28 May
Blog

Edifier TWS NB Earbuds Review: Lose The Noise, Keep The Cash

Edifier TWS-NB

"By lowering the price of ANC, Edifier has raised the bar for real wireless earphones everywhere."

  • Solid Bluetooth range

  • Affordable active noise cancellation

  • Exceptional sound

  • Good price

  • Bulky design

  • Uninspired app

Earbud enthusiasts get good news courtesy of Edifier. We have reached an important milestone in the actual wireless timeline as legitimate active noise cancellation has entered the budget-friendly atmosphere.

For $ 120, Edifier's new TWS NB earphones offer the coveted ANC feature in one of the cheapest real wireless packages we've seen so far. Apart from the monetary savings, what is the value of these buds on the table?

Out of the box

For better or for worse, I got used to trying out new headphones or earphones first and then scrolling through the data sheet. It leads to some funny comparisons; For example, because of the packaging and components of the Edifier earphones, I would have sworn that this is a far more expensive product.

Edifier TWS NB caseNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The TWS NB arrive firmly in their own foam bedding when you lift the lid of the packaging. In addition to the buds and the carrying case, Edifier included a USB-C charging cable, a start guide and a manual as well as additional ear plugs and ear fins.

The setup is standard, with Edifier using Bluetooth 5.0 in the TWS NB. The company also built an antenna technology called Laser Direct Structuring into the earphones to ensure a stable connection and fight interference.

Edifier projects a range of 33 feet, and I would say that this is somewhat conservative. I moved around the house and between the back yard and the front yard while my phone stayed in the kitchen. Impressively, there were no signal drops.

design

The metallic finish of the TWS NB exudes a futuristic atmosphere with its somewhat strange shape. It is undoubtedly a subjective matter, but at least I enjoy the aesthetics. On the other hand, I caused a little controversy by saying that I liked the unique design of the Microsoft Surface Earbuds 2. So maybe my style tastes of the mainstream.

Edifier TWS NBNick Woodard / Digital Trends

They also felt comfortable and made the TWS NB worthwhile for longer listening sessions. They are large and unfortunately there is no way around it. Pulling off a hoodie became a problem because the earbuds were likely to get caught and then get lost in a dark fabric cavity when I threw the garment into the laundry basket. Sure, you know, you could remove the earbuds before you peel off that layer, but that feels like an unnecessary inconvenience, however minor it may be.

Apart from IPX4 water resistance, there is not much on the Edifier product page about the functions of the TWS NB as earphones for active people. As I learned from my own experience, there is a reason for this. The earphones are absolutely safe and move at the pace of everyday life. But take it with you for a jog and chaos will occur. They never fell out of my ear, but no matter how many times I adjusted the buds to keep the ear fins in place, I couldn't help feeling like I was wearing dangling earrings – or how I imagine that feeling.

I swapped the ear fins for the larger pair that came with it, and that helped to some extent, just not as much as I hoped.

The charging case, which Edifier calls "anodization-processed, light-resistant aluminum", is larger than alternatives such as the Apple AirPods or Google Pixel Buds 2. The rectangular shape of the housing almost resembles a harmonica.

properties

Interestingly, when it comes to playback time, the TWS NB takes up space on both sides of the coin. When active noise cancellation is activated, they are only suitable for 5 hours of audio. This corresponds to devices with prices similar to the Amazon Echo Buds, but most people want more when the battery stops there.

Edifier TWS NBNick Woodard / Digital Trends

However, without ANC, the TWS NB will play for 11 hours, with two additional charges included in the case. This makes it one of the best – in particular the Samsung Galaxy Buds + and the Sony WF-SP800N – for a significantly lower proportion of changes.

There are only two buttons on the Edifier earphones, one each on the multifunctional variant. You can use both buttons to switch between active noise cancellation and ambient noise mode. The same applies to changing titles or answering and declining calls. It takes a bit of leg work to familiarize yourself with the controls, but they work well after the first learning phase.

Edifier has its own app that is paired with the TWS NB … and that's about all there is to say. The app can turn ANC on and off and change tracks, but the buds themselves can do it themselves. Unless I lack anything essential, the app is not a factor for the time being.

Audio quality

For the battery life and ANC features offered at this price, all I really hoped for from the TWS NB was passable audio to add to the ensemble. I have that and more.

Edifier TWS NBNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The earphones each have a 13 mm graphene membrane, which Edifier announces as "one of the strongest materials in the world" with an "incredible strength-to-weight ratio". Of course this speaks mostly of the market, but in my experience these drivers have something to offer.

On tracks like Megan Thee Stallions Savage Remix (children hear that today, right?), The TWS NB showed an above-average low-end response. At the other end of the musical spectrum, songs like The Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band have proven that the Edifiers offer more than reasonable clarity on costs. It is difficult to slaughter a good violin to be transparent, but the NWS-TB still delivered exceptional results.

The earbuds also have aptX support, which is a nice addition considering that some higher-priced options are missing. You are also able to with regards to call quality, although nothing in this part of my audio tests screams exceptionally. Still, I think the majority of listeners will enjoy Edifier's sound quality.

Active noise cancellation

I will take on the role of skeptic when I talk about active noise cancellation for $ 120 just because it hasn't really happened yet, at least not in a remarkable sense. Amazon's Echo Buds came closest, using noise reduction technology that worked well for $ 130. So far, active noise canceling wireless earphones have not been on the radar for this cheap price.

Edifier TWS NBNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The TWS NB have feed-forward ANC technology, which means that microphones on the outside of the buds analyze and dampen outside noise. It's closer to the basic end of noise cancellation, but that's not a big deal at this price. Well done, it can still be an effective way to keep unwanted noise out of your listening experience.

Because of my time with these buds, the technology is indeed well done. During a walk along a fast flowing river, switching on the ANC function with a double press on one of the two buds completely canceled out the noise of the water. Another double tap on one of the buds brought Edifier's ambient sound mode into play, which was a nice touch when the need to repeatedly greet another dog walker came up again and again.

I wouldn't compare this to the top ANC technology in products like the Sony WF-1000XM3, but I would say that the TWS NB offers worthwhile noise cancellation features for what you pay for.

Our opinion

The Edifier TWS NB are part of a growing trend for bulky earbuds that I'm honestly not on board with. However, they are leading the way in another trend, namely, low-cost real wireless earbuds that do not limit functionality. That is why we can all gather together.

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 130 Amazon Echo Buds literally fit some better, with the added benefit of Alexa’s hands-free feature. The Sony WF-XB700, which is also priced at $ 130, has a 9-hour battery life, though the noise cancellation features are missing.

How long will they last?

The TWS NB have a 1-year limited warranty and are equipped with scratch-resistant hardware. You should be able to deal with some wear and tear without the crack.

Should you buy them

Yes. You may want to find another pair if you are a runner. By lowering the entry fee for active noise cancellation, the Edifier TWS NB has raised the bar for real wireless earphones everywhere.

Editor's recommendations




13 May
Blog

Microsoft Surface Earbuds Review: Productivity For A Price

Microsoft Surface Earbuds

Micorsoft Surface Earbuds

"As a productivity tool, Surface Earbuds offer solid value."

  • Integration with Microsoft 365

  • IPX4 waterproof

  • Eight hours of audio playback

  • Aesthetically unique design

  • No noise cancellation

  • Value depends on the brand

Microsoft has taken a chance with its new Surface Earbuds. One of the largest technology companies in the world could try to survive in a new area by beating its competitors in its own game. Or it could double on its own brand and rely on creating a truly unique experience.

You can probably guess which direction Microsoft is headed.

The $ 200 Surface Earbuds are here and come at a lot cheaper than the price at which they were originally launched in late 2019 – $ 250.Microsoft marketed and integrated them as a pair of real wireless earbuds made almost exclusively for professional use the new buds as creatively as possible in its own software. The company accidentally raised an important question: Can the surface earbuds be the ultimate productivity buds and thrive as everyday wearables?

Out of the box

The packaging for the Microsoft Surface Earbuds is classically minimalist: a white box with a single image of the buds even on the top. The glossy white charging case with the Microsoft logo is located under the lid. The buds rest inside with a USB-C charging cable, two additional pairs of earplugs, and product documents.

Microsoft Surface EarbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The surface earphones are set up in one of two ways – simple or super simple. If you've ever paired wireless earphones with your smartphone, this process is no different. However, if you pair the Surface Earbuds with a Surface PC, Microsoft has a Swift Pair feature to make the connection much easier. This feature is similar to the quick connect features of Google Pixel Buds 2 and Apple AirPods, and is a trend we'd love to see more of in the future.

Microsoft has its own Surface Audio app with useful but not essential video tutorials. Without firmware updates and a supplied equalizer, you could completely do without the app and not miss much.

Surface earbuds support connections to multiple devices, so switching between your phone and computer is not a problem. As for the connections themselves, I did not notice any significant dropouts during the review period. This included cases where I left my phone in the house and ventured into my humble garden.

design

Part of me is inexplicably fascinated by the aesthetics of the surface earbuds. Another part of me wants to bring the whole design back to the drawing board. Of course there is a lot to unpack here.

Microsoft Surface EarbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The description of the buds we gave at the company's Surface Hardware event in October 2019 remains accurate – from the outside, they resemble measuring earrings. Granted, I've never been a fan of this actual earring style. But when I go back to earbud design, I find that kind of groundbreaking look very appealing.

There is a soft silicone earplug on the other side of the touch-sensitive outer pane. I swapped the original tips for the smaller version to give the buds a safer feel in my ears. According to Microsoft, the Surface Earbuds have four anchor points to ensure the most effective fit possible.

Ironically, my design complaint is about fit. These are heavy buds; At 7.3 grams each, they're stronger than most of the competition, including those from Apple and Google, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Buds + and Amazon Echo Buds, and they extend slightly outside the ear. Both are relatively small and forgivable topics. What is annoying is that buds offered as workhorses simply don't have the secure fit to take on this role – especially when the wearer is training.

I've tried running with these buds twice, and both times I got into a swamp because I had to constantly readjust them during my run. I have not ruled out having bulky ear canals, although I have not encountered these problems in any of the buds that I have recently checked. Regardless, it's one of those bugs that gets worse every time, and it leaves a sour taste in terms of usability.

To be fair, press materials for the Surface Earbuds refrained from mentioning sports compatibility and made it clear that they were simply not intended for this type of activity. However, if you are considering spending $ 200 on earphones, this is an important distinction. You will not run with them or participate in high-intensity workouts.

properties

The standard functions of the Surface Earbuds are competitive, but not unique: IPX4 water resistance, eight hours of battery life with three additional charging processes and touch controls for completing tasks such as changing music, making calls and interacting with intelligent assistants, including Microsoft's own Cortana. Aside from an auto pause when pulling out a bud, which is oddly MIA, the Surface Earbuds have numerous features that help them measure themselves against the industry giants.

Microsoft Surface EarbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Honestly, if that were all the Surface Earbuds had to offer, I would recommend looking elsewhere. There are other options that perform these functions as well, and in some cases better, to reduce the burden on the old bank account. Fortunately, it’s the capabilities of Surface Earbuds when used with Microsoft 365 that put them in a separate class.

If you run an iOS device with the Surface Earbuds, you can listen to, delete and reply to emails on the go thanks to the "Play my emails" function in the Outlook mobile app. Are you looking for something that is a bit more innovative? Using the earphones with PowerPoint on a PC offers the possibility to activate live subtitles and subtitles, both of which can be translated into one of more than 60 different languages.

Granted, this may be a niche advantage rather than a common feature – at the moment I have to assume that most everyday Surface Earbuds owners don't have to translate their presentations into different languages. It is still a good option if the reason ever shows up.

Most of all, I think Microsoft's dictation feature is the most appropriate. In programs like PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word, you can use your voice to dictate content while Microsoft is writing it down for you. It is not a perfect tool as you might expect. Based on my experience, I have corrected some grammatical errors here and there. This function is already available from Microsoft without the buds themselves being needed. However, I found that the two built-in microphones on each earphone recorded my speech more effectively, and I was able to write this section of the review almost entirely with dictations.

As far as I know, the Microsoft Word app does not currently support dictation, so this is not a mobile-friendly function. However, this could change in the future and leave the door open to improve an already fascinating function. In terms of productivity, this could really be a game changer with a few tweaks.

Audio quality

Call quality is the most important component of the audio quality of Surface Earbuds, if you follow Microsoft's mantra to get things done. According to my tests, the microphones mentioned above do an excellent job in each bud by both picking up your voice and playing down background noise.

Microsoft Surface EarbudsNick Woodard / Digital Trends

For music playback and other content, the Surface Earbuds are equipped with 13.6 mm drivers (relatively large for earphones), which can be operated in a frequency range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. They support SBC and aptX audio codecs and offer what Microsoft has called the "Surface Omnisonic Sound Profile" to improve the sound.

The resulting sound quality is … good. The sizeable drivers handle the low end well, and the music in general is wonderfully clear. Overall, Microsoft has achieved a performance that is almost identical to the mainstream functions: a sound that does not surpass its competitors, but sounds objectively good enough to sit at the table. The problem is that Microsoft grabbed one of the most expensive chairs in the house. The fact that Microsoft lowered the retail price for the Surface Earbuds between the autumn release and the spring release is a sense of self-awareness. However, this is a band aid rather than a long-term solution.

The surface earbuds lose brownie points because they have no active noise cancellation, let alone effective passive noise isolation. It goes without saying that I have not yet commuted with these, but a morning walk through a busy street made a lot of noise penetrate my listening experience. Sure, you can turn up the volume to drown things out. At normal listening levels, however, you'll hear the outside world in addition to your podcasts and playlists.

Our opinion

When used as a work environment tool in conjunction with Microsoft's own devices and software, the Surface Earbuds offer solid value and an experience that no other pair of buds can currently offer. They are simply not the most flexible real wireless option for the money, and it is not realistic to expect it.

Are there any better alternatives?

They are hard to beat in terms of productivity. But when things like audio quality, battery life or usability come into play, the locks open. The $ 179 Google Pixel Buds 2, $ 129 Amazon Echo Buds, and $ 150 Samsung Galaxy Buds + offer better values ​​for what they offer. The Sony WF-1000XM3 currently only costs $ 30 more than the Surface Earbuds and is our preferred wireless earbud overall.

How long will they last?

It helps to be Microsoft here. Without considering the Surface Earbuds' one-year limited hardware warranty, these buds were born with Microsoft's reputation for making well-built devices. Expect the surface earphones to last a long time if they are well cared for.

Should you buy them

Yes, but only if you're looking for earbuds that can really act as a productivity tool, and for a good one. Otherwise, you will find buds for a better value that better suits your needs.

Editor's recommendations




06 May
Blog

Sony WF-XB700 Earbuds Review: Affordable, Quirky Fun

Sony WF-XB700 earphones

"The Sony WF-XB700 is a fun, quirky earphone that offers tremendous value."

  • Great battery life

  • IPX4 water resistance

  • Solid low-end sound

  • Pushy design

  • Limited codec support

There are any number of words you can use to describe Sony's latest earphones, the WF-XB700. A few – like fun, bulky, powerful, or affordable – come to mind immediately.

However, one word resonates the most. Value.

You may not look like much, but for $ 130, the WF-XB700 offers a range of features that far exceed its cost. If you can accept that these buds are not a substitute for their bigger sibling, the WF-1000XM3, and learn to tolerate a few quirks, you will be pleasantly surprised with Sony's latest real wireless offering.

Out of the box

The packaging of the WF-XB700 is as standard as possible and the contents of the box correspond to what we expect from earphones. There is a charging case with the buds themselves, a USB-C charging cable, additional earplugs and documentation that contains a user manual and warranty information.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

If you were previously connected to a pair of wireless earbuds, you may not need to read the manual before trying the WF-XB700. However, you may need to replace the earbuds for one of the three pairs of replacement options. Conveniently, the tips supplied with the earphones fit my ears well from the start.

Like most earphones these days, the WF-XB700 supports Bluetooth 5 technology. After more than a week, I have found no connection problems. For the reasons you might expect, I couldn't quite exceed the limits of the Bluetooth connection, but I didn't have to worry about any noticeable problems when I was moving around my house or garden.

design

I came into conflict over the design of the WF-XB700. To put it bluntly, it's a functional construction, even if at first glance they don't seem to be capable of such an achievement. Once I found the right fit in my ears, the buds stayed secure thanks to what Sony called a “tri-hold structure” based on contact with three different points on the ear. They created a good seal around my ear canals, which is good for the sound quality.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

At the same time, the structure of these buds is problematic. It's a strange word for this type of product, but the WF-XB700 is what I can only call "layered" with a pronounced footprint that extends well beyond your ear. In other words, be careful with these hoodies. These massive buds have to get caught, a quirk that gets annoying every time.

Two buttons are built into the buds, one on each side, and they have proven to be reasonably appealing. Similar to the buds themselves, which are black with a blue border, the charging case is not noticeable. Compared to other cases, it has a considerable depth to accommodate the size of the buds.

Function over shape in earbuds is not a bad thing. I would have liked a slimmer profile overall, but for most people, given the capabilities of these buds, it's a worthwhile compromise.

properties

IPX4 water resistance. Integration of the language assistant. Nine hours of playback on a single charge, with a quick charge feature that gives you an extra hour of audio after just 10 minutes in the case.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

A year ago, these functions could easily have been reserved for equipment in a much higher tax bracket. Since then, they have quickly dropped to a budget level for earphones that is much more palatable to the masses, i.e. H. The WF-XB700.

In the time I spent with these bulky buds, each of these features worked remarkably well. The buds would easily take me through a whole working day before I had to recharge. The earphone case only has an additional charge, which is less than ideal. However, if you can hear them all day and charge them at night, I don't see this as a major problem for most.

A couple of sweaty runs have proven that the IPX4 rating is correct. While the voice assistant isn't as easy as wake-word enabled products like Amazon Echo Buds or Google Pixel Buds 2, it still worked well when I called it up with the right earbud button.

The function I wanted for these buds, as simple as it is, would be the ability to automatically pause the sound when you take an earphone out of your ear. It's something I've gotten so used to with other earbuds, and that's why I've repeatedly missed parts of podcasts and music when I pulled out a bud to have a conversation.

Audio quality

If you think these buds are what they are, a pair of real $ 130 wireless earbuds that are supposed to be more fun than sophisticated, you will enjoy the new Sony product. If instead you're looking for excellent sound that matches Sony's flagship WF-1000XM3, the WF-XB700 may not be for you.

Sony WF-XB700 earphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Sony has hit its Extra Bass brand on the WF-XB700, and for me that's "fun". The bottom end has a lot of punch, but doesn't sound bloated. If you regularly stream top hit playlists on Spotify, the WF-XB700 is an excellent addition to this listening experience.

The big bass has some drawbacks, however. The rest of the frequency range takes a back seat. If you take into account the lack of support for audio codecs like aptX, more experienced listeners will likely look for definitions that are not fully available. However, if you're looking for reference level audio, these are simply not the buds you're looking for.

The WF-XB700 has no noise cancellation technology that is not expected outside of Amazon's earbuds at this price (though I suspect this will change soon). The call quality is solid and contributes to what I think is above-average sound for the cost of these buds.

Our opinion

For the money, the WF-XB700 from Sony are fun, quirky earphones that are a lot more fun than quirky ones. Despite their shortcomings, including the size boss, the new earphones from Sony are just as valuable as they have positioned themselves on paper.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Amazon Echo Buds, valued at $ 130, have active noise reduction, but sacrifice battery life. If you're heavily invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem, the Apple AirPods or Google Pixel Buds 2 may be better, if more expensive.

How long will they last?

In addition to Sony's general reputation as a company that manufactures durable products, the WF-XB700 comes with a one-year warranty. You shouldn't have to worry about getting your money's worth with these earphones.

Should you buy them

Yes. I'm still not convinced of their design, but given the affordable price, the pleasant sound and the wealth of functions, the WF-XB700 is a bargain.

Editor's recommendations




25 Apr
Blog

Motorola Tech3 Review: Hybrid Earbuds For The Plug-in Crowd

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless Earbuds

Motorola Tech3 Test: Wireless earphones without range anxiety

"A clever hybrid design takes you from wired to really wireless in seconds if you agree with average sound."

  • Clever hybrid design

  • Well-designed cable management

  • Clear and precise sound

  • Good battery life

  • IPX5 water resistance

  • Not enough bass

  • No volume control

  • Poor call quality when it is loud

  • Massive charging case

Surprisingly, real wireless earphones and electric cars have a lot in common. Both offer unprecedented freedom: electric cars free us from our addiction to oil, and real wireless earphones free us from our addiction to cables. However, both inventions also have inherent limitations: electric cars have a maximum range determined by their battery capacity, and the same applies to the length of time that real wireless earphones can deliver music without interruption.

In both cases, fear of a lack of juice can be described as range anxiety, provided you are willing to equate kilometers driven with hours of playback. It is this range fear that makes the real Motorola Tech3 wireless earphones so interesting for $ 100. With a literal plug-in hybrid design that lets you turn them into wired earbuds, they're the perfect antidote to fear of range.

But do the advantages of Tech3's 3-in-1 design outweigh the disadvantages? Let’s take a closer look.

Wrap your head around this design

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

You may find that once you keep an eye on the charging case, the Tech3 is not like other real wireless earbuds. It looks like a really big black yo-yo. This is due in part to the squat, cylindrical shape, but the comparison becomes almost inevitable due to the two sets of braided cords that wrap around the middle section.

The braided cords do not stretch or deform at all and snap into their slots in the same way each time. It just works.

Open the compact makeup style lid and you'll find that the earbuds are neatly tucked away in their own charging corners. If you fold up a second smaller lid in the main compartment, the ends of one of these braided cords become visible. This is the one with which you physically connect the earphones in their "sport loop" configuration.

The second cable – the cable that is magnetically attached to the sports loop for wired use – is accessible from the bottom of the case. The arrangement reminds me of decades of trying to keep wired earbuds neat by wrapping them around all kinds of objects. It was almost always a total mess, but the Tech3 manages to bring order to chaos thanks to one important difference: the braided cords do not stretch or deform at all, which means that they wrap around their housing and snap into their respective slots every time the same way. It just works.

The only problem with this design is its size. Unlike most of today's real wireless earbuds, the Tech3 case cannot be comfortably plugged in. Some people may also be annoyed by the micro USB charging port, a format that has almost disappeared on newer phones (ironically, the latest Motorola models as well). There is a charge indicator on the front, but it is tiny and very difficult to see.

Comfortable buds

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

When I first saw the Tech3 press images, I was concerned that being able to connect the sports loop cable would mean big, bulky earphones. Amazingly, the buds aren't bigger or heavier than non-hybrid models, and they're actually smaller than some others – Amazon's Echo Buds are chunkier.

The plastic plugs at the ends of the cable form a barrier to how deep you can insert the earphones into your ears.

They are also very convenient. I'm very lucky with the standard medium-sized earplugs on most earbuds, and the Tech3 was no exception. I could nestle them firmly and comfortably in my ear and they stayed comfortable for several hours.

Despite the fact that you can connect the sports loop without losing size or comfort, there is a pretty big flaw in the design. The hard plastic plugs on the ends of the cable form a physical barrier to how deep you can insert the earphones into your ears. For me, this meant that the natural resistance that the string exerted over time tended to loosen the buds.

There is a reason why practically all ear loop-based earphones use some kind of ear hook or ear fin – you need to stabilize the earphones against this pulling. Unfortunately, the Tech3 is not equipped with built-in or optional ear plugs, which you can find on some models. This appears to be a strange oversight for earphones that are supposed to be tied up and used during intense physical activity. On a positive note, with IPX5 water resistance, they are able to deal with the type of sweat that normally occurs during vigorous exercises.

Decent sound

At $ 100, the Motorola Tech3 is at the top end of the affordable side of the real wireless earphone market. Given the fancy hybrid design, one can expect some sacrifices to be made in the audio department, and this is true: they don't deliver the same audio quality as the 1More Stylish at a similar price.

Nevertheless, they deliver very good clarity and precision with a surprisingly neutral EQ. In this price range, earphones tend to overcompensate for the bass, or they don't provide a satisfactorily full midrange. The Tech3 don't suffer from these drawbacks, making it a better choice for those who like their music with a minimum of tonal changes. Vocals are particularly well represented, and although bass heads want more low-end pomp, most genres actually benefit from the Tech3's sound signature.

Light on functions

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Another area where the Tech3 cuts off some corners is its features. You get the standard controls: play / pause, skip tracks forward / backward and answer / end call. You can also access your phone's personal assistant or speak to Alexa by installing Hubble's free Verve Life app. With this app you can also track the last known location of the earphones in case you lose them.

However, there is no volume control, no listening mode (sometimes called transparency mode) to let outside noise in, and no ear sensor. So if you remove one or both buds, the music will continue to play instead of automatically stopping. And considering that there is a companion app, it's a shame that you don't get an equalizer function either. The controls themselves react very quickly to typing. However, as we've seen with other touch-sensitive earbuds, you may accidentally type (and stop playback) or type twice and the bud may not register the second typing.

Not built for noise

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The call quality with the Tech3 is a hit or miss. The overall voice quality is very good, but your callers will not appreciate it if you are in a busy environment. There is practically no noise cancellation. A light breeze sounded like a wind storm, and a dog that barked more than 50 feet away sounded like it was right next to me. It's a subtle reminder that the Tech3 is part of a portfolio of Motorola-branded products, but not manufactured by Motorola Solutions (the original Motorola company) or the Lenovo subsidiary that controls the mobile phone business. Instead, these earphones are manufactured by Binatone, a Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer, under license from Lenovo.

Good battery life

Designed for seven hours between charges, you may never need to use this patch cord.

Yes, the Tech3 has been designed to offer unlimited playtime through its hybrid design. However, this does not mean that the battery life is not adequate. Rated seven hours between charges, I actually got more than 7.5 hours out of my right earphone, while the left gave up after almost seven hours.

Even the quick charge function is better than expected with three hours of play after 15 minutes. With only about 1.5 charges in the case (18 hours in total), you may never need to use this connector cable.

Plug-in hybrid

Motorola Tech3 True Wireless EarbudsSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Using the two cables to switch from completely wireless to fully wired takes only a few seconds. The hardest part is aligning the three-pronged gold contacts on the ends of the sports loop with the corresponding connectors on each earphone. There are a number of white markings that help, but it requires some precision, not to mention good eyesight.

An obvious problem with this arrangement is that these contacts can come loose over time, much like headphone jacks do. It's certainly a risk, but I can tell you that the fit is tight and very secure, at least when new. No gentle pull can move them.

When the earphones are connected via the magnetic headphone cable, they are automatically switched off and sound just as good, if not better, than in wireless mode.

Our opinion

The Motorola Tech3 concept offers a unique solution to a problem that we are not convinced that many people have: how to use your real wireless earphones with a headphone jack. At $ 100, this isn't an expensive solution, but you have to give up a lot to take advantage of its flexibility.

Is there a better alternative?

If great sound is important to you and your budget can stretch a bit, you can actually get a very similar solution with the Shure Aonic 215. They're not as elegantly packaged as the Tech3 and have their own drawbacks, but they're much more flexible.

If great sound is important to you, but $ 100 is your limit, check out our list of the best cheap real wireless earbuds. None of them have the Tech3's clever hybrid trick, but many offer more features and better sound. If battery life is your biggest concern, you can't go wrong for an additional $ 29 with Samsung's amazing 11-hour Galaxy Buds + for $ 129.

How long it will take?

The construction of the Tech3 earphones and their charging case is good, but not great. You will probably survive for several years if you don't abuse them. The two cables are very well made, but it is impossible to say how many times you can connect them to the earphones before this connection fails.

Should you buy it

If you don't necessarily need to be able to connect your real wireless earbuds to a phone or computer, or if you're constantly worried that your battery will run out, skip the Tech3. However, if you appreciate its main function, it is not a real set of real wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




23 Mar
Blog

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Earbuds Review

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

"Sennheiser has managed to make the best-sounding earphones even better."

  • Unsurpassed sound quality

  • Stellar active noise cancellation

  • Easy setup and control

  • Revised battery life

  • Lean aesthetics

  • Expensive

  • Comparatively bulky design

In our humble opinion, the original Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless were the best sounding real wireless earbuds you could buy. But the excellent audio quality was costly, not just the high price that went with it. Sennheiser's first crack in real wireless simply didn't have the features that justified its price, with poor battery life being the biggest mistake.

Fortunately, two years turned out to be enough to fix some shortcomings. Sennheiser's recently announced $ 300 Momentum True Wireless 2, which is slated to hit stores in April 2020, are the five-tool stars we wanted from their predecessor. Thanks to the significantly improved battery life and the additional active noise suppression, Sennheiser has combined its incomparable sound quality in one overall package. Or at least damn close.

Out of the box

Aside from a few changes, nothing much has changed in terms of design from generation to generation. Sennheiser has shrunk the new buds by almost 2 mm to reduce weight and improve comfort. However, they have the same sharp aesthetics as the originals and have the silver Sennheiser logo on each end cap. The same applies to the supplied charging case; It maintains the pill form of the first version and is wrapped in a familiar, sleek fabric.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 case

Aside from the buds themselves and the case, the package included a quick start guide, three additional pairs of silicone earplugs, and a charging cable that is just as short as the previous iteration. I exchanged the earbuds that came with the buds for a slightly smaller option, and then put them in to get a firm but secure fit. With a quick glance at the manual, I went seamlessly through the setup process, in which both buds were touched simultaneously to put them in pairing mode, find them in my phone's Bluetooth settings, and connect.

design

I registered with these buds within the first few hours and noticed the size. Don't get me wrong, they're not the bulkiest earbuds I've dealt with, but they certainly won't go away in your ear like lighter options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds + do.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Sennheiser has made progress by making Momentum 2 smaller than the originals, and I can confirm that this helped balance the load. Overall, they're comfortable earbuds, and I haven't noticed any major concerns when I wear them for extended listening sessions. However, if larger buds bother you more, I would take this into account when considering Sennheiser.

characteristics

The highlight in the converted bag with functions for the Momentum True Wireless 2 is the battery life. The originals offered disappointing four hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 12 hours on the case, neither of which could compete with much cheaper options like Apple's AirPods or Jabra's Elite Active 75T. It was a glaring flaw in an otherwise outstanding pair of buds and clearly something Sennheiser had to correct.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

The second generation of Momentum offers seven hours per charge and a total of 28 hours in combination with the charging case. Using active noise canceling and listening at louder volume usually affects these numbers, but for the most part, these juiced buds have kept the end of the battery bargain.

As is common today with wireless earbuds, the Momentum True Wireless 2 has customizable touch controls and detection features that pause playback when you remove an earbud. This "smart pause" function, as Sennheiser calls it, was slightly different from others that I auditioned because it stopped playing more gradually than a more abrupt pause in the sound. It's a small detail, but it became more and more important to me over time.

The Momentum 2 was easy to use with the touch controls. It takes a little trial and error to put all the commands into memory – things like volume controls are separated by buds, and more than once I've cranked up the volume instead of dampening it – but when I did, it was easy that control experience without reaching for my cell phone.

Like its older relatives, the Momentum 2 have IPX4 weather resistance. Essentially splashproof, but not completely waterproof. They were good for the light workouts I could do while practicing social distance, but I can't speak for how they would do in repeated sweaty sessions.

App optional, but not required

The Momentum True Wireless 2 have their own app called Sennheiser Smart Control. Since the earphones won't be available to the general public until next month, I've interacted with a beta version of the app so your mileage may vary. But for my money, the app itself was a decent compliment, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy these buds.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

They offered the opportunity to customize your touch controls, although after learning the standard controls, I didn't want to go back to the drawing board. There is also a tab where you can toggle the buds 'transparent hearing' function on and off so that you can record the sounds of the environment around you if you wish. But I could do that with a few blows to my right bud.

From my point of view, the most useful functions in the app were the settings that you could use to deactivate things like smart pause or the option to answer calls automatically. The equalizer provided with the app was useful for getting a little deeper or more heights out of the buds, but I always wanted to reset the buds to their original mood.

The audio quality is increased with ANC

At the expense of repetition, the first generation Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless were the best wireless earbuds we've ever heard. The company, widely known as a leader in audio quality, shouldn't have had to add much to the next edition to maintain the status quo.

Instead, they added active noise cancellation to the Momentum 2. In my opinion, this is a pretty big deal.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Everything that has been applauded about the original is still there. The clarity, the impressive low-end, the breathtaking stereo images. I was impressed with how listening to selections like George Ezras Shotgun, the earbuds could easily keep up with the song's tight bass notes while refusing to overwhelm the singer's tremendous vocals. I've heard some pretty powerful earphones, but this is just another experience. The sound draws you into the music and devours you when you record notes and instruments that simply are not available from competitors.

Now take all of that and add active noise cancellation. With properly fitting earplugs, the earphones can solidly exclude ambient noise without this function. My morning dog walk along a busy road has never been so calm.

By tapping my right bud three times to activate active noise cancellation, I only heard Bill Burr's giggles during the Monday Morning Podcast. While I was working on the couch a few meters from my partner, I couldn't understand a word when she tried to communicate. Not ideal from a relationship point of view, but ideal for suppressing office noise, and probably very effective for travel.

Our opinion

Sennheiser has managed to make the best sounding earbuds even better by adding active noise canceling and significantly improving battery life. Earphones were previously available at a premium price and don't make a mistake, they still do. But with everything they have to offer, the Momentum True Wireless 2 offers remarkable value for money.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Sony WH-1000XM3 does most of what the Sennheiser do for around $ 70 less. They don't quite match in terms of audio quality, but are a viable option for those who aren't interested in the Momentum True Wireless 2.

Another cheaper model, the Samsung Galaxy Buds + for $ 149, offers solid sound and an industry-leading 11-hour playback time. They just lack the active noise cancellation function and they cannot keep up with the premium audio quality.

How long will they last?

Sennheiser has a history of exceptional workmanship with its products and there is no reason to believe that the Momentum 2 will be an outlier. It remains to be seen how fast the true wireless audio world moves, how long it takes for the technology behind the buds to become obsolete.

Should you buy them

Yes. They're still a bit tall and one of the more expensive pairs out there, but you won't find anywhere else earphones that sound so good with this wealth of quality features.

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