the pillow side can press in after a few hours, especially on firmer pillows. Switching to a softer one helps, and over weeks, you get used to it. Some still opt for one bud in the “up” ear after waking up sore.

Daytime Wear

For work or a quick nap, they’re light and easy to forget about. A one-hour nap on the back? No issues. Wearing them all day while writing? Still comfortable.

The Occlusion Effect

When ANC is on, internal sounds, like chewing gum or neck movements, get amplified. It’s odd at first, like your head’s an echo chamber, but it fades into the background after a few minutes.

Adjusting to the Feel

New users might wake up and pull them out the first few nights. By week two, with the fit dialed in, they stay put better, though side sleepers might still lose one by morning if it’s not snug.

Battery Life: How Long They Last

The QuietOn 3.1’s battery is a strong point. Each earbud runs for 28 hours on a full charge, and the case holds three more charges, over 80 hours total.

Charging Setup

Plug the USB-C cable into the case, then into a laptop or charger. The case takes three hours to charge fully, the earbuds about two. LEDs show the status:

• Case: Three lights for its battery

• Earbuds: Three lights each (one light = enough for a night)

Real-World Usage

Using one bud nightly for two weeks left the case with a third of its charge, earbuds still full. Both buds for a week? You’d still go days without plugging in. After 10 hours, two lights remained; after 20, one blinked, showing under 30% left.

Travel Test Potential

A 17-hour flight might not drain them fully, 10 hours left two lights on. No one’s tested them that long here, but they’d likely outlast most trips.

Evolution from Past Models

The 3.1 isn’t a total reinvention. Here’s what’s changed:

1. Size: Smaller than the 2.0, less bulky than the 3.0

2. Battery: 20 hours (2.0) to 28 hours (3.1)

3. Tips: Smaller in 3.1 vs. 3.0 for better fit

4. Mode Switch: Button (2.0) to case-hover (3.1)—still fiddly

5. Charging: Micro-USB (2.0) to USB-C (3.1)

Noise reduction feels improved from the 2.0, though fit might play a role in that perception.

Practical Details: Cost, Quirks, and Availability

• Price Tag: They cost £249 in the UK, $289 in the US. A 30-day trial and one-year warranty come standard, but returns mean paying shipping - $35-$50 in the US, per QuietOn’s customer service.

• Hearing Mode Hassle: Switching to hearing mode by holding the case near an earbud takes 2-10 seconds to align, then reverts to ANC after 20 seconds. Most find it easier to pop one out instead.

• Where to Buy: No direct sales from QuietOn.com since 2024. Distributors are listed on the site, or you can search online.

• Shipping Considerations: From Finland, shipping can take 4-6 weeks, though earlier models now ship in 1-3 days. Returns to Finland add cost, exact figures depend on location.

Who Might Like Them (and Who Won’t)

The QuietOn 3.1 fit certain folks better than others:

• Good For: People who notice low, steady noises (traffic, snoring); back sleepers; those who like long battery life.

• Not For: Side sleepers sensitive to pressure; anyone needing to block voices or sudden sounds; budget-conscious folks who prefer cheap earplugs.

Option to Consider for Better Rest

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Conclusion

After weeks of testing, the QuietOn 3.1 earbuds come across as a solid option for anyone wanting less noise in their space. They’re tiny, comfy for back sleepers, and pack a battery that lasts way longer than most gadgets you’d toss in your bag. They do a decent job softening low rumbles like traffic or snoring, though voices and sudden noises can still sneak through. Side sleepers might need a softer pillow or just one bud to make it work, and the price tag’s hefty compared to foam earplugs. It’s really about what bugs you most, noise-wise, and how you crash at night. For some, they’re a game-changer; for others, simpler stuff might do the trick just fine.

They’re not perfect, nobody’s saying they’ll turn your bedroom into a soundproof vault. But they bring a mix of tech and comfort that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether they’re worth £249 or $289 depends on how much those low hums bother you and if you’re okay spending extra for less noise. The QuietOn 3.1 sits in its own lane, not quite earplugs, not quite fancy earbuds, just a little something different for folks who want less racket in their ears.

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