1More Q21 Earbuds Review

The 1More Q21 Earbuds are a surprisingly capable pair for just $40, and they’re the only earbuds in that price range that offer a dedicated gaming mode. For gamers who usually avoid budget Bluetooth gear because of latency, the Q21’s low‑latency mode is a notable surprise.

Gaming Performance

These earbuds support dual‑connection, letting you pair them to both a phone and a PC or handheld console at the same time. Once connected, you activate the gaming mode through the 1More app before launching a title. In fast‑paced shooters like Marathon, the latency drop is noticeable—after a few minutes I stopped noticing any delay, and the audio felt almost instant.

Low‑latency gaming mode: Nearly on‑par with 2.4 GHz dongle earbuds, but at a fraction of the price.
Stable connection: No dropouts during gameplay, even when the gaming mode is active.
Sound clarity: Footsteps, gunshots, and directional cues are distinct, though the overall mix can become muddy during intense action sequences.

Audio Quality

When not gaming, the Q21 delivers a vibrant, bright sound that’s enjoyable for music and podcasts. The bass is slightly thin, making tracks like Skepta’s “Shutdown” feel a touch limp. Complex pieces such as The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” can sound a little washed out. Still, the earbuds perform better than many would expect at this price point, and they support the LDAC codec for enhanced clarity on compatible devices (iPhones currently don’t support LDAC).

Design & Comfort

The case is lightweight and compact, slipping into a pocket without bulging. Each bud weighs just over 4 g, with oval‑shaped rubber tips that stay in place even during gym sessions. IPX5 certification means they’re water‑resistant.

Durability: The hinge is sturdy; I dropped the case once and it survived unharmed.
Comfort: The slim profile allows for several hours of wear without discomfort.

Battery Life & ANC

Battery performance is modest but serviceable.
| Feature | Runtime (no ANC) | Runtime (with ANC) | Gaming Mode (no ANC) | |---------|------------------|--------------------|----------------------| | Earbuds | 5.5 h | 4 h | ~4 h | | Case (600 mAh) | ~4 charges | ~4 charges | ~4 charges |

The case can recharge the earbuds about four times before needing its own plug‑in. While the battery won’t keep you through a marathon gaming session, it’s adequate for medium‑length flights or commutes.

ANC & Transparency

The Q21’s ANC works well enough to block out background chatter in a café, but it struggles against the rattle of the London Underground—a common issue with budget ANC. The transparency mode is quirky: it lets through ambient sounds like a doorbell, but it can’t help you hear distant conversations while gaming. Both modes are managed within the 1More app, which also houses six preset EQ options and a gaming‑mode shortcut. The app’s interface is functional but somewhat cluttered, with “gaming mode” tucked under “shortcuts” and separate tabs for settings.