Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: The best cheap AirPods Pro alternative
Our Verdict
The Amazon Repeat Buds two grants you many features and stronger performance for a lower cost than the original.
For
- Excellent Alexa integration
- Surprisingly effective active racket cancellation
- Neutral sound
- Sleek charging case
- Wireless charging
Confronting
- Middling bombardment life
- Vocals lack crispness
Tom's Guide Verdict
The Amazon Echo Buds two grants yous many features and stronger performance for a lower price than the original.
Pros
- +
Splendid Alexa integration
- +
Surprisingly effective active noise counterfoil
- +
Neutral audio
- +
Sleek charging example
- +
Wireless charging
Cons
- -
Middling battery life
- -
Vocals lack crispness
Smaller, cheaper, and at present with better ANC, the Amazon Echo Buds 2 is the sequel we've long predictable from the east-commerce and electronics giant. The starting price of $99 is a shocker no one saw coming, peculiarly since the original Repeat Buds launched at a higher MSRP: $129. Generous discount bated, these buds brand a strong case for being i of the market's all-time noise-cancelling earbuds.
Amazon Echo Buds two: Specs
Colors: Black, Glacier White
Bombardment life (rated): 5 hours (ANC on), vi.v hours (ANC off), 15 hours (with charging case), 19.5 hours (with charging case and ANC off)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Processor: Realtek RTL8763C
Size: 0.eight x 0.8 10 0.8 inches (per bud), two.half dozen x ane.1 x i.5 inches (charging case)
Weight: 0.two ounces (per bud), 1.half dozen ounces (charging case), 1.7 ounces (wireless charging case)
The Echo Buds 2 won't pose a serious threat to elite ANC models like the AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Nevertheless, it has the features and functionality to compete for relevancy in the true wireless space, though shortcomings like the so-so bombardment life and imperfect midrange won't sit well with everyone. Read our Echo Buds 2 review to see why this second-gen version is an awesome bargain for consumers committed to Amazon's ecosystem or those who merely want cheap, high-performing wireless earbuds.
- The all-time wireless earbuds overall
- Find a bargain with the all-time Apple tree AirPods alternatives
- Plus: Amazon Repeat Buds 2 vs. AirPods Pro: Which ANC earbuds win?
Amazon Repeat Buds 2 review: Cost and availability
- Amazon Echo Buds 2 for $99 at Amazon
The Amazon Echo Buds 2 tin be purchased directly from Amazon or at other major online retailers, including All-time Purchase and Target. It is sold in two colors: Black and Glacier White.
These buds are available in 2 different SKUs: the standard version for $99 and the wireless charging case version for $119. Amazon also sells a 2d configuration that adds an Anker Wireless Charging Pad to the purchase for $137. No matter which y'all cull, all three options price less than category favorites like the AirPods Pro ($249), Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($279), and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro ($199). If your budget somehow falls short of Amazon's asking price, consider giving the more than inexpensive Edifier TWS NBQ ($59) a await.
For all of the latest sales, bookmark our all-time cheap AirPods deals and headphones deals pages.
Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: Design and comfort
- More meaty design than original Pixel Buds
- IPX4 rating means express h2o resistance
The Echo Buds 2 upholds the clean, minimalist appearance of the Amazon Echo product lineup, though it has received a noticeable makeover. Information technology is twenty% smaller than the original and gets rid of unique details like the glossy caps on the forepart that doubled every bit affect sensors. I wouldn't call this the most attractive design, nor the ugliest, but at least Amazon didn't go the long-stem silhouette route.
Build quality is solid and the buds come with an IPX4 rating to withstand splashes, sweat, and lite rain, but not submersion in water. Amazon has even taken a greener approach to manufacturing: the charging example (black version but) is fabricated from 21% post-consumer recycled plastics and 98% of the packaging is equanimous from 98% wood-fiber-based materials.
The charging case has undergone the biggest facelift, taking on a rectangular design with rounded edges similar to the AirPods Pro case, only wider and longer. It'southward sleeker, sturdier, and more than portable-friendly than the original. The flip-pinnacle lid has a potent magnet that keeps the case tightly shut. A USB-C charging port and Bluetooth button are located in the back.
Comfort is moderate, meaning you can wear the buds for virtually 1.5 to 2 hours earlier fatigue sets in. The crenel rests nicely on the inner part of your ear. Included with the device are several ear tips and wings for personalized fit; the combination helps lock the buds in place with minimal slippage. Amazon as well developed an Ear Tip Fit Test that does a decent job of analyzing your ears to determine the best tip-and-fly philharmonic. Personally, I thought Apple's version provided better feedback to accomplish a tighter seal for optimal ANC and sound.
Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: Touch controls and digital assistant
- Form-leading Alexa integration
- Responsive touch controls
A full suite of media controls is available with some defaulted to single (play/pause), double, (next runway/reply or end call) and triple taps (previous track), while the others tin can be assigned to the long-hold gesture. These functions include native assistant, volume up/downward, Alexa tap-to-talk, mic on/muted, disable, and ANC/Passthrough. Calculation to the Echo Buds ii'southward intelligibility is on-ear detection to automatically pause music when removing the buds and resume playback when placed dorsum on your ears.
The touch controls are highly responsive and register taps accurately. I'thou besides appreciative of the sound prompts when activating functions, as this is a great indicator for ensuring intended commands are existence met.
Yet, the signature role on Amazon'southward buds remains Alexa hands-free vocalisation activation, which allows you to fire up the AI bot by saying "Alexa" and following up with your voice command. I idea Apple's "Hey Siri" characteristic was flawless, just Amazon's is also exceptional. Every request I spoke was registered expeditiously. You tin can prepare Google Banana or Siri as your default, and though they perform well, the buds are at their best when Alexa runs the show. My just complaint is that in that location was serious latency whenever activating the feature; information technology would take about three seconds before any responses were given.
Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: Active noise counterfoil
- Decent ANC operation
- Adaptable ambience mode is useful
Amazon claims the Echo Buds 2 "cancels out twice as much noise compared to the first generation." Based on my testing, that'due south most correct. Is the Echo Buds two's ANC applied science on par with the AirPods Pro or QuietComfort Earbuds? Not really, only it'll give other noise-neutralizing models like the Galaxy Buds Pro a run for their money.
The three-mic array (two external, one internal) reduces an adequate number of external sounds in different environments. Around the house, family unit conversations and loud TVs were blocked out, while ordinary disruptors like keyboard clatter, doorbells, and kitchen appliances didn't faze me during work hours.
Listening to music outside was a peaceful experience also. The decent air current resistance spared my ears from any harmful whooshing effects usually associated with poorly engineered ANC models. The barge work taking place on the waterway near the house never caught my attention, nor did the cars that zipped down the street. Likewise, I institute the characteristic most helpful at CVS when waiting for my 2d vaccination shot; the humming noises coming from the centralized Ac and refrigerators were muted.
As impressive every bit the characteristic is, it'due south not powerful plenty to completely eliminate all noises. Loftier-frequency sounds such every bit sirens and whistles volition be heard, along with loud gardening tools like foliage-blowers and lawnmowers.
Passthrough is the Echo Buds 2's version of ambience sound manner and information technology'southward serviceable for when you want to interact and be aware of your surround. The mics picked upwardly voices from a reasonable distance to communicate clearly with baristas. I could also hear my white racket machine playing when checking in on the baby during nap time, every bit well as his cries through the babe monitor.
You lot tin increment the amount of noise you lot desire to hear through the Alexa app, which makes a difference outdoors. On its default setting, I couldn't hear cars coming by or noisy pedestrians during daytime walks, merely that inverse once I adjusted to max level. Those ambient noises became louder and more transparent.
Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: Sound quality
- Not bad, just tin can distort sure songs
- Reasonable passive audio isolation
The original didn't blow listeners abroad with its audio performance, but the Echo Buds 2 is an upgrade that gives Amazon's neutral sound profile a tiny bump in bass. If you lot're looking for something with more smash or balance, and then await elsewhere considering these buds won't match what comes out of the AirPods Pro, and definitely non the Galaxy Buds Pro. Notwithstanding, what you get is acceptable for casual listening on commutes or around the house.
The memorable bassline on David Bowie & Queen's "Under Pressure" had some nifty layering and snap to it, but maintained a warmer, more than impactful presence on the AirPods Pro. Despite that, I was pleased to hear how clear the scatting and soaring vocals sounded throughout the unabridged recording.
Amazon's five.7mm dynamic drivers increment fidelity in treble, which is highly noticeable when listening to bass-heavy tracks. The infectious strings on Dr. Dre's "Nevertheless D.R.Eastward." are reproduced well and ride smoothly over the punchy drums. Jazz classics like Leroy Hutson'southward "Cool Out" fabricated for groovy listens with the buds delivering loud and vibrant horns.
Unfortunately, the Repeat Buds 2 don't treat all songs equally. Distortion does occur at times, just it doesn't dingy upward the soundstage like other models in the same toll class. You'll notice vocals lack crispness and have a buzz effect to them, much like they did on Lupe Fiasco's "Carrera Lu" and low-fi recordings like Eric's Trip's "Anytime You Desire," which likewise made bass notes dissonate.
Isolation is OK with the tips creating a tight seal around the ears to prevent some external sounds from entering the soundscape. Listening at max volume does cause audio to leak, though reducing volume to about lxxx% is plenty to prevent it.
Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: App and special features
- Limited but welcome EQ controls
- Built-in fitness tracking, though it's non very accurate
The Alexa app is basically a hub for everything Amazon-related and comes with features exclusive to the Echo Buds ii. The Settings folio has toggle controls for the listening modes, battery life, and Alexa just to proper noun a few, along with a customization field that hosts the well-nigh enticing features. These include the aforementioned Ear Fit Tip Exam and tap controls setting, forth with an Equalizer. Amazon's EQ doesn't have much depth to it, but you tin adjust the bass, mid-range, and treble.
Amazon also programmed a Workout mode, allowing the Echo Buds 2 to human activity every bit a fitness tracker that records your fitness performance. Steps, altitude, elapsing, calories, and stride are all accounted for, and users can create a profile to view their history. It'southward more of a filler characteristic that comes in handy if your Fitbit or Apple Watch dies correct before you head to the gym, merely data inaccuracies make it an untrustworthy workout companion. My wife tested the mode and saw her pace count was off by almost 200 steps compared to her Fitbit Versa.
Other notables include a Discover My Buds mode, battery level indicators for both buds and the charging case, and a Sidetone setting to adjust how much of your vocalism you want to hear on calls.
With the Echo Buds two tied into Amazon's all-encompassing ecosystem, a myriad of Alexa skills tin exist executed directly on the buds. You tin link the buds to different music services, commencement shopping lists, personalize other Amazon Echo devices, set reminders, manage energy utilisation in your house…you lot get the motion picture.
Amazon Repeat Buds 2 review: Battery life and charging case
- five hours per accuse — can become much better elsewhere
- Depression charging case chapters besides
Bombardment life on the Echo Buds 2 is rated higher than the AirPods Pro, merely nonetheless substandard. We're talking five hours versus 4.5 hours. The AirPods Pro has better battery management to clasp out equally of juice for optimal use. Furthermore, the Repeat Buds 2'due south playtime drops by about 30 minutes to 1 60 minutes when factoring in book and other features running in the background. So, technically, it has the aforementioned battery life as the AirPods Pro when using ANC.
Its saving grace is the ability to disable ANC and hands-costless Alexa for extended battery life; turn on the Power Salve mode in the app to earn half-dozen.5 hours of listening time. Quick charging will also net you 2 hours on a 15-infinitesimal charge.
The charging case is weak and holds a dismal 15 hours when fully charged. By comparison, that is 9 hours shorter than the AirPods Pro'south case (24 hours). Sadly, the wireless charging instance has the same battery life.
Amazon Echo Buds two review: Call quality and connectivity
- Loftier quality, if just with ANC enabled
- Like shooting fish in a barrel Bluetooth pairing
Telephone call quality is every bit as good on the Echo Buds 2 as the original. Keep in mind though that you must have ANC on because performance differs immensely when the characteristic is turned off. The mics kept ambient noses to a minimum and improved clarity for clear-sounding conversations. Loud noises were even so audible on both ends, merely at least information technology was less harsh on my ears.
Amazon claims that ANC stays on automatically when taking calls, simply in order to preserve power, I had switched to standard manner. What a huge mistake. This resulted in a lot of cutout and muffling. In addition, everything around me was so transparent that my wife mentioned having to strain to hear my voice.
Bluetooth v.0 was reliable for the nigh function, with satisfactory range (35 feet) for wireless listening and instantaneous connectivity. The pairing procedure was a breeze, plus the Bluetooth button on the case helped expedite the procedure. At that place was some stuttering the first mean solar day I streamed Spotify playlists, just the problem no longer exists; I guess the buds needed to warm upwards. It would have been absurd if Amazon integrated multipoint technology to connect the buds to two devices simultaneously.
Amazon Echo Buds two review: Verdict
At $99, the Echo Buds two drives a hard bargain, offering extensive functionality at an unbeatable value. Alexa integration is amazing and places hundreds of Alexa skills at the tip of your vocal cords, along with full control of other Alexa-enabled products. The new design won't win over mode-forrard types, but it is a step in the right direction, the charging case in item. Sound and noise counterfoil are also sufficient for the toll.
Amazon needs to fine-tune its audio signature for greater mid- and loftier-terminate presence, but that is the least of their worries, equally the bombardment life situation must first be addressed. The Repeat Buds 2 needs more of it to stand a chance against other ANC titans in the field.
Aside from those criticisms, the Repeat Buds 2 is a welcomed comeback geared towards Alexa conformists or anyone looking to purchase quality dissonance-cancelling earbuds on the cheap. You lot may also desire to consider buying it as an inexpensive, just thoughtful, stocking stuffer come holiday flavour. Either fashion, this is a worthy AirPods Pro alternative.
- More: The best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/amazon-echo-buds-2
Posted by: bowerjume1955.blogspot.com
0 Response to "Amazon Echo Buds 2 review: The best cheap AirPods Pro alternative"
Post a Comment