TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
FOUR STARS - KZ isn't the only famous Chinese earphone brand entering the territory of true wireless earphones. The TRN T200 is TRN's second attempt at it, and while it isn't flawless, it sounds lovely.
Specs of the TRN T200:
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 TRN T200 vs Mpow T5/ M5, JadeAudio EW1, QCY T5 and Edifier TWS5.
Design, comfort and battery life
As one of the most prominent Chinese manufacturers of wired earphones, with a clear line in their earphone designs, you'd expect to look at the TRN T200 like a real TRN. It does only somehow. The earpieces are relatively big, with a T-logo on the shiny black sides. On the inside, the upper part has a fin you put in the top of your inner ear. It gives the TRN T200 a tight seal, even suited for sports.
The battery of the earpieces lasts about 6 hours on a charge, which is good - although becoming quite common even within this sub 50 dollar price range. The charging case can top the battery up for three times, before needing a recharge via micro-USB itself. The case has a shiny, sprayed finish, which does look a bit cheap, but at least it's sturdy, and the lid opens and closes firmly.
Connectivity and controls
The TRN T200 makes a few beeps when you put the earpieces in your ears. The connectivity is mostly good, but the signal may drop small seconds in areas crowded with wireless signals. It's nothing significant, happily, although there are other wireless earphones with a more steady connection.
You control the T200 by touches on the earpieces. As you long if you touch anywhere near the center, you should be good. By tapping twice, you play or pause the music. The rest of the control scheme is a disaster. Hold the button for a longer second to activate the voice assistant, hold the button even longer to increase the volume (right side) or decrease it (left earpiece). To do so, you have to wait for the second beep in your ears - and then keep your finger on the side to change the volume. A long gesture.
Last, skipping or returning a song requires three taps on a side. It's tough to activate this function, sadly. You'll be pausing the music more often than you'd like.
Calling and watching movies
The TRN T200 delivers proper audio-video synchronization on both Android devices supporting Bluetooth 5.0 and iPhone - including the ever so challenging YouTube app. There is a noticeable delay when playing games, however.
Unfortunately, the call quality of the TRN T200 is below average. The other end of the line will have to turn the volume up real good to be able to hear you. Medium noises from your surroundings sound as loud as your voice. If you call with the T200, do it without doing anything other than calling.
Sound quality of TRN T200
First things first: the TRN T200 has a slight hiss. There is a soft layer of white noise underneath the music, which is audible when you put the TRN in and can be heard most of the time when you're listening on low to medium volumes. It's an issue more modern wireless earphones have. Having your music compete with audible white noise takes away some of the pleasure you can have while listening to music.
It's a miss, considering the sound signature of the TRN is sweet. The T200 offers a boosted bass and elevated upper-mids, making vocals sound forward. However, this 'V-shape' (referring to what you see in equalizers; the lower and higher frequencies are lifted, so you get a V-shaped line) still respects the mid-tones. Especially lower-mids such as drums and electronic tones have plenty of presence on the TRN T200. It gives the T200 warm notes in its overall bright nature.
The bass of the T200 is capable of giving a solid thump, and the sub-bass can rumble sweet in typical test songs such as James Blake's Limit to your Love. In the higher frequencies, vocals and lighter instruments such as violins, sound clear. Happily, the highs don't become harsh, like on TRN's famous wired V80 earphones. You won't be turning the volume down because a high-pitched note or a pair of cymbals sounds too bright and loud all of a sudden. Still, the treble does have some sharp moments.
The TRN T200 has an enjoyable, wide soundstage, and within it, instruments and electronic layers are separated well. There is noticeable sibilance (emphasis on sss'sss), however.
Basically, the TRN T200 sounds good. It offers a full sound and an engaging listen - however, challenged by the white noise in the background now and then.
Selected comparisons
TRN T200 vs Mpow T5/ M5
The Mpow has more presence in the bass and lower-mids than the TRN T200, although the bass of the T200 is tighter. Both have a V-shape signature with emphasis on the lower and higher notes, but the highs extend much further on the TRN 200. The Mpow, however, offers better instrument placement within its large soundstage. The TRN has a smaller charging case; the Mpow better controls and call quality.
TRN T200 vs QCY T5
The QCY T5 will not only save you 10-15 dollars but will also gain you a TWS with outstanding call quality and even better audio-video synchronization, even in games. The TRN T200 sounds a little bit brighter than the QCY. It also has a more pronounced lower end with heavier bass and more emphasis on the lower-mids, and a bigger soundstage. The T5 sounds cleaner.
TRN T200 vs JadeAudio EW1
The TRN T200 sounds brighter than the JadeAudio EW1, FiiO's first attempt at true wireless earbuds. 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 comparably comfortable. The T200 has a tighter fit due to its ear fins.
TRN T200 vs Edifier TWS5
The Edifier TWS5 is another pair of true wireless earphones with emphasis on the upper-mids and highs. The TRN T200 adds more presence in the bass and lower-mids underneath the clear vocals, however. While both earpieces are on the bigger side, the T200 ones stay more firm in your ear. The Edifier has better battery life.
Verdict
Even though the controls aren't the most logical and there is an audible low white noise competing with the excellent music quality, the TRN T200 is a recommendable pair of affordable true wireless earphones.
Four stars - very good
Buy TRN T200/ check current price:
Buy TRN T200 on Amazon Europe (Germany)
I bought the TRN T200 myself 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
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