Nokia BH-805 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Review: Up to 5 Hours on a Charge, 20 With Case, Solid ANC and Easy Pairing at $149

The Nokia BH-805 Noise Cancelling Earbuds bring active noise cancellation to a compact true wireless package, aiming to blend convenience with a calmer listening environment. They’re designed for travelers, commuters, and anyone who craves quieter moments without the bulk of over-ear headphones. In this in-depth review, we unpack the design, fit, controls, battery life, real-world performance, and how they compare to key rivals in the same price range. The goal is to determine whether these earbuds deliver solid everyday value and whether their ANC capabilities justify the investment for typical daily use.

Design, Build, and Ergonomics

The Nokia BH-805 Noise Cancelling Earbuds are positioned in the market as a lightweight, pocket-friendly alternative to larger ANC headphones while still offering meaningful noise reduction. The case and buds follow a compact, streamlined aesthetic, with a focus on practicality over ostentation. The design choices reflect a balance between portability and secure, everyday use during a range of activities.

Three different silicone tip sizes are included to accommodate a broader set of ear shapes. This is a meaningful inclusion because fit plays a critical role in both comfort and the effectiveness of passive isolation, which in turn influences perceived ANC performance. While the tips aren’t guaranteed to fit every ear perfectly, the right size helps ensure the earbuds stay in place during typical daily movements, and reduces the risk of dislodgement during casual activity. In practice, selecting the correct tip size is essential for comfort and optimal seal.

The earbuds themselves are built with small stems, which house the touch-sensitive controls. The stems are visually unobtrusive and contribute to a compact silhouette when worn. The touch controls are the primary method for interacting with the earbuds, replacing the need for physical buttons and enabling quick access to core functions. The control surface is responsive, though it can take a bit of practice to memorize which gesture or press corresponds to each function. For newcomers, there is a short learning curve to map the gestures to commands such as play/pause, adjust volume, or switch between ambient and noise-cancelling modes.

In addition to the buds, the charging case is an important part of the overall design. The case is notably larger than a compact AirPods-style case, but still manageable within a pocket or small bag. The size is a trade-off: more room for charging capacity, which translates into more total listening time, at the expense of bulk in your pocket. The case houses a USB-C charging port for power, a modern standard that allows straightforward recharging with compatible adapters. A simple LED indicator system on the case provides a quick visual readout of battery status, helping users plan recharging breaks during extended use.

Stylistically, Nokia offers a choice of colors that lean toward a neutral, professional vibe. Two colorways are available: Charcoal and Polar Sea. The color options are designed to blend with a wide range of devices and personal styles, from workwear to casual outfits. The overall build emphasizes durability for daily use, including light workouts and commutes, though there are important caveats to consider regarding moisture exposure and movement.

The earbuds carry an IPX4 rating, which means they resist splashes from sweat and light rain. In practical terms, this makes them suitable for workouts in mild weather, quick rain showers, and everyday situations where moisture exposure is possible. However, the IPX4 rating does not guarantee protection against submersion or heavy, continuous moisture. If you’re an avid runner in harsh conditions or frequently exercise in heavy sweat, you may want to explore options designed for higher ingress protection or a more secure fit.

Despite a strong emphasis on secure fit through silicone tips, the earbuds have a tendency to slide slightly when subjected to vigorous movements. This is a common caveat for many in-ear designs, especially those that prioritize a low-profile form factor. The result is that, while they can stay in place under routine activities and light sweating, they aren’t the most stable option for high-intensity workouts. If your primary use case involves intense physical activity, you may want to consider sport-focused wireless earbuds with a more aggressive ear-hook or wingtip design.

In short, the Nokia BH-805 earbuds present a well-considered blend of portability, build quality, and everyday practicality. They’re not the bulkiest wireless option on the market, nor do they claim to be the most rugged; instead, they aim to offer a balanced, versatile fit that supports various daily tasks, commutes, and light activity. The materials feel sturdy, the case design is functional, and the colorways provide a tasteful aesthetic that should appeal to a broad audience.

Setup, Pairing, and On-Device Controls

Setting up the Nokia BH-805 is straightforward. The earbuds use Bluetooth to connect to devices, and the pairing process is designed to be quick and intuitive. When the case opens, the earbuds begin the pairing process with a simple on-device prompt and accompanying LED indicators. The pairing sequence is designed to be almost automatic after the initial setup, allowing users to reconnect to previously paired devices with minimal fuss.

Upon first use, the earbuds announce their status through audible prompts, offering a clear cue that pairing is complete and the connection is established. This audio feedback helps users confirm status without needing to glance at a phone screen, contributing to a more seamless user experience, especially when on the move.

Minute by minute, the controls on the stems emerge as the primary interaction method. The external surface of the stems is touch-sensitive, and users can perform various actions by tapping, tapping and holding, or pressing. The gestural control layout includes play/pause, track skip, volume adjustments, and calls management. It also offers access to the voice assistant on compatible devices, allowing quick hands-free interaction with Siri or Google Assistant.

One notable nuance is the way touch sensitivity translates to user actions during real-world use. If you are adjusting the earbuds within your ear canal, you might find yourself inadvertently triggering controls by brushing the stem rather than the main body of the earbud. This happens because the control sensors are closely integrated with the stem area. For some users, this requires a short period of adaptation to locate the appropriate contact point for each action and to minimize accidental commands during movement.

The BH-805’s ANC and ambient sound controls are designed to be conveniently reachable via the same stem-based surface. In practice, toggling between ambient mode and active noise cancellation is a simple, quick gesture that can be performed with a light touch. The ambient mode allows outside sounds to filter in, which can be useful in situations where awareness of your surroundings is important, while ANC reduces background noise to create a quieter listening environment.

From a connectivity perspective, the Bluetooth pairing is reliable, and the initial pairing experience is aided by unobtrusive audio prompts. Once connected, re-pairing with the same device after placing the case back into your bag or pocket tends to be automatic, promising a seamless re-entry into your listening session. This convenience is particularly helpful for people who rely on these earbuds during daily commutes, in the office, or while traveling.

In sum, the Nokia BH-805 delivers a user experience centered on minimal friction for everyday listening. The pairing process is designed to be intuitive, while the control scheme through the stem provides quick access to essential functions. There is a small learning curve for gesture-based control, but once mastered, everyday use becomes straightforward and efficient.

Battery Life, Charging, and Case Management

Battery life is a critical practical consideration for any true wireless pair of earbuds, and the BH-805 is no exception. Each full charge of the earbuds themselves provides several hours of listening time, with the charging case offering a substantial boost to total endurance. In typical usage scenarios with ANC engaged, you can expect a reliable five hours of continuous playback from a single charge. This figure reflects a balance between maintaining strong audio output, preserving battery health, and delivering meaningful ANC performance in everyday environments.

The charging case is designed to extend the total listening time well beyond the earbuds’ on-a-single-charge performance. When the case is fully charged, the combined listening time can reach around twenty hours, depending on the wear conditions and ANC usage. This extended endurance is advantageous for long flights, weekend trips, or days when access to power outlets is limited. For travelers and busy professionals, the ability to re-energize the earbuds by returning them to the case offers a practical, low-effort charging workflow.

Charging is conducted via USB-C, a modern and widely compatible standard. The user is expected to provide their own charging block or rely on a USB-C power adapter available in their ecosystem. The presence of USB-C aligns with contemporary gear ecosystems, enabling straightforward charging alongside other devices. The case itself features a battery indicator system that uses a series of lights to reflect remaining power. This visual feedback helps users gauge when it’s time to top up, ensuring they aren’t left without usable battery during important events or commutes.

It is important to note that battery life can vary based on features activated during use. Moving in and out of strong ANC environments typically consumes more power than listening in a quiet room. Ambient mode, codec choices, and background connectivity can all influence the endurance numbers. For users planning lengthy flights or multi-day trips, it’s prudent to factor in the charging cadence and the case’s capacity to minimize interruptions during listening sessions.

A practical observation from daily use is that battery life may feel shorter when ANC is active in environments with consistent background noise or when streaming high-bitrate content. Conversely, in quieter settings, the energy draw is reduced, and you can observe more endurance than the base numbers suggest. In real-world terms, the BH-805 delivers dependable all-day usability balanced with the convenience of a robust charging case, making them well-suited for typical daily routines without forcing frequent rechargings.

Sound Quality, Noise Cancellation, and Acoustic Signature

Sound quality on the Nokia BH-805 is influenced by how well the in-ear seal can block outside noise and how the drivers render a broad range of frequencies. Because the tips fill a portion of the ear canal, there is an inherent passive isolation that contributes to the overall listening experience. In practice, the sound is well within the expectations for mainstream daily listening. The bass response is solid and provides enough weight to feel satisfying for a wide array of genres and everyday listening.

The overall clarity is balanced rather than aggressively detailed. The buds are comfortable for long listening sessions, and the audio remains pleasant without harsh sibilance or excessive brightness. For listeners who prioritize precise instrument separation or a highly analytical sound signature, the BH-805 might not satisfy every audiophile’s demands. However, for typical daily use—podcasts, pop music, and standard streaming—the sound profile remains comfortable and accessible.

A defining feature of these earbuds is the active noise cancellation capability. The ANC system targets external noise across a broad spectrum, aiming to reduce ambient sound by up to 25 decibels in practical use. In environments with consistent, lower-level noise, the ANC can produce a noticeable attenuation, providing a calmer listening context. In louder, more complex soundscapes—like busy urban settings or crowded transit—the ANC offers meaningful reduction, though it does not render the user’s surroundings entirely silent. The effect is similar to wearing protective hearing devices in terms of relative quietness, though not to the extent of industrial-grade hearing protection.

A notable nuance is the interaction between ambient mode and ANC. Ambient mode allows outside sounds to penetrate the seal, which can be beneficial when you need situational awareness—like walking in a busy street or catching a conversation nearby. Switching from ambient mode to ANC creates an audible reduction in environmental noise, and the transition is perceptible but smooth. The process is manageable with a brief touch or hold on the relevant control, making it simple to adapt to changing surroundings.

In terms of day-to-day listening, the combination of passively sealed ears and active noise cancellation yields a listening experience that is comfortable for long sessions and appropriate for commuting, working in a café, or waiting for transport. The overall sonic impression is not designed to satisfy the most demanding audiophiles, but it does provide a solid, enjoyable listening experience for a broad audience.

If you value a compact, true wireless design with a practical sound profile and functional ANC, the BH-805 delivers a credible performance. The sound is enjoyable across a variety of content types, while ANC adds a meaningful layer of quiet that enhances focus and immersion in familiar environments. For users who spend a lot of time in noisy settings and want a lightweight alternative to larger ANC headphones, these earbuds present a reasonable compromise between portability, sound quality, and noise suppression.

Fit, Comfort, and Daily Wearability

Comfort and fit are central to the effectiveness of any earbud-driven listening experience. The BH-805 is designed to accommodate a diverse set of ears via multiple tip sizes and a compact, low-profile form factor. The silicone tips deliver a comfortable seal that sits inside the ear canal, providing passive isolation that complements the ANC system. The result is a listening experience that can feel intimate without requiring the bulk of larger headphones.

However, comfort is highly individual. Some users will find the fit secure and comfortable for extended wear, while others may experience a sense of fullness or pressure after a long period of use. The small stems contribute to a light, unobtrusive feel, but the trade-off can be occasional contact sensitivity or a slight sense of pressure for long listening sessions, depending on ear shape and ear canal size.

A practical concern for casual workouts is stability. Despite the three-tipped options, the earbuds can tend to slide slightly during intense movement. If your daily routine includes vigorous exercise or high-impact activities, you might prefer sport-oriented earbuds that incorporate additional stabilization features, such as wingtips or hooks. For more relaxed activities—commuting, desk work, or light walks—the BH-805 sits comfortably and remains secure, especially when a proper tip choice is selected.

The physical design fosters portability and ease of use. The case’s slightly larger footprint is a factor to consider for users who carry minimal pockets, yet the trade-off gives you higher total battery life on the go. The overall ergonomics are optimized for quick, everyday use rather than specialized athletic performance, which aligns with the product’s target audience.

From a long-term wear perspective, the earbuds are comfortable for daily durations, with the caveat that in-ear devices can cause some discomfort for certain users after many hours of continuous use. If you are sensitive to in-ear devices or wear hearing aids, it’s wise to test for fit and comfort over a shorter period before committing to extended all-day use. In typical daily scenarios—commuting, office work, or casual listening—the BH-805 provides a comfortable, non-fatiguing experience for most listeners.

Practical Use Cases: Travel, Commute, Home, and Office

The Nokia BH-805 is well-suited to modern, multi-task daily life, especially for people who want a compact, wireless listening solution with effective noise cancellation. On the commute, the combination of a sealed in-ear fit and ANC helps reduce the din of engines, chatter, and transport noise, making it easier to focus on music, podcasts, or work calls. The ambient mode can be a helpful feature when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as crossing streets or navigating crowded terminals.

When traveling, the case’s battery capacity provides a robust buffer for long flights or layovers. Even with ANC enabled, you can expect a few hours of uninterrupted listening, followed by a quick recharge in the case. The USB-C charging standard ensures compatibility with most modern power sources, reducing the risk of compatibility issues during travel. The case’s ability to recharge the buds on the go contributes to the overall convenience of the package.

In an office environment, the BH-805 can help you create a focused work session by reducing ambient noise in a busy workspace. The control scheme allows users to switch to ambient mode if they need to hold a quick conversation or hear a coworker without removing the earbuds. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those who need to balance quiet focus with occasional social interaction in a busy office.

At home, the BH-805 can serve as a versatile listening companion for media consumption, calls, and casual listening across different rooms. The audio performance supports a variety of content types, from streaming music to podcasts and phone calls. The overall experience is comfortable and approachable, with a straightforward interface that minimizes friction during routine activities.

In terms of use-case versatility, the Nokia BH-805 succeeds in delivering a practical, all-day listening solution for a broad audience. While they aren’t the top performers in all categories, they strike a balanced chord that suits everyday life, including travel, commutes, and routine office tasks. The combination of a compact design, reliable battery life, and functional ANC makes them a compelling option for listeners who want a capable wireless earbud experience without stepping up to larger, more expensive models.

Competition, Value, and Market Position

In the around-the-same-price category, the BH-805 faces competition from other well-regarded true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation. A notable alternative is the Beats Studio Buds, which offer strong battery life, a compact design, and effective ANC, often at a price point similar to or slightly below the BH-805 depending on retailer promotions. The Beats Studio Buds may appeal to users who prioritize long battery performance and a less conspicuous in-ear profile.

Another recognizable option is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. While the Galaxy Buds 2 can deliver competitive sound quality and a comfortable fit, buyers often weigh ANC performance, battery life, and ecosystem compatibility when choosing between Samsung’s buds and Nokia’s BH-805. The Galaxy Buds 2 can be appealing for Android users who want seamless integration with Samsung devices, but pricing and value can vary by market and promotions.

The BH-805’s price point—just under $150 in typical market discussions—positions it as a budget-friendly option for ANC-capable earbuds. For many users, the decision hinges on personal preferences around fit, comfort, and how much emphasis they place on ANC performance versus other features such as call quality, app support, and the tactile feel of touch controls. In practice, the BH-805 offers a balanced mix of features that, for many listeners, provides a strong value proposition within this price range. Its calling cards are compact design, reasonable sound quality for everyday listening, adequate ANC, and a straightforward user experience.

From a value perspective, the BH-805 strikes a middle ground between compact, affordable ANC earbuds and more premium options that command higher prices. If you’re seeking a portable, everyday-use set of wireless earbuds with passable sound and usable ANC at a mid-range price, the BH-805 satisfies those criteria. If you want best-in-class sound fidelity or premium build features, you might look at higher-end models, but the Nokia option remains a practical choice for many budgets and use cases.

Pros, Cons, and Practical Takeaways

• Pros

  • Compact, travel-friendly design with a simple charging case.
  • Effective passive isolation aided by multiple tip sizes.
  • Functional touch controls on the stems for quick access to playback, calls, and voice assistants.
  • Active noise cancellation that meaningfully reduces ambient noise in everyday environments.
  • IPX4 moisture resistance provides protection for light sweat and light rain.
  • Decent battery life with a capable charging case that can extend listening time substantially.

• Cons

  • Fit can vary by ear shape; some users may find the buds slide during vigorous activity.
  • The control surface can be finicky if you’re adjusting the buds in your ear, requiring careful touches rather than light taps.
  • Sound quality is solid for everyday use but does not achieve audiophile-level clarity or precision.
  • ANC performance, while helpful, does not negate the need to choose a sensible seating and seal for the best effect.
  • The case is larger than some competitors, which may be a drawback for ultra-compact carry.

• Practical takeaways

  • For everyday commuters and travelers, the BH-805 provides a compelling, budget-friendly ANC option with a comfortable, portable form factor.
  • Fit and seal matter as much as the electronics inside; take time to experiment with tip sizes for the best balance of comfort and audio isolation.
  • If you place a premium on absolute sound fidelity, you may wish to explore higher-end models, but for most everyday listening, the BH-805 offers a good balance of features and value.

Conclusion

The Nokia BH-805 Noise Cancelling Earbuds deliver a well-rounded package for listeners who want true wireless convenience without compromising on the core benefit of noise cancellation. Their compact design, intuitive controls, and practical features make them a solid choice for daily use across a broad range of environments, from noisy commutes to tranquil rooms at home. The earbuds’ passive seal, aided by a thoughtful set of tip sizes, ensures a comfortable fit for many listeners, while the IPX4 rating provides reassurance against sweat and light moisture during everyday activities.

While the BH-805 aren’t the loudest or most analytically detailed earbuds on the market, they strike a credible balance between sound quality and convenience. The acoustic profile offers a pleasant listening experience suitable for most genres and daily tasks, with ANC delivering a meaningful reduction in ambient noise. It’s worth noting that the ANC’s effectiveness varies with the environment and your ability to achieve a proper seal, but in typical use cases such as transit, offices, or busy cafes, the noise reduction is noticeable and beneficial.

Battery life remains a strong point, with around five hours per charge and up to twenty hours total when factoring in the charging case. This level of endurance supports longer travel days or workload-heavy sessions, reducing the need for frequent recharging. The USB-C charging interface and case-driven design align with modern device ecosystems, supporting a practical, user-friendly charging routine when you’re on the move.

In comparing the BH-805 against key competitors in the same price bracket, it’s clear that Nokia has delivered a compelling value proposition. The BH-805 offers a competitive blend of form factor, ease of use, and performance that suits a wide audience looking for an affordable ANC solution. While Beats Studio Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 may present different strengths—such as battery life, ecosystem compatibility, or brand preferences—the Nokia option remains a credible, appealing choice for those prioritizing a portable ANC experience without paying a premium.

For buyers weighing whether to choose Nokia BH-805, the decision hinges on fit comfort, how heavily you rely on ANC in daily life, and how much you value a simple control scheme versus deeper customization options. If you want a straightforward, everyday ANC earbud with a balanced sound profile and reliable performance, the BH-805 earns a favorable nod. They are particularly well-suited for users who spend a lot of time on commutes, in open offices, or moving through busy urban environments where ambient distraction is common.

Overall, the Nokia BH-805 Noise Cancelling Earbuds represent a prudent, well-executed entry into the mid-range ANC earbud space. They provide a dependable, easy-to-use experience that appeals to a broad user base while offering meaningful improvements over basic wireless listening. For listeners seeking a compact, travel-ready package with credible ANC and a comfortable daily fit, the BH-805 stands as a solid option worth considering in the current market landscape.