The all-new Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are the latest offering from Amazon, an improvement from the prior model Echo Buds (1st Gen). While the Echo Buds (1st Gen) had a few shortcomings, the second generation has improved features that make them promising contenders in the earbuds market. It has been reduced in size by 20% and features a sealed fit and Active Noise Cancellation for minimizing ambient noises. Quality 5.7 mm dynamic driver speakers have been included to deliver high-fidelity sound that is balanced and clear.
Furthermore, Amazon has ensured that the Echo Buds Gen 2 has an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit. They have 4 pairs of ear tips and 2 pairs of wing tips to ensure the earbuds fit perfectly and offer a good seal that contributes to noise cancellation. What’s more, you get an ear fit test with the Alexa app to ensure you get the best fit out of your earbuds. The aforementioned features, plus the smart features powered by the in-built Alexa, are some of the few aspects that make these Echo Buds a suitable choice for many buyers. However, the earbuds do have a downside. They do not have as much listening time as the first generation of echo buds. Read on to find out whether these earbuds are worth your money.
Best Deal Today
All-new Echo Buds (2nd Gen) (Amazon) – $157.98
Echo Buds (2nd Gen) (NewEgg) – $175.99
Echo Buds Gen 2 (Best Buy) – $139.99
- Upgraded Active Noise Cancellation
- Have fast charging capabilities
- Works with Alexa and other voice assistants
- Small and light
Echo Buds Gen 2 Overview
Release Date and Price
Amazon released the Echo Buds Gen 2 on 15th April 2021 and they have been in Amazon’s business line since then. You can get the earbuds in most retail markets, such as Best Buy, at $139.99. The price on NewEgg is a bit higher since the earbuds cost $175.99. Moreover, you can get the All-new Echo Buds (2nd Gen) earbuds plus a wireless charging set for $157.98 on Amazon. Without the wireless charging set, the earbuds cost $139.99.
Different Models
Before the second generation of echo buds, there was an almost similar version of earbuds called the echo buds released on 30th October 2019. They were the first generation. At a glance, the two might seem similar but they are quite different. Starting off with the design, the first generation echo buds are not branded whereas the second generation has Amazon’s branding on each earbud. Moreover, there is a 20% reduction in size in the second generation.
However, instead of ANC, the echo buds gen 1 has noise reduction which is not fully effective as it does not cut out all ambient noises. Furthermore, the second generation now has a case for wireless charging that costs slightly more.
Features
The Echo Buds Gen 2 now seems more high-end with a reduced size, less weight, and enhanced noise cancellation capabilities. The earbuds work best once they’ve been registered with the Alexa App. For starters, the package has four differently-sized rubber tips to enable you to choose a pair that will fit perfectly. Moreover, the Alexa App guides you through the setup process. After the setup, Amazon advises you to go through the fit test in the app to ensure the earbuds fit perfectly.
Additionally, they have a battery that can last you up to 5 hours with both Siri and ANC active. When they’re inactive, the earbuds last for 6.5 hours. With the case, they will give you up to 15 hours of listening time with both Siri and ANC active and 19.5 hours when they are inactive. What’s more, they also support fast charging. You can get 2 hours of listening time with only a 15-minute charge.
Moreover, they have 5.7 mm drivers that give quality sound while still canceling out external noises through the ANC. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection ensures that there is a strong connection and that whatever you are listening to is delivered to your ears in the best way possible. Google Assistant and Siri can also be incorporated into the earbuds. The difference is Alexa is activated hands-free by voice or touch controls, whereas you can only access Google Assistant by tapping the controls. Moreover, with the Alexa app that makes using the earbuds easy, you can locate your lost earbud by a command to the Alexa app. The app will then pin the last known location of the earbud.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Amazon |
| Release date | 15th April 2021 |
| Headphone type | Earphones |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery (With ANC and Alexa) | 5 hours per charge and 15 hours with the charging case. |
| Battery (Without ANC and Alexa) | 6.5 hours per charge and 19.5 hours with the charging case |
| In the box | Echo Buds, charging case, 2 pairs of wing tips, 4 pairs of ear tips, USB-C cable, and Quick Start Guide. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, touch, proximity, hall (case) |
| Feature | Audio personalization |
| Microphones | Total of 6; 3 in each earbud |
| Weight | Earbud: 5.7 grams/ 0.20 ounces (without ear tips or ear wings)Case: 44.4 grams/ 1.56 ounces Charging case 47.6 grams/ 1.67 ounces |
| Hands-free voice assistant | Alexa |
| Tap-To-Access Voice Assistant | Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant |
| Size | Earbud: 20.0 x 19.1 x 19.1 mm (without ear tip or ear tip) Case: 66.8 x 28.6 x 39.1 mm |
| Speakers | 5.7 mm dynamic driver |
| Colors | Black and Glacier white |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
Echo Buds Gen 2 Review
The Echo Buds Gen 2 has adequate features for entertaining you by giving you the best listening experience.
Design
The earbuds come in a small, sleek case that can easily be thrown into the bag or your pockets. The comfort and lightness of the earbuds are commendable, as one can wear them for a long time without experiencing ear fatigue. Unlike the Echo Buds 1, Amazon’s branding is on the bottom part of the case.
Additionally, they have an in-built vent that equalizes the pressure inside the ear with the one outside, minimizing the suction effect you get from wearing them for too long.
Touch Controls
The touch controls on these earbuds are easy to use and do not require a lot of force to operate them. Tapping the earbuds once plays or pauses music, whereas tapping twice answers or ends a call and skips forward to the next song. Tapping the earbuds thrice plays the previous song. Long pressing the earbuds switches between ANC and the passthrough mode. You can also long press to reject a call. These functions, however, can be customized on the Alexa app.
Sound
The earbuds have a good sound overall. They may, however, not be the best fit for an audiophile. This is because they do not give crisp highs; hence, hearing other vital notes in certain tracks is laborious. Nonetheless, the audio output is customizable via audio personalization in the app.
IP Rating
The earbuds can resist sweat and water splashes thanks to their IPX4 rating, so they can’t get spoiled after exposure to a lot of sweat
Battery
The Echo Buds Gen 2 has a basic battery life. With ANC and Siri on, they last up to 5 hours without recharging. You will get 15 hours with the charge in the case when both Siri and ANC are on. When you’re not using Siri and the ANC, the earbuds will get you up to 6.5 hours of listening time and 19.5 hours with the case. The earbuds also support fast charging; you can get up to 2 hours of playback time with only a 15-minute charge.
Furthermore, these earbuds have a case that can be charged wirelessly via a dedicated anker. The downside is that the Anker only allows a power of 5W hence the earbuds charge slowly compared to when they are charged via a USB-C cable.
Voice Assistant
Alexa is convenient since, instead of performing tasks yourself, you can command. If you have a smart home, you can incorporate Alexa to perform basic tasks such as turning the TV on. Moreover, you can take and answer phone calls without getting your phone from your pocket.
However, Alexa only works with reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and after the app recognizes the earbuds. Additionally, Siri and Google Assistant work well with the earbuds.
Connectivity
The Echo Buds Gen 2 has Bluetooth 5.0 technology that supports SBC and AAC codecs which work great with Apple devices. Nonetheless, they don’t support aptX codec meaning while using them with Android devices, you may experience a bit of latency between the video and audio.
Moreover, these headphones’ Bluetooth connection range is about 19 feet, less than the average 32 feet.
Price
Before the Echo Buds Gen 2, people had to choose between spending a lot of money on earbuds that had ANC and spending less on earbuds that didn’t have ANC. With the affordable option of the Echo Buds Gen 2, this is no longer a worry.
Pros and Cons of The Echo Buds Gen 2
Pros
- Small and light hence are comfortable
- Affordable
- Upgraded Active Noise Cancellation
- Have wireless charging capabilities
- Works with Alexa and other voice assistants
- Have fast charging capabilities
- Different-sized wing tips and ear tips are included to ensure you get the perfect fit
- Good sound considering the low price
Cons
- The touch controls are overly sensitive
- Moderate battery charge
- Low IPX4 rating
- They don’t offer clear highs
- The ANC is not the best
Echo BudsGen 2: Is It a Buy?
Here’s the important part: Is it worth buying the Echo Buds (2nd Generation)?
Buy it if…
You’re looking for a good set of earbuds that offer high-end features that come with other expensive earbuds. On top of that, if you’re looking for a set of earbuds that you can use on a daily basis while performing vigorous activities such as working out, the Echo Buds Gen 2 is a perfect fit for you.
Do Not Buy it if…
These are not the best fit if you are looking for earbuds to use when reproducing sound from certain tracks. Audiophiles, therefore, would be better suited elsewhere. Additionally, the earbuds are not the best to carry along on a trip if you will be away from a power source. This is because these earbuds, coupled with the case, will not last you long before the charge depletes.
- Upgraded Active Noise Cancellation
- Have fast charging capabilities
- Works with Alexa and other voice assistants
- Small and light
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