TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
4 / 4.5 STARS - The Tranya T20 and Pamu S28 are almost identical wireless earbuds, with a comfortable fit, plenty of battery life, and great controls. The sound quality and pricing make one even better than the other.
Tranya T20 and Pamu S28 specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec
IPX7 waterproof rating (heavy rain and shower proof)
6,5 - 7 hours playtime on a single charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 2 times (Pamu), 3 times (Traya)
Comes with three ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
Tranya T20 ($40) - Buy on Amazon US, other Amazon stores or Tranya.com (code “tran45” for 45% off)
Pamu S28 ($60) - Buy on Amazon US
Below this Tranya T20 vs Pamu S28 review, you will find comparisons of the Tranya T20 vs Fiil T1 Lite, Baseus W12, Nuarl N6 Mini 2SE, and Redmi Buds 3 Lite.
All reviews on Scarbir.com are unsponsored and honest. You can support my quest to find great affordable audio by buying via the links on this site or via PayPal.
Design, comfort and battery life
It's been a while there was a review on Scarbir.com where two wireless earbuds were pitted directly against each other. So why now?
Well, the Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 share the same in-ear design as the $150 Nuarl N6 Mini 2SE, one of the most comfortable earbuds tested in the premium price range.
The earbuds' insides of all these models are completely identical. They have the same compact, oval shape that you place standing up inside your ears. It has enough thickness below to give them enough grip and slims down near the upside, so they don't feel bulky. For average-sized ears, these are very comfortable to wear. They're also IPX7 waterproof: you can even take them under the shower.
The Tranya T20 has a more distinctive look
What's better is that Pamu and Tranya actually improve upon Nuarl's comfort. Both these cheaper models mount more comfortable, slimmer rubber ear tips. The T20 and S28 also have a smoother, round outside, instead of the tiny 'blades' of the Nuarl. This change makes the earbuds disappear in your ears more, and therefore the Pamu and Tranya are suitable for sleeping or wearing under a helmet. Their battery will last the entire night if you listen to music on soft levels. The earbuds also don't have a blinking light when the music stops - these are truly bedroom proof.
On average volume, the earbuds deliver around 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. The Pamu case can recharge the earbuds two times fully; the Tranya offers three full recharges before the case needs new power via USB-C.
The Pamu S28, with now unlighted LED charging-lights between the two buds
The Tranya T20 may win on battery life, but the Pamu S28 has the nicer case. It has the same metal, premium-looking finish as the Nuarl and also comes with 1-4 convenient LED lights underneath the lid that show the remaining case battery. The Tranya T20 case is just as thin and easy to carry, but it only has a single LED indicator and is made from a cheap-ish, generic matte black plastic. It's good to know that the Tranya is cheaper than the Pamu - around $20 more affordable.
The final proof these share the same basis? You can recharge the Nuarl, Pamu, and Tranya earbuds in each other's cases.
Score for both models:
Controls and connectivity
The Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 have the same controls. Both models don't mind you tapping up to five times (!) to trigger a function, but as they both respond so well to your input, the controls are very easy to use.
Tap L or R to pause/ play music
Tap R twice to increase the volume
Tap L twice to decrease volume
Tap R three times to skip to the next track
Tap L three times to return to the previous track
Tap L or R four times to (de)activate game mode
Tap L five times to switch between Normal mode and Bass Boost
Hold L or R to activate the voice assistant
Tranya T20
It may seem like a lot, but you get accustomed to the control scheme quickly. Even switching between the sound equalizers - five taps every time - is easy. It's neat that all the functions you could want are right on the earbuds.
Connectivity on both models is great too. The Bluetooth connection holds strong up to 9-10 meters away from your device, and you can always switch between listening to two earbuds or one - when you want to charge one of the buds in the meantime, for instance. Music doesn't automatically pause when you take a bud out - not a problem.
Score for both models:
Calling and watching movies
Pamu S28
The Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 have acceptable call quality. Your voice sounds loud and clear, although it can strike a bit tinny. Noises from your surroundings, like accelerating vehicles, constant traffic or chatter, are reduced well in the call, but the wind is an enemy. A bit of wind won't blow your voice away, but as soon as the wind increases, the clarity in your voice suffers.
In video calls like Microsoft Teams or zoom meetings, your voice is picked up quickly enough and surprisingly fuller than in phone calls. You also sound loud. However, sudden loud noises, such as door slams, can also come through loud in video calls.
Video playback is flawless on the Tranya and Pamu, with perfect synchronization on iPhone and Android. The game mode (four taps on either bud) reduces the delay in sound effects when you're playing games, but in game mode there's still a noticeable delay between the action you see and the sounds you hear.
Score for both models:
Also read: The best wireless earbuds under $50
Sound quality Test: Pamu S28 vs Tranya T20
The Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 aren't totally the same. Both have a warm and smooth sound, and both have a Normal and Bass Boost equalizer you can switch between. Still: one sounds better than the other.
Pamu S28 sound quality review
The Pamu S28 has a gentle yet steady mid-bass thump that doesn't overpower the music but gives enough energy. The sub-bass doesn't show itself easily but can emit a solid rumble when it does. Lower mid-tones are slightly boosted to provide music warmth, while center-mids (normally the frequencies in which guitars and piano play reside) aren't underrepresented - but still feel a little less pronounced than the higher frequencies.
Upper-mids aren't the biggest strength of the Pamu. While female and brighter female singers are forward compared to instruments, vocals often have a metallic underlining and feel a bit artificial, or nasal even. The lead-vocalist or Twenty One Pilots, for example, sounds like he's a bit ill.
With the Bass Boost mode, this effect is articulated further. Lower-mids and center-mids are pushed back further to give (especially) the mid-bass some extra strength, but brighter vocals appear tinnier. The biggest difference between the Normal and Bass mode isn't the bass quantity; it's the added metallicness of vocals in the latter.
Despite this, the Pamu S28 is a nice listen. Vocals also have a certain smoothness on the S28 that combines well with the warmth. As there's a nice (albeit cave-like) sense of space in the sound, with details coming from your left and right, and as such, especially instrumental genres like jazz and blues sound pleasant on the S28.
Tranya T20 sound quality review
The Normal mode on the Tranya T20 has the higher frequencies balanced out better than the Pamu. Female and brighter male vocals sound clear, and higher instruments like violins have more room to shine in. The T20 has more airiness in the sound, and its soundstage is less like a cave - more natural. Center-mids sound plain and don't wander off too much in the lows or highs.
Listening to the Normal mode for a while, you may not exactly miss bass strength, but the mid-bass is mostly a quick but light slam in this setting. Switch over to the Bass Boost, and the slam becomes an engaging thump. It bleeds a little into the mid-tones, so adds warmth, and it has a joyful depth and strike. The sub-bass becomes more powerful as well, and the lower frequencies altogether are more engaging than Pamu's offering, without overtaking the rest of the music.
While the Bass Boost mode may be favourable for its added energy, it takes away the upper-mids' higher end, it cuts off some clarity from higher vocals. The Bass setting is balanced enough for most genres, but singers could use more forwardness in typical dance outskirts like vocal trance.
The best-case scenario on the Tranya T20 would be the Bass Boost bass with the Normal mode treble, but at least you get to choose from two balanced and warm-smooth sound signatures that are pleasurable to listen to for hours.
Tranya T20 comparisons
As the Tranya T20 is more affordable and sounds better, it's the one taken to the comparisons.
Tranya T20 vs Fiil T1 Lite
The Tranya T20 and Fiil T1 Lite both have a Bass Boost equalizer that may be favourable to the regular sound. On the Fiil, you select it from the app - not from the touch panels on the buds. The T20 mid-bass is tighter and has more impact than the T1 Lite's, and multiple basslines are separated better from each other. The Tranya has more emphasis on lower-mids and the overall sound is a bit thicker. The T1 Lite has more pronounced upper-mids and more space surrounding higher frequencies, providing a bigger soundstage and ultimately, more immersion.
In the normal sound signatures, both models can reach some harsh notes. Higher vocals sound fuller on the T20, but the T1 Lite is more spacious and dynamic, with more bass depth. The T20 bass feels a little slim in comparison in this setting.
Fiil T1 Lite ($35)
Tranya T20 vs Baseus W12
If practicality counts, the Tranya T20 triumphs over the $25 Baseus W12, with an easier fit, almost double the battery life, and (way) better clarity in phone calls and video calls. But if it's a warm and balanced sound you're after, the tables turn a little. The T20 mid-bass has more impact with Bass mode, but the W12 reveals its impressive sub-bass depth easier. The W12 has an airier sound and accentuates center-mids just a bit more. Combined with the subtle, more boosted lower-mids, many instruments enjoy a little extra room and naturality on the Baseus. The Tranya has a more concentrated sound, resulting in a tighter bass and separated higher vocals.
Baseus W12 review ($25)
Tranya T20 vs Redmi Buds 3 Lite
The Redmi Buds 3 Lite was dubbed as the best small earbuds to wear in bed or under a helmet for a very short while. After testing and comparing for more than a few hours, it's not the Redmi anymore. The Pamu and Tranya's oval shape follows the ears just a bit better, making for a fit that presses (even) less in your ears when you lay on your side. The sound quality of both is more pleasant than the Redmi, too. Even on the lowest volume levels, the Tranya and Pamu sound warmer, fuller, and smoother than the brighter Buds 3 Lite - without giving in much on spatial details. As the T20 and S28 also have 2,5 hours longer battery life, it's worth upgrading from the Redmi Buds 3 Lite for in-bed and under-helmet listeners.
Tranya T20 vs Nuarl N6 Mini 2SE
The Tranya T20 and Nuarl N6 Mini 2SE don't just share some parts; they also boast the same IPX7 waterproof rating, have a gaming mode, and have the same amount of battery life. The Tranya is more comfortable to lay on due to its rounded sides; the Nuarl has a more luxurious case - the one Pamu also has. The Nuarl puts more effort into treble than Tranya, with more forward upper-mids and longer extended highs. There's more air in the Nuarl sound, with more clarity in vocals and brigher instruments like violins and cymbals - all without becoming too harsh. The Nuarl also has a thicker, bloatier, yet more impactful mid-bass than the T20's Normal mode. In Bass mode, the T20 loses a tad too much of the treble crispness the Nuarl has.
Nuarl N6 Mini 2SE review ($150)
Verdict
The Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 have all the desired controls on the earbuds, are so comfortable you can sleep with them and wear them under a helmet, and their batteries easily last the entire night. It's also doable to take a phone and video call with them - and thanks to their high waterproof rating, it also safe to run, workout, and shower with them.
Out of the two, the Tranya T20 is the bigger recommendation. It's cheaper, there's more difference between the Normal sound and Bass sound and... both of these modes sound more natural and engaging than the Pamu S28.
Pamu S28: 4 stars - Good
Tranya T20: 4.5 stars - Great
check lowest price of Tranya T20/ Pamu S28:
Buy Tranya T20 on Tranya.com (use code “tran45” for 45% off)
I reached out to Pamu and Tranya and received the Pamu S28 and Tranya T20 to test and review. My reviews are unsponsored and non-commercial. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
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