HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones – A Sporty Bluetooth Earphone with ENC and Long Playtime

Published on June 18, 2023, 8:43 a.m.

With so many wireless earbuds on the market today, it can be tough to know which ones to choose. In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones to see if they can compete with more premium options. Featuring Bluetooth 5.3, noise canceling microphones, IPX6 waterproofing, and up to 7 hours of battery life, these affordable earbuds seem to offer great value for the price. Read on for the full review.
 HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones

Overview

The HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones are wireless earbuds designed for sports and active lifestyles. Key features include:

  • Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
  • ENC noise canceling microphones
  • IPX6 sweat and water resistance rating
  • 7 hours battery life, 56 hours total with charging case
  • Physical buttons for control
  • Ergonomic earhook and tip design
  • Wireless and USB-C charging

At around $40, these earbuds are very competitively priced compared to more premium options. Let’s see if the performance matches the value.

Design and Fit

The S3 earbuds have an over-ear hook design that ensures a secure fit during workouts and running. Multiple sizes of silicone ear tips are included for getting a comfortable in-ear seal. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fairly compact.

Overall, the fit is quite stable and comfortable enough for extended wear. Those who prefer the around-ear wearing style will appreciate the design.

Sound Quality

With 12mm drivers, the S3 earbuds produce fairly powerful and balanced sound with emphasis on the low end. The bass has decent punch and depth without sounding boomy. Mids and highs come through clearly.

In terms of sound quality, these perform very well for the price point. They can handle bass-heavy music genres capably. Noise isolation is also good with a proper in-ear seal.

 HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones

Features and Controls

The S3 earbuds keep controls simple with physical buttons on each earbud. You can control volume, track playback, calls, voice assistants, and power. The buttons provide tactile feedback when pressed.

For calls, the noise canceling microphones do an adequate job reducing ambient noise. Callers reported that I sounded clear in both quiet and moderately noisy environments.

 HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones

Battery Life

Battery life is a highlight, with up to 7 hours of continuous playback per charge. The charging case provides an additional 3-4 full charges. Quick charging via USB-C gives you 1 hour of use from just 10 minutes of charging.

In real-world usage, I was able to go multiple days between charges even with 1-2 hours of daily listening. This is great endurance compared to the competition.

 HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones

Use Cases

The S3 earbuds are ideal for:

  • Workouts and running
  • Everyday use and commuting
  • Taking calls on the go

User Feedback & Reviews

With over 3,000 customer reviews on Amazon, the HAPPYAUDIO S3 earbuds have received largely positive feedback. They currently have a 4.2 out of 5 star rating overall.

The most praised aspects in user reviews include:

  • Great value for the price - Many mention these provide great bang for your buck compared to more premium wireless earbuds.

  • Good sound quality - Users find the audio has nice clarity in the mids and highs with sufficient bass response. Sound is pleasing overall considering the affordable price point.

  • Secure and comfortable fit - The earhook design provides a stable fit for activity and workouts according to most. The earbuds are lightweight and comfortable enough for prolonged wear.

  • Long battery life - The 7+ hours of continuous playback makes these earbuds stand out at this price. The charging case provides multiple extra full charges.

Some downsides pointed out in reviews:

  • Lacks app and EQ customization - There is no app for tweaking the sound profile or enabling features. Some would like more ability to customize.

  • Occasional Bluetooth drops - Connectivity is good overall but can be prone to brief drops or stutters especially at longer distances.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Great value and price
  • Secure and comfortable fit
  • Long 7+ hour battery life
  • Effective noise canceling
  • Waterproof IPX6 rating

Cons:

  • Audio can lack bass for some
  • Bluetooth connectivity could be more stable

Value

With performance that matches or exceeds more expensive competitors, the HAPPYAUDIO S3 earbuds provide outstanding value and cost-effectiveness. $40 is very affordable for a feature-packed pair of wireless earbuds. The long battery life, waterproofing, stable fit and noise canceling microphone make these a bargain compared to similar models costing 2-3 times more. For budget-conscious buyers who still want quality and performance, the S3 earbuds should top their list.

Verdict

For the very reasonable price, the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones provide great value. They sound good, fit securely, and have excellent battery life. Noise canceling and waterproofing add even more functionality. If you want feature-packed wireless earbuds without breaking the bank, the S3 earbuds are easy to recommend.

Specifications

  • Driver: 12mm dynamic driver

  • Bluetooth version: 5.3

  • Wireless range: Up to 10 meters/33 feet

  • Battery life: Up to 7 hours (earbuds), up to 56 hours total (with case)

  • Charging time: 2 hours (case), 10 mins quick charge for 1 hour playtime

  • Charging method: USB-C

  • Waterproof rating: IPX6 sweatproof and water resistant

  • Noise cancellation: CVC 8.0 noise canceling microphones

  • Buttons: Physical buttons for volume, track, call control

  • Microphones: Dual MEMS microphones per earbud

  • Weight: 5 grams per earbud, 50 grams charging case

  • Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 11 mm per earbud

  • Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP

  • Codecs: SBC, AAC

  • Eartips: 3 pairs (S/M/L)

  • Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty

What’s Included

The S3 earbuds include:

  • Charging case
  • 3 sets of ear tips
  • USB-C charging cable
  • User manual

How to Use

To use the S3 earbuds:

  1. Charge the earbuds and case fully before first use
  2. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone
  3. Take both earbuds out of the case - they will power on and pair
  4. Select “HAPPYAUDIO S3” from the Bluetooth list on your phone
  5. Use controls on each earbud to play/pause music and adjust volume

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones ensure comfort and stability during physical activities?

The HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones are designed with soft eartips and earhooks that ensure a secure fit. This design provides stability and comfort, making these headphones ideal for sports or gym activities. Their IPX6 waterproof and sweatproof features further enhance their suitability for physical exertion, allowing users to enjoy their music without worry about moisture or movement disrupting the fit.

What is the battery life of the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones, and how does the charging case extend this?

The HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones offer up to 7 hours of listening time on a full charge. When combined with the charging case, users can enjoy a total playback time of up to 56 hours. This extended listening period is facilitated by the efficient energy usage of the headphones and the additional charge held by the case, providing a convenient solution for long-term use without frequent recharging.

How do the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones ensure clear call quality?

Equipped with an ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) noise-canceling microphone, the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones filter out background noise. This feature ensures that the user’s voice is transmitted clearly and distinctly during calls, even in noisy environments, making these headphones suitable for outdoor exercise or any situation where clear communication is crucial.

How user-friendly are the controls on the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones?

The HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones utilize physical buttons for control, which prevents accidental presses that are common with touch-sensitive controls. Users can easily manage volume adjustments, play/pause music, answer/reject calls, and activate the voice assistant with a simple button press, enhancing the convenience and ease of use during various activities.

What charging options are available for the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones?

Users can charge the HAPPYAUDIO S3 Earhook Headphones using advanced wireless charging technology or via a USB-C cable. The charging box takes approximately 2 hours to reach full charge, offering flexibility and efficiency in charging methods to accommodate different user preferences and situations.

Tips

  • To maximize the comfort and fit of the earhooks, adjust them gently around your ears until you find the most secure and comfortable position.
  • Regularly clean the eartips and earhooks with a soft, dry cloth to maintain hygiene and ensure optimal performance.
  • To extend battery life, ensure that the headphones are fully charged before storing them for an extended period.