Echo Buds (Newest gen) | Wireless earbuds with Alexa, Bluetooth in-ear headphones with active noise cancelling, built-in microphone, IPX4 water resistant | Glacier WhiteReducing CO2

Product Review: Bluetooth Wireless Ear-budsIntroductionIn the realm of personal audio devices, Bluetooth wireless ear-buds have surged in popularity due to their convenience, portability, and evolving sound quality. This review explores the key aspects of Bluetooth wireless ear-buds, evaluating their design, performance, battery life, connectivity, and overall user experience.Design and ComfortModern Bluetooth wireless ear-buds are ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable fit for prolonged use. Many models come with interchangeable ear tips, allowing users to select the size that best fits their ears. Materials used in their construction often include soft silicone and durable plastics, which contribute to both comfort and aesthetics.Some ear-buds feature a compact and minimalist design, making them highly portable. Others may have a bulkier appearance, incorporating additional features like touch controls or built-in microphones. Overall, most models aim for a balance between style and functionality, catering to various user preferences.Sound QualitySound quality is perhaps the most critical aspect of any audio device. High-quality Bluetooth ear-buds are equipped with advanced drivers that provide clear highs, balanced mids, and satisfying bass. Many brands focus on delivering an immersive audio experience, often incorporating noise cancellation technology to enhance sound clarity in noisy environments.Furthermore, the implementation of aptX codec or AAC enhances audio transmission, ensuring that lossless audio files sound fuller and more detailed. However, budget models may compromise on sound quality, leading to a less satisfying listening experience.Battery LifeBattery life varies significantly across different brands and models. Premium ear-buds can offer around 6-10 hours of playback on a single charge, with additional charges provided by their carrying case, extending usability to 20-30 hours. Lower-end models typically have shorter battery life, but many still provide decent performance for everyday use.Fast charging capabilities have become increasingly common, allowing users to obtain several hours of playback time from a brief charging session. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who are often on the go.ConnectivityBluetooth technology has progressed, resulting in improved connectivity and stability. Most modern wireless ear-buds utilise Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, providing a more reliable connection with longer ranges and reduced latency. This is particularly crucial for users who may wish to watch videos or play games, as latency can disrupt the audio-visual synchronisation.Pairing ear-buds with devices is generally straightforward. Many models automatically enter pairing mode when removed from their charging case, allowing for quick connections to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Compatibility with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant adds an extra layer of convenience.Additional FeaturesBluetooth wireless ear-buds often come with supplementary features that enhance the user experience. These may include:- Touch Controls: Most models allow users to control playback, volume, and phone calls using touch-sensitive controls on the ear-buds, eliminating the need to interact with the connected device frequently.- Water Resistance: IP ratings (e.g., IPX4, IPX7) indicate the level of water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This feature reduces ambient noise, facilitating a deeper listening experience in crowded spaces.- Ambient Sound Mode: Some ear-buds allow users to enable environmental sounds, which can be beneficial when walking in urban areas for safety while listening.User ExperienceUser reviews generally reflect satisfaction with Bluetooth wireless ear-buds in terms of their functionality and convenience. The absence of tangled wires, combined with portability, appeals to a wide array of users.However, some concerns have been raised regarding durability, especially in lower-priced models, where the build quality may not withstand daily wear and tear. Connectivity issues can also arise if users attempt to connect multiple devices simultaneously, although this is less common with high-end products.ConclusionBluetooth wireless ear-buds represent a significant advancement in personal audio technology. While numerous models are available on the market, offering varied designs, sound quality, and features, it is essential to consider personal requirements and budget when selecting the right pair. Overall, they provide an unmatched level of convenience for users, enhancing the everyday listening experience across various environments.

*UPDATED after 3 months use* These earbuds continue to force factory reset and the whole process of manually unpairing them from every device and repairing and setting up custom settings via Alexa App is frustrating. I contacted Amazon for support and the only solution was to issue a refund after recommending another factory reset. Amazon should not sell tech items if the only support is to refund them. I am so disappointed. While I hoped I was saving money by purchasing these instead of AirPod Pros, these have turned out to cost more in terms of my time and now needing new earbuds altogether. Beware.**UPDATED after 2-months use* These earbuds have now disconnected from my bluetooth settings over 3 times. Meaning they suddenly aren't recognised by my phone, computer or Alexa until I remove them from my bluetooth settings and pair them via the Alexa App. This is really annoying and I have no idea what could cause the issue. The buttons are also quite sensitive, so laying down in bed with these in can be quite a nuisance unless you disable the one-tap function in Alexa App settings. I also discovered that the noise cancellation doesn't seem to truly work until completing the lengthy noise/eat fit test via the Alexa App. Once I completed that, the noise cancellation seemed to actually work. I regret not purchasing another pair while they were on offer!I am an iPhone and Mac user and I have been using my AirPod Pros 1st Gen since 2019. The battery life is deteriorating and I cannot afford new AirPod Pros, so I grabbed these Echo Buds 2 on a Prime deal. I do not have any Alexa products (I used an Echo a couple years ago but got rid of it). I would absolutely recommend this to people in a similar situation or who want a decent active noice cancelling ANC pair. I purchased another set of earphones on Amazon meant to be noise-cancelling but they didn't block any sound; these Echo Buds 2 are the real deal for those using AirPod Pros and who like the ANC.Pros:- Active Noise Cancelling is good (I would rate it 3.5/5 compared to AirPod Pros). Unlike AirPod Pros, for it to truly work over music, volume must be turned on a bit higher than I'd have it set on my AirPod Pros.- Very lightweight case albeit it does feel a bit flimsy, though after 3 weeks of use no complaints)- Sync between devices is shockingly impressive. A bit confusing and not always the best but being able to switch near flawlessly between music on my Mac and my iPhone while keeping my Echo Buds 2 in my ear is amazing.- Ear tips. AirPods and other ear phones always fall out of my ears. These don't with the provided ear wings. No issues with them on phone calls!Cons:- Comfort. These certainly feel bulkier in the ear after coming from AirPods Pros for over three years. One ear actually feels uncomfortable and irritating but I suspect it's a matter of getting used to it, as was the case with my AirPods. These are SO uncomfortable to wear in bed and if your ears tap your pillow, expect for your music/video to pause because they are that sensitive to the press. I find them uncomfortable after long use in one ear but that could be an issue with my ear shape.- Ease of use. These take some getting used to putting in yours. AirPods feel like a flawless remove and install; these feel more difficult.- Battery life. The battery life is about as good as my AirPod Pros 1st Gen battery life after 2+ years' use. I get about 3 hours use' and the lack of battery monitoring directly from my iPhone main screen is annoying. As is the lack of a control for ANC from the Volume bar on iPhone (you can turn ANC on/off via the Alexa app or from the device itself).- Alexa. If you are not a fan of Alexa, these are not the buds for you. You have to have the app to set up the buds and re-pair if there's ever an issue (mine suddenly disconnected after two weeks and I had to unpair and re-pair). That said, the controls in Alexa are a lot more user-friendly than Apple's own, in my opinion.All in all, I am on a tight budget and as much as I would love to upgrade my AirPod Pros 1st Gen, the Echo Buds 2 meet my needs and more. I have actually grown quite fond of the look. These sound great and people say my voice sounds better than they did on my old AirPod Pros 1st Gen too. I would 100% recommend to a friend.

Bear in mind that I paid 20 quid for mine on Prime day, which turns out to be great value for money.I have a few favourite ear buds that cost a lot of money but I have always been on the lookout for cheap buds that I don't have to worry about losing. Well I have just found them!The joy of these is that in setting them up through the Alexa app, you get to test out your hearing. I have reduced heating in one ear for the last year or so. These are now set to compensate for that. That is fantastic for me. The sound is generally fine, not brilliant but perfectly ok. The ANC is good and the mics are good for tel and teams calls. I can't believe I hesitated before buying these at 20 quid on the basis that I already have too many ear buds. Now wish I had got a second pair!Just a word on setup. As I mentioned the initial set up was through Alexa app. For other machines after that you put the buds in pairing mode by opening the case and pressing the button on the back of the case until the light turns 🔵. After that it's the usual Bluetooth connection method.