Review: EarFun Wave Life Wireless Headphones

Updated: 6 hours ago
3.6
Based on methodology below
210
Insights analyzed
32
Grouped by key features
9
From expert reviews
Scores below reflect consolidated expert coverage across these features.
Bottom Line

Choose these if you want cheap, comfy over-ears with long battery life and strong app EQ. Skip them if you need dependable ANC or consistently good sound without tweaking.

Best for

Budget buyers who want comfortable over-ear headphones for long listening, casual calls, and app-based sound tuning. They also suit people who care more about battery life, multipoint, and low sale pricing than class-leading ANC.

Not for

Anyone who wants great sound straight out of the box, stronger noise canceling for travel, or a more premium build and accessory pack. Critical listeners who do not want to tweak EQ should look elsewhere.

Verdict

The EarFun Wave Life gets the basics of budget over-ear ownership surprisingly right: the fit is genuinely comfortable, battery life is excellent, the app is unusually capable, and features like multipoint, USB-C audio, and game mode add real utility. The tradeoff is that the core listening experience is inconsistent. Several reviewers found the stock tuning too bass-heavy, muddy, or dull unless they spent time adjusting EQ, and ANC rarely rose above adequate low-frequency hush. If you shop primarily by value and comfort, these make sense on sale. If you care most about balanced sound, reliable noise canceling, or a stronger accessory bundle, there are safer step-up alternatives.

Pros

  • 4.5
    based on 8 reviews
    Comfort during long use: 4.5, based on 8 reviews
    Comfort is the clearest strength across the review set. Multiple reviewers highlighted hours-long wear, soft fit, and minimal fatigue.
  • 4.5
    based on 3 reviews
    Bluetooth connectivity stability: 4.5, based on 3 reviews
    Bluetooth stability is a bright spot, with tested reviews noting strong range and dependable day-to-day wireless performance.
  • 4.4
    based on 9 reviews
    Equalizer customization: 4.4, based on 9 reviews
    EQ customization is one of the standout features, with custom tuning, hearing-test tools, and flexible sliders frequently cited as essential to getting the best sound.
  • 4.4
    based on 9 reviews
    Battery: 4.4, based on 9 reviews
    Battery life is a consistent strong point, with reviewers repeatedly highlighting long runtime that stands out for this price class.
  • 4.3
    based on 9 reviews
    App: 4.3, based on 9 reviews
    The companion app is a major asset, repeatedly praised for adding useful control, firmware access, and tuning tools without heavy setup friction.
  • 4.3
    based on 6 reviews
    Ear cup padding quality: 4.3, based on 6 reviews
    The ear pads earn strong marks for soft foam and plush feel, helping the headphones stay comfortable even during extended sessions.
  • 4.2
    based on 7 reviews
    Multipoint connectivity reliability: 4.2, based on 7 reviews
    Multipoint is widely praised as easy and reliable once enabled, with smooth switching between phones, tablets, and laptops aside from occasional app-side quirks.
  • 4.1
    based on 8 reviews
    Charging: 4.1, based on 8 reviews
    Charging performance is solid thanks to quick-charge support and easy USB-C top-ups, though exact full-charge impressions vary.
  • 4.1
    based on 6 reviews
    Audio-video sync accuracy: 4.1, based on 6 reviews
    Latency performance is solid for budget headphones. Game mode exists, and reviewers generally found video watching and casual mobile gaming suitably in sync.
  • 4.0
    based on 7 reviews
    Portability/foldability: 4.0, based on 7 reviews
    The fold-flat, foldable design makes the Wave Life easy to pack, even if the missing case limits travel protection.
  • 4.0
    based on 7 reviews
    USB-C: 4.0, based on 7 reviews
    USB-C handling is a practical advantage here, covering charging and wired audio playback instead of relying on a separate 3.5mm cable.
  • 3.8
    based on 9 reviews
    Value for money: 3.8, based on 9 reviews
    Value is the headline win: even critics admitted the feature set and comfort are aggressive for the price, though several reviewers still felt the weak ANC or sound tuning limited the bargain.
  • 3.8
    based on 4 reviews
    Preset EQ profile quality: 3.8, based on 4 reviews
    Preset EQ support is generous, but quality is mixed: the variety is appreciated, yet some reviewers found many presets too quiet or less effective than manual tuning.
  • 3.7
    based on 7 reviews
    Button control usability: 3.7, based on 7 reviews
    Physical controls are mostly easy to find and use, but not everyone liked the feel; some reviewers called the buttons cheap even as others found them tactile and intuitive.
  • 3.7
    based on 5 reviews
    Noise cancellation adjustability: 3.7, based on 5 reviews
    The app offers a useful spread of ANC-related modes, including ambient and wind options, though mode naming and effectiveness are not universally praised.
  • 3.6
    based on 7 reviews
    Volume output: 3.6, based on 7 reviews
    The Wave Life gets adequately loud for most listeners, but several reviews noted that comfortable listening comes late on the volume scale or that EQ changes reduce output.
  • 3.6
    based on 9 reviews
    Bass performance: 3.6, based on 9 reviews
    Bass is plentiful and often the star of the tuning, with several reviewers praising deep punch and sub-bass, but others found it bloated or overpowering.
  • 3.6
    based on 6 reviews
    Microphone quality for calls: 3.6, based on 6 reviews
    Call quality is generally decent for casual use, with some reviewers praising clear voice pickup, though others heard fuzziness, echo, or reduced vocal nuance.
  • 3.5
    based on 9 reviews
    Sound quality: 3.5, based on 9 reviews
    Overall sound quality is polarizing. Positive reviewers heard lively, enjoyable tuning once adjusted, while negative reviewers described muddy, tinny, or bass-skewed playback that fell short out of the box.

Cons

  • 3.3
    based on 8 reviews
    Midrange clarity: 3.3, based on 8 reviews
    Mids are the weak middle ground: some heard clear vocals after EQ, but multiple reviewers said mids sounded recessed, muffled, or overshadowed by bass.
  • 3.3
    based on 8 reviews
    Build quality: 3.3, based on 8 reviews
    Build quality lands around acceptable for the price: mostly plastic but often described as sturdy enough, with some complaints about rough edges, flimsier parts, or cheap feel.
  • 3.2
    based on 8 reviews
    Treble clarity: 3.2, based on 8 reviews
    Treble varies with source and tuning. Better reviews found enough sparkle, while harsher reviews said the top end sounded dull, tinny, or messy at extremes.
  • 3.2
    based on 6 reviews
    Transparency mode quality: 3.2, based on 6 reviews
    Transparency is serviceable rather than standout. It usually works well enough for awareness, but several reviewers heard boosted hiss, digital coloration, or limited naturalness.
  • 3.1
    based on 4 reviews
    Maximum volume clarity: 3.1, based on 4 reviews
    High-volume performance is divisive: some reviewers said it stays clean near max, while others heard distortion and worsening shortcomings as volume rises.
  • 3.1
    based on 4 reviews
    Soundstage width: 3.1, based on 4 reviews
    Soundstage is usually described as modest rather than expansive, with only one reviewer calling it spacious and others hearing a constrained presentation.
  • 3.1
    based on 8 reviews
    Design and Aesthetics: 3.1, based on 8 reviews
    The look is functional but plain. Reviewers generally described the design as generic, understated, and mostly black, with comfort valued more than style.
  • 3.0
    based on 7 reviews
    Frequency response accuracy: 3.0, based on 7 reviews
    Tonal balance is the product's biggest sonic debate, ranging from balanced after tuning to muddy, bass-heavy, or uneven depending on reviewer and setup.
  • 3.0
    based on 4 reviews
    Instrument separation: 3.0, based on 4 reviews
    Separation is inconsistent. Some reviewers could pick out layered instruments, but others said dense mixes blur together and lose detail.
  • 3.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Wired connection sound quality: 3.0, based on 2 reviews
    USB-C wired playback is split. One reviewer said it transforms the sound for the better, while another said wired mode makes an already weak tuning sound worse.
  • 2.9
    based on 8 reviews
    Active noise cancellation effectiveness: 2.9, based on 8 reviews
    ANC is one of the weakest consensus areas. Most reviewers said it helps with low-frequency hums but struggles with voices and busy real-world environments.
  • 2.5
    based on 2 reviews
    Cable quality: 2.5, based on 2 reviews
    The included USB-C cable is a common complaint because it is very short, and one reviewer also found it thick and awkward for wired listening.
  • 2.2
    based on 6 reviews
    Included accessories: 2.2, based on 6 reviews
    Accessories are sparse. Multiple reviews noted the absence of a case or pouch, and the short charging cable does little to offset the bare-bones bundle.

FAQ

Is the sound good without EQ?

Usually not at its best. Several reviewers said the default tuning is bass-heavy, muddy, or flat, and that the EarFun app is important if you want a better-balanced sound.

How effective is the ANC?

It is helpful with low-frequency noise such as fans, engines, and HVAC hum, but most reviewers said it does not suppress voices or busy public spaces especially well.

Are these comfortable for long sessions?

Yes. Comfort is the most consistent strength in the review set, with repeated praise for the soft pads, light weight, and easy all-day fit.

Is the app worth installing?

Yes. The app adds the custom EQ, hearing-based tuning, firmware updates, multipoint settings, and ANC mode controls that many reviewers considered essential.

Does wired mode improve the sound?

It depends on the reviewer. USB-C wired playback is supported, and one reviewer thought it sounded much better wired, while another said wired mode made the sound worse.

Reviews we analyzed

Video Reviews

Article Reviews

#1
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#2
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Choose the PX7 S3 for class-leading sound and premium comfort with strong-enough ANC; Skip if you want Sony/Bose-level noise canceling or a lighter,...
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#3
4.1
Choose the Melomania P100 SE if you want audiophile-leaning sound and truly huge battery life for under $300. Skip if you need class-leading...
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#4
4.1
Choose Melomania P100 for big, detailed sound and class-leading battery life under $300; Skip if you need Bose or Sony level noise canceling...
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Cons: Water/sweat resistance rating, Touch control responsiveness, Spatial audio, LDAC, Portability/foldability, Weight comfort