TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
4.5 STARS - The Edifier X3 TO-U Series is a more expensive, 'premium' version of the Edifier X3. It has the same clear sound, great battery life, and pocketable size - but doesn't add anything other than a USB-C port and different colors. You decide if that's worth ten extra dollars.
Specs of the Edifier X3 TO-U Series:
Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX codec
IPX5 water proof (sweat and rain resistant)
5-6 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips and USB-C cable
$35 on AliExpress - check current price!
Below this Edifier X3 TO-U Series review, you will find comparisons of the Edifier X3 TO-U vs Edifier X3, Mpow M12, and Mpow M30.
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Design, comfort and battery life
In shape and size, the Edifier X3 TO-U Series is the same as the regular Edifier X3. That means it has the same ultra-pocketable case which can easily slide into any pocket. Once again, it's so thin and so minimal, so functional, that it has an AirPods-like appeal.
Two things did change on the TO-U Series. The regular X3 case charges via micro-USB; the TO-U version recharges via USB-C.
The other change is the color scheme: the TO-U Series isn't available in black or white, but comes in soft-tones blue or pink. Along with the more 'intimate' and stylized packaging and a subtle X and O on the earbuds' sides, the TO-U version feels like a he/she gift. A product for couples to gift each other.
In other aspects, the TO-U is the same as the regular X3. It has an impressive 6 hours battery life on a single charge and can be recharged three times via the case. The total charging time of an empty case and empty buds takes around 1,5 hours.
The earpieces itself are as straightforward as the regular X3. The IPX5 waterproof rating on the earbuds makes them survive rain and sweat. Design-wise, they're just simple, tiny dots. On the inside of the earphone, a bump makes sure it follows the shape of your ears. Combined with the (colored!) square-ish ear-tips, the Edifier sits extremely snug in your ears. As it encloses so well, it blocks out quite a bit of noise around you too - including wind. There are wireless earbuds with ANC that can't block as much noise as these Edifiers do.
Another plus: their LED-lights don't blink when you play music on them, so it's comfortable to use these in the dark or the bedroom.
With its comfort, impressive battery life, waterproof rating, USB-C charging, and superb pocketable case, these are stellar for their price point.
Connectivity and controls
Edifier didn't change the controls and connectivity of the Edifier X3 on the TO-U, and that's good news, mostly. It does mean you can't change the volume with controls on the earbuds itself. What you can do:
Tap once to play/ pause music
Tap twice on either earbud to skip a song
Tap three times on either earbud to return a song
Hold either earbud to activate the voice assistant on your phone
The control scheme is the same on both earbuds. As you can swap easily between using one and two earbuds, controlling these is pretty convenient. The touch panels respond fairly well to your input.
Apart from switching between mono and stereo listening seamlessly, the Edifier X3 TO-U also pairs and connects quickly when you take them out of the case. The Bluetooth connection holds strong up to ten meters away from your device. It's also good when you're walking or cycling.
Calling and watching movies with Edifier X3
The original Edifier X3 didn't just convince with its compact size and battery life: you could easily take a call or watch videos with them too. This hasn't changed in the TO-U version.
That means that the audio synchronizes perfectly with video on both iPhone and Android phones, including the challenging YouTube-app. There is some delay in sound effects when you're playing games, but this is common for almost all wireless earphones.
Calling with the Edifier X3 is convenient. When you're walking into the wind or among people talking loudly around you - or kids screaming; those high-pitched sounds can interfere with your call. However, most sounds around you are reduced wonderfully. Darker and typical background noises like traffic and hummings are suppressed - and while your voice can be a bit soft, it still sounds clear and loud enough.
While the regular X3 took the crown in the sub-$25 market of earphones when it comes to calling, the more expensive TO-U sees some competition. The Edifier TWS200 is an even better option for phone calls specifically.
—> Also see: All TWS under $25 reviewed and rated
Sound quality of Edifier X3 TO-U: clear
Edifier claims better bass response for the X3 TO-U Series. Let's forget about it instantly: the Edifier X3 TO-U Series sounds the same as the regular version - it's a friend to many.
More specifically: the Edifier X3 TO-U Series once again sounds balanced, with more focus on treble than on the bass and lower mid-tones.
The X3 isn't a bass-focused earphone. The sub-bass doesn't dive very deep, and there's no heavy bass slam. The bass provides a nice thump that can pulsate in your ears and delivers enough power for electronic pop, modern dance music, and hip-hop, but it doesn't force itself where it doesn't belong. The bass on the Edifier X3 isn't a dominator; it's a companion.
Vocals make the most outspoken part of the X3's sound signature. They sound forward, no matter if it's darker male voices or the highest-pitched (female) voices. Singers sound clear - sometimes even a bit too much.
There's a lot of body and space in the treble on the X3, and the sound can be a bit 'splashy' at times when playing cymbals or claps - something you can experience as a little hiss over the higher tones. This is also noticeable in the highest female or higher-pitched male vocals, which can come across a little bright. Unless you're turning the volume all the way up (the X3 can go quite but not extremely loud, by the way), the upper-mid tones and highs keep in control, but the Edifier is still a little brighter than most earphones.
Further emphasizing the brighter sound, the lower-mids are toned-down. Darker electronic tones and instruments like drums and cello's, or the piano's darker notes, play a merely supportive role on the Edifier sound. As a bonus of the clear X3-sound, you are treated to an airy soundstage, with good left-right separation and detail. In easier going songs, it's also possible to place instruments.
You may find more bass punch and warmth on competitors, but the Edifier X3 offers a clear, treble-focused sound that is friendly to all music genres.
Edifier X3 TO-U comparisons
Edifier X3 vs Edifier X3 TO-U: differences
Let's make it perfectly clear: the Edifier X3 and Edifier X3 TO-U are 99 percent the same products. The TO-U series changes two things: it recharges via a USB-C port instead of micro-USB, and it comes in different colors. You can get the X3 in black or white, and the X3 TO-U in soft pink or blue. The Edifier X3 is available from $25, the Edifier X3 TO-U at around $35.
Both share the 5-6 hours playtime on a single charge, pocketable charging case, and clear call quality. The sound on both is the same - balanced with a focus on clarity and treble over bass and lower-mids. TO-U gets a 4-star rating for sound instead of the original X3's 4.5 stars due to the increased competition in the sub-$50 price range.
Edifier X3 TO-U vs Mpow M12
The Mpow M12 is another versatile pair of earphones at a low cost. Its strengths don't lie in the call quality and video playback, which are better on the X3. But - the M12 does support wireless charging, it's shower-proof due to the IPX8 rating, and delivers up to 5 hours of playtime. The M12 charging case is bigger, but the earbuds are around the same size and just as comfortable. The Mpow M12 has a warmer, smoother sound, with stronger bass and more weight in the lower-mids. It can go louder than the X3, too. The Edifier has a clearer sound, with more prominent vocals.
Edifier X3 TO-U vs Mpow M30
But, Mpow also has a clearer sounding alternative on its shelves. The Mpow M30 costs the same as the Edifier X3, and is even more focused on the treble. The M30 presents vocals with more detail and surrounds them with more space. The M30 bass is tighter too. The Edifier has more weight in the mid-tones and sounds more balanced as a result, however. The Mpow M30 has sport-wings that makes it great for working out, has volume controls, and can go louder. The Edifier has better battery life and is better at handling calls and videos.
Edifier X3 TO-U vs Edifier TWS1
For around the same price, Edifier offers their previously released Edifier TWS1. It has an even stronger battery life, lasting 6 to 8 hours on a single charge. Also equipped with AptX codec, the TWS1 and X3 TO-U Series seem very much alike. Musically, the X3 delivers more presence and detail in the higher frequencies and sounds more opened-up as a result. The TWS1 sounds a bit darker, with more emphasis on lower tones. Call quality is decent on both, but the Edifier X3 offers better video playback on iPhone, tighter controls, more robust connectivity, and a more compact charging case. Of course, with the small case and blue or pink color scheme, it has a more outspoken design as well.
Want more comparisons? See how the Edifier X3 TO-U Series holds against the SoundPEATS TrueDot, Haylou GT1 Plus, QCY T5, Tronsmart Spunky Beat, and more in the original Edifier X3 review.
Verdict
The Edifier X3 TO-U Series is a more expensive, 'premium' version of the Edifier X3. It has the same clear sound, great battery life, and pocketable size - but doesn't add anything other than a USB-C port and different colors. You decide if that's worth ten extra dollars.
4.5 stars - Great
Buy Edifier X3 TO-U/ check current price:
Buy the regular Edifier X3 on AliExpress
Buy the regular Edifier X3 on Amazon US
I bought the Edifier X3 TO-U Series myself for testing and review purposes. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
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