TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
FOUR STARS - The Haylou GT2 and GT2S are some of the more popular dirt-cheap wireless earphones from China, but there are competitors that offer a more refined sound and better functionality.
Specs of the Haylou GT2 and Haylou GT2S:
Bluetooth 5.0
4 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips, USB-A cable
Haylou GT2: $20 on AliExpress - check price!
Haylou GT2S: $20 on AliExpress - check price!
Below this review you will find comparisons between the Haylou GT2 vs Haylou GT1, QCY QS1, Tronsmart Spunky Beat and QCY T5.
This is also a Haylou GT2S review - as Haylou confirmed everything except for the design of the charging case, stayed the same in the Haylou GT2S.
Update September 2020: Due to increased overall competition with more functionality and/ or better sound, this TWS has been decreased in overall score. Check out the best earbuds on the Leaderboard.
Check out the best TWS under $25 here.
Design, comfort and battery life
Haylou is a subbrand of QCY. The GT2 doesn't just give hints in that direction; it's literally Haylou's approach to the hugely popular QCY QS1 (also known and sold as QCY T1c). It has a same-sized open charging case without a lid, where you can take the earpieces out without hassle.
The most significant difference is that the Haylou doesn't have a charging port. Instead, it has a little chord with a USB-A connection built-in. Wherever you are, you can plug the Haylou charging case into all conventional USB-plugs to charge it. It saves you taking an extra cable everywhere you go - just like on the Tronsmart Spunky Beat. Wonderful.
The earpieces of the Haylou GT1 were delightfully small and fitted well in even tinier ears. The same goes for the GT2. The small bean-shaped pieces can be worn standing up in your ear, but will also remain steadily inside when you hang them in. There's no blinking light when you wear and use them, so they can also be worn in bed.
The battery life is acceptable for this price. The earpieces deliver 4 hours of playtime on a single charge, and the case can recharge them at least three times fully.
One downside, though, is the lack of clearly visible left-right indicators on both the earpieces and within the case. You'll often have to switch the earpieces to your right ear.
Connectivity and controls of Haylou GT2
Unlike the Haylou GT1, the Haylou GT2 carries actual buttons you have to press. They're near the top end of the earpieces, and they respond well to the touches. It's not too annoying to push these, happily.
The control scheme is a bit outdated, with no possibility to change the volume. Press once to play or pause the music, press twice on the right side to skip a song, twice on the left one to return a song. A triple press activates the voice assistant of your phone.
The Bluetooth connectivity on the Haylou GT2 is decent. It has a strong connection up to 10 meters, and when walking, only a few minor dips may occur in areas most crowded with wireless signals. The earpieces pair and connect fast once you take them out of the case.
Call quality and watching videos
While the Haylou GT2 has been released around a year later than the QCY QS1, it still has the perks of the comparably priced and positioned nephew. That means the audio-video synchronization on the YouTube-app on the iPhone and iPad isn't spot-on. Competitors like the Tronsmart Spunky Beats and QCY T5 fare better in this regard. Watching videos on Android and other iPhone video apps goes without noticeable problems. There's a significant delay in sound when gaming, however.
The call quality of the Haylou GT2 is mediocre. Indoors, noises like voices from your surroundings are overly emphasized for the other end of the line. Your voice will compete with the others around you. The same doesn't apply for traffic passing you by outside, however. It makes calling with the GT2 outside easier than inside. Remarkable.
Sound quality of Haylou GT2
The Haylou GT2 and Haylou GT2S have a clear and detailed sound, that can be a bit too bright on top sometimes.
The Haylou GT2(S) sounds a lot like the beloved nephews QCY QS1 and QS2. From reading those reviews, you may know that's a great thing. The biggest difference is that the Haylou GT2(S) has less presence in the mid-tones, and instead puts more effort into the warmer and darker tones, giving bass guitars, darker electronic layers, and cello's a more prominent role.
The GT2 sounds as balanced as the QCY QS1 and QS2, but it seems less tinny. More full than the QCY-offerings - even better.
The bass of the Haylou GT2 has more oomph than the QCY counterpart, but it still behaves well. The sub-bass delivers a gentle massage at most, and the mid-bass delivers a introvert, yet sweet thump. Don't expect hard strikes, slams, or rumbles in your ear. The GT2 bass definitely does the job for pop and dance songs, but it's at its finest in blues, jazz, or classical pieces, displaying acoustic instruments.
The slight elevation of lower frequencies doesn't mean brighter sounds are left aside on the Haylou GT2. Not at all! Vocals, both male and female, still sound forward - as well as high-pitched instruments such as violins, cymbals, and lighter guitar strokes.
Unfortunately, while the balance between the lower frequencies and higher tones is great on lower volumes, the Haylou tends to get a little bright, shouty on higher volumes - even though it doesn't go all that loud on Android.
While having a sweet emphasis on lower tones and forward vocals, the Haylou GT2 and GT2S lack a bit of the refinement of the best competitors.
Haylou GT2/ Haylou GT2S comparisons
Hayloy GT2 vs Haylou GT1
The Haylou GT2 is, very audible so, a close relative to the Haylou GT1 - which also offers a slightly more mid-centric approach than the QCY-counterparts, along with a more present bass. The Haylou GT2 has more body in the lower-mids and resolves (way) more detail. It's overall better sounding.
Haylou GT2 vs QCY QS1/ QS2
The Haylou GT2 has more emphasis on the lower-mids than the QS1 and QS2, ensuring a warmer sound. Highs roll off earlier, but it prevents the Haylou sounding tinny like the QCY can at times. The bass on both is well-behaved, with gentle treatments. Call and audio-video quality are comparable.
Haylou GT2 vs Tronsmart Spunky Beat
The Tronsmart Spunky Beat is a current star in the sub-25-dollars class. The Spunky Beat has more bass presence, but the Haylou GT2 bass can dive deeper. The Spunky Beat has a fuller sound; the GT2 resolves some more details in the mids. The GT2 sounds airier, and it performs better on the highest volumes - where the dynamics of the Spunky Beat impress less. Audio-video synchronization, battery life, and call quality are better on the Tronsmart.
Haylou GT2 vs QCY T5
The QCY T5 is the current most complete wireless earphone little money can buy. Not only call quality and audio-video synchronization are great, but there is also a special Gaming Mode making even the sound of games sync pretty well. The Haylou GT2 offers a more dynamic sound, however, with more emphasis on the bass and lower-mids. The T5 sounds cleaner but lacks the same level of detail.
Verdict
The Haylou GT2 and Haylou GT2S are the spiritual successors of the wonderful QCY QS1. It may be a bit outdated in battery life and functionality, but convinces with an entertaining sound.
Four stars - very good
Buy Haylou GT2 / Haylou GT2S:
I bought the Haylou GT2 myself to test and review. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3
Also read:
Leaderboard: All rated wireless earphones
