If you want an open-ear design that keeps you aware of your surroundings while delivering rich bass for movies, choose Yamdrok Y1; if you need a compact semi-in-ear fit with a Scandinavian aesthetic and AI app integration, choose Defunc True LITE II.
• Yamdrok Y1: Offers superior battery life (30H total) and advanced environmental noise cancellation for calls, but its open-ear design is less isolating in noisy environments. Best for active users who prioritize situational awareness during long movie sessions.
• Defunc True LITE II: Features a minimalist Swedish design with AI app support and a secure semi-in-ear fit, though it offers shorter total playtime (20H). Best for listeners who value style, portability, and deep immersion in audio content like films.
The Yamdrok Y1 Lite stands out immediately because of its unique open-ear architecture. Unlike traditional earbuds that seal inside the canal, these use a flexible C-shaped bridge made from TR90 and liquid silicone to rest on the outer ear. This design choice fundamentally changes how you experience sound, particularly when watching movies or commuting. Because the ear canal remains open, you aren't trapped in a bubble of silence; instead, you hear the high-resolution audio from the 13mm dynamic drivers while still hearing traffic, announcements, or people talking around you. For a buyer specifically looking for a headset for movies who also wants to stay safe while walking outside, this is a game-changer. The anti-leakage technology mentioned in the specs helps contain the sound within a directional arc, which means you can enjoy the dialogue and effects without blasting music into a quiet library or office next to you.
Battery anxiety is a real issue for anyone who treats their headphones as their primary entertainment source for long periods. That digital display on the case is a practical feature that shows you exactly how much power remains, so you never have to guess if your device will die mid-movie. When combined with Bluetooth 6.0, the connection stability is robust, ensuring that the audio doesn't drop out during a critical scene. The low-latency Game Mode is another crucial detail for movie watchers who might be using their tablets or phones for gaming later; the 70-millisecond latency ensures the lip-sync remains tight, preventing that annoying disconnect between what you see and what you hear.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-31 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product isn't for everyone. If you are trying to watch a movie in a loud airplane cabin or a busy coffee shop, the open-ear design might feel insufficient. While the Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) handles call clarity exceptionally well by filtering wind and background noise for the person on the other end of the line, it does not actively block external sounds from reaching your ears like over-ear noise-canceling headphones do. You will still hear the world around you. Furthermore, the touch controls require a bit of dexterity, and the IPX4 rating, while good for sweat and rain, means you shouldn't submerge them in water. If your priority is total isolation and maximum bass impact in a sealed environment, you might find the open fit lacks the physical pressure needed for that specific "thump." But for those who want to blend immersive audio with daily life safety, the Yamdrok Y1 is a compelling tool.
The Defunc True LITE II takes a different approach, leaning heavily into the philosophy of Scandinavian minimalism. Born in Sweden and designed by The Art of Utility AB, this earbud prioritizes clean aesthetics and functional simplicity. It is a semi-in-ear bud, meaning it sits just inside the opening of the ear rather than sealing deep in the canal or resting on the cartilage. This makes it incredibly lightweight, weighing only 50 grams including the case components. For someone who wants a headset for movies that disappears on their head and feels like a natural extension of their face, the comfort factor here is significant. The carrying case itself is compact—measuring just 5 centimeters in length—which makes it easy to toss into a pocket or small bag without adding bulk.
Audio quality is driven by a 13mm dynamic driver that focuses on balanced stereo sound. While the impedance is slightly lower at 16 ohms compared to some competitors, the tuning aims for rich bass and clear vocals without overwhelming the listener. The passive noise cancellation inherent in the semi-in-ear fit provides a modest amount of isolation, which helps you focus on the dialogue and sound effects of a film more effectively than an open-ear model would. The inclusion of AI app support adds a layer of modern utility, allowing you to customize the listening experience through software adjustments that go beyond simple hardware settings. This suggests a product designed for tech-savvy users who want to tweak their EQ to match the specific genre of movie they are watching.
The trade-off here lies primarily in the battery life. The Defunc True LITE II offers twenty hours of total playtime, which is respectable but falls short of the Yamdrok Y1's thirty-hour capability. If you are planning a very long international flight or a multi-day camping trip where recharging is difficult, you might find yourself needing to charge the case more often. Additionally, the control method is touch-based, similar to the Y1, but the lack of a digital display on the case means you won't know the exact percentage of battery left until you connect them to your phone. Despite this, the design philosophy shines through. The color options allow you to match your outfit, making it a lifestyle accessory as much as an audio device. If you value a sleek, unobtrusive look and a solid, balanced sound profile for everyday listening, the True LITE II delivers exactly that without the fuss.
• Best for extended battery life → Yamdrok Y1: With 30 hours of total playtime versus 20 hours, the Yamdrok wins for marathon viewing sessions.
• Best for situational awareness → Yamdrok Y1: The open-ear design lets you hear your environment, ideal for outdoor movie watching or running.
• Best for immersion in noisy spaces → Defunc True LITE II: The semi-in-ear fit offers better passive isolation than the open-ear design.
• Best for call clarity in wind → Yamdrok Y1: Advanced ENC and dual-microphone setup are explicitly detailed for HD voice quality.
• Best for compact portability → Defunc True LITE II: Smaller case dimensions (5cm x 2.5cm x 5cm) make it easier to carry.
• Best for customizable audio settings → Defunc True LITE II: Includes AI app support for smarter listening experiences.
• Best for sports and sweat resistance → Both: Both feature IPX4 waterproof ratings suitable for workouts.
• Best for visual battery monitoring → Yamdrok Y1: Features a smart digital display showing precise power levels.
For my money, I would buy the Yamdrok Y1 specifically for watching movies. The combination of the 30-hour battery life and the open-ear design creates a unique advantage that the Defunc cannot match. When I am sitting down to watch a film, I often want to know what is happening around me, whether it is a family member calling me or a doorbell ringing, without having to take my headphones off. The Yamdrok allows me to stay connected to the world while still enjoying the Hi-Res audio and powerful bass from the 13mm drivers. The low-latency mode ensures the audio stays perfectly synced with the video, which is non-negotiable for a cinematic experience. While the Defunc True LITE II is a beautiful piece of engineering with great Swedish design, the sheer versatility and endurance of the Yamdrok make it the superior choice for a dedicated headset for movies.
Both models are designed for adults based on the age range description, but the open-ear design of the Yamdrok Y1 is generally safer for children as it avoids putting pressure in the ear canal, provided the volume is managed carefully.
Yes, both products feature built-in microphones. The Yamdrok Y1 uses a dual-microphone setup with wind noise reduction, while the Defunc True LITE II utilizes ENC technology for clear calls.
The Yamdrok Y1 offers 30 hours of total playtime, which is sufficient for most long-haul flights without needing to recharge the case. The Defunc True LITE II offers 20 hours, which may require a mid-flight charge depending on the duration.
The Yamdrok Y1 includes an innovative anti-leakage system to minimize sound escaping into public spaces, whereas the Defunc True LITE II relies on the semi-in-ear fit for basic containment.
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