Can Semi-In-Ear Earbuds Really Do Noise Cancellation?
Active noise cancellation and semi-in-ear design have historically been oil and water — they just don’t mix. Oppo’s Enco Air5s set out to prove the skeptics wrong, and after spending time with them, we can say: they mostly pulled it off.
Design and Build Quality
The Enco Air5s are available in Lunar White, Midnight Black, and Starlight Red. The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly, while the stem-style earbuds rest gently in the outer ear. If you’ve ever found in-ear buds uncomfortable for long sessions, these are designed specifically for you.
How ANC Works on Open Earbuds
Let’s set expectations: the ANC on the Air5s won’t rival Sony or Bose. What it does is take the edge off ambient noise. Low-frequency hums like air conditioning or traffic drones are noticeably reduced, while voices remain audible. Compared to sealed in-ear buds, it’s modest — but that’s the point. You get situational awareness without the plugged-up feeling.
Audio Quality: Clear Vocals, Gentle Bass
The 12mm dynamic drivers deliver impressive midrange clarity with treble emphasis. Vocals come through clean and detailed. Bass is less impactful than sealed alternatives due to the open design, but what’s there is tight and controlled rather than muddy.
A standout feature is the sliding gesture control — slide up or down on the stem to adjust volume. It’s intuitive, responsive, and surprisingly rare in this price segment.
Battery Life That Lasts
With 48 hours of total playback (buds plus the 530mAh case), you’ll be charging these once a week at most. USB-C fast charging gives you several hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
The Verdict
The Oppo Enco Air5s aren’t for audiophiles seeking absolute sound isolation. They’re for anyone who finds traditional in-ear buds uncomfortable but still wants ANC and modern features. For that audience, these are among the best options available right now.
