A long commute exposes weak headphones quickly. Battery warnings, voices that sound distant on calls, and noise cancellation that struggles with an air conditioner can turn an otherwise pleasant trip into an exercise in patience. The right pair should make the daily routine easier without adding much weight or setup.
Our Best budget headphones picks include wireless over-ear models, compact on-ear headphones, and one simple wired option. Some focus on noise reduction, some on battery life, and others on light comfort or a more adjustable sound.
For most people, Soundcore Q20i Black is the best starting point. The rest of the list covers a useful range, from Sony's lightweight noise cancelling design to the wired Sony ZX110 and battery-focused Picun B8.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Type | Battery | Noise control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soundcore Q20i Black | Best overall | Wireless over-ear | 40 hours with ANC, 60 hours normal | Hybrid ANC, Transparency | Commuters and remote workers |
| 2 | Soundcore Q20i White | Best light color option | Wireless over-ear | 40 hours with ANC | Hybrid ANC, Transparency | Buyers who want Q20i features in white |
| 3 | KVIDIO ANC 70H | Best long battery with ANC | Wireless over-ear | 40 hours with ANC, 70 hours normal | ANC, Transparency | Long trips and home offices |
| 4 | Sony WH-CH720N | Best lightweight ANC | Wireless over-ear | Up to 35 hours | Noise cancelling, Ambient Sound | Lightweight everyday listening |
| 5 | BERIBES 65H | Best EQ variety | Wireless over-ear | More than 65 hours | Not listed | Listeners who like tuning options |
| 6 | Sony ZX110 | Best wired pick | Wired on-ear | Wired | Closed-back design | Simple travel and backup listening |
| 7 | KVIDIO 65H | Best lightweight wireless | Wireless over-ear | Up to 65 hours | Not listed | Students and everyday travel |
| 8 | TOZO HT3 | Best feature set | Wireless over-ear | Up to 90 hours | Hybrid ANC, 45dB ANC | Multitaskers and frequent travelers |
| 9 | JBL Tune 510BT | Best on-ear wireless | Wireless on-ear | Up to 40 hours | Not listed | Light on-ear listening |
| 10 | Picun B8 | Best battery life | Wireless over-ear | More than 120 hours | Not listed | People who hate charging |
1. Soundcore Q20i Black: Best Overall
Pros
- Hybrid active noise cancellation
- 40-hour ANC battery life
- Dual-device connection
- App-based EQ customization
- Transparency mode and wired audio support
Cons
- Heavier than the Sony WH-CH720N
- ANC battery life is shorter than normal-mode battery life
- Black version weighs 0.57 pounds
Best for: commuters and remote workers who want one adaptable pair for music, calls, and travel.
The Soundcore Q20i Black is the pair we would hand to someone who wants the fewest compromises. It has the features people usually need first: active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, useful battery life, and the ability to stay connected to two devices. That last feature matters at a desk because a call from a phone can interrupt audio from a laptop without requiring a fresh pairing.
Its hybrid ANC uses two internal and two external microphones, and Soundcore says the system can reduce up to 90 percent of external noise. That does not make a train or office silent, but it gives the Q20i a more practical approach to constant background sound than headphones without ANC. Transparency mode lets announcements and nearby conversation through when removing the headphones would be inconvenient.
Audio comes from oversized 40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp technology. The sound can be adjusted in the soundcore app using 22 presets or a custom EQ, while the three listening modes are ANC, Normal, and Transparency. With ANC active, battery life is listed at 40 hours, rising to 60 hours in normal mode. A five-minute charge adds four hours of listening, which is a useful rescue when leaving home in a hurry. An included AUX cable also enables Hi-Res certified audio, though the product features specify that this applies through the cable.
Compared with the lighter Sony WH-CH720N, the Q20i is the more flexible tool, especially for people who want extensive EQ control and dual-device switching. The Sony is easier to wear for long stretches, and TOZO HT3 offers a longer claimed battery life, but the Q20i has the clearest balance of core features. Its weakness is weight, along with the fact that the strongest battery figure requires ANC to be off. Skip it if a very light fit matters more than adjustability.
2. Soundcore Q20i White: Best Light Color Option
Pros
- Same ANC and transparency modes as the black version
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- 22 EQ presets in the app
- Dual-device connectivity
- Five-minute charge adds four hours
Cons
- The white finish is more visibly exposed to wear
- Not as light as Sony WH-CH720N
- Wired Hi-Res mode requires the AUX cable
Best for: buyers who want the Q20i feature set with a lighter-looking finish.
The Soundcore Q20i White is not a different headphone design. It is the same Q20i package in Almond White, and that makes its place in this list straightforward. The appeal is visual, but the reasons to choose it remain functional: hybrid ANC, transparency mode, app control, and simultaneous connection to two devices.
The four-microphone noise control system is designed for commutes, offices, and streets. In practice, the useful distinction is between ANC and Transparency. ANC is for steady background noise, while Transparency helps when a train announcement or colleague matters more than isolation. Those modes can be changed in the app alongside EQ settings, with 22 presets available before creating a personal adjustment.
The wireless battery figure is 40 hours with ANC enabled. A five-minute top-up provides four more hours, and normal mode extends the listed runtime to 60 hours. The 40mm dynamic drivers and BassUp processing give the headphones a lively presentation, while the included AUX cable provides a wired listening route and Hi-Res certified audio according to the product description. The Q20i weighs 0.54 pounds in this version, slightly less than the black model's listed 0.57 pounds.
It is best compared directly with Soundcore Q20i Black, because the listening and feature decision is essentially the same. The white finish is the differentiator, not a performance upgrade. KVIDIO ANC 70H claims longer normal-mode battery life, while Sony WH-CH720N has a substantially lighter listed weight. Choose this version when the finish suits your space or wardrobe and you still want the Q20i's unusually broad controls. Avoid it if a light color would cause you to worry about visible scuffs.
3. KVIDIO ANC 70H: Best Long Battery With ANC
Pros
- Up to 40 hours with ANC
- Up to 70 hours in standard mode
- Transparency mode
- Five-minute charge adds four hours
- Includes a 3.5mm backup cable
Cons
- Heavier than the Soundcore Q20i White
- No app EQ system is listed
- ANC and standard-mode battery figures differ substantially
Best for: travelers and home-office users who want long wireless sessions with active noise cancellation.
The KVIDIO ANC 70H is built around endurance. It is the practical choice for a suitcase, a study room, or a workday where charging is easy to forget. Its main distinction from the standard KVIDIO model is active noise cancellation, giving it a more useful role on buses, planes, and around household noise.
KVIDIO claims up to 95 percent ambient-noise reduction, though that figure should be treated as a description of the system rather than a guarantee that every sound disappears. The product also includes an active transparency mode, so the headphones can be used for listening without completely cutting off nearby traffic or conversation. Digital signal processing is intended to improve voice quality for phone conferences and conversations.
Battery life reaches 40 hours in wireless ANC mode and 70 hours in standard music mode. A five-minute charge adds four hours, and the supplied audio cable provides a wired fallback when the battery is unavailable. The headphones use soft earpads that wrap around the ears, and the listed weight is 0.769 pounds. That is a noticeable consideration beside the lighter KVIDIO 65H and Sony models.
The KVIDIO is a better fit than Soundcore Q20i Black for someone who prioritizes the 70-hour standard-mode figure and does not need app-based sound adjustments. The Soundcore offers 22 EQ presets and clearer dual-device feature support, while TOZO HT3 claims both a longer maximum runtime and a more detailed app feature set. Choose the KVIDIO when ANC and extended travel endurance matter most. Skip it if a lighter chassis or hands-on EQ control is central to your routine.
4. Sony WH-CH720N: Best Lightweight ANC
Pros
- Listed weight of 192 grams
- Noise cancelling with Sony's Integrated Processor V1
- Ambient Sound and Adaptive Sound Control
- Multipoint connection
- Clear-call microphone features
Cons
- Shorter maximum battery claim than TOZO HT3 and Picun B8
- Less battery life than the Q20i in normal mode
- No wired audio feature is listed
Best for: listeners who care more about low weight and polished everyday controls than maximum battery life.
The Sony WH-CH720N makes a strong case for comfort through its weight. Sony lists it at 192 grams, or about 0.42 pounds, which is much lighter than several over-ear alternatives here. That difference can matter during a full workday, especially for people who dislike the feeling of a heavier headband.
Noise control comes from Sony's Integrated Processor V1 and dual noise sensor technology. The headphones also provide Adjustable Ambient Sound and Adaptive Sound Control, which are designed to tailor the listening experience to the surroundings. For calls, Sony lists Precise Voice Pickup Technology and beamforming microphones. Those features make this a more complete work headset than a model that only focuses on music playback.
The rated battery life reaches up to 35 hours, with quick charging that provides up to one hour after a three-minute charge. Sony's DSEE processing is intended to improve compressed music, and the sound is described as balanced with natural vocals and clear detail. Multipoint connection allows two devices to remain connected, making it easier to move between a computer and phone.
Soundcore Q20i Black offers longer battery life and more EQ presets, but the Sony is the easier recommendation for someone sensitive to weight. JBL Tune 510BT is lighter still at a listed 0.3527 pounds, although it is an on-ear model without ANC listed. The WH-CH720N's weakness is its shorter battery claim and lack of a listed wired mode. Choose it for long wearing sessions and Sony's call and ambient-sound features, not for the longest trip between charges.
5. BERIBES 65H: Best EQ Variety
Pros
- More than 65 hours of playtime
- Six selectable EQ modes
- Dual 40mm dynamic sound units
- Bluetooth 6.0 and multipoint connection
- Listed weight of 0.38 pounds
Cons
- ANC is not listed
- Six modes are less precise than a custom EQ
- The product information lists a unit count of zero
Best for: listeners who want quick sound changes for different music styles.
The BERIBES 65H is aimed at people who like pressing a button and changing the character of the music. Six EQ modes cover balanced sound, stronger bass, and mid or treble enhancement, with the product description also mentioning settings for styles such as rock, jazz, rhythm and blues, and classical music. That is more immediate than opening an app, though it is not the same as having a fully customizable equalizer.
Two 40mm dynamic sound units provide the audio platform. The headphones are designed for over-ear comfort with memory-protein earmuffs and an adjustable headband. At a listed 0.38 pounds, the BERIBES is among the lighter over-ear options here, closer to the Sony WH-CH720N than the heavier KVIDIO ANC 70H.
Battery life is listed at more than 65 hours, and a 3.5mm cable allows wired listening when the battery is depleted. Bluetooth 6.0 is listed with a transmission range of up to 33 feet, and two smart devices can be connected at the same time. That combination suits someone moving between a tablet and phone, though there is no active noise cancellation feature listed.
This is a different proposition from Soundcore Q20i White, which gives you ANC, transparency, and app EQ but less maximum battery life in normal use. KVIDIO 65H is similarly focused on wireless endurance and comfort, while the BERIBES has the stronger case for quick sound-profile changes. Its weakness is the absence of ANC. Pick it for indoor listening, music variety, and low weight. Skip it if your main problem is traffic, aircraft, or office noise.
6. Sony ZX110: Best Wired Pick
Pros
- Simple wired connection
- 1.38-inch neodymium dynamic drivers
- Swiveling earcups for storage
- Closed-back design
- 3.5mm L-shaped plug
Cons
- No wireless playback
- No active noise cancellation
- On-ear pads provide less coverage than over-ear designs
Best for: listeners who want a straightforward wired pair for travel, computers, or backup use.
The Sony ZX110 is the counterpoint to nearly every other model here. There is no battery to manage, pairing menu to troubleshoot, or wireless connection to interrupt playback. Plug in the 3.5mm cable and listen. That simplicity is useful for an airplane entertainment system, a computer without Bluetooth, or a spare pair kept in a bag.
Its 1.38-inch neodymium dynamic drivers are designed for a punchy, rhythmic response. Sony lists a frequency range of 12Hz to 22kHz and 24-ohm impedance at 1kHz. Those figures describe the hardware's stated range, but the more meaningful day-to-day detail is the closed-back on-ear design, which helps keep sound directed toward the listener while the cushioned pads sit on the ears.
The cable measures 3.94 feet and ends in an L-shaped stereo mini plug. Swiveling earcups make the headphones easier to store, and the listed weight is 0.57 pounds. That is not especially light beside the JBL Tune 510BT, but the Sony avoids a battery and charging circuit altogether.
Compared with JBL Tune 510BT, the ZX110 gives up wireless convenience but offers a dependable wired route. Every ANC model in this roundup is better suited to a noisy commute, while the Sony is easier to recommend for simple, predictable playback. Its real weakness is the on-ear fit and lack of isolation technology. Choose it when reliability and a cable matter more than wireless freedom.
7. KVIDIO 65H: Best Lightweight Wireless
Pros
- Up to 65 hours of playtime
- Listed weight of 0.44 pounds
- Dual 40mm drivers
- Bluetooth and 3.5mm compatibility
- Foldable design
Cons
- ANC is not listed
- Charging takes up to 2.5 hours
- Features are less extensive than the Q20i
Best for: students, travelers, and everyday listeners who want light wireless over-ear headphones.
The KVIDIO 65H keeps the design uncomplicated. It is a foldable wireless over-ear headset with soft memory-protein foam, an adjustable headband, and flexible earmuffs intended to fit different head shapes. The listed weight is 0.44 pounds, giving it a clear comfort advantage over the ANC KVIDIO model.
Dual 40mm drivers are intended to provide a broad stereo presentation, and the headphones support both Bluetooth and a 3.5mm cable. The built-in microphone handles hands-free calls and video meetings. Bluetooth 6.0 is listed with a connection range of up to 33 feet, while the product description says the battery can be fully charged within 2.5 hours.
The headline battery figure is up to 65 hours. Once that battery is empty, the supplied cable lets you continue listening in wired mode. That is a useful arrangement for long journeys, though the product does not list active noise cancellation or a transparency mode. Passive coverage from the over-ear pads is the main barrier against surrounding sound.
The BERIBES 65H is the more interesting alternative for anyone who wants six EQ modes and multipoint connection. The KVIDIO is the simpler, lighter option, while Picun B8 lasts much longer but is listed at 0.76875 pounds. Its weakness is the lack of ANC and more advanced sound controls. Choose it for comfortable daily wireless use in quieter settings, especially if you also want the reassurance of a wired fallback.
8. TOZO HT3: Best Feature Set
Pros
- Hybrid ANC rated at 45dB
- Up to 90 hours of playback
- 40mm dynamic drivers
- Bluetooth, AUX, and Type-C audio options
- 32 EQ modes in the TOZO app
Cons
- The feature list can take time to configure
- Heavier than Sony WH-CH720N
- The product description contains many claimed modes that may not matter to every listener
Best for: multitaskers who want noise control, multiple connection methods, and extensive app customization.
The TOZO HT3 is the most feature-packed model in this group. It is trying to be a travel headset, office headset, gaming headset, and general music pair at once. That can be useful when one set needs to cover several roles, but it also means more settings than some people will ever use.
Its hybrid noise cancellation is rated at 45dB and uses four high-sensitivity microphones. The headphones also include a dedicated call microphone and AI noise reduction in the product description. For listening, 40mm dynamic drivers are paired with TOZO OrigX acoustic tuning, which is described as emphasizing clear detail, balanced bass, and a wider soundstage. The app offers 32 EQ modes, giving it more adjustment range than the Q20i's 22 presets.
Battery life is listed at up to 90 hours, and a 10-minute quick charge adds nine hours. The connection choices are unusually broad: Bluetooth, AUX 3.5mm, and Type-C are all listed. The headphones can connect to two devices, and the description also mentions low-lag gaming, spatial audio, replaceable ear pads, and an AI voice assistant. At 0.5599 pounds, it is lighter than the KVIDIO ANC 70H but heavier than Sony's WH-CH720N.
Soundcore Q20i Black is easier to recommend when you want a clearer, less crowded feature set. TOZO HT3 wins on battery claim and customization, while Sony WH-CH720N remains the lighter choice. The weakness is complexity: some of these modes require setup, and the product description makes broad capability claims rather than focusing on one standout use. Choose it if you enjoy tuning and need several connection options. Skip it if you want simple controls and minimal configuration.
9. JBL Tune 510BT: Best On-Ear Wireless
Pros
- Up to 40 hours of wireless battery life
- Lightweight listed weight of 0.3527 pounds
- Foldable and adjustable
- Multipoint device switching
- On-ear microphone and controls
Cons
- On-ear fit gives less passive coverage
- ANC is not listed
- No wired listening feature is listed
Best for: people who prefer light on-ear headphones with simple wireless controls.
The JBL Tune 510BT is a compact alternative to the larger over-ear designs above. Its on-ear pads do not surround the ears, but the tradeoff is a listed weight of only 0.3527 pounds. The adjustable headband is designed to fit a broad range of head sizes, and the foldable construction makes it convenient to carry.
JBL's Pure Bass sound gives the Tune 510BT a deliberately energetic character. Controls on the earcup handle calls and playback, while the built-in microphone supports hands-free conversations. A button also activates Siri or Google Assistant on a connected device. These details make the headphone easy to use for everyday phone listening rather than a specialist audio setup.
Battery life reaches up to 40 hours, and a five-minute charge provides two hours of playback. JBL lists a full recharge time of about two hours using the Type-C USB cable. Multipoint support allows switching between two devices, which is helpful when a laptop and phone share the same headset.
The Sony ZX110 is the better match for someone who wants a cable and no battery, while Sony WH-CH720N is the better choice for over-ear comfort and noise cancellation. The Tune 510BT's weakness is its on-ear design, especially in loud places where there is no ANC listed. Choose it for light carrying, calls, and casual wireless listening. Skip it if you need strong isolation or large earcups.
10. Picun B8: Best Battery Life
Pros
- More than 120 hours of claimed music time
- Three EQ modes
- Dual 40mm dynamic sound units
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Touch controls and a wired backup
Cons
- Listed weight of 0.76875 pounds
- No ANC is listed
- Requires a 5V/1A or 5V/2A charging adapter
Best for: listeners who want to charge rarely and do not need active noise cancellation.
The Picun B8 is defined by one number: more than 120 hours of music time. Picun frames that as up to 30 days when listening for four hours per day. The figure makes this an obvious travel or backup candidate, although people should remember that actual battery life depends on volume, connection, and use.
The headphones use dual 40mm dynamic sound units and three EQ modes: Pop, Bass boost, and Rock. A short press sequence changes the profile, while a low-latency mode can be toggled with three presses of the power button. The product also lists Bluetooth 5.3, a range of up to 33 feet, touch controls, and a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
Comfort features include PU leather and sponge padding, an adjustable headband, and earcups that rotate 60 degrees. The listed weight is 0.76875 pounds, making the B8 considerably heavier than JBL Tune 510BT or KVIDIO 65H. A 3.5mm cable provides wired listening, and the package includes a USB charging cable.
The B8 is the endurance pick, not the noise-control pick. TOZO HT3 has a shorter maximum battery claim but adds hybrid ANC, app EQ, and several connection modes. BERIBES 65H is lighter and offers six EQ modes, though it does not approach the Picun's runtime. Picun also specifies that charging should use a 5V/1A or 5V/2A adapter and warns against fast chargers or high-power adapters. Choose it if charging frequency is your biggest irritation. Skip it if you want a light headset for all-day wear or need ANC.
How to choose best budget headphones
The right pair depends less on the longest headline specification than on where and how you listen. Focus on noise control, fit, battery behavior, connection options, and sound adjustment before choosing a model.
Noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation uses microphones and processing to reduce outside sound, especially steady noise from engines, air conditioners, and public transport. The Soundcore Q20i Black, Soundcore Q20i White, KVIDIO ANC 70H, Sony WH-CH720N, and TOZO HT3 include noise control features.
ANC is not the same as a sealed room. Earcup fit and passive coverage still matter, and voices or sudden sounds can remain audible. Transparency mode is useful when you need announcements or nearby conversation without removing the headphones.
Choose ANC for constant background noise, not as a promise that every sound will disappear.
Battery life and charging
Battery claims vary by mode. Soundcore lists 40 hours with ANC and 60 hours in normal mode, while KVIDIO gives separate ANC and standard figures. TOZO HT3 lists up to 90 hours, and Picun B8 goes beyond 120 hours.
Quick charging is more useful than a large number when you often leave home in a hurry. The Q20i adds four hours after five minutes, Sony adds up to one hour after three minutes, and JBL adds two hours after five minutes. A 3.5mm backup cable also matters when a wireless battery is empty.
Fit and weight
Over-ear headphones generally provide more coverage around the ears, while on-ear models can be lighter and easier to carry. Sony WH-CH720N is listed at 192 grams, JBL Tune 510BT at 0.3527 pounds, and KVIDIO 65H at 0.44 pounds. Picun B8 and KVIDIO ANC 70H are heavier choices.
Padding, headband adjustment, and earcup movement can matter more than a small difference in listed weight. If you wear headphones for several hours, a model that feels slightly less imposing is often easier to live with than one built around a huge battery.
Sound adjustment
Some headphones use a fixed tuning, while others offer selectable profiles or app control. Soundcore provides 22 EQ presets, TOZO lists 32 EQ modes, BERIBES offers six modes, and Picun B8 provides three.
More modes do not automatically mean better sound. They are useful when you switch between spoken audio, bass-heavy music, and vocals. If you want precise control, an app-based custom EQ is more flexible than a button that cycles through preset profiles.
Wireless and wired connections
Bluetooth is convenient for phones and laptops, but a wired option can keep headphones useful on aircraft, older computers, or after the battery runs down. The Sony ZX110 is wired only, while KVIDIO, BERIBES, TOZO, and Picun include a 3.5mm route.
Multipoint connection is valuable if you divide your day between two devices. Soundcore Q20i, Sony WH-CH720N, BERIBES, JBL Tune 510BT, and TOZO HT3 list dual-device or multipoint features. For a broader look at the tradeoffs, what you give up moving from wired to wireless is worth considering before you commit.
For listeners who specifically want larger earcups, how over-ear padding changes comfort on long trips can help narrow the choice. If engine noise is the main problem, how different noise control systems handle travel is the more relevant comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Are these headphones suitable for airplane travel?
The Soundcore Q20i models, KVIDIO ANC 70H, Sony WH-CH720N, and TOZO HT3 are the strongest fits because they include active noise cancellation. ANC can reduce steady engine noise, but it will not remove every voice or sudden sound. A wired backup is useful if the headphones need to connect to an in-flight entertainment system.
Which headphones last the longest between charges?
Picun B8 has the longest listed runtime at more than 120 hours. TOZO HT3 lists up to 90 hours, while KVIDIO ANC 70H lists up to 70 hours in standard mode. These are maximum claims, so using ANC, higher volume, or other features can reduce the actual time.
Which pick is best for calls?
Sony WH-CH720N lists Precise Voice Pickup Technology and beamforming microphones. KVIDIO ANC 70H includes digital signal processing for voice quality, and TOZO HT3 lists a dedicated call microphone and AI noise reduction. The right choice also depends on how well the earcups fit and how much background noise is present.
Can I use these headphones without Bluetooth?
Sony ZX110 is a wired headphone and does not require Bluetooth. KVIDIO ANC 70H, KVIDIO 65H, BERIBES, TOZO HT3, and Picun B8 include a 3.5mm cable for wired listening. The Soundcore Q20i features also list an AUX cable, while JBL Tune 510BT does not list wired playback.
Which headphones are easiest to carry?
JBL Tune 510BT is the lightest listed model and has a foldable design. Sony WH-CH720N is also notably light for an over-ear noise cancelling model, while KVIDIO 65H combines a 0.44-pound listed weight with folding earcups. Larger battery designs can be heavier.
Do any of these headphones offer transparency mode?
Soundcore Q20i Black, Soundcore Q20i White, and KVIDIO ANC 70H list transparency modes. TOZO HT3 focuses on adaptive and hybrid noise cancellation, while Sony WH-CH720N offers Ambient Sound and Adaptive Sound Control. These modes help you hear surroundings without taking the headphones off.
The bottom line
The Best budget headphones choice for most people is Soundcore Q20i Black, with Soundcore Q20i White offering the same feature set in a different finish. They combine ANC, transparency, dual-device use, app EQ, useful quick charging, and a wired option without forcing the buyer into a specialist design.
Choose Sony WH-CH720N if low weight and long-wearing comfort matter most, or TOZO HT3 if you want the broadest collection of settings, connection methods, and battery features. For a cable-first setup, Sony ZX110 remains the simplest answer, while Picun B8 is the choice for people who want to charge as rarely as possible.
If you are undecided, choose the Q20i for the best balance of noise control, flexibility, and everyday usability.
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