TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
After some more extensive reviews on Scarbir of wireless earphones with apps and active noise cancellation, it's time for a round-up of four popular entry-level TWS wireless earbuds on AliExpress, all under 25 dollars. Which is the best one?
Some wireless earphones don't get their own extensive review on Scarbir.com, because they don't compete with the best wireless earbuds in their price class. That's the case on the four TWS reviewed here: the Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2, Lenovo LivePods P1, Lenovo X18 and Honor X1 by Moecen.
You can go to the guide for best TWS wireless earbuds under $25 here, or read on for four compact reviews on these best-selling AliExpress earphones.
Xiaomi redmi AirDots 2 review: Improved and downgraded
Bluetooth 5.0 - 4 hours playtime - micro-USB
Xiaomi updated their AirDots once again, and so after the first Xiaomi AirDots, the Redmi AirDots, and the Redmi Airdots S, here's the Redmi AirDots 2. The differences with previous models are minimal - and not always good.
Once again, the Redmi AirDots 2 last four hours on a single charge, the case can recharge the buds three times and gets a new charge via micro-USB. The earbuds are still tiny and rounded on the inside, making them comfortable to wear in most medium-sized ears. The AirDots 2 control via actual buttons on the side, but lack the option to change tracks or change volume on the earpieces. You can switch between listening to one or two earbuds easily, however.
The biggest improvement over the previous AirDots is the call quality. The Redmi AirDots 2 reduces noises from your surroundings much better when you're calling, and there's a lovely silence, rest over the line when it's quiet around you. Although it can still be challenged by wind and sharp-sounding scooters passing by, your voice sounds loud and clear in phone calls.
Unfortunately, the sound quality isn't an upgrade over the Redmi AirDots S. Xiaomi boosted the upper-mid tones and highs this time around. As a result, the AirDots 2 sounds overly clear. Music sounds splashy or harsh on higher volumes and even on lower-volumes on songs with high-pitched singers. There's still a decent mid-bass slam and slightly elevated lower-mids to put some weight in the lower end and counter the highs, but it doesn't prevent the AirDots 2 from sounding too tinny and flat sometimes.
The best way to describe the Redmi AirDots 2 is basic. At only 15 to 20 dollars, there's little to complain about - but you can do even better in this price range too.
Comfort, build and battery life: 4/5
Controls and connectivity: 3/5
Calling and watching movies: 4/5
Sound quality: 3/5
VERDICT:
Around $15 on AliExpress - check current price!
Lenovo X18 review: Compact TWS with pleasant sound
Bluetooth 5.0 - IPX4 waterproof - 4 hours playtime - micro-USB
Among the dozens of cheap wireless earbuds Lenovo brings to market, the Lenovo X18 genuinely looks and feels like their own product. It's compact earbuds are its biggest strength.
The micro-USB-powered charging case is just about small enough to slide in any pocket and comes with a prominent LED-light indicating the battery status. But: the earpieces itself are insanely compact - almost the size of the Ugreen CM388 TWS. They look their $20 price, though, made from shiny plastic and a gold ring around the touch panel. They look and feel cheap.
The controls are convenient, with a single-tap to pause/play, two to skip or return a song, and three to increase or decrease volume - dependent on the side you tap. The earbuds are IPX4 water- and splash-proof, and offer up to 4 hours playtime on a single charge.
The Lenovo X18 has a bass with a decent slam and a light sub-bass rumble. The sound has an emphasis on lower mid-tones, like darker electronic tones and drums. They give the X18 a smooth character, strengthened by the toned-down higher notes. The X18 is light on treble: both male and female vocals have enough room to sound clear, but don't stand out from the rest of the music, and never sound bright or harsh. The X18 may not unlock a lot of detail from songs; it does offer a very pleasing middle-of-the-road sound. Which, by the way, can go very loud.
Unfortunately for Lenovo (and the Redmi mentioned above), the Edifier X3 raised the bar for what you may expect for such a low price: good scores on every aspect. The X18 performs less on everyday usage. Call quality is good and natural in quiet indoor areas but suffers quickly from surrounding noises and voices. Videos, lastly, fare fine on Android but lack proper audio-video synchronization on iPhone.
Don't expect the most all-round performer, but with its comfortable tiny earpieces, compact case, and pleasant sound, the Lenovo X18 are likable wireless earbuds at a low price.
Comfort, build and battery life: 4/5
Controls and connectivity: 3/5
Calling and watching movies: 3/5
Sound quality: 4/5
VERDICT:
Around $20 on AliExpress - check current price!
Honor X1/ Moecen X1 review: Airy sound
Bluetooth 5.0 - 5 hours playtime - USB-C
Let's move on to the next AirPods-like shiny white case and earbuds. The Honor X1, or Moecen X1, has earbuds the size of the AirPods Pro's, with tiny stems that are free from your cheeks.
The X1 is comfortable to wear for a longer amount of time. The inner-part consists of an oval that feels light yet stays tight in your ears. The charging case is a bit fatter than the Lenovo offering, but its specs are good. It recharges via USB-C, and a full case can recharge the earbuds four times fully, providing them around 5 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Not often seen on very affordable wireless earphones, the Honor X1 surrounds higher notes with air. Cymbals, whistling, and instruments like violins float around you, and don't strike as directly next to your head. Female and higher-pitched male vocals take are placed more in the center and take a prominent role in songs. There's a fair amount of room between instruments and vocals.
As there's an emphasis on upper-mid tones and highs, the X1 can sound a little harsh on higher volumes - and this Honor can go very loud indeed.
Underneath these brighter tones lies a mid-bass with a nice, steady thump. The bass doesn't resolve the most detail. It can be a tad muddy, and you have to fiddle with the earbuds to unleash it. Still, the X1 has enough weight in both the mid-bass and the sub-bass rumble. The sound is both airy and light-bassy. Perhaps bright at first, but once you're used to it, the X1 offers an easy listen.
The Honor X1 has strong connectivity, including the possibility to switch seamlessly between listening to one or two earbuds. Controls are basic, however, lacking the option to change the volume. Video playback is good on Android, but audio struggles to cope with video on the YouTube-app on iPhone. Calling is only recommended indoor - where you'll already sound a bit shallow; it quickly becomes undoable with wind or traffic soaring near you.
The Honor X1 by Moecen has good battery life, is comfortable to wear, and sounds pleasant up to moderate volumes. It falls a little short on versatility.
Comfort, build and battery life: 4/5
Controls and connectivity: 4/5
Calling and watching movies: 2/5
Sound quality: 3.5/5
VERDICT:
Around $25 on AliExpress - check current price!
Also read: The best wireless earbuds under $25
Lenovo LivePods LP1 review: Little annoyances
Bluetooth 5.0 - IPX4 waterproof - 4 hours playtime - USB-C
One more model by Lenovo, you'll see just about everywhere on AliExpress: the Lenovo LivePods LP1. Its case is lovely portable, but the earbuds come with some flaws.
These AirPods Pro-size earphones stick out more than Apple's design, but the round and compact inner part is comfortable to wear. The case looks the 20 dollars price point, but at least its thin enough to let it slide into any pocket.
The sound on the LivePods LP1 is nothing special - but nothing bad either, considering the price. It has a strong if laidback bass thump and the sub-bass knows how to rumble too. The lower-mids are boosted: drums and darker electronic tones are clearly emphasized, but they can drown out darker male vocals, which sound a bit too recessed. Upper-mids are elevated as well, making higher-pitched vocals prominent in the music. They have a nice bit of space around them, and dance and electronic songs sound engaging.
The LP1 can go very loud, but as soon as you cross moderate volume levels, higher frequencies can sound uncontrolled, and voices and lighter instruments become harsh.
Unfortunately, the Lenovo LP1 has some annoyances. The video playback is not just a bit off - it's off entirely, not even nearing audio-video synchronization in the YouTube app. Calling? Only doable indoor in quiet areas. The microphone has serious trouble picking up your voice when whatever's sound is around you. The lid of the USB-C-powered case doesn't close well, and as the entire upper part of the LivePods has touch sensors in it, you'll likely already have the voice assistant activated the moment you turn the earbuds in. Take one out to listen to someone talking, and your earphones will shut down - because they do so when you're holding them for 10 seconds.
The Lenovo LivePods LP1 may be one of the best sold ultra-cheap wireless earbuds on AliExpress right now; there are better options you can make in this price range.
Comfort, build and battery life: 3/5
Controls and connectivity: 2/5
Calling and watching movies: 2/5
Sound quality: 4/5
VERDICT:
Around $15 on AliExpress - check current price
Disclaimer: I bought these TWS true wireless earbuds myself. 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
