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TOZO Golden X1 Review

Last updated: 10 months ago
10 min read
Editor
rating
3.8
TOZO Golden X1 earbuds

TOZO Golden X1 are company’s first step into the premium true wireless market, and while there is room for improvement, the sound quality easily matches the best.

TOZO X1 (or Golden X1) are a surprising entry from a company that usually sells more affordable true wireless earbuds (among other products).

Checking the specs, these new earbuds look like they mean business. They sport a dual driver design with Hi-Res certification and 8 microphones for calls and ANC. There’s even TOZO mobile app for some basic customizations.

Sound quality is one area where they genuinely surprise, offering performance that, in some regions, rivals our favorite, the Sony WF-1000XM4.

How about the rest? Are you getting a bargain despite their $150 price tag? Or should you check the competition instead?

Learn all the answers down below.

We test and evaluate headphones using a standardized 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

  • Excellent sound quality for the price, with smooth, natural tuning
  • Comfortable fit despite their extra weight
  • Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to 2 devices simultaneously
  • Good ambient sound mode performance
  • … but it randomly stops working
  • ANC only works effectively with lower frequencies
  • Battery life below 5 hours per charge (with ANC)
Editor
rating
3.8
By HeadphonesAddict
User
ratings
3.7
User Ratings: 9
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CONTENTS (show more)

    Sound

    Star Rating
    4.5 Almost Perfect

    TOZO Golden X1 have a distinct U-shaped sound signature, a relatively natural midrange, and a sound-stage with good width. With some EQ corrections, their sound becomes close to what we consider “ideal”.

    TOZO Golden X1 A/B sound comparison

    TOZO Golden X1 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    Learn how to understand sound comparisons.

    Who would have thought TOZO could deliver such a good sound on their first try. Sure, it requires minor corrections to start shining, but we’ve seen much worse from other brands at this price range.

    You get a tight, deep bass, buttery midrange, and nicely textured treble. Let’s take a closer look at each frequency range.

    TOZO Golden X1 Frequency Response

    TOZO Golden X1 ANC on & off comparison
    The red line is the response without ANC and the blue line with ANC. Both have identical bass and treble boost.

    Bass: Boosted but not bloated

    Golden X1 use dual drivers (dynamic and balanced armature), which is usually a recipe for harsh and bassy sound, especially when you see a “Hi-Res” logo next to it.

    TOZO didn’t spare on the bass quantity. And you also get bass quality. Because the bass boost stops at 200Hz, it doesn’t bleed into the midrange and make it muddy.

    That said, lowering the bass inside the app helps to open the sound while providing a tight punch when needed.

    Due to excellent sub-bass extension, songs like “Better Now” by Post Malone or “Your Latest Trick” by Dire Straits output a lovely low-end rumble.

    Even metal lovers will start headbanging thanks to a well-controlled and tactile bass kick.

    Midrange: Natural-sounding and buttery smooth

    If you’re the kind of person that enjoys more laidback music, like “New Light” by John Mayer, you’ll love the smoothness of the TOZO Golden X1.

    Vocals sound ever so slightly thin compared to the fuller-sounding Sony WF-1000XM4, but you need a trained ear to notice that.

    Moreover, acoustic and electric instruments have a natural tone and sound smooth in a tasteful manner, which means that the X1 are better suited for Pink Floyd rather than Metallica’s guitar solos.

    Here are the TOZO Golden X1 EQ presets:

    TOZO Golden X1 Custom EQ & Presets Comparison – HeadphonesAddict

    Treble: Nicely textured but slightly too shimmery

    TOZO aimed for audiophile high-frequency tuning, reducing the 8kHz area before increasing the upper range.

    However, the boost is a bit too strong at 12kHz, and you can hear the presence of the 9kHz in the form of a shimmer.

    Reducing the treble in the app helps make the sound more pleasant, giving some texture to cymbals and string instruments.

    In general, treble plays well with most you throw at it. Only occasionally, like in “Ordinary Story” by In Flames, cymbal crashes become a bit bright.

    TOZO Golden X1 on the rock
    TOZO Golden X1 are a current go-to if you want high-quality sound under $200.

    Moving to the soundstage, it is decent in size, so the music doesn’t feel congested. Accompanied by accurate imaging, you should feel immersed in whatever you decide to listen to.

    Overall, TOZO Golden X1 squeezed out a lot from their drivers and delivered a coherent, pleasant listening experience.

    They don’t sound as full or natural as high-end true wireless earbuds, but for $150, their sound quality doesn’t disappoint.

    Check out similar headphones:

    Comfort & Fit

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    TOZO Golden X1 offer an ergonomic and comfortable design, despite their unusual shape. However, they have some weight, so they aren’t your best option for rock-steady fit.

    The new Golden X1 have a unique shape. They’re bean-shaped at the nozzle, with a slim “waist” in the middle and a slightly thicker exterior.

    Despite the odd design, they’re smooth and don’t poke or press against your ears. I wore them for at least an hour and haven’t experienced any pain.

    Moreover, their comfort isn’t affected by the fact they pack 2 drivers, which adds weight. 

    Stability is a slightly different experience. The little “wing” isn’t meant to secure the earbuds in place but to face down and act as a kind of short stem to bring the microphone closer to your mouth.

    TOZO Golden X1 in ears
    A tiny “stem” that extends the mic towards your mouth and not an ear fin.

    Since there are no hooks or ear fins, earbuds hold to your ears solely by ear tip friction and that slim “waist” that rests on your earlobes.

    To ensure optimal fit, TOZO provided 6 pairs of silicone ear tips. They have an oval shape to better adapt to the ear canal. Still, if you seek ultimate stability, look elsewhere.

    Golden X1 remain steady during casual use and even outdoor walking. However, anything more intense, like running or jumping, can break the seal, which affects audio performance. They are not suitable for working out.

    Here are the top earbuds that stay in your ears during exercise:

    Durability

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    TOZO Golden X1 are tiny but well-made earbuds that you can take under a shower thanks to nano-coating protection and an IPX6 rating. The only thing that feels cheap is the case’s plastic lid.

    When taking the charging case out of the box, you can already feel the weight, which indicates good build quality.

    While TOZO Golden X1 are entirely made of plastic (only the nozzle looks like it could be metal), they feel reassuring in hand. Earbuds have two drivers, so they can’t be small, but they avoid being ridiculously big as Sony WF-1000XM4 or protruding as Edifier W240TN.

    Looking at the buds, we can’t find any potential weak points. You have to be genuinely unlucky to crack them open after an accidental drop.

    That said, the charging case looks less fantastic. It feels solid and weighty, with a minimalistic matte black design. A standout feature is an internal display showing the case’s and earbuds’ battery levels.

    TOZO Golden X1 charging case
    The charging case is matte black and has a sleek design but a rather fragile lid.

    However, the lid is wobbly, with a tiny plasticky hinge. We’ve seen worse, even in more expensive earbuds, but they don’t match the quality of 1MORE Evo‘s case.

    We believe the lid could be the first thing to break if you drop the case, so try and be extra careful during handling.

    Battery

    Star Rating
    3.0 Good
    • Battery test: 4h 41min (ANC on)
    • Expected battery life: Up to 8 h (around 6 with ANC on)

    TOZO Golden X1 battery life only lasted 4 hours and 41 minutes with ANC enabled, which is much less than expected. Fortunately, they charge up pretty fast when placed inside the charging case.

    TOZO Golden X1 Battery Comparison

    TOZO Golden X1 battery comparison

    Looking at the official website, TOZO mentions the Golden X1 can play your music for up to 8 hours on a single charge without noise cancelling.

    Typically, that would mean around 2 hours less with noise cancelling activated, but our results are even lower.

    Leaving TOZO Golden X1 to play at 50% volume with ANC enabled got us:

    • 4 hours and 41 minutes.

    It seems TOZO’s ANC algorithms aren’t that well optimized, so they use up a lot of juice. That said, less than 5 hours of playtime is still enough to get you through the day.

    TOZO Golden X1 LED battery
    The screen inside the charging case shows the remaining charge in the case and earbuds.

    The charging case holds 24 hours of additional power and uses USB-C or Qi wireless charging to fill it up. It takes 2 hours to charge it entirely.

    Strangely, there’s no official mention of the fast charging support, but from our experience, earbuds charge up pretty quickly.

    Features

    Star Rating
    4.5 Almost Perfect

    TOZO Golden X1 pack all the necessary features for commuting and customization without any gimmicks. Sadly, the call quality could use some improvement.

    When supplying extra features, TOZO smartly kept the most useful ones and ditched anything that sounded like a gimmick. Meaning you don’t get an auto play/pause sensor or Spatial Audio capabilities.

    Instead, inside the TOZO app, you get things that matter and you actually want to use, like custom equalizer, custom touch controls, and different ANC modes.

    You also get a hearing test “Earprint” feature where you select what frequency tones you hear or not. But it isn’t very precise, and it hardly does any difference to the sound.

    TOZO Golden X1 Hearing test

    Custom Sound Effects

    TOZO companion app offers a 10-band custom equalizer with +/-5dB values. Furthermore, you can choose from 16 EQ presets (including the Standard “flat” preset).

    The presets are okay, but we recommend using the custom EQ settings. It offers adequate control for tuning your earbuds and improving the sound.

    Most importantly, it doesn’t hurt the sound quality or dynamics, as some EQs can.

    TOZO Golden X1 custom EQ
    Some of the EQ presets on the left, and our custom EQ on the right.

    Custom Touch Control

    TOZO Golden X1 let you use 4 different gestures (one tap, double tap, triple tap, and long press), and you can allocate specific commands and not choose from predetermined “gesture presets” (like in JBL headphones).

    However, on the left side, single press and triple-tap are locked to ANC modes, and the triple-tap on the right is assigned to the voice assistant. Also, long presses can only adjust volume controls.

    TOZO Golden X1 controls
    Gestures without an arrow on the right are fixed, and you cannot change them.

    While it’s good that you have all commands accessible from the earbuds, it doesn’t make sense to lock some controls to a specific gesture. Users should be able to decide that for themselves.

    As a result, the control scheme needs to be clearer and more intuitive.

    ANC modes (or Effects)

    TOZO app provides 4 ANC modes, an OFF mode and an ambient sound mode. Active noise cancellation modes go as follows:

    • Noise cancellation (the strongest)
    • Reduce wind noise (the mode that better combats wind but isn’t as strong)
    • Leisure mode (less effective ANC)
    • Custom pattern (customizable ANC intensity from 1 to 10)

    We go into more details later.

    TOZO Golden X1 ANC modes

    TOZO Golden X1 Microphone Quality

    TOZO Golden X1 call quality is decent, but it could’ve been better. This is how you sound during a call:

    TOZO Golden X1 Microphone Test

    Earbuds use a total of 8 microphones for ANC and reducing background noise from calls. And while noise reduction works well, the clarity of your voice leaves much to be desired.

    In a quiet room, your voice remains fully understandable but a bit thin, lacking fullness. At least the volume is much higher compared to the budget TOZO T10.

    However, moving to someplace louder, the voice quality starts to fall apart. You start sounding even thinner and occasionally hard to understand.

    In conclusion, avoid noisy places when taking phone calls with these earbuds.

    Noise Isolation

    Star Rating
    3.0 Good

    TOZO Golden X1 have mediocre passive noise isolation, leaving bass frequencies intact and only reducing higher ones a little.

    Measured average noise isolation14,73 dBA

    Most headphones struggle when trying to reduce bass and lower midrange frequencies. That’s normal since lower frequencies are harder to absorb. However, higher frequencies are easier to tackle.

    TOZO Golden X1 passive isolation comparison
    Blue line is our control room response; red shows how much TOZO’s isolate, while green shows 1MORE Aero isolation.

    Unfortunately, not all do such a great job here, TOZO Golden X1 included. They’re pretty much ineffective up to 1kHz, where they finally start reducing surrounding noise.

    Compared to 1MORE Aero (green line from the graph), Golden X1 perform equally or worse in almost all aspects, especially in high frequencies.

    Therefore, to truly get rid of the noise, you must use them together with active noise cancelling.

    Here’s a table of how effective is TOZO Golden X1’s passive noise isolation at blocking specific frequencies:

    FrequencyNoise reduction
    dB SPL
    Noise reduction
    dBA (A-weighted)
    100 Hz1.2 dB-17.9 dBA
    200 Hz3.2 dB-7.6 dBA
    400 Hz4.8 dB0 dBA
    600 Hz4.4 dB2.2 dBA
    1 kHz6.7 dB6.7 dBA
    2 kHz21.8 dB23 dBA
    4 kHz37.9 dB38.9 dBA
    6 kHz23.4 dB23.5 dBA
    10 kHz23.6 dB21.1 dBA
    15 kHz37.9 dB31.9 dBA
    Average14,73 dBA
    A-weighted values from the International standard IEC 61672:2003

    Noise Cancelling

    Star Rating
    3.0 Good

    TOZO Golden X1 have a decent active noise cancelling performance that works better against lower than higher frequencies. Also, while ambient sound mode naturally amplifies the surroundings, it randomly stops working.

    Measured average noise cancellation6,65 dBA

    TOZO Golden X1 active noise cancelling test:

    TOZO Golden X1 ANC Test – HeadphonesAddict

    Any premium earbuds also need to have ANC. However, these are TOZO’s first ANC earbuds with certification by TUV Rheinland. Is it any good?

    Well, noise cancelling performance is good enough for commuting or travel where the only distracting noise is a low-end hum from engines. Although still far from what cheaper earbuds like EarFun Air Pro 3 can do.

    TOZO Golden X1 ANC comparison
    TOZO Golden X1 (red) are overall better at reducing bass but slightly worse with highs compared to Sony WF-1000XM4 (green).

    On the other hand, earbuds are a bit better at blocking high frequencies like traffic or human speech than competitors.

    Here’s the table with TOZO Golden X1 ANC test results:

    FrequencyNoise cancellation
    dB SPL
    Noise cancellation
    dBA (A-weighted)
    30 Hz8,1 dB-32,5 dBA
    50 Hz14,7 dB-15,6 dBA
    70 Hz27,1 dB2,6 dBA
    90 Hz26,7 dB6,1 dBA
    200 Hz18,1 dB7,3 dBA
    400 Hz9,4 dB4,6 dBA
    600 Hz7,9 dB5,7 dBA
    800 Hz6,3 dB5,5 dBA
    1 kHz7,7 dB7,7 dBA
    2 kHz25,8 dB27 dBA
    Average6,65 dBA
    A-weighted values from the International standard IEC 61672:2003

    How about ambient sound mode?

    TOZO Golden X1 can boost ambient noise quite naturally in tonality and loudness. The only slightly distracting thing is the audible background hiss.

    TOZO Golden X1 ambient sound mode comparison
    TOZO’s transparency mode boosts the noise up to natural levels.

    However, when using the feature for a short period of time, background hiss isn’t a dealbreaker. What could be is that the feature randomly stops working seconds after it’s turned on.

    Bluetooth

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    TOZO Golden X1 have an average Bluetooth range of 40 feet and an overall stable close-range connection, even with LDAC. Multitaskers will find multipoint support quite practical.

    The new TOZO Golden X1 use the latest Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a stable and robust connection, even with multiple Bluetooth devices in the same room.

    While that’s true, the indoor range is only average. In our test, we got:

    • Around 40 feet (or 12.2 meters) of range before the earbuds’ audio started cutting off. That’s right after passing the second brick wall.

    Average indoor range aside, earbuds also support Bluetooth multipoint. There’s no setting you need to activate; the feature works out of the box.

    You simply pair the earbuds with 2 different devices, and after enabling Bluetooth on both, the earbuds will connect to both. They will play audio from the device you’re using.

    TOZO Golden X1 multipoint
    TOZO Golden X1 support a simple Bluetooth multipoint for connecting 2 devices simultaneously.

    How to pair TOZO Golden X1?

    To perform the first pairing, place the new earbuds inside the case, close and reopen the lid, and they should appear in your Bluetooth menu.

    For any additional pairings, place the buds in the case and close and then reopen the lid. Press and hold the button between the buds without taking the earbuds out until you see flashing LEDs. Earbuds should appear in the Bluetooth menu.

    What Bluetooth codecs do they use?

    TOZO Golden X1 use SBC, AAC, and LDAC. With that, they cover all the needs of Android and Apple devices. To use the LDAC Bluetooth codec, you must first enable it in your phone’s Bluetooth settings.

    Is there any audio lag?

    Earbuds work lag-free for watching YouTube and other social media videos. On the flip side, there’s a slight delay in mobile games. But it’s only distracting in competitive shooters rather than casual games.

    Should You Get TOZO Golden X1?

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    TOZO Golden X1 are first and foremost music-listening true wireless earbuds. There’s a reason why they have dual driver, LDAC codec, and Hi-Res certification.

    If you seek wireless earbuds with excellent sound quality for under $200, you just found them.

    TOZO Golden X1 Knowles Hi-Res
    TOZO Golden X1 are true wireless earbuds primarily for sound enthusiasts.

    On the other hand, feature-wise, they’re half-baked. You get everything you find helpful, but the performance doesn’t stand out. Hopefully, TOZO can improve some of the things over firmware updates.

    Nonetheless, most casual listeners will undoubtedly find their performance more than satisfying. Also, they’re often discounted, which makes them a fantastic deal.

    How do TOZO Golden X1 compare to the competition?

    • The Golden X1 sound better than most competitors under $200.
    • Earbuds have a typical IPX6 water-resistant rating, placing them somewhere in the middle of the competition (most have IPX5, with some having IP67).
    • Ambient sound mode boosts sound better than others, but it randomly stops working.
    • Battery life of barely 5 hours per charge is below average, with most ANC earbuds lasting at least an hour longer.
    • Passive isolation and active noise cancellation are mediocre compared to the competition.

    TOZO Golden X1 alternatives

    EarFun Air Pro 3

    EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds

    For under $80, the Air Pro 3 have a less detailed yet also very musical sound that works with most music genres. Moreover, they only offer IPX5 compared to IPX6 in the X1.

    On the flip side, they have a longer battery at 8 hours per charge, better passive and active noise cancellation, and a more robust Bluetooth range.

    EarFun Air Pro 3 review

    Edifier NeoBuds Pro

    Edifier NeoBuds Pro case

    NeoBuds Pro are another earbuds for around $100 that don’t quite match the Golden X1 in sound quality.

    But, the NeoBuds Pro have a more effective ANC and much clearer call quality. Durability-wise, you get an IP54 rating which includes dust resistance that the X1 lack.

    Edifier NeoBuds Pro review

    What’s in the Box?

    TOZO Golden X1 accessories
    • TOZO Golden X1 true wireless earbuds
    • Charging case
    • USB-C charging cable
    • 6 pairs of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL)
    • User manual

    Specifications

    Type: True wireless
    Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Back design: Closed-back
    Drivers: 12mm dynamic & balanced armature
    Frequency range: 12-41.000Hz
    Impedance: n/a
    Weight: 0.2 ounces (6 grams) per earbud
    Mic & Controls: Yes
    Water resistance: IPX6
    Battery life: 5h + 24h in case (with ANC)
    Charging time: 2h – USB-C & Qi charging
    Active noise cancelling: Yes, down to 42dB
    Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
    Wireless range: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
    Microphone: Yes, total of 8 mics

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