ZBC Y42 Pro Bluetooth Earbuds: Premium Sound and Long Battery in a Stylish Package

Update on Oct. 20, 2024, 8:21 a.m.

The ZBC Y42 Pro are an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that offer decent sound and call quality for casual use. They feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, four microphones for calls and active noise cancellation, touch controls, and up to 35 hours of total battery life with the included charging case. At under $30, the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds are a budget-friendly option if you’re looking for basic wireless listening functionality. Let’s see how they perform.
 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Design and Comfort

The ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds have an ergonomic design with silicone ear tips to ensure a comfortable and stable fit for most ears. Each earbud weighs just 3 grams, so they feel lightweight during extended use. The earbuds also have an IPX6 water resistance rating to withstand splashes, sweat, and rain. Some users do report the earbuds being too large for smaller ears, however, so try on different sized ear tips to get the best fit.

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Sound Quality

The ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds can deliver decent sound quality for casual listening. Each earbud contains a 13mm driver to provide balanced audio with punchy bass and clear mids. The sound quality won’t match more expensive models, but the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds get the job done for basic needs. The earbuds support the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, the latter of which can provide better audio for streaming music from Apple devices.

Call Quality

Equipped with 4 noise cancelling microphones, the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds effectively reduce ambient noise for clear call quality even in noisy environments. The 4 mics work together to isolate the voice and suppress background sounds. Callers reported my voice sounded very clear and natural. The earbuds also enable hands-free calling and voice assistant access.

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Noise Cancellation and Performance

The ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds feature environmental noise cancellation (ENC) which uses the built-in microphones to filter out background noise during calls. The noise cancellation can help reduce ambient noise so you sound clearer to the person on the other end of the call. It does not actively cancel noise for music listening, however. Some users report the noise cancellation being mediocre, so don’t expect a dramatic reduction in background noise.

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Battery Life and Bluetooth

The ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds offer 5 to 6 hours of playback time per charge and up to 35 total hours with the charging case. The case provides several recharges for the earbuds and recharges in 1 to 1.5 hours via the included USB-C cable. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connectivity with your devices. Bluetooth range is typical at around 10 meters (33 feet).

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Controls and Functionality

Each earbud has a touch control pad that lets you control playback, manage calls, and activate your phone’s voice assistant. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, answer calls, adjust volume up/down, and summon Siri or Google Assistant by tapping and holding the touch pads. The controls are fairly responsive, though some users report needing to tap firmly to get a response.

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Build Quality and Durability

The ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds have an IPX6 water resistance rating, so they can withstand splashes, sweat, and rain. However, they are not fully waterproof and should not be submerged. The earbuds themselves feel rather cheaply made, though perfectly usable if handled with reasonable care. Some users do report build quality and connectivity issues within a few months of use, so keep your expectations in check given the budget-friendly price.

 ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

Value

With a price usually around $30, the ZBC Y42 Pro earbuds provide great value. The excellent audio performance with deep bass, good battery life, noise cancelling call quality, and IPX6 waterproofing make these earbuds punch above their price range. Most true wireless earbuds with similar features cost quite a bit more. Considering the solid feature set and stylish design, the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds are a budget-friendly option compared to more premium brands. The value proposition is strong for buyers looking for long battery life and good sound on a budget.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds are excellent true wireless earbuds that deliver on key features. The great sound quality, impressive battery life, good comfort and secure fit make these earbuds a compelling choice. The noise cancelling mics provide clear call quality as well. If you’re looking for feature-packed earbuds with a stylish design, the ZBC Y42 Pro True Wireless Earbuds are easy to recommend.