The Alexa Advantage: A Deep Dive into the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)
Among the plethora of true wireless earphones vying for a spot in your ears, the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) stand out as a compelling option. They not only offer the convenience of a hands-free listening experience but also integrate seamlessly with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, providing a level of smart functionality that surpasses its competitors. But do these earbuds deliver on their promise of a robust and engaging audio experience? Read on to discover the strengths and limitations of the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) in this in-depth review.
Alexa Unleashed: Voice Control That Goes Beyond the Basics
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are priced at Rs. 10,999 (for the standard version) and Rs. 12,999 (for the wireless charging variant) in India. This positions them competitively against popular options like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Google Pixel Buds A-Series. However, the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) stand out with their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature absent in their key rivals.
The real differentiator lies within the Alexa integration. Unlike Google Assistant and Siri, which are primarily tied to their respective ecosystems, Alexa offers a more universal approach, working seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices. This empowers Echo Buds (2nd Gen) owners to harness the full power of Alexa across multiple platforms.
You can command Alexa to initiate tasks, including:
- Controlling smart home appliances: Turn on your lights, adjust the thermostat, or even unlock your smart door.
- Streaming music and podcasts: Enjoy your favorite tracks from platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Audible through your Alexa-connected account.
- Making calls: Use voice commands to place calls without touching your phone.
- Setting reminders and alarms: Never miss a deadline or appointment with personalized alerts.
Beyond the convenience of these features, Alexa extends its capabilities to encompass third-party devices such as your smart speaker, smart display, or even compatible IoT gadgets and appliances. This unified experience fosters a connected ecosystem where everything works together.
Design and Comfort: A Solid Foundation for Everyday Use
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) sport a compact, rounded design with a noticeable Amazon logo on the outer surface of each earbud. These earbuds fit securely in your ear canal and provide a comfortable fit thanks to the different sized silicone ear tips. The IPX4 rating offers protection against splashes, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.
While the earbud design itself is a win, the charging case hasn’t quite hit the mark. It’s lightweight and pocket-friendly, but feels a bit flimsy with a less-than-premium hinge and lid. The addition of Qi wireless charging on the more expensive variant is a welcome feature.
Audio Performance: A Decent Listening Experience
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) feature 5.7mm dynamic drivers and support the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. Sound quality, however, is not their strong suit. While the audio performance isn’t bad by any stretch, it doesn’t reach the same level of detail and dynamic range as other earphones in the same price bracket.
The sound signature isn’t particularly offensive, but it lacks the "sparkle" and "drive" found on models like the OnePlus Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. Some listeners might find the treble response a bit underwhelming and the bass lacking in punch and presence.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Decent Effort, But Not Class-Leading
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps reduce unwanted noise from your surroundings. While ANC does help create a more focused listening experience, especially during exercise or in bustling environments, it isn’t as effective as on some other ANC-equipped headphones.
Battery Life: Acceptable, but Lagging Behind the Competition
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) offer a respectable 4 hours and 30 minutes of playback time with ANC activated. The charging case provides two additional charges for a total of around 13-14 hours of battery life. While this is not terrible, it falls short of the longer battery life offered by competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and OnePlus Buds Pro**.
The Verdict: A Solid Option for Alexa Devotees, but Sound Quality Could Be Better
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are a strong contender for those who are deeply invested in the Alexa ecosystem. They offer an extremely user-friendly experience with Alexa, allowing for convenient hands-free control of smart home devices, music playback, and calls. If you already own a multitude of Alexa-compatible products, these buds seamlessly integrate to make your life easier.
However, for audiophiles or those seeking a more dynamic and detailed listening experience, the sound quality might not be entirely satisfactory compared to other options in this price range. The ANC performance is also not as effective as some of its rivals.
In conclusion, the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are a compelling option for those who prioritize a seamless Alexa experience, but sound quality and ANC performance fall a bit short of the top contenders in the market. If you’re looking for a truly immersive audio experience, it might be worth exploring other models.
