Bluetooth: v5.2 | ANC: No | Transparency mode: No | Customized EQ: Sure | Charging port: USB-C | Wi-fi charging: No | Water resistance: IPX2 | Multipoint connectivity: Sure (2 gadgets) | Put on detection: Sure | Battery life (rated): 5 hrs, 6 hrs w/ wake phrase off, 20 hrs w/ case | Quick charging: 15 minutes = 2 hrs | Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX | Guarantee: 1 12 months
All of our picks up to now are technically earphones, which means they prolong into your ear canal. For some folks, that’s inherently uncomfortable. Sadly, the marketplace for respectable but inexpensive “earbuds,” which relaxation on the concha as an alternative of going all the way in which in your ear, is spotty. If you happen to can’t carry your self to pay for a pair of AirPods, although, the Amazon Echo Buds are a worthy compromise at $50.
The plastic earpieces right here aren’t precisely premium, however they relaxation calmly within the ear and really feel sturdily put collectively. They let in and leak noise extra simply than in-ear headphones, however in the event you want open earbuds, that’s extra of a function than a bug. If the match doesn’t really feel proper, you’ll be able to shed slightly bulk by removing the pre-installed silicone covers. (Like most open earbuds, although, consolation right here depends in your ear form.) Mic high quality is greater than enough, and the round contact panels give ample room for utilizing the controls, that are customizable and persistently responsive. Battery life sits round 5 hours, which is middling however not out of character for price range earbuds. The pocket-friendly case provides about three full fees, however it’s price noting that Amazon doesn’t embody a USB-C charging cable. A poor IPX2 water resistance ranking means it’s best to keep away from the health club with these, too.
Whereas the Echo Buds sound wonderful out of the field, I would use the EQ sliders within the Alexa app to carry down the treble a click on or two. By default, the highs are a bit too edgy. That stated, this emphasis lends a pleasant crispness to issues like vocals, cymbals and strings, and there’s sufficient separation to maintain complicated tracks from sounding completely muddled. The profile right here isn’t as full-bodied as the latest AirPods, and no open earbuds ship true sub-bass, however there’s at the least some rumble for hip-hop and EDM.
Not like many low-cost earbuds, the Echo Buds assist auto-pausing and multi-device pairing. I usually needed to manually pause playback on one system earlier than I may swap to the opposite, however having the function in any respect at this value is nice. Unsurprisingly, in addition they include Alexa baked in, which you’ll be able to entry hands-free. You handle the Echo Buds by means of the Alexa app, which is way more cluttered than a devoted audio app however consists of extras like a misplaced system tracker and sidetone management for cellphone calls. And if you need nothing to do with Alexa, it additionally allows you to flip off the mics and wake-word assist.