Both the Hoco W55 Plus and ProBeats W53 Plus offer ANC, Bluetooth 5.4, 90-hour playback (without ANC), 40mm drivers, and 800mAh batteries at a similar price tier — making this a genuinely close comparison. The Hoco W55 Plus pulls ahead on connectivity (dual-device pairing + AUX wired mode + ANC active for 65 hours), comfort (198g memory-protein ear cushions), and brand trust. The ProBeats W53 Plus edges ahead on ANC-off battery efficiency if you often skip noise cancellation, and comes with a carrying case included. For most buyers, the Hoco W55 Plus offers a more complete feature set. The ProBeats is a strong alternative if you want a case in the box and rarely use ANC.
Finding a solid pair of noise cancelling headphones in New Zealand doesn't have to mean paying $400+ for a Sony or Bose. A new generation of ANC headphones in the $80–$150 range is genuinely competitive — and two of the most popular options right now are the Hoco W55 Plus (Model W55 Plus) and the ProBeats Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Model W53 Plus). They share more DNA than you might expect: same Bluetooth version, same battery size, same driver diameter. But the differences matter. This guide breaks down exactly where each pair wins — and which one belongs on your ears.
Model W53 Plus
Model W55 Plus
Noise Cancellation: How They Actually Compare
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is the headline feature for both headphones, but not all ANC is created equal — especially at this price point. Here's what the specs and real-world testing tell us about each pair.
Hoco W55 Plus: dual-microphone hybrid ANC
The Hoco W55 Plus uses a dual-microphone hybrid ANC system — combining feedforward (external-facing) and feedback (internal-facing) microphone inputs to create a more precise noise cancellation profile. Independent testing of the W55 Plus found up to 28 dB reduction in low-frequency noise, performing comparably to mid-tier wired headsets in controlled conditions. For commuters dealing primarily with mechanical rumbles (trains, buses, aircraft engines), it performs admirably — though high-pitched sounds like sirens are only slightly attenuated, consistent with typical budget ANC behaviour.
The dual-microphone setup also benefits call quality. In real-world call tests, the W55 Plus demonstrated effective background noise suppression during phone calls — with one tester reporting that a colleague on a call couldn't tell they were walking outdoors.
ProBeats W53 Plus: single-configuration ANC
The ProBeats W53 Plus features ANC that effectively blocks background noise for focused listening, work, and commuting. The product description doesn't specify dual-microphone architecture, suggesting a single-mic feedforward configuration — common at this price point and perfectly capable for the core use cases: open-plan offices, public transport, and travel. For the majority of daily listening scenarios, it provides a meaningfully quieter experience than no ANC at all.
At this price tier, both headphones deliver ANC that's genuinely useful for reducing low-frequency ambient noise — commuting, office hum, air conditioning. Neither will completely match a Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45. But for under $150, both produce a noticeably quieter listening environment that makes a real difference to focus and fatigue during long sessions.
Battery Life: What "90 Hours" Really Means
Both headphones are rated at 90 hours of playback — a genuinely impressive figure that puts them in the upper tier of battery life for ANC headphones at any price. But the critical difference emerges when ANC is switched on, which is when most people are actually using these headphones.
ANC-on battery: the real-world number
- ProBeats W53 Plus: 45 hours with ANC enabled
- Hoco W55 Plus: 65 hours with ANC enabled
That's a 44% longer ANC battery life for the Hoco — a meaningful difference for anyone who keeps ANC on throughout the day. At 3–4 hours of daily use with ANC active, the Hoco lasts over two weeks between charges; the ProBeats lasts about 10–11 days. Both charge fully in approximately 2 hours via USB-C.
ANC draws significantly more power than standard Bluetooth playback — typically 25–35% more. If you regularly use these headphones for 6–8 hour work days with ANC on, the Hoco's 65-hour ANC figure translates to roughly 8–10 days between charges versus the ProBeats' 5–7 days. For frequent travellers or heavy daily users, this gap is the single most important difference between these two headphones.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, AUX & Dual-Device
Both headphones share Bluetooth 5.4 — the same version, same generation of chip technology. Pairing speed is fast on both, and connection stability under normal use is equivalent. Where they diverge is in what happens beyond Bluetooth.
Hoco W55 Plus: dual connectivity + dual-device
The Hoco W55 Plus supports both Bluetooth wireless and AUX wired audio via a 3.5mm cable. This matters more than it sounds: if the battery dies mid-flight, you can plug in and keep listening. It also means these headphones work with in-flight entertainment systems, older devices without Bluetooth, and audio interfaces. Additionally, the W55 Plus supports dual-device pairing — you can connect to your phone and your laptop simultaneously and switch between them without re-pairing.
ProBeats W53 Plus: Bluetooth-only
The ProBeats W53 Plus is a wireless-only headphone — no AUX input. For most everyday use this is completely fine, but it does mean you're dependent on battery life and Bluetooth for all listening. There's no fallback if the battery runs out in the middle of something important, and switching between devices requires disconnecting from one before connecting to another.
Comfort & Build Quality
Weight
The Hoco W55 Plus weighs 198g; the ProBeats W53 Plus weighs 231g — a 33g difference that's noticeable over a full working day. Both are over-ear designs with adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups, but the lighter Hoco will cause less fatigue during extended sessions.
Ear cushion materials
The Hoco W55 Plus uses memory-protein ear cushions — a soft, skin-friendly material that conforms to the shape of your ear over time and provides better long-term comfort than standard PU leather. The ProBeats W53 Plus features cushioned ear cups without specifying the material type. Both are designed for extended wear comfort, but the Hoco's memory-protein specification is a meaningful quality indicator at this price tier.
Design & portability
Both headphones are foldable, which matters for travel and daily commuting. The ProBeats has a slight edge here: it includes a carrying case in the box (the Hoco does not), which makes packing and protecting the headphones significantly easier. If you travel frequently and want to throw your headphones in a bag without worrying about damage, the ProBeats' included case is a genuine advantage.
Sound Quality
Both headphones use 40mm dynamic drivers — the same diameter — which means the core driver hardware is comparable. Sound quality at this tier is heavily influenced by driver tuning, ear cup seal, and how well the ANC interacts with the audio profile.
The Hoco W55 Plus delivers high-fidelity sound with deep bass and crystal-clear audio for music and calls, according to verified user reports. The memory-protein ear cups also contribute to passive isolation, which improves perceived audio quality by reducing outside noise before ANC even activates.
The ProBeats W53 Plus is described as delivering "clear sound, deep bass, and balanced tones" — consistent with what well-tuned 40mm drivers at this tier typically produce. Both headphones will satisfy most casual and commuter listeners; neither targets audiophile-grade accuracy.
Full Product Details
ProBeats Active Noise Cancelling Headphones — 90Hr (W53 Plus)
Lightweight foldable ANC headphones with 90 hours of playback (45 hours with ANC), Bluetooth 5.4, and 40mm drivers. Includes a carrying case — ideal for travellers. USB-C charging.
- ModelW53 Plus
- Battery800mAh
- Playback (ANC off)90 hours
- Playback (ANC on)45 hours
- Charge time~2 hours
- Bluetooth5.4
- Driver40mm
- Weight231g
- ChargingUSB-C
- In boxHeadphones · USB-C cable · Carrying case
- Shipping14–21 working days (from supplier)
Hoco Premium Bluetooth Headphones w/ ANC — 90Hr Black (W55 Plus)
Dual-microphone hybrid ANC, 65-hour ANC battery life, dual-device pairing, AUX wired mode, and memory-protein ear cushions. The most feature-complete option at this price tier.
- ModelW55 Plus
- ChipsetJieLi JL7006F8
- Battery800mAh
- Playback (ANC off)90 hours
- Playback (ANC on)65 hours
- Charge time~2 hours
- Bluetooth5.4
- ANC typeDual-mic hybrid
- ConnectivityBluetooth + AUX wired
- Multi-deviceDual-device pairing
- Driver40mm
- Ear cushionsMemory-protein
- Weight198g
- ColourBlack
- In boxHeadphones · AUX cable · USB charging cable · Manual
- Shipping14–21 working days (from supplier)
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | ProBeats W53 Plus | Hoco W55 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 800mAh | 800mAh |
| Playback (ANC off) | 90 hours | 90 hours |
| Playback (ANC on) | 45 hours | 65 hours +44% |
| Charge time | ~2 hours | ~2 hours |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| ANC type | ANC | Dual-mic hybrid ANC More precise |
| AUX wired mode | ❌ No | ✅ Yes Advantage |
| Dual-device pairing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes Advantage |
| Driver size | 40mm | 40mm |
| Weight | 231g | 198g Lighter |
| Ear cushion material | Cushioned (unspecified) | Memory-protein Better comfort |
| Carrying case | ✅ Included Advantage | ❌ Not included |
| Voice prompts | — | English & Chinese |
| Dimensions | 198 × 153 × 81mm | 195 × 185 × 84mm |
| Shipping (NZ) | 14–21 working days | 14–21 working days |
| Colour | Check product listing | Black |
Who Each Headphone Is Built For
Choose the ProBeats W53 Plus if you:
- Want a carrying case included in the box for travel protection
- Primarily use headphones without ANC and want 90 hours of casual listening
- Prefer a Bluetooth-only setup with no AUX cable to manage
- Use one device at a time and don't need multi-device switching
- Want a reliable, straightforward ANC experience for everyday commuting
Choose the Hoco W55 Plus if you:
- Keep ANC on most of the time and need the extra 20-hour battery margin (65 vs 45 hours)
- Work across multiple devices (phone + laptop) and want seamless switching
- Travel frequently and want the AUX fallback for in-flight entertainment or a flat battery
- Prioritise comfort for all-day wear — lighter (198g) with memory-protein cushions
- Want dual-microphone ANC for better noise suppression on calls
- Value the Hoco brand's established track record in audio accessories
Hoco W55 Plus for features. ProBeats W53 Plus if you want a case.
On a straight feature-by-feature analysis, the Hoco W55 Plus wins — more ANC battery life (65 vs 45 hours), dual-device pairing, AUX wired mode, lighter weight, and better-specified ear cushions. For daily commuters, remote workers, and frequent travellers who keep ANC on throughout the day, these advantages compound into a meaningfully better experience. The ProBeats W53 Plus is not a poor choice — its 90-hour battery without ANC is excellent, the ANC works well for its primary use cases, and the included carrying case is a practical bonus the Hoco lacks. If case-in-the-box matters more to you than dual-device and AUX connectivity, the ProBeats is worth a serious look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better — the Hoco W55 Plus or ProBeats W53 Plus?
The Hoco W55 Plus offers more features overall: 65 hours of ANC battery life (versus 45 hours for the ProBeats), dual-device pairing, AUX wired connectivity, dual-microphone ANC, memory-protein ear cushions, and a lighter 198g build. The ProBeats W53 Plus wins in one specific area: it includes a carrying case in the box. For most buyers — particularly those who use ANC regularly or switch between devices — the Hoco W55 Plus delivers better value. For buyers who want a case included and primarily listen without ANC, the ProBeats is a solid choice.
How does the Hoco W55 Plus ANC compare to Sony or Bose noise cancelling?
The Hoco W55 Plus delivers genuine, usable ANC — independent testing indicates up to 28 dB reduction in low-frequency noise, which is effective for commuting, office environments, and travel. Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC45 achieve 35–40 dB reduction with more sophisticated adaptive algorithms that adjust to the noise environment in real time. At the price difference (Hoco at a fraction of the cost of Sony/Bose), the W55 Plus represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who want real noise cancellation without flagship pricing.
Will these headphones work with an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. Both the Hoco W55 Plus and ProBeats W53 Plus use Bluetooth 5.4 and are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth audio — including iPhone, Android smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, Windows laptops, and Chromebooks. The Hoco W55 Plus additionally supports AUX wired connection via a 3.5mm cable, making it compatible with devices that still have a headphone jack or with in-flight entertainment systems.
Are these headphones good for long work-from-home sessions?
Yes — both are designed with extended wear in mind. For work-from-home use specifically, the Hoco W55 Plus has several advantages: the dual-microphone ANC suppresses background noise on calls more effectively, the 198g weight causes less fatigue over a full day, memory-protein ear cushions provide better comfort during extended wear, and dual-device pairing lets you stay connected to both your work laptop and personal phone simultaneously. For a typical 8-hour work day with ANC on, the Hoco's 65-hour ANC battery means you charge once per week; the ProBeats' 45-hour ANC figure means roughly every 5–6 days.
How long does delivery take to New Zealand?
Both the Hoco W55 Plus and ProBeats W53 Plus ship from supplier and typically arrive within 14–21 working days across New Zealand. Tracking details are provided once your order has been dispatched. Sign up to the Off The Back newsletter for free shipping on your first order.
What does "dual-device pairing" mean on the Hoco W55 Plus?
Dual-device pairing (also called multipoint Bluetooth) means the headphones can maintain an active Bluetooth connection to two devices simultaneously — for example, your phone and your laptop. When a call comes through on your phone while you're listening to music from your laptop, the headphones automatically switch audio to the call, then return to the laptop when the call ends. You don't need to disconnect from one device before connecting to the other. The ProBeats W53 Plus does not support this feature.
Can I use the Hoco W55 Plus on a plane?
Yes. The Hoco W55 Plus supports both Bluetooth and AUX wired audio. During the take-off and landing phases when Bluetooth must be disabled on some airlines, you can plug in the included AUX cable to continue listening via the in-flight entertainment system's 3.5mm headphone jack. The ProBeats W53 Plus is Bluetooth-only and cannot be used wired on in-flight entertainment systems.
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