TWS true wireless earphones - under $100
FOUR STARS - Yet another Chinese manufacturer of impressive wired earphones is taking the plunge into wireless territory. The Kinera YH623 is a convincing debut, in both looks and sound.
Kinera YH623 specs:
Bluetooth 5.0 with QCC3020 chip and AptX codec
IPX7 water proof (rain and sweat resistant)
6 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sets ear tips and a USB-C charging cable
$65 on AliExpress, Amazon US or Amazon Europe - check current price
Below this Kinera YH623 TWS review you can find direct comparisons of the Kinera YH623 vs Wavefun X-Pods 3/ Ytom T1, Wavefun XPods 3T, Fiil T1X, and Whizzer B6/ Mezone B6.
Important note: while advertised otherwise, the Kinera YH623 does NOT offer ANC active noise cancellation. It blocks sound from your environments rather good, but it doesn't have ANC!
Design, charging and comfort
For its first wireless earbuds, Kinera used familiar parts. Both the charging case and the shape of the earpieces are similar to that of the Wavefun XPods 3. The compact and sturdy charging case now has a black finish, with the classical font of Kinera on top (although it's also available in creme). The 400 mAh can be charged via USB-C and can recharge the earpieces fully three times. The battery of the earpieces lasts around 6 hours when playing on average volume - good enough, nothing exceptional. Unfortunately, you can only see the charging status LED with the lid open.
The earpieces itself are stunning. Their shiny finish is both blue and purple, and with the logo on the sides, they look classy. As with the Ytom T1 and Wavefun X-Pods, the comfort these provide is outstanding. The earpieces are on the bigger side, but they have a smooth shape on the inside. This way, they offer a comfortable and secure fit. The lack of rubber ear wings or rings, won't make them very suitable for sports or working out.
Their shape makes them block quite a bit of noise from your surroundings, too. While they are advertised on some times as ANC earphones, they don't have Active Noise Cancellation. Instead, they do have a minimal white noise that, together with the design of the earpieces, indeed blocks out quite a bit of sound.
One more important note: the earpieces don't have blinking lights when you use them. It's always nice that you can use such a comfortable pair in bed too.
Connectivity and controls
The Kinera YH623 has touch controls that you activate by touching the sides of the earbuds only, meaning you can take one out easily without accidentally pausing the music. Every action gives you a beep as feedback.
A single tap plays or pauses the music. With two taps on the right side, you advance a track - tap twice on the left side, and you return one. Holding an earbud increases (right bud) or decreases (left) the volume. It's good to have volume controls right on your ears, but it does take a little (too) long to adjust it - and sometimes, you immediately take three steps instead of a single one.
The connectivity of the YH623 is robust, but it isn't flawless. Some minor connection dips may occur in areas full of wireless signals, or when walking with these in your ears and your smartphone in your pocket.
Calling and watching movies
Watching videos with the Kinera YH623 is convenient. The audio synchronizes perfectly with the video on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and also on YouTube on both iPhone and Android. There is a noticeable delay in the sound when playing games, though.
You shouldn't be afraid to take a call with the Kinera YH623. Under normal circumstances, indoors and outside, your voice comes through clear enough. When there are lots of surrounding noises, however, such as rain or traffic - your voice becomes shaky and distant. If you desire excellent call quality, it's better to look after alternatives like the QCY T5.
Also read: The best true wireless earphones under $100
Sound quality of Kinera YH623 TWS
Now, onto a bit of an unusual approach of the sound the Kinera YH623 delivers. Right of the bat, after three songs tested, the Kinera sound immediately reminded of... Dido's songs.
Take her newer work, or her hits like White Flag, Thank You. Better yet, her duet with Eminem - Stan. They all have prominent vocals, an abundance of warm undertones, and last but not least: they sound silky smooth.
That - that right there is the sound signature of the Kinera YH623.
More technically speaking, the Kinera emphasizes the lower frequencies and vocals. Whether it's bass guitars in acoustic pieces or darker electronic layers in dance or techno, they take a big amount of space in the music. These lower tones merge with the bass, without giving in too much detail or sounding muddy. The bass itself delivers a generous thump, that can pump in your ears in genres requesting it - but doesn't do it too much out of itself. The sub-bass produces a nice rumble as well.
Higher up, center-mid instruments like a guitar or piano, sound a bit reduced. They sound less detailed, but also warmer than on raved competitors like the Fiil T1X and Bomaker Sifi. Don't expect a very natural tonality from the mids - but neither are they intrusive or sharp. Vocals, especially female and higher-pitched male voices, are medium-forward and come with enough clarity over the lower frequencies. Overall though, highs are pretty rolled-off. There's a medium soundstage with good left and right placement.
The Kinera YH623 isn't the most detailed and refined pair of wireless earphones out there, though. On the highest volumes, the bass and highs can show a slight crackle, and on some songs, the sound can either be a bit hollow or caved-in.
Still, on regular medium to high playing volume and practically all of the time, the Kinera offers the same sensation as Dido's songs: warm, upfront, and smooth.
Selected Comparisons
Kinera YH623 vs Ytom T1/ Wavefun X-Pods 3
Of course, this review can't be complete without a comparison with the 'original' - the Wavefun X-Pods 3. The Wavefun (also sold as Ytom T1) has less forward vocals, and also less emphasis on the lowest tones. It sounds more mid-centric, flatter than the Kinera - even though it has a fat bass pump. The T1 and XPods 3 remains a good alternative to the Kinera - especially since it only costs around half.
Wavefun X-Pods 3/ Ytom T1 review
Kinera YH623 vs Wavefun XPods 3T
Wavefun made an upgrade from its popular 3 - the 3T. It has a bigger charging case and earpieces that also look premium, with a champagne-color touch panel on the earpieces. The 3T has more opened-up highs than the Kinera, and its vocals are way more forward. The YH623 sounds a bit closed-in in comparison.
No separate review - buy here on AliExpress
Kinera YH623 vs Fiil T1X
The Fiil T1X it's top of it class at the same $65 the Kinera YH623 costs. It convinces with a huge deal of detail, bass separation and more realistic instrument tonality over the Kinera. The Kinera has a smoother, warmer sound in comparison, with more thumping bass. The Fiil comes with rubber ear wings that make them ideal for working out and a comprehensive app; the Kinera earpieces look more stylish.
Kinera YH623 vs Mezone B6 TWS
The Whizzer B6/ Mezone B6 is another $65 priced pair of wireless earbuds with a warm sound. It is a different beast, mind you. The B6 TWS has less presence of lower-mids, but way harder bass strikes, that can resonate in your ears. The B6 also has more forward vocals. It sounds more opened-up than the Kinera, without sounding too bright. The Kinera is smoother, more laidback.
Verdict
With its stunning looks, big comfort, and sturdy charging case, the Kinera YH623 makes a stellar debut - especially if you're after a warm, smooth sound.
Four STARS - very good
Buy Kinera YH623/ check current price:
I bought the Kinera YH623 TWS myself for testing and reviewing purposes. 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
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