Amazon Echo Buds 2 Gen 2 released in 2022 have made a significant mark in the market. Packed with features like active noise cancellation (ANC), a sleeker design, and complete Alexa voice integration, they deliver an impressive audio experience without breaking the bank. These earbuds combine affordability with advanced technology making them a compelling option for those seeking high-quality sound and convenient voice control.
Design & Connectivity
The Echo Buds 2 earbuds boast a notably compact design, ensuring comfort during extended wear. Unlike some competitors, these earbuds feature a sleek and stylish appearance without protruding stems. The package thoughtfully includes four sizes of rubbery tips to accommodate different ear shapes, ensuring a secure fit. Amazon goes the extra mile by providing wing tips in various sizes to enhance stability during active use. Personally, I found the fit to be excellent even without the wing tips, and they remained securely in place, even during jogging sessions. It’s worth noting that they are IPX4-rated, adding a layer of durability by making them resistant to moisture and sweat.
Connecting the 2nd generation Amazon Echo Buds to your smartphone is a seamless experience. Just download the Alexa app, follow the straightforward setup process, and pair the earbuds in a matter of minutes. The Bluetooth range is impressive, ensuring a stable connection even when your smartphone is in another room. The Alexa app provides extensive control over various settings, allowing you to manage audio output and the ANC (active noise cancellation) feature with ease. This user-friendly setup and robust connectivity make the overall experience of using the Echo Buds 2 hassle-free and convenient.
Touch Controls, ANC
The touch controls on the Echo Buds 2 are intuitive and user-friendly. Supporting single, double, and triple taps on either earbud, as well as long presses, managing your music or calls becomes effortlessly simple. While the default actions may not cater to everyone’s preferences, the Alexa app provides customization options for each action, allowing you to tailor them according to your liking.
Moreover, the earbuds come with an auto-pause function, wherein removing either bud automatically pauses playback a convenient feature for swift conversations or interruptions. This blend of intuitive controls and customizable options enhances the overall user experience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a standard feature in true wireless earbuds, and excel in delivering this functionality. The ANC feature is fully adjustable within the Alexa app, offering a personalized experience for your noise cancellation preferences. Despite the inclusion of vents in the buds to relieve air pressure, the ANC performs remarkably well.
During testing, I found that it effectively blocked out external sounds, even in bustling environments like city streets. Notably, the audio quality remained clear, free from noticeable wind distortion. Additionally, a long press on either earbud allows for quick switching of ANC to pass-through mode, enabling ambient sounds to enhance situational awareness. The Echo Buds 2 demonstrate a commendable balance between effective noise cancellation and the flexibility to adapt to your surroundings.
Read Also: Pixel Buds Pro Review
Audio Quality
Despite their compact size and 5.7mm audio drivers, the Amazon’s Echo Buds 2 offer impressive sound quality. The audio output presents a neutral sound signature, avoiding any overwhelming emphasis on bass or treble. Should you desire a more bass-heavy experience, the Alexa app includes a basic equalizer tool for adjusting the output. It’s important to note that if you’re an avid audiophile seeking meticulous audio detail, you might need to explore higher-priced options. However, considering their price point, they provide a satisfying soundscape suitable for various music genres.
A standout feature is the seamless integration of Alexa voice assistant support. With just the wake word, interacting with Alexa becomes effortless, allowing you to control your smart home devices, play music, and more. The built-in microphones excel in capturing voice accurately, even in noisy environments. Furthermore, the earbuds also support the Google Assistant, albeit requiring the use of touch controls to activate it. This dual-assistant compatibility enhances the versatility catering to users with different voice assistant preferences.
Battery Life
The Echo Buds 2 offer approximately five hours of continuous use on a single charge, aligning with Amazon’s official specifications. This estimate takes into account the use of ANC at its maximum level, along with active Alexa voice controls. While the battery life may not be the most impressive among true wireless earbuds, it remains adequate for most daily usage scenarios.
It’s worth noting that the charging case provides only a couple of additional charges, emphasizing the importance of keeping it sufficiently charged. The case can be replenished using a USB Type-C cable, and there’s an option to purchase a separately available wireless charging-compatible case. This charging flexibility ensures that users can easily adapt to their preferred charging methods.
Conclusion
The Amazon Echo Buds 2 present outstanding value for their price, positioning them as one of the best budget true wireless earbud options available. Their compact and comfortable design, coupled with the absence of stems, enhances their aesthetic appeal. Seamless connectivity and intuitive touch controls contribute to a user-friendly experience.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature performs admirably, effectively blocking external noise. The audio quality, offering a well-balanced sound for various music genres, adds to their appeal. The full Alexa voice assistant support simplifies the control of smart devices. While the battery life may not be the longest, it still meets the needs of most users for daily activities. If you’re in search of budget-friendly ANC earbuds, the Echo Buds 2 are certainly worth considering.
The Amazon Echo Buds 2 deliver excellent value with their sleek design, impressive ANC, and seamless Alexa integration, making them a top choice for budget-friendly true wireless earbuds. Despite a modest battery life, their overall performance and features make them a compelling option in their price range $102.
-
Design10
-
Connectivity8.5
-
Touch Controls9
-
Active Noise Cancellation8.5
-
Audio Quality9
-
Alexa and Voice Control9
-
Battery Life8.5
