Analysis of the Amazon Echo buds (2nd generation): Opinion and characteristics

We tested the second generation of Amazon headphones, this time with active noise cancellation. Will they be worth it?

Earlier this year 2022, Amazon unveiled its new wireless headphones with active noise cancellation and built-in Alexa, the Second generation Amazon Echo buds. It belongs to the an improved version of the original Echothe giant’s first headphones Ecommerce which saw the light of day in 2019.

As with the first Echo Buds (and practically the entire Amazon product portfolio), these are the second generation of headphones bring alexa as one of its most important assets, the placement of the active noise cancellation and greater independence among other aspects. All this at a price that is in the around 100 eurosa budget that finds itself in the “grey area” of the world of TWS headphones that will undoubtedly make us look with a magnifying glass everything these Amazon Echo Buds 2 offer.

Do they compete with more expensive options? For example, is it worth the jump from the 70 or 80 euros of the non-ear (1)? We’ve been testing Amazon’s headphones for the past few weeks, so we’ll tell you with hair and signs if they are worth it. Do it!

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) with wireless charging and charging

Amazon Echo buds (2nd generation), opinion and score

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) price and where to buy them

The Amazon Echo Buds 2 are available on Amazon (of course) for one official price €119.99. However, we must bear in mind that we cánido buy them both in black and white, i.y también two different versions differ in the case load. Although we will have the estándar version of the Echo Buds 2 for 119.99 euros, including a traditional charging case (it will charge through USB-C), Per 20 euros plusWe also add a suitcase for 139.99 euros Wireless charging.

The second generation Echo is available in black and white, you choose / photography by Didac Dalmases

If we choose this second option, Amazon also offers us the possibility of buying one special charging station from Anker at full price almost 160 euros. As we will see later in the battery section, this wireless charging stand is characterized by a small hole that allows us to mount the second generation Echo housing in an upright position. Of course, despite the special design of this base, we perro also use it to charge cell phones or teléfonos inteligentes any other device that supports wireless charging.

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) with wireless charging and charging

Regarding the price, although at first it may seem demanding in each of its versions, it must be recognized that Amazon is trying to release the buds Echo 2. Among other things, on the same day of launch They sell for 79.99 euros and 99.99 eurosDiscount up to 40 euros in both versions (with and without wireless charging).

So if you’re after them, there’s a good oportunidad you’ll find them at a minimal price on dates like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. If you perro’t wait, we recommend you monitor the price with Google plus Google chrome as it is very habitual on Amazon I charged him 20 or 30 euros.

Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) Specification Sheet

Where are the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) located?

The Amazon Echo Buds 2 are the Follow Amazon’s first wireless headphones, several echoes of buds that launched in late 2019 and have trotted unnoticed through Amazon’s device ecosystem to this day. Now the brand has refreshed these Echo Buds by adding them (though not too much). active noise cancellation but also USB-C portmore independence and a small redesign which will give us plus comfort and a wider range of tactile controls. Overall, this is a nice sequel conservative That continues to focus on Alexa, one of Amazon’s best assets to sneak into our lives.

The Amazon Echo Buds 2 next to the vivo TWS Neo: mind the size / Photography by Didac Dalmases

For the rest, we are theoretically dealing with Bluetooth headphones mid high range, since we perro rarely buy them for less than 90 or 100 euros in their version without wireless charging. Because of this, we have no choice but to keep an eye on it other options like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or even the Sony LinkBuds.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

Sony navigation

Another possibility would be to lower the budget a bit and try cheaper models ANC, like the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro, the Realme Buds Air 3 or the Huawei FreeBuds 4i. In these cases, we’re talking about “good and cheap” wireless headphones, which while not as good in sound quality or have noise cancellation as effective as the Echo Buds 2, also in their options. keep in mind.

Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro

Realme air buds 3

Huawei free 4i

Design and ergonomics

The first thing you notice about the Echo Buds 2 is the Size of the charging box and the headphones themselves. Few models exceed its dimensions, which is remarkable to say the least, even more so if we compare them with the usual round and square cases of other headphones. Of course, the case made of softly structured plastic feels robust and of sufficient quality for its price.

On the back we find the USB-C port for charging the case, as well as the reset and configuration button. In any case, neither the button nor the magnetic cover is missing. We also have by LED lights in the same situation that helps us find information thanks to a color code and blinking, How many batteries do we have?.

If you have small ears, you’ll notice the size of the second-gen Echo Buds / Photograph by Dídac Dalmases

As for the headphones, like the case, they stand out for their good size, which translates into translation Ergonomics perro be an issue to some ears. We’re not saying that because headphones are uncomfortable or heavy (which they aren’t), but their round and bulky shape means they might not fit well. small earsYou just have to take that into account.

Also in terms of comfort, it is important to emphasize that the Attitude the echo buds 2 is directly related to its introduction into the ear canal. We are ahead of some handheld headphones in the earSo if you’re worried about your ears, it might be better to go for another model.

On the other hand, if you are already used to using this type of headphones, the truth is the adaptation of the second generation Amazon Echo Buds it’s not bad at all. In addition, there are headphones with up to four sizes of silicone consejos and with various adapters (fins) to further improve the fixation in the ear. Our recommendation (and Amazon too) is that you take your time Try all sizes: Echo Buds 2, as they are, is a critical point in the headphone experience.

Coven of Pads and Fins / Photograph by Didac Dalmases

Otherwise we have to flat edge touching both ear cupsbut this only works with touch (not gestures). fully configurable from the Amazon Alexa aplicación. Later we will tell you everything you perro do by “tapping” on the headset.

independence and charge

Before you continue with the moment, we need to remember that Amazon is selling the Echo Buds 2 with it two cases of discrimination allegations, one for regular USB-C charging and one for wireless charging (note that you perro also charge it with USB-C). If you choose the latter, know that a Anker special charger where you cánido fit the case.

Is it worth paying 10 or 20 euros more for wireless charging? Our advice is that you make this decision based on if you already use wireless charging with your cell phone (two for one). Otherwise you have to pay plus for the special charger and save yourself the “effort” of the USB-C cable. It could also be interesting to choose the case with wireless charging, if it has one Desk you sit at every day (for studying or working), this way you cánido leave the headphones in the corner of the table where you have the charging station and that’s it.

The Anker charging station for the Echo Buds 2 perro also be used with a mobile phone that is coincidente with Wireless Charging / Photography by Didac Dalmases

In truth, at the level of charging time, there is not much difference between using a cable and going without a cable: according to our findings, we will always have to do it about 2 or 3 hours to fully charge the case. Also note that the echo buds 2 a fast loading of just 15 minutes (yes, only accessible by cable). up to two hours of playback.

Going independent must say yes neither good nor bad. The Echo Buds 2 do not stand out in this regard or bend the knee: they are headphones with regular autonomy, very average. let’s talk about some 5 hours playback with noise cancellation enabled and a little more without (not much either, we didn’t hit 6 hours). With the case we perro fully charge the headphones twiceso this is full of 15-18 hours for each “plugged in” case.

Sound quality and active noise cancellation

Now let’s move on to the audio section that we have already told you up to what we would expect of headphones that are around 100 euros. Without being slanderous here, we would not take our fingers off it when we say that the sound quality is good, which is characterized in especial by the best cómputo between bass and treble and razor sharp. They’re not like AirPods or Sony headphones, but they’re definitely a notch above your typical cheap headphones. To be honest, it’s hard for the average usuario to notice anything inappropriate, so with that in mind, nothing against it.

There’s a place where we cánido have an opinion noise cancellation the second generation echo buds. Here we are dealing with headphones in the ear We’ll have passive noise isolation right from the start: the headphones work just like earplugs, blocking out much of the noise around us. If we add the active noise cancellation produced by the Echo Buds 2 thanks to the vía a microphone We have the perfect device for every headset to isolate ourselves from what is happening around us.

Great Sound and Great Noise Cancellation: Meets Expectations / Photography by Didac Dalmases

This combination of passive and active noise cancellation works like a charm, although it’s also true that they don’t cancel out as much as other high-end headphone models. In fact, sometimes we seem to block more noise due to the “plug” of the silicone pad itself than due to the effect generated by the microphones. Be that as it may, we perro qualify the noise cancellation as very good, adapt perfectly to headphones of this price. It helps us minimize traffic noise or air travel, and in case we use them at home or in the office, they will be minimized. fully Constant noises such as B. a rattling hum or vibration of z. B. an air conditioner.

As usual with active noise canceling headphones, a Special environment mode that we cánido activate to listen to what is happening around us. It’s a way necessary in headphones of this type, since even without headphones we will have difficulty understanding what another person is saying to us (blissful silicone pads). Don’t expect any surprises that way either, though: indoors will allow you to connect with your surroundings, but outdoors or in noisier environments you’ll have no choice but to remove your headphones to hear well.

Finally, we have had more than one complaint regarding the way they listen to us wind sneaking through the headphones. Although we have three microphones in each headphone, more than enough to hear clearly, the truth is that the Echo Buds 2 they don’t mix well with airSo if you’re one of those people who walk the streets day after day and make phone calls, and you also live in a windy place… Care.

Experiences with the Amazon Echo Buds 2

Undoubtedly some, Alexa is the main objetivo of the Echo 2. It has nothing more. If you already have an Echo Dot or Echo Espectáculo in your home, or talk to your Fire televisión frequently, you will enjoy them very much. We say that because you cánido, unlike other headphones on the market Call Alexa directlywithout having to press a button or take your phone out of your pocket. Just say “Alexa” and the Amazon Assistant will come along and quickly satisfy your curiosity.

For that reason, and if you’re not infatuated with Siri or Google plus Assistant, don’t use Voice assistants have Echo Buds 2’s best ally in Alexa. On Amazon headphones, the summoning works very well, even a whisper outside it is enough for him to serve us. With it we cánido get much more out of the Echo Buds 2, since we’ll be able to improve its operation, controlling our music, our headphones or our podcasts with just our voice (be careful, let’s think in especial of products from the living room from Amazon), not to mention that we perro also ask you to call someone to tell us the news or the weather tomorrow many other orders. If you’re skeptical about your privacy, know that you cánido mute the microphone from within the aplicación. The Echo Buds 2 just They listen to you when you call Alexa.

Download the Amazon Alexa aplicación to access all of the Echo Buds 2’s settings

Another option, also valid to take advantage of the second generation Echo Buds, is to skip Alexa and use the touch controlavailable at both headphones, also be customizable. So, through the Alexa aplicación, we cánido configure what happens when we long press or press once, twice or three times on a specific headset: a touch on the left headset decreases the volume; two touches on the left earbud to activate ANC; a long press on the right earbud pauses the music… That’s functionality extremely useful and is not available in many headphone models.

For the rest, oh Alexa aplicación We cánido also access many settings and other functions of the Amazon headphones, such as “low, medium and high tones) or the position of the headphones.

Finally, as a negative point in the experience of the Echo Buds 2, it must be pointed out that the headphones Multi-device connection notFor example, if you want to use them with a mobile phone and a tablet at the same time, you need to pair them with both devices and change the Bluetooth settings each time you use them.

This device has been thoroughly tested Independently thanks to a move of the brand. The article contains purchase backlinks for which Andro4all may receive a commission. take part to the market channel Andro4all to find out about the best deals before anyone else.