TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
FOUR STARS - It's one of the most asked questions among people looking for true wireless earphones: is the QCY QS2 the same as the QCY QS1? Yes, it is. With one exception: the charging case. It's great news.
Specs of the QCY QS2 (also sold as QCY T2C and SoundPEATS TrueFree Plus)
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec
+-3 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 7 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and a micro-USB cable
$20-$25 on AliExpress or Amazon US/ EU/ UK - check current price
The QCY QS2 is also available as SoundPEATS TrueFree Plus and Dudios Zeus Ace. This then, is also a SoundPEATS TrueFree Plus and Dudios Zeus Ace review.
Having volume or sound issues with these earphones? Read how to fix it.
Update March 8, 2020: Due to the increased competition, the QCY QS2 has been adjusted from 5 to 4 stars overall. See the best wireless earbuds under $25 here.
Design, charging and comfort
The case is the only new aspect of the QCY QS2 (or the SoundPEATS TrueFree Plus) and... it's big alright. Geared up with an 800ma battery, it should be able to charge your earphones fully for at least six times. It's on the heavier and bulkier side between its competitors, but at least it's solid, with a sturdy lid.
What's more, is that QCY made room for big ear tips in the case this time. You will not have to take them of first to be able to charge your earphones. Hurrah!
The earpieces of the QS2 or the T2C are the exact same as the QCY QS1 or T1C. They are medium-sized bean-shaped pieces, supposed to wear standing up in your ears with the QCY logo shown to the outside world. They can be a tad too bulky for smaller ears, but will do perfect on medium and larger ones. Getting a perfect seal remains critical on the pieces: the sound quality can drastically be improved by that one perfect push - not too far in, not too loose. It can take a few attempt to get it right, but it's rewarding when it does.
Connectivity and controls
Pairing and connecting still is a breeze on the QCY's. Taking them out of the case activates them, putting them back in, switches them off. In comparison to the QS1, you have to press the earpieces into the case harder to make them turn off.
Connectivity is still great on the QCY. The Bluetooth 5.0 holds to connection to around 10 meter and the earpieces hold a steady connection to each other and your device, even when on the move.
As for the buttons: one click on the button pauses/ plays/ takes a call, two taps forwards or goes back a song. A long press activates your voice assistant. Very intuitive. Volume control is not available on the earpieces however - and not everyone will like pressing buttons that press earpieces deeper in your ear.
Calling and watching movies
QCY advertised the QS2 or T2C as having a new Realtek chipset to minimise audio delay when gaming or when watching video. Truth is, it's hard to recognise any differences with the QS1 or T1C. Audio delay may have been minimised on some Android phones, yet iPhone owners are still plagued with noticeable delay between video and audio when watching YouTube videos.
Calling quality is unchanged too. It's allright for indoor use, but take it outside and it can even sound like you're in a storm for the other caller. These two points were the only major downsides of the QCY QS1 and sadly, they haven't been taken care of.
Happily, everything else is the same too.
Sound: Balanced and detailed
The QCY QS2 with bigger charging case in white (also available in black), the smaller QCY QS1 in black here
The sound quality of the QCY QS2 is still one of the best in the budget TWS truly wireless earphones class. It's balanced, rich and full of detail you shouldn't expect for an earphone this cheap.
Rather than many competitors, that put much emphasis on the bass, the bass on the QCY QS2 is mainly supportive. It's there when it needs to be, delivering a subtle slam and some rumble when called for. It can go real deep, but doesn't show it often. Most of the time, the bass has just the amount of presence to give music an oomph and a warm sound. It's never overbearing - it's delicate, leaving all room for the mids and highs to shine.
And that's what they do on the QCY QS2. Vocals and higher tones are brought forward with great clarity and it's here where detail comes across. It's possible to hear vocal nuances competitors can't quite reach, like gasps of breaths from singers and extra detail in the background. The QS2 doesn't offer a huge soundstage, but definitely makes instruments come from around you - creating a satisfying airy feeling.
Lower mids like drums and guitars are the only frequencies not pushed forward - yet they sound clear. The sound signature is excellent for almost all music. You'll want to keep on listening.
Verdict
Like the QS1, the QCY QS2 isn't the best overall true wireless option for watching movies or calling, but much is forgiven thanks to the great sound quality for the price. The bigger battery case is a nice addition and well worth a few dollars extra.
FOUR STARS - Very Good
Buy the QCY QS2/ check current price:
Buy QCY QS2 on Amazon Europe (Germany)
Buy SoundPEATS TrueFree Plus on Amazon Europe (Germany)
I bought the QCY QS2 for my own review 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
Also read:
Leaderboard: All true wireless earphones reviews
