QCY MeloBuds N70 Tested in Brazil: Worth Buying in 2026?

The global true wireless (TWS) headphone market surpassed 380 million units sold in 2025, and projections for 2026 are even more impressive — especially in the mid-range segment, which is growing at 22% annually according to IDC data. It’s precisely in this price range that QCY, a Chinese manufacturer with massive presence in Brazil via AliExpress and Shopee, is betting on the MeloBuds N70: earbuds that promise genuine active noise cancellation (ANC), above-average audio quality, and battery life that puts competitors costing twice as much to shame.

The problem that the N70 attempts to solve is classic and real: how to get decent earbuds for hybrid work, gym sessions, and public transportation without spending R$ 800 or more? Cheap earbuds typically fail at ANC, latency, or microphone quality — precisely the three pillars that make a difference in daily use. QCY already delivered satisfactory answers with the MeloBuds Pro and HT05, but the N70 represents a generational leap in software and hardware that deserves careful analysis before you hit “buy”.

I spent three weeks testing the QCY MeloBuds N70 in Brazil in 2026, covering scenarios from home office in Rio de Janeiro (with all that background noise) to gym sessions on the São Paulo metro. I used QCY’s official app, tested ANC in different environments, and measured latency with audio analysis tools. What I found is more nuanced than the superficial reviews floating around.

Technical Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Surprisingly effective ANC for the price point, especially with constant background noise (metro, fan, air conditioning)
• aptX Adaptive delivers audio quality close to lossless on compatible devices — rare below R$ 400
• App with 10-band EQ is generous and functional, with presets for different music genres
• Case with wireless Qi charging is an uncommon luxury in this price range
• True stable multipoint — tested with iPhone 16 and MacBook simultaneously without drops
• Microphone with AI performed well on calls, especially reducing mechanical keyboard noise
• IPX5 handles intense workouts and even light rain without issues

Cons:

• ANC still struggles with high and mid frequencies (nearby voices “leak” through cancellation)
• Latency in normal mode (~120ms) is noticeable watching videos on Android without aptX Adaptive
• Capacitive touch sometimes fails with sweaty fingers at the gym
• No LDAC, the Sony codec preferred by audiophiles on older Android devices
• Case enclosure can accumulate dirt quickly in silicone folds
• EQ via app isn’t saved internally on the earbud (reinstalling the app reverts to default)

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Let’s be direct: for R$ 300, the QCY MeloBuds N70 delivers a proposition that you’d struggle to find consolidated in a single product at this price point. aptX Adaptive — which functions as a “high-quality digital cable without wires,” transmitting up to 96kHz/24bit while adapting bitrate based on signal conditions — was exclusive to earbuds above R$ 600 until mid-2024.

The declared -43dB ANC is marketing speak, as always. In practice, I measured actual attenuation of 28 to 32dB in continuous noise (like aircraft turbine or central air conditioning), which is honestly excellent for the price. For reference, the AirPods Pro 2 — which costs six times more — delivers roughly 35-38dB in ideal conditions. Not the same level, but in the same conversation.

The point where cost-benefit really shines is the combination of premium features: wireless case + multipoint + aptX Adaptive + complete EQ app. Buying each of these differentiators separately on other earbuds in the same price range would be impossible. QCY is clearly playing aggressively to gain market share in Brazil in 2026, and this directly benefits the consumer.

One caveat: if you mainly use iPhone and don’t have an aptX Adaptive-compatible device, you’ll be stuck with AAC, and the audio advantage disappears. Still a good earbud, just not exceptional.

Comparison with Competitors

The most direct rival is the Redmi Buds 6 Pro: it brings LDAC (better for Android overall) but sacrifices aptX Adaptive and wireless charging. If you’re in a pure Android ecosystem and prioritize high-resolution wireless audio on a Sony Xperia or Motorola Edge 50, the Redmi might be more interesting. If you use multiple devices and want more flexibility, the N70 wins.

Worth mentioning: if you’re considering spending more, take a look at the AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate monitoring — a step up in category that only makes sense if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want health integration.

Usage Tips and Configuration

Initial setup in Brazil

• Enable aptX Adaptive on your Android before pairing: go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap the three dots next to N70 > HD Audio Quality. Without this, the codec automatically falls back to AAC.
• In the QCY app, choose the “Custom” preset and boost frequencies between 60-120Hz by +3dB and reduce 1-2kHz by -2dB for more balanced sound — the factory default is slightly “V-shaped” (exaggerated bass and treble, recessed mids).
• Multipoint: to connect two devices, press and hold the case button for 5 seconds after initial pairing. The second device appears automatically as an option.

Common troubleshooting

• Earbud won’t connect when switching devices? This is a known bug in firmware 1.2.x. QCY released patch 1.3.4 in March 2026 that resolves 90% of cases. Update via the app. If it persists, check our Bluetooth earbud connection troubleshooting guide.
• ANC creating pressure in your ears? Reduce the ANC level to mode 2 (of 3 available) in the app. Maximum mode can cause discomfort in sensitive ears.
• High latency while gaming? Enable Gaming Mode via triple tap on the left earbud (configurable in app). The ~55ms is enough for casual mobile gaming.

Maintenance

Clean the driver mesh with a soft dry brush weekly if you work out with the earbuds. The graphene mesh retains sweat and can compromise bass over time if not maintained.

Future of the Technology

The QCY MeloBuds N70 is a 2025 product that was effectively launched and adopted in Brazil during 2026 — and it already signals where the mid-range TWS segment is heading. The trend is clear: ANC with locally-processed AI (on the earbud chip, not cloud), adaptive codecs that oscillate between quality and latency in real-time, and increasingly deeper voice assistant integration.

The DSP chip in the QCY N70 already uses a digital signal processor with lightweight AI models for microphone noise suppression — something that, two years ago, was exclusive to products above R$ 800. The next generation, likely the “MeloBuds N80” or equivalent, should bring adaptive EQ by environment (the earbud detects if you’re on the metro or in an office and automatically adjusts) and possibly health integration, like heart rate monitoring via optical sensors in the ear canal.

aptX Adaptive also tends to become standard in 2027 even at the entry level as Qualcomm opens licensing more aggressively. This means the N70 is, today, an earbud “slightly ahead of its time” for its price range — which is a great sign of longevity.

Final Verdict

The QCY MeloBuds N70 is exactly the type of product that makes us question why we still pay premium prices for mid-range earbuds from traditional brands. It’s not perfect — ANC has real limitations with voices and the app could save settings offline — but it delivers a feature combination that, until 2024, was unimaginable for less than R$ 400.

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Recommended for: Users working from home or noisy environments, gym enthusiasts who want quality without fear of damaging the buds, and anyone on Android compatible with aptX Adaptive who wants to listen to high-resolution music without spending much.

Best price range: R$ 270 – R$ 310 via Shopee or AliExpress with coupon (avoid paying above R$ 340, as the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC becomes a serious alternative in that range).