When it comes to ANC (automatic noise control) earbuds, I’m used to seeing large powerpacks, bulky adapters and large carrying cases. What a pleasant surprise to see how compact the Linner ANC earbuds were by comparison. With a successful Kickstarter program, everyone else will soon be able to enjoy the sweet sounds of music without the bulk or weight of those other earphones.
Two ways to enjoy Linner
Depending on your smartphone, tablet or laptop, there are two models of Linner earbuds. The first available one which we tested was the “regular” version – made to fit a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
Soon to follow, the “premium” version is being made to fit the Apple lightning connector and will be the one you want for iPhone 7 and beyond, without the standard audio jack.
Battery or no battery
The regular version includes a rechargeable battery built-in. A USB adapter recharges the buds in approximately two hours and should then provide about three hours of listening time with ANC turned on. The lightning connector provides all the power needed from its connection to the phone, so the premium model does not need to be charged.
Sleek and slim
The Linner earbuds look great and are minimal in design. No large protrusions from your ear and no wrap-around hooks hanging on your ear either. Just a simple earbud that comes with both large and small ear inserts.
The small earpieces are accompanied by a small controller that’s considerably smaller than any others I’ve ever used. Look at this comparison.
Dynamic performance
Inverse waves created by the onboard microphones do a smashing job of cutting out the ambient noise. The green light lets you know you’ve switched to ANC power. But even if the battery goes dead, the headphones continue to work in standard (non-ANC) mode.
Reduce Environment Noise: Up to 95%
Active Noise Reduction: Up to 26dB
Active Noise Reduction Working Range: 45 Hz – 3K Hz
Passive Noise Reduction: Up to 30dB
Available Functions
The controller clips to your shirt, pocket, backpack strap or whatever, and offers multi-control per the list below. One note, the cord is not long enough to clip the controller to your belt.
- Start/Receive calls
- Activate Siri or Google Now
- ANC Mode
- Awareness Mode
- Play/Pause songs/Skip songs
If you’re in the market for noise cancelling headphones or earbuds, you’ll want to check these out. Priced attractively, the successful Kickstarter page is here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2128976526/linner-your-first-time-anc-headphonesnow-and-for-a
What’s in the box?
Premium model with Lightning connector. Expect the pouch to be updated with the newly delivered units.
Disclosure: Linner provided the sample ANC regular version earbuds for us to do this review.