#EARBUDS Archives - techbuzzireland

Tech Review – Skullcandy EcoBuds Sustainable earbuds

The Skullcandy Ecobuds are the latest edition to their earbuds collection which are aiming at the environment all round but not forgetting their audio prowess either at an affordable price.

Coming with a new look charging case and a built in cable these look well out of the box and a different approach to their case and how they charge which is through your smartphone or tablet with a USB-C connection, you can off course opt to plug into a wall but charging this handy and different and then you have no need to worry about forgetting a cable with you as it is right there on the case.

The fit is secure with the design and will not fall out of your ears they are a perfect fit with the right tips giving an excellent seal which is the best way to use your earbuds, always check the tips to get the best seal.

The sound here is great and I expected no less,based on the Dime series earbuds the controls have all the features you would expect to find here with plenty to keep you going and their EQ mode is excellent here given there is no app this time around.

Controls

Hold for one second on left and right for volume up and down

Track forward and reverse tap twice on left and right

Voice assistant tap the right earbud for 4 seconds

EQ change is tap`the left earbud for 4 seconds

Play and pause is a single tap on either

The sound overall is great and well balanced and I am not complaining one bit here they have done a great job with decent volume and a full suite of controls for calls and music with no lag latency or tinny sound and you will be impressed at what is given here.

Overall you can’t go wrong for what you get here and their mission and they also look cool and with a built in cable you are always covered should you need to charge up.

Features

Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life + Rapid Charge – 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of playtime • Charge From Your Phone with Integrated USB-C Charging Cable
Premium Audio Quality with Microphone in Each Earbud
Noise Isolating Fit
Music, Bass Boost and Podcast EQ Modes
Bluetooth® (v5.2)
IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance
Auto On/Connect
Call, Track & Volume Controls with Capacitive Touch
Use Either Bud Solo

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Video Review

Tech Review – MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1

The MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1 are a new trio of earbuds recently launched that are an affordable pair of earbuds that come in a unique kind of charging case too which piqued my interest out of the box as to how secure my earbuds would be in this and all being told they are safe and sound with a good strong magnet behind the magnetic flap that closes them in.

The earbuds are small and so is the charge case here which is handy for pockets and handbags alike and for earbuds it is not often you see them this small but they fit well in the ears and are secure and look different by their design which again I like which is a different take to the common look on earbuds today, there is no srem so they just sit in the ears and again as always mentioned go through the tips to get the right ones for you, the better the seal the better the sound and that will always be the case.

Being cheap does not mean bad performance in some cases and given there is no app here I was not expecting them to be by all means high end when it comes to sound as there is no EQ here but out of the box they sound good in fairness with decent volume they are not overloaded with bass but on the brighter side for me, the highs lows and mids are fine no lag latency noted or tinny sound as you would tend to find on cheaper earbuds.

Battery life is decent enough and they come with fast charge too which is fine considering the size of these earbuds which is smaller than my usual go to but i have come to like them alot while reviewing them.

They have plenty of controls built in and nothing missing here which stands up for them, there is no auto play or pause or wireless charging and you are given all the basics such as voice assistant access, play and pause tracks, volume control and call control and you can skip and reverse tracks too.

Overall these are a solid pair of earbuds that do a good job for the price which a different look all round with the case and earbud design.

MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1 out of case – techbuzzireland

Features

4.5 hours play time on a single charge
13 hours extra charge in charge case
*Total of 18 hours playtime when you include the charge case
Hands free calling
Dots design – small and discreet in size
Changeable ear cushions to find perfect size
Touch sensor controls – play pause and more
Google and Siri Assistant compatible
Quick charge option – 15 mins charge = 2 hours play time

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Video Review

MIXX launches its new StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds offering true customisation of sound and touch control at an affordable price

Mixx, known for its premium yet affordable audio solutions, is pleased to introduce the Mixx StreamBuds Ultra Mini True Wireless Earbuds range. They provide the ultimate audio immersion with a beautifully designed, robust zinc alloy charge case and sound settings that are fully customisable via the Mixx Control App. With hands free calling, personalised touch sensor control and quick charge, they are ideal for use when exercising, on a daily commute or on a holiday break. The earbuds are made from a silicon stem design, perfect for those that prefer the more traditional stem design. They come with three sizes of silicon cushions for the perfect fit to make them comfortable enough for all day use. The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are available from MIXX in a choice of black gun metal, silver white or champagne for a very affordable RRP of £69.

Personalise EQ sounds and customise controls:

The Ultra Mini earbuds bring customisation to a whole new level and users can now completely change the sound to suit individual personal preference. With the Mixx Control APP, the earphones can be tuned with a simple 10 band graphic equaliser and once the sound is as desired, the earbuds will be programmed instantly with the wearers’ personal sound signature. Offering a truly hassle free experience, this only needs to be done once so, afterwards, the App is not needed, and the sound does not need to be configured again unless any changes are required. It is not only possible to customise the sound but the touch controls too. The fully configurable touch controls allow for complete personalisation of the way the earbuds operate so a user can programme the touch buttons. The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch.

Find it:

The App has another useful function which may prove invaluable to many who are constantly misplacing earbuds. Just use ‘find it’ and it will show the last location the Ultra Mini earbuds picked up signal and by pressing the ‘click to play’ button it will produce a noise to help find them.

Clear Voice:

‘Beam-forming’ technology is used to focus the four 4 built-in microphones which pick up more of the voice and less of the surrounding noise, making phone calls sound much clearer. Ideal in a noisy environment, a busy office or for a conference call from home.

Quick charging:

The Ultra Mini earbuds offer 6 hours of playtime on a single charge with the magnetic flip top case adding another 18 hours of charge totaling an impressive 24 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop. The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status so users know when a recharge is needed. Ideal for long commutes, for holiday travel or to keep the tunes coming all day long.

The MIXX Ultra Mini true wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for a premium, customisable audio journey and at only £69 offer true value for money too.

Tech Review – Skullcandy X TMNT push active earbuds

With another new collaboration from Skullcandy we have the latest Skullcandy X TMNT push active earbuds which comes in a Green themed case as was before and slightly larger than others only this time this one looks better and stands out which looks cool. It has a nice finish and feel to the case and non slippy which is helpful due to its size but still this case gives you up to 44 hours of battery life and you have got rapid charge built in via USB – C

We have reviewed these before with the first Push Active Skull-IQ and with the Burton X and nothing has changed really only this time you get the TMNT branding on board here and for those who remember them as kids will certainly want to check these out.

These also fit really well too and have over ear hooks that goes around the ear and will not fall out of your ears,even for the most active folk and can be worn jogging or in the gym, there is one button on each side for controls but they have a new trick up their sleeve and buttons do not have to be used at all and you can just say “Hey Skullcandy” to do what you need them to do, more on this in the video below you need to see this in action it has been one of my favourite features on earbuds and yet not seen too much in the detail you get here and what you can get done with no hands required.

There is no ANC but this is fine with the really secure fit you will not hear much going on outside anyway unless outdoors in a noisy environment, with my ususal test loop they performed really well, highs lows and mids are fine and a good balance overall and then you have the app to play around with too with the EQ settings and also edit the button controls too which is excellent.The app has now more features this time around too which is a nice addition and good to see them improving as time goes on.

Check the video review below for a more in depth look.

Overall these are something we have seen before more than once but what is great with these and Skullcandy is their collabs they are getting giving your headphones earbuds and more a twist that not many will have and if you are a teenage mutant ninja turtle fan why not treat yourself.

The App

Features

44 Hours Total Battery + Rapid Charge

IP55 Sweat & Water Resistant

Hands-Free Voice Control + Built-In Alexa

Advanced Features via Skull-iQ App

Personal sound by Mimi

Find your earbuds with Tile

Specs

Headphone Type: True Wireless In-Ear
Connection Type: Bluetooth 5.2
Impedance: 22 Ohms
Driver Diameter: 6mm
Sound Pressure Level: 105dB±3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Weight: 95g

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Video Review

Tech Review – Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds

The Edifier Hecate GX05 Ultra-Low Latency TWS gaming earbuds are a product that looks like you would find in a sci-fri film and that is not a bad thing either so for the looks alone they get a ten out of ten there in my book but what else do these have and who are they for exactly.

Ok so out of the box these look great in every respect, the look and feel is screaming premium here and that includes the package in a nice solid hard case with a nice lock thrown in, inside you get your cables tips dust caps and a nice carry pouch to store it all in so another win here.

As described up top the case is one to behold with a weighty feel and a nice solid click everytime you turn it this is a piece of art and one of if not the best cases I have seen to date. Also on the underside of the case is a MFB to control the RGB lights which gives a nice effect, these is also lights on the earbuds which can be turned on/off.

The earbuds themselves are also slightly different with their shape but fit well in the ears and look good there is a decent seal and there extra tips provided in the box there is no ANC here or access to the connect app which is disappointing however these are not aimed at music and I get it but still would of been nice so I will let them away with it this time.

The earbuds as mentioned are for gamers with dual connectivity via BT or the dongle provided in the box went with the dongle route and tested on Xbox PS5 and of course my phone, I am not one to spend hours gaming but when I do I like to have good quality tech to do so and these do well in that respect but also in fairness not so bad on listening to music in general.

You have some controls of course but missing some features again these are features more so related to music you can manage call on them you can also manage the lights the modes, play and pause and skip and reverse tracks which is fine. There is no voice assistant or volume control on them.

On the gaming from they set out what they aim to do putting you right in the game you are playing not missing a beat, you will find it hard to get zero latency on earbuds but we are getting there and these are a step in the right direction.

Sound is great powered by Hi-Res Audio with 10mm drivers on board under the Hecate name which is Edifiers professional audio brand for gamers and a new one to me too, on the music from highs lows and mids all came across fine and some bass in there there was no latency on audio on listening to my usual test tracks the audio was crisp and clear and you do have modes to change the audio like gaming and music mode, On a gaming front as mentioned it is excellent putting you in the centre not missing footsteps directional sound and so on making it an enjoyable experience overall.

Features

· Dual Wireless Convenience. Simultaneously connect via Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless dual-mode for gaming and calls, enhancing multitasking comfort.

· 15ms Ultra-Low Latency. 2.4GHz technology offers 15ms ultra-low latency for wireless and seamless gaming immersion.

· Hi-Res Audio Excellency. 10mm dynamic driver with LHDC 5.0 HD decoding delivers detailed Hi-Res audio for competitive gaming.

· Universal Compatibility, Plug-N-Play The GX05 comes with a USB-C adapter and USB converter and works with Mobile Phones, PCs, Switch, iPad, PS5, and VR, starting instantly upon plug-in.

· Full-Soundstage Position Identification Mode. Under the game mode, players may accurately grasp sound details such as footsteps and gunfire in the game to identify the enemy position easily keeping you ultra-focused on the game.

· Crystal-Clear Communication. The built-in dual MIC noise cancellation ensures clear calls and in-game communication.

· Fast Charging for Extended Play. 16-hour battery life to last you throughout most of the day. Rapid QC2.0 and USB-C charging ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions.

· Dynamic RGB Lighting Effect. 11 unique RGB effects illuminate the GX05 and take you into a fantasy in light and shadow, adding vibrancy and enhancing the gaming experience.

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Video review

Jabra adds Cutting-Edge Updates to Flagship Earbuds

In January, Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, announced a suite of experience-enhancing updates to its latest Elite wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Jabra Elite 10. The experience-enhancing feature-updates are live via update in the app today. These updates not only elevate the audio quality but also enhance the overall functionality and usability of Jabra’s latest generation earbuds.

Jabra Elite 10

Jabra’s most comfortable earbuds now have enhanced sound with new AI-based distractor suppression algorithms that improve the noise reduction in the human voice frequency range. This means that voices from people around you will be more effectively blocked out, resulting in improved call quality.

Furthermore, Jabra has added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) during calls to make the call experience much better. Users can expect up to 2X better background voice blocking, optimising call clarity for bustling environments like offices, restaurants, and busy streets, ensuring uninterrupted conversations.

Jabra Elite 8 Active

The world’s toughest earbuds get enhanced ANC and HearThrough performance for windy conditions, thanks to a software upgrade that uses dual-microphone technology to detect wind-noise more accurately. With the new software release both external mics are used to detect wind levels and ensure smoother transitions to wind mode.

The improved music listening experience and awareness makes running or working outdoors more enjoyable.

Updates are pushed out via the Jabra Sound+ app, and are available to all users, existing and new, via a hassle-free over-the-air update at no cost.

Jabra Spring Deals have dropped.

Jabra’s Spring deals have finally landed! If you are in need of some new earbuds see below for the latest deals on Jabra’s true wireless earbuds, including great discounts on the recently launched Jabra Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active.

These deals are available from retailers including Argos, Very, Currys and John Lewis.

Jabra Elite 10 – Was £229.99, Now £179.99

Jabra’s newest and most comfortable addition to its Elite range. These true wireless earbuds deliver crystal clear calls and are optimised for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking for a truly immersive experience.

See our review

Deal runs from 20^th March until 2^nd April

Jabra Elite 5 – Was £149.99, Now £74.99

Find tranquillity amidst chaos with the Jabra Elite 5, featuring Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling that utilises microphones both inside and outside your ear to block out noise.

Deal runs from 20^th March until 26^th March.

See our review

Jabra Elite 4 Active – Was £119.99, Now £59.99

Water and sweat proof, ergonomic, and incredibly durable, Jabra Elite 4 Active are designed to stay comfortably in place whatever your activity.

Deal runs from 20^th March until 26^th March.

See our review

Jabra Elite 8 Active – Was £199.99, Now £149.99

The Elite 8 Actives are the world’s toughest earbuds – tested to US military grade standards, these earbuds are waterproof, sweatproof, dustproof. Also powered by Dolby Audio, the buds deliver lifelike, clear sound for a longer and more comfortable listening experience.

Deal runs from 27^th March until 16^th April.

See our review

Jabra Elite 4 – Was £99.99, Now £49.99

Following in the footsteps of the Elite 3, these affordable true wireless earbuds are a big step up from their predecessor, with added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Multipoint connectivity and Fast Pairing (Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair).

Deal runs from 27^th March until 16^th April.

See our review

Tech Review – Creative Aurvana Ace 2

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 are the next step up from the Creative Aurvana Ace which we recently reviewed here on techbuzz and given the shape and size of the case are the same the looks are not giving us a peep inside of the technology, transparent tech is now a thing and we have check quite a few bits of tech showing their inner glory. Though this one has a slightly smoked tint to it which still looks great.

The inside of the case is also surrounded in a copper colour which looks really neat and matches the earbuds looks and gives them a premium look there is a USB-C port on the bottom and indicator light and a button for pairing/resetting.

The fit is the same as before so no difference there at all and give a good seal with the right earbuds again I always say this with any earbuds and the better the seal the better the fit and the better the sound. These are again IPX5 rated so for outdoor use is no issue here at all where half of my testing was done anyway.

The tech inside this time around gives you more although they still use 10mm drivers but have the all new xMEM technology inside which really gives your earbuds a boost which they did with the Aurvana Ace. There is 6 mics this time over the Aurvana Aces 3 mics giving you crystal clear calls and from my testing both ends seemed top notch here and powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice capture) noise cancellation technology.

In case you are wondering both models support a variety of audio codecs, including LE Audio featuring the LC3 Codec for superior wireless audio quality, SBC, AAC, AptX, and AptX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with various devices and offering high-quality audio streaming.

Coupled with Qualcomm for the integration of Snapdragon Sound’s aptX Lossless technology, the audio codec delivers hi-fidelity audio at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, providing a CD-level experience that faithfully recreates the original recording right in your ears.

Overall there is not much difference between the Ace and Ace 2, the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 supports AptX Lossless audio codec and has Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and you can tell the difference if you are a regular user of earbuds and can hear the distinct intricacies with the sound and you will not be disappointed by any means here at all and the same goes for the Ace too, you can’t go wrong for the money here with what you pay for either.

Check the video review below for more.

The Creative App

Creative Aurvana controls – techbuzzireland

Features and specs

Driver Frequency Response: 5–40,000 Hz / Type: xMEMS Solid-state x 2 Type: Dynamic x 2

Bluetooth Version/5.3

Wireless Codecs / LC3, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless, aptX, AAC, SBC

Profiles / (HFP) Hands-free Profile, (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, (AVRCP) Audio / Video Remote Control Profile, TMAP, HSP

Operating Frequency/ 2402–2480 MHz

Operating Range/ Up to 10m / 33 ft*, *Measured in open space. Walls and structures may affect range of device. Battery Life / Up to 24 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 16 hours total (ANC / Ambient Mode on), Up to 6 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode off), Up to 4 hours per charge (ANC / Ambient Mode on) Based on moderate volume level. Actual battery life will vary with usage settings and environmental conditions.

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Video Review

Tech Review – The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink

The Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2+ So Pink is one of the latest on offer from the company and they also come in two other color variants being So Grey and So Purple so there is choice for everyone here and this also moves away from the traditional Black color we see to much of these days from all brands.

So being Pink these are for the ladies and the case they come in too is pretty solid and looks nice and fits in any pocket and the case seems really robust and will stand the test of time and it looks nice too with a small LED light up front a small button for pairing and USB-C port underneath with a nice solid closing lid and comes with wireless charging.

The earbuds themselves are a standard looking affair with small stem and they do look nice from the side and have a busy light so to speak that surrounds the outer shell which looks really nice when lit and overall the fit is tight giving a good seal and some passive noise isolation, there is ANC on board that can be turned off and is also decent at the price point.

The fit is solid and secure once the right tips are applied and they will not fall out even for the more energetic folk and can be easily used for runs or trips to the gym if required to.

The controls are great on these and have a large touch are making it easy to get the commands you put in so for me in my testing they worked really well not dishing out any unwarranted actions as this often happens with smaller sized earbuds even for me with big fingers they worked a treat as seen in the video review below.

On the control side you have call controls access to your voice assistant skip and reverse tracks and play and pause, there is no volume control on these which is odd and there is no app which hopefully will change over time but overall the basics are present.

Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2 + So Pink – techbuzzireland

The sound is pretty good all round given there is no app to change EQs and they are loud and punchy and well balanced is the best word to describe them, highs lows and mids all good and with my usual test run with all genres everything was great here it has to be said and calls included.

Overall for me these are easy to recommend with my favourite features including wireless charging, busy light and multipoint connection so for those on the go or working in an office environment they should be on your radar.

Features

Bluetooth: 5.2

Features: Active Noise Cancelling, Dual mic noise reduction with Qualcomm® cVc™ technology, Multipoint connectivity, In-call -light ring indicator

IPX4 sweat and splash resistant

USB connection: USB Type-C

Fast Pair and Low Latency for Gaming and Video

Wireless charging with up to 35h with ANC on

Product is made with 60% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material and packaging is made of 100% recycled materials.

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Video Review

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