Tag: #EARBUDS

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

Skullcandy-IQ app features – techbuzzireland

 

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 20th March until 2nd 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 20th March until 26th 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 20th March until 26th 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 27th March until 16th 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 27th March until 16th 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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Tech Review – TOZO T12 – Tonal Dots Earbuds

The TOZO T12 -Wireless Earbuds/ Tonal Dots are the latest on offer from the brand with whom we have been impressed with since testing their products and their latest addition to their portfolio is a rounded shaped pair or earbuds which will certainly have fans interested in them, not my preferred shape of earbud which I do not mind as I like to have something different they will have people asking about them.

They come in a cool case with an LED battery display on board to let you know what juice is left in the tank so to speak and is hand and I have said it before all earbud cases should have this feature present.

TOZO T12 Tonal Dots – techbuzzireland

The case itself is small and will fit in any pocket and comes with wireless charging which is a win for the wireless charging fans out there. The battery life is also decent and we have quick charge on board too which is another bonus and not only that these come with an IPX8 rating so can be brought anywhere and used anywhere more or less which is not something you see to often given they are waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 m thanks to a nano-coating inside.

The controls are simple to use and not only that the accompanying app allows you to manage the controls to set them up to your own taste which is excellent. All the features there such as call control in which calls sounded fine in my testing and you have skip and reverse tracks play and pause and of course your voice assistant access. These can be also used individually too which is another nice bonus.

How they sound is what we all want to hear as they say and they sound great and having the access to their app is excellent giving you multiple EQ settings plus adding your own, highs lows and mids are fine with decent volume nice base and in my usual test tracks performed well with no issues to report, no lag latency no tinny sound when maxed out and overall punchy crisp and clear and calls can be included there, the app makes a huge difference and there is a notable difference between preset EQs unlike some other earbuds that have access to such an app.

 

The App

The TOZO App – techbuzzireland

Features

  • Bluetooth 5.3 Technology & Easy Pairing. Featuring the most advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology. TOZO T12 supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP. Pick up the two headsets from the charging case and they will pair automatically, then in one easy step you can access your phone’s Bluetooth settings to pair the earbuds, thus providing stereo sound during calls. Also boasts fast and stable transmission without tangling.
  • Touch control and smart LED digital display TOZO T12 headphones feature touch control sensors that reduce the pressure on your ears to a great extent when you touch the buttons for various functions. With wireless charging, the smart LED digital screen allows you to check the battery consumption display at any time.
  • Comfortable to wear, fidelity stereo sound quality TOZO T12 wireless earbuds feature a curved in-ear design with silicone ear hooks to hold wireless Bluetooth headphones in place even during activity..
  • IPX8 Waterproof The charging case and earbuds are waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 m thanks to a nano-coating inside.
  • Charging on the go These earbuds have a battery life of more than 11 hours per charge and up to 48 hours when using the charging case. Enjoy quick charging; the rechargeable case may be fully charged in under two hours using a wireless charger or in just 1.5 hours with a fast USB-C connection. provides easy charging without restrictions.

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Video Review

First Look – CREATIVE Aurvana Ace earbuds with xMEMS drivers

The Creative Aurvana Ace series, powered by xMEMS drivers, has been expertly tuned to deliver remarkable audio clarity with a wider frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 40 KHz. With this comprehensive range, users will get to enjoy a truly immersive and lifelike audio experience, whether it’s for music, movies, or conference calls.

These latest wireless earbuds also feature LE Audio with LC3 codec, Bluetooth 5.3, and Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) plus Ambient Mode, along with up to 24 hours of total playtime, making them the definitive choice for audio enthusiasts seeking the very best in true wireless earbuds. We have the latest in for review here at techbuzz so if you have any questions feel free to ask as usual while we test the latest from Creative out.

Experience the Power of xMEMS Drivers

At the heart of the Creative Aurvana Ace and Creative Aurvana Ace 2 lies the cutting-edge solid-state MEMS-based drivers, which play a pivotal role in delivering a truly natural and lifelike sound experience. These specialized drivers, expertly integrated into each earbud, showcase an innovative design with tiny flaps meticulously mounted to silicon chips. What makes this technology stand out is how it replicates sound when these flaps swiftly respond to short electrical signals. In doing so, these drivers are able to generate sound waves that closely mimic the way users naturally hear sounds in the world around them. This results in an audio experience that is not only pristine but also remarkably lifelike, akin to having the performers right beside the users.

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Unboxing Video

Tech Review – Padmate S58 True Wireless Stereo Earphones

Padmate S58 OWS True Wireless Stereo Earbuds are a familiar looking earbuds and will be over the next year or more as last year we have seen a huge increase in such products from all manufacturers be it air or bone conduction styled, these are like mini speakers in your ears and still offer decent sound despite not being in your ear so to speak.

The design and look is clean and these are very comfortable and can be easily moved around to get the perfect fit, they will not fall off your ears and ideal for the sports fans out there or those who commute in general but anyone can use these..

I have tried around 20 pairs similar now and these have been one of the most comfortable to wear on be it at home or on the move and they feel secure which is important each side has its own controls to make commands on the go or take control of your calls which sounded great by the way.

The sound is no shabby either and sound great despite the lack of an app which means you have fixed controls and no EQ but overall they packed a punch decently loud and have as klight bit of bass but in general not much to complain about with the sound overall, there is a slight leakage element when maxed out but no lag latency no tinny sound either and overall pass the test for this style of earbud.

The controls work well albeit slightly sensitive but works fine every time, you may notice a play or pause command when putting on or removing but asides that the controls get it right all the time every time.

Battery life is also decent too and you can expect around 5 hours per charge and up to 15 per charge with the case this will of course vary by your volume setting and mine is mostly up to the max, there is also a handy LED display on the case to keep you informed of what juice is left.

Check the video below for more and if you are in the market for a new pair of this style of earbuds that are affordable do check them out below.

Padmate S58 OWS earphones – techbuzzireland

 

Features 

Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity:

Stay seamlessly connected with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensuring compatibility with both Android and Apple devices.

Extended Battery Life:

Enjoy 5-6 hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge, making the Padmate S58 perfect for all-day activities.

Crystal-Clear Sound and Noise Reduction:

Immerse yourself in HIFI sound quality and minimize background noise with ENC dual-microphone technology.

User-Friendly LED Display:

Easily monitor battery levels and settings with the intuitive LED digital display.

Comfortable and Secure Fit:

Experience comfort with OWS OPEN EAR technology, featuring top-side insertion, three-point support, and skin-friendly silicone for a secure fit during various activities.

20% off code: pamuvip20

 

Video Review