TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
FOUR STARS - FiiO is one of China's most respected companies when it comes to price to performance ratio of audio products. It's mainly known for its audio DAC's. FiiO's first true wireless earphone, however, is launched under the new brand name JadeAudio. It's not as audiophile-proof as you may expect.
Specs of the JadeAudio EW1/ Jade Audio EW1:
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and AptX codec
IPX5 waterproof (sweat and rain resistant)
6 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and micro-USB cable
$45 on AliExpress or Amazon US/ Europe - check current price!
Below this review you will find comparisons between the Jade Audio EW1 vs TRN T200, Mpow T5/ M5, SSK BT03 and Shanling MTW100 Balanced Armature.
Design, comfort and battery life
Looking at the charging case of the JadeAudio EW1, you wouldn't think this set of wireless earbuds will set you off more than 50 dollars. It can compete with some of the most affordable earbuds on the market - although the name JadeAudio is printed nicely on it.
On the inside, a single red light is the only battery indicator. It blinks red when the earpieces are put inside when the lid opens, and you want to take them out... or when the case is charging. The number of blinks (1 to 4), should tell the battery status, but it's hard to read. I've found the battery of the case empty two times before knowing it beforehand. Oops.
As for the battery life: the earpieces last around 6 hours on a single charge. A solid score for this price. The case can charge them 3 times before needing a recharge itself.
The earpieces of the JadeAudio EW1 look cheapish. They have a shiny black plastic outside that is entirely touch-sensitive. On the inside, the earpiece is shaped like a little V. Just a tad bigger than the Haylou GT1 and comparable to the QCY QS2. It can feel a bit big in your ears due to the round ear tips JadeAudio delivers with the set, but it will likely stay right in.
Connectivity and controls
The connection quality of the JadeAudio EW1 is excellent, most likely thanks to the Qualcomm QCC3020 chip inside of it. The Bluetooth connection is stable up to ten meters, and remains it while on your bike or when walking or running.
The touch controls are where it gets exciting on FiiO's newcomer. With a single tap on the very touch-sensitive sides, you do NOT play or pause. Instead, you increase the volume by tapping the right side and decrease it by touching the left side. Playing and pausing is done with two taps on the right side - which doesn't always pick up. Two presses on the left side activates the voice assistant - same story.
A long touch on the right side, takes you to the next track - a long press on the left one, to the previous one. It doesn't always work flawless, but having the volume so fast within range does have its advantages.
Calling and watching movies
The call quality on the JadeAudio EW1 lacks a bit. The other end of the line hears you with a bit of echo, and your voice may have a metallic character. Background noises come through clear, and in a conversation, you may even fade away a second or two.
Like a few other new wireless earphones, the JadeAudio EW1 offers reliable audio-video synchronization, on both Android and iPhone - even in the YouTube app. There is some delay in the sound while playing games, unfortunately.
Sound quality of JadeAudio EW1
It doesn't take too much listening to hear why FiiO launched a new sub-brand to release its first true wireless earphone in. The JadeAudio EW1 doesn't sound bad - it's just that you may expect something with another character from FiiO.
The first JadeAudio is tuned towards a big audience - people preferring a punchy bass and a full sound. The EW1 delivers just that. It definitely has a warm, darkish tonality. You could even call it smooth if it weren't for the juicy bass punches it delivers. The mid-bass of the EW1 offers a fierce slam, and the sub-bass can rumble.
The biggest player within the warm sound signature, is the roll-off of the higher tones, however. Despite its name, this Jade isn't very bright. In fact, the JadeAudio has little presence for both highs and upper-mids. Instruments like cymbals never sound piercing, yet drums and cymbals sound good. Guitars and violins sound a little flat, however. The soundstage is broad, but instrument separation isn't the best. It can get a little crowded in more complicated songs.
Of course, there are a few shortcomings in the sound then - but it's not all bad. There are quite a bit of people that aren't looking for a bright, transparent sound - otherwise, the Apple AirPods Pro would have been tuned very differently. The JadeAudio EW1 has a sound profile that may not be well-suited for older pop songs and vocal works, but for dance tracks, it offers a warm, darkish, smooth sound with a bass that's more engaging than Apple's 200 dollars more expensive alternative.
Selected comparisons
JadeAUdio EW1 vs Mpow T5/ M5
The Mpow T5/ M5 doesn't have the most extended highs either, yet vocals and higher-pitched instruments like violins and cymbals, do shine more on the Mpow. The bass of the EW1 is tighter, but the Mpow has more presence and definition in the lower-mids. The T5/ M5 wins on soundstage and instrument placement too. The JadeAudio has easier to reach volume controls and longer battery life.
JadeAudio EW1 vs SSK BT03
The SSK BT03 sounds brighter than the JadeAudio EW1. Vocals sound clearer and the bass delivers a bigger punch. Both of them are excellent for dance music, even though the highs of the JadeAudio roll-off earlier - the SSK BT03 is more versatile for other music genres, as crowded rock and classical pieces can get a little congested on the EW1. The Jade offers a longer battery life.
JadeAudio EW1 vs TRN T200
The TRN T200 sounds brighter than the JadeAudio EW1. The T200 has a more spacious sound, with better-represented upper-mids and highs, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation. Both have a strange touch control scheme; both are comparable in comfort. The T200 has a tighter fit due to its ear fins. The EW1 offers a better battery life.
JadeAudio EW1 vs Shanling MTW100
If you were expecting a more balanced and rich sound coming from a product, and you're orienting for a truly wireless earphone, aim for the Shanling MTW100 with Balanced Armature. It has less bass presence, but tonality, instrument placement, and tonality are more convincing than on the EW1. It even sounds overly bright, coming from the JadeAudio - that's how much these differ.
Verdict
The JadeAudio EW1 may not be the truly wireless earphones you expect from FiiO, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Its warm and bassy sound character will please many listeners. There are better-sounding alternatives for this price, however.
Four stars - very good
Buy JadeAudio EW1/ check current price:
Buy JadeAudio EW1 on Amazon Europe (Germany)
I received the Jade Audio EW1 from FiiO 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
