Capable connectivity, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), longer playtimes than any Bose headphone, and powerful sonics with aptX HD streaming make the Treblab Z7 Pro an underrated gem.

Not everything hits its mark in our tests, specifically the controls and wired listening. The lack of certain features might also be concerning for some. However, the Z7 Pro’s strengths outnumber its weaknesses.

Discover which other models rank among the best noise-canceling headphones we’ve tested. Also, check out our pick of the best-sounding headphones for audiophiles if the sound is the utmost priority.

Price and availability

The Treblab Z7 Pro can be purchased for $160 at major online retailers like Amazon or directly from Treblab. Black is the only color option offered. Inside the box are a 3.5mm audio cable, carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and user manual.

There are many alternatives within the same mid-range price point that offer similar performance. One that comes to mind is the $129 Clear Enduro ANC, which are currently ranked No. 1 on our best cheap noise-canceling headphones list. You’ll also want to consider high-end noise-cancellers like the $379 Bose 700 and $349 Sony WH-1000XM4 if top-tier sound and ANC are your must-haves.

Treblab Z7 Pro review: Design and comfort

• A premium look at a low cost
• Serviceable carrying case
• Light and comfy

The Z7 Pro isn’t Red Dot Design Award material, but they blend in well with other business-class-looking models like the Sony WH-1000XM3 and XM4 headphones. The minimalist, slate gray design with faux leather on the earcups and headband is handsome. I could do without the protruding rubber buttons on the rear of the right earcup, but it isn’t a deal-breaker since they produce solid tactility and complement the solid build quality.

Controls and digital assistant

• Extensive control scheme
• Mediocre speech recognition

An assortment of controls is programmed into the Z7 Pro, consisting of playback, volume, call management, digital assistance, and listening mode activation. These are assigned to the physical buttons and touch panel on the right earcup that accepts tap, slide, and long-hold gestures.

Touch accuracy works about 80 percent of the time. Sliding up/down for volume and left/right for track navigation is spot-on, as well as double taps for pause/play. Motion detection immediately senses when the headphones are removed to automatically pause music. The three-button module for ANC/Ambient Sound, power on/off, and Bluetooth pairing is also responsive to presses.

Sound quality

• Dynamic sound with bass-forward signature
• No EQ settings
• Aux cable doesn’t do audio justice

The pairing of a 40mm driver and Qualcomm aptX HD chipset gives these headphones a vibrant, bass-heavy soundstage that accommodates most music selections. EDM, hip-hop, and rock tracks I tested on Spotify via MacBook Pro and Google Pixel 6 Pro delivered punchy, warm lows and crisp mids. Listening in ANC mode raised the bass up a smidge.

Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ got a vibe going once happy hour hit, kickstarted by the iconic heavy metal guitar riff that exudes energy. The impactful percussion coming off the drums fits right in, and Axl Rose’s screeching vocals are both consonant and prominent throughout the recording.

Shortly after, it was onto boom-filled classics like Dr. Dre’s ‘Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang.’ The sound profile allowed Dre’s tight and funky bassline to ride smoothly, while the high-pitched synths were handled surprisingly well.

Active noise cancellation

• Neutralizes sound at a high level
• Ambient Sound not effective for verbal communication

For a lesser-known brand in the ANC space, Treblab shows it has the noise cancelling technology to compete with most rivals. Just not elite brands like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sony.

Most low and mid frequencies were silenced. Loud TVs, washing machine tumble, and the humming noise from our centralized AC unit weren’t distracting. I couldn’t hear any of the landscaping that occurred next door when working outside, nor did any planes flying over the house draw my attention. Treblab’s ANC was more sensitive to high frequencies, so blocking out my baby boy’s cries was out of the question. The occasional ambulance siren and whistles also caught my attention, but neither pulled me away from what was playing at the time.

Read More: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/treblab-z7-pro