Verdict: The Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds (PS-1551B) are a capable first-generation ANC pair with useful multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, customizable controls, and comfortable everyday performance. However, Lenovo now lists them as discontinued or unavailable in the U.S., and their moderate ANC, average battery life, mixed outdoor call quality, and uncertain app support make them worth buying only at a deep discount.
As a buying guide in 2026, the practical price bands are straightforward: $20–$40 is attractive for new or refurbished stock with returns; $40–$60 is a conditional buy; near the historical $99.99 MSRP, they are difficult to recommend.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What model is this?
This review covers the Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds PS-1551B, also identified by Lenovo as Type ZA9A. They are not interchangeable with Lenovo’s many other budget products marketed as True Wireless, XT, LP, Thinkplus, or simply “Lenovo wireless earbuds.” Check the model number before buying. Lenovo’s official documentation page is the safest reference.
The product launched in 2021. Lenovo’s U.S. listing now identifies it as discontinued or temporarily unavailable, although marketing pages may remain online. Availability can differ by country, so remaining units are most likely old retail stock, refurbished products, open-box inventory, or used marketplace listings.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Sound with 13mm Drivers:Enjoy rich, immersive audio with large 13mm dynamic drivers that deliver deep bass and balanced sound for music, videos, and calls
- Stable Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, offering a faster, more stable connection up to 10 meters while reducing power consumption
- Clear Calls with AI Noise Reduction: Built-in AI / Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) helps filter background noise, so your voice comes through clearly during calls and meetings
- Long Battery Life + Fast USB-C Charging: Get up to 5 hours playback per charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case, plus fast USB-C charging for convenience
- Lightweight Design with Touch Controls: Compact, in-ear ergonomic design with intuitive touch controls makes it easy to manage music, calls, and voice assistants on the go
Key specifications
| Feature | Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds |
|---|---|
| Model | PS-1551B; Type ZA9A |
| Launch-era MSRP | $99.99 |
| Drivers | 11 mm dynamic |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Noise control | Adaptive ANC and Ambient mode |
| Microphones | Six |
| Multipoint | Simultaneous connection to two devices |
| Charging | USB-C and Qi wireless charging for the case |
| Battery claim | Up to 7 hours per charge with ANC off; up to 5–5.4 hours with ANC on; up to 28 hours including the case |
| Water resistance | IPX4 earbuds |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android 8.0 or later, and Windows 10 or later according to Lenovo |
| App | Lenovo Smart Wearable |
Lenovo’s documents list the earbud weight differently—approximately 4.5 grams in the datasheet and 6 grams in the FAQ—so treat either figure as an approximate specification rather than a precise independent measurement.
Design, fit, and comfort
The earbuds are light and supplied with SS, S, M, and L ear tips. An independent review found them comfortable for extended listening, which suits office work, podcasts, video, and commuting. Fit remains individual, however. The correct seal affects both passive isolation and ANC performance, while exercise stability depends on ear shape and movement.
The touch controls are convenient and customizable through the companion app, but touch surfaces can be triggered accidentally while adjusting the earbuds. They are suitable for ordinary workouts and light sweat, not for swimming or wet environments.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
IPX4 is not waterproof
IPX4 means the earbuds can handle limited sweat and light splashes. Do not submerge them, swim with them, shower with them, or rinse them under a tap. Keep the charging case dry even when the earbuds are used during exercise. Lenovo’s official rating appears in the product datasheet.
Sound quality
The sound is enjoyable rather than refined. Independent reviews describe a bass-forward, energetic presentation with enough clarity for casual music, podcasts, streaming video, and calls. The 11 mm drivers give the earbuds a reasonably full presentation, but they do not deliver the balance, separation, or consistency associated with stronger modern sub-$100 models.
ANC and Ambient mode can make the presentation flatter and reduce the sense of space. When your surroundings allow it, turning both modes off is the better choice for music. The Lenovo Smart Wearable app provides EQ adjustment, giving you some control over the tonal balance, provided the app remains available and compatible with your phone.
ANC and Ambient mode
ANC is useful but not class-leading. It can reduce repetitive low-frequency noise such as a computer fan, air conditioner, train rumble, or bus engine. It is less effective against voices, irregular office noise, and higher-frequency sounds. On an airplane, it should make travel more comfortable, but it should not be mistaken for flagship-level isolation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- Powerful Sound with 13mm Drivers:Enjoy rich, immersive audio with large 13mm dynamic drivers that deliver deep bass and balanced sound for music, videos, and calls
- Stable Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.3 technology, offering a faster, more stable connection up to 10 meters while reducing power consumption
- Clear Calls with AI Noise Reduction: Built-in AI / Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) helps filter background noise, so your voice comes through clearly during calls and meetings
- Long Battery Life + Fast USB-C Charging: Get up to 5 hours playback per charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case, plus fast USB-C charging for convenience
- Lightweight Design with Touch Controls: Compact, in-ear ergonomic design with intuitive touch controls makes it easy to manage music, calls, and voice assistants on the go
| Situation | Likely result |
|---|---|
| Computer fan or air conditioner | Helpful |
| Train or bus rumble | Moderately helpful |
| Busy café conversation | Limited reduction |
| Airplane cabin | Useful, but not class-leading |
| Street awareness | Use Ambient mode rather than ANC |
“Adaptive ANC” is Lenovo’s product terminology; independent testing is more useful for judging the result. The evidence supports practical noise reduction, not premium performance. Wind performance can vary, so outdoor commuters should not assume the earbuds will eliminate wind noise.
Call quality
The six-microphone system is a substantial feature on paper, and calls are stronger indoors and in quiet rooms. Voices can be clear in calm conditions. In traffic, wind, or other loud outdoor environments, background noise may reach the other caller, while the wearer’s voice can sound muffled. One independent review also reported some distortion in callers’ voices in certain conditions.
Separate two questions when evaluating calls: ANC may improve what you hear, but it does not necessarily improve what the other person hears from the microphones. These are acceptable work and occasional-call earbuds, not a dependable choice for frequent noisy outdoor conversations.
Battery life and charging
Lenovo rates the earbuds for up to 7 hours with ANC off and up to 5.4 hours with ANC on in the datasheet. Its FAQ rounds the ANC-on figure to 5 hours. The case is rated for up to 28 hours total, meaning roughly three additional full charges rather than 28 hours from the earbuds themselves.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Usage claim | Advertised maximum |
|---|---|
| Music, ANC off | Up to 7 hours |
| Music, ANC on | Up to 5–5.4 hours |
| Music with case | Up to 28 hours total |
| Talk time, ANC on | Up to 4.5 hours |
| Talk time, ANC off | Up to 3.6 hours |
The talk-time figures are different from music-playback figures and should not be conflated. Actual runtime changes with volume, calls, ANC or Ambient mode, codec and device behavior, temperature, and whether one or both earbuds are used.
Lenovo also claims approximately one hour of use from a 10-minute charge. The case supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging, and the earbuds charge automatically when placed inside. The case can charge with or without the earbuds inserted.
The biggest 2026 battery risk
A sealed new unit is not necessarily a fresh unit. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity with age and storage, so old stock may deliver less runtime than a 2022 review sample. Used earbuds carry greater risk because battery health, charging-contact condition, and storage history are difficult to verify. Buy only with a meaningful return window.
Rank #3
- Designed for Thinkpad X9: Engineered for seamless integration with the ThinkPad X9 series, enabling automatic call answering, smooth device switching, and intuitive PC level controls for work and entertainment.
- Immersive Dolby Atmos Sound: Enjoy powerful, detailed audio powered by your PC with Dolby Atmos tuning, delivering an immersive listening experience for calls, music, and media.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation combined with a three microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation system on each earbud reduces background noise and keeps your voice clear.
- Lightweight & Comfortable Design: Each earbud weighs less than 6 g and includes multiple silicone eartip sizes for a secure, comfortable fit during long workdays or commutes.
- All Day Power & Durability: Up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 36 hours with the charging case. IP55 water resistance helps protect against sweat, dust, and splashes.
Connectivity and multipoint
Bluetooth 5.2, Google Fast Pair support, and Lenovo Enhanced Multipoint are among the earbuds’ strongest features. They can remain connected to two devices, such as a phone and laptop, and an independent review successfully tested switching between an iPhone and a Windows 11 laptop for an incoming call.
Multipoint does not mean two simultaneous audio streams. Usually, one device plays audio at a time; calls can interrupt media, and behavior varies by operating system and source device. Pairing again or resetting may be necessary after changing devices.
App support: confirm this before buying
The Lenovo Smart Wearable app was designed to provide EQ, ANC and Ambient controls, touch-control customization, battery information, firmware updates, Find My Earbuds, voice-assistant settings, and reset controls. Lenovo says basic Bluetooth playback works without the app, but full functionality depends on it.
Because the earbuds are discontinued, confirm that the app is available and compatible with your phone before purchase. Anecdotal user reports have raised concerns about availability in at least one app store, but that does not establish universal removal. If the app is unavailable, basic audio may still work, while EQ, remapping, firmware updates, advanced mode control, and Find My Earbuds may not.
Lenovo’s documented update path is About → OTA Upgrade → Check for upgrades. Its reset path is About → Reset Earbuds.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Pairing and setup
First connection
- Place both earbuds in the charging case and open the lid.
- Remove the earbuds or allow them to enter scanning mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer.
- Select Lenovo PS-1551B.
If they do not appear, leave the earbuds in the open case and hold the case function button for approximately 3 seconds, until the indicator lights flash. Then select Lenovo PS-1551B.
Connecting a second device
- Pair the earbuds with the first device.
- Enter pairing mode using the case button.
- Select Lenovo PS-1551B on the second device.
- Check that both devices remain connected.
Factory reset
- Put both earbuds in the case.
- Hold the case function button for approximately 10 seconds.
- Release it when all three indicator lights flash simultaneously.
- Remove the earbuds from previously paired Bluetooth-device lists, toggle Bluetooth off and on, and pair again.
Common problems and fixes
The earbuds will not power on
Return both earbuds to the case, charge the case and earbuds, and try again. If they have been stored for a long time, charge them for at least 10 minutes. Clean and inspect the charging contacts.
Rank #4
- Optimized for Yoga PC: Designed specifically for Yoga PCs, these TWS earbuds offer seamless pairing, ensuring top-tier audio performance for work and entertainment.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Featuring hybrid active noise cancellation and a three-microphone ENC system on each earbud, providing crystal-clear calls and immersive audio
- AI-Driven EQ Modes: Switch effortlessly between Meeting, Movie, Music, and Gaming modes with the AI EQ mode for a customized audio experience
- Bluetooth 5.3 BLE & Dual Connection: Connect your earbuds seamlessly to Yoga PCs and mobile devices with Bluetooth 5.3 for ultra-low latency and stable, high-quality audio
- Immersive Audio with Dolby Atmos: Enjoy deep, rich sound powered by Dolby Atmos, offering a full range of immersive audio experiences for both work and play
One earbud has no sound
Confirm both earbuds are connected, check the phone or computer’s left-right balance, reseat both earbuds in the case, and clean the pogo-pin contacts. Reset and re-pair if the problem continues.
Bluetooth is unstable
Keep the source within approximately 10 metres where possible, reduce walls and obstructions, move away from wireless interference, and reseat the earbuds before reconnecting.
The case or earbuds will not charge
Clean the contacts carefully, try another USB-C cable or power source, and charge for at least 10 minutes if the battery may be deeply discharged. Corrosion, liquid damage, worn contacts, and age-related battery failure are warning signs.
Should you buy them?
Buy if
- You find new or refurbished stock at a deep discount.
- The seller offers returns.
- You specifically value Qi wireless charging and two-device connectivity.
- Your main uses are casual listening, office work, commuting, or backup duty.
- You accept the risks of discontinued hardware and uncertain app support.
Avoid if
- Strong ANC is your top priority.
- You frequently make calls outdoors or near traffic.
- You need guaranteed current app, firmware, and warranty support.
- You want long all-day playback without charging.
- The seller offers no return policy.
- The price approaches that of a newer ANC model with active support.
Value by price
These are editorial buying thresholds, not live market averages. Historical review pricing of $59, $71.99, and the $99.99 MSRP should not be treated as current quotes.
| Price | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| $20–$40 | Good value if new or refurbished, complete, and returnable. |
| $40–$60 | Conditional buy; compare with newer budget ANC earbuds. |
| $70–$100 | Usually skip, unless wireless charging and multipoint are unusually important. |
| Used, no returns | Risky at almost any ordinary price because of battery and accessory uncertainty. |
When comparing alternatives, prioritize current manufacturer support, an available companion app, a stated ANC battery claim of at least six hours, a warranty, replacement ear tips, and returns. If you need wireless charging or multipoint, verify those features individually rather than assuming newer budget models include them.
Final verdict
The Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds remain more interesting than their age suggests. Wireless charging, multipoint, EQ, customizable controls, and comfortable design are genuinely useful. Their sound is enjoyable for casual listening, and their ANC can reduce steady background noise.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →But they are a discontinued 2021 product, not a current $100 recommendation. Moderate ANC, average per-charge battery life, mixed noisy-environment calls, possible app dependence, and aging marketplace batteries change the purchase decision. Buy them as inexpensive new, refurbished, or returnable backup earbuds—not as a premium commuting or work-call solution.
Best verdict: buy below $40, consider carefully up to $60, and skip near the original MSRP.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
