TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
4.5 STARS - The Tronsmart Onyx Pure is one energetic sounding pair of very affordable wireless earbuds.
Tronsmart Onyx Pure specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec
IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat proof)
7 hours playtime on a single charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 4 times
Comes with three sizes of ear tips, USB-C cable and English manual
$25 - Check price on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, other Amazon countries or AliExpress
Below this Tronsmart Onyx Pure review, you will find comparisons of the Tronsmart Onyx Pure vs SoundPEATS Free2 Classic, Jlab Go Air Pop, and QCY T13.
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Design, comfort and battery life
Tronsmart looked closely to the competition in the $25 range of wireless earbuds and so the Onyx Pure has compact round earbuds with slight bumps, that makes them feel snugly and comfortable in your ears.
The earpiece is just a bit rounder than competitors like the SoundPEATS Free2 Classic, Jlab Go Air Pop, and Edifier X3s, but it's just as comfortable.
The earbuds are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they withstand rain and sweat, and as they deliver up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge with moderate volume, they can easily last the entire night with very low volume. The Onyx Pure is comfortable and capable for side-sleeping.
The charging case can recharge the earbuds four times fully before it needs new power via USB-C. A single LED-light on the front indicates the remaining battery, and the case is thin enough to carry comfortably in a jeans pocket. It ticks all the right boxes for the price.
Controls and connectivity
The controls were a weak spot of previous entry-level Tronsmart earbuds like the Spunky Beat and Onyx Neo, and although the touch panels respond more convenient this time around, the Onyx Pure doesn't always register the number of taps well.
That means it's easy to activate the wrong function, as a single tap changes volume, a double-tap plays/pauses music, and you need the triple-tap to change sound modes (left) or activate the voice assistant (right). Only the changing of tracks is safe, as it is done by holding down an earbud. As long as you don't hold the sides for 5 seconds, that is: that shuts down an earbud manually, which is convenient if you haven't got the case with you. The good news is that all important controls are within reach on the earbuds.
Standard connectivity is solid, with quick pairing and connection, and a stable Bluetooth connection up to 9-10 meters.
Calls, movies and games
It's doable to take a phone call with the Onyx Pure as long as you're in a quiet area - and preferably indoor. Your voice output is a little soft. Sound effects like claps, door slams, and nearby traffic are reduced well, but they do make your voice fragile and at times inaudible. Of course, wind noise is the usual threat as well.
Video playback is flawless on both Android and iPhone. The Onyx Pure doesn't have a dedicated low-latency mode for games, but sound effects in games follow (very) quickly after the action you see on the screen.
Also read: The best wireless earbuds under $25
Sound quality of Tronsmart Onyx Pure
As you may expect from a dirt-cheap pair of wireless earbuds, the sound on the Tronsmart Onyx Pure isn't very refined. It is very energetic though.
The mid-bass pumps heavily and with fast strikes. Without showing much texture or depth, its quick thumping makes dance, pop, and electronic music uplifting. The sub-bass underneath - the darkest bass tones you can feel as much as hear - isn't partically impressive and lacks depth, but still brings some neat rumbling to songs.
The other energetic part of the music lies in the upper mid-tones. Female and higher male vocals are forward, and lighter electronic tones and instruments like violins and trumpets are also rewarded prominent positions in the music. The Onyx Pure pushes them fiercely, resulting in a metallic layer over the higher frequencies. Unlike previous cheap Tronsmart models, however, highs don't become unbearably sharp.
In between the bass and treble, center-mid tones like guitars and piano play are recessed, and surprisingly, lower-mid tones aren't boosted heavily as well - just enough to complement the powerful sound with some warmth. It's too ambitious to speak of a soundstage and instrument positioning, but the sound doesn't shout too directly in your ears either. The maximum volume could have been higher, though.
Tronsmarts selling trick on the Pure is that you can switch between three sound modes. Bass Boost increases the mid-bass strength (but not depth) while shaving off a bit of treble and making the lows more muffled; Pure tones down the bass and further emphasizes upper-mids - you could also call it a Podcast mode. There's more variation on equally affordable competitors like the Jlab Go Air Pop and Soundcore Life P2 mini, but just like on these models, the regular sound is just the sweet spot anyway.
Its sound may not be the most detailed or refined, but the Tronsmart Onyx Pure is one uplifting partystarter.
Tronsmart Onyx Pure comparisons
Tronsmart Onyx Pure vs SoundPEATS Free2 Classic
Like the Tronsmart Onyx Pure, the SoundPEATS Free2 Classic knows a thing or two about a metallic layer over its treble, but it gives you plenty in return. Upper-mids and highs have more air on the SoundPEATS, higher-pitched vocals have more nuances, and it's easier to separate instruments in a classical composition. The Free2 Classic sounds noticeably brighter, but also sharper than the warmer and bassier Onyx Pure. The Free2 Classic has a slight edge on all features: slightly clearer calls, half an hour longer battery life, and more responsive touch controls.
Tronsmart Onyx Pure vs Jlab Go Air Pop
Just like the Tronsmart Onyx Pure, the similairily priced and compact Jlab Go Air Pop has three sound modes to choose from. In the standard sound you'll no doubt use the most, the Jlab is bassier than the Tronsmart, with a stronger mid-bass and fuller thump, an an easier rumbling sub bass - while the Onyx Pure bass feels quicker. Both have forward higher vocals and upper-mids, and both show a metallic edge to it. The Jlab places drums more on your left and right. In features, both are comfortable enough to sleep with and have below-average call quality. The Tronsmart has a higher waterproof rating, the Jlabs controls respond better. The Onyx Pure fares better for games, while the Go Air Pop has the charging cable built-in.
Jlab Go Air Pop review ($25)
Tronsmart Onyx Pure vs QCY T13
The QCY T13 is Scarbir's top recommendation of wireless earbuds under $25, and the Tronsmart Onyx Pure doesn't do enough to change that. The QCY has a more expansive and wider sound, with a stronger and fuller bass section, more lower-mids presence and more treble detail. It doesn't have an official waterproof rating and isn't as comfortable for side-sleeping, but the QCY handles phone and video calls better, and offers half an hour longer battery life on a single charge. Controls are also more responsive, although the Onyx Pure adds volume controls the QCY misses.
QCY T13 review ($25)
Verdict
The Tronsmart Onyx Pure is one energetic sounding pair of very affordable wireless earbuds.
4.5 stars - Great
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