I Tried the Best Ultra-Cheap Earbuds, and They Offer Amazingly Good Noise Cancelling for Under PKR 3500
Published on: 4th December 2024
In a world where expensive audio devices are the norm, finding a pair of super cheap earbuds with great noise-cancelling feels almost too good to be true. But every now and then, life surprises us. Let me tell you about my experience with these budget-friendly gems that offer fantastic sound quality without emptying your wallet.
Setting the Scene
Since high-end earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 came out, the market has been flooded with many copies and cheaper options. However, finding a pair that doesn't skimp on sound quality and noise cancellation while being super affordable has always been tough. Enter my new favorite: the Wave Earbuds, which I bought for just under PKR 3500.
First Impressions
When I unboxed the Wave Earbuds, I was amazed by their sleek design and solid build. They didn't feel cheap at all. The matte finish and sturdy casing give off a premium vibe. The earbuds came with different ear tips, ensuring a comfortable fit for every ear type. Pairing them with my phone was easy, thanks to the smooth Bluetooth connection. The packaging was simple yet functional, further emphasizing the product’s no-frills approach to delivering quality.
Technical Marvel
What makes these earbuds stand out is their noise-cancelling ability. Despite being so cheap, the Wave Earbuds have Quad Mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, powered by their 10MM Bass Driver. This feature blocks out background noise, making them perfect for busy places like public transport or noisy cafes.
Features:
- Quad Mic ENC: Better call quality with environmental noise cancellation. The four-microphone setup helps in picking up your voice clearly even in noisy environments.
- 10MM Big Bass Driver: Deep, powerful bass for a great audio experience. This driver size is ideal for delivering rich, immersive sound without distortion.
- Low Latency Gaming Mode: Ideal for gamers, ensuring minimal delay between audio and action. This feature syncs audio with visual cues, enhancing the gaming experience.
- IPX5 Water Resistance: Protects against sweat and light splashes, making them good for workouts. This makes the earbuds durable and versatile for various activities.
- Instant Pairing: Quick and easy Bluetooth connection with minimal hassle. They connect automatically once taken out of the case, streamlining the user experience.
My Experience
Using the Wave Earbuds for the past few weeks has been a game-changer. I used them during my morning commutes, while working out, and even for meditation. The ENC feature worked well, significantly reducing background noise and letting me fully enjoy my music and podcasts. The sound quality, considering the price, was surprisingly good, with clear vocals and balanced sound.
During my commutes, the noise of traffic and chatter faded away, leaving me with just my music. At the gym, their secure fit and sweat resistance meant they stayed in place through intense workouts, and the bass-heavy tunes kept me motivated. During meditation, the clear and deep sound was calming and immersive. Additionally, the low latency mode made a noticeable difference during gaming sessions, with no lag between the action on-screen and the sound in my ears.
Detailed Breakdown
- Comfort & Fit: The earbuds come with three different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a snug fit for various ear shapes. The lightweight design makes them comfortable for extended use. I found that even after hours of wearing them, there was no discomfort or irritation.
- Battery Life: The Wave Earbuds offer around 6-7 hours of playback on a single charge, and the compact charging case provides additional charges, extending the total battery life to about 24 hours. This is more than enough to get through a busy day without needing to recharge constantly.
- Sound Quality: The 10MM Bass Driver delivers robust sound with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The audio quality is impressive for the price, making these earbuds suitable for various genres of music, podcasts, and even calls. The sound remains consistent and does not distort even at higher volumes.
- Durability: With an IPX5 rating, the earbuds are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them perfect for workouts and outdoor activities. They have survived my rigorous gym sessions and occasional splashes, proving their durability.
- Connectivity: The Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable and fast connection with minimal dropouts. The instant pairing feature adds to the convenience, making the initial setup process effortless. I experienced no lag or interruptions during my use.
Comparisons and Benchmarks
To see how good these budget earbuds are, I compared them to the AirPods Pro 2, a top choice in wireless earbuds. While the AirPods Pro 2 offer better sound quality and more features, the Wave Earbuds did very well, especially considering the price difference. They might not have the same level of polish or the brand name, but they offer great value for money.
In terms of noise cancellation, the Quad Mic ENC on the Wave Earbuds did a good job. They might not completely block out a roaring engine or a busy crowd, but they reduce background noise enough to provide a much better listening experience. The 10MM Bass Driver provides strong bass that is not too overpowering but well-balanced with mids and highs, creating a pleasant audio profile.
Balanced View
No product is perfect, and the Wave Earbuds are no exception. The touch controls can be a bit tricky at times, sometimes not registering my taps and swipes correctly. Also, while the ENC is good, it doesn't completely match the advanced ANC found in more expensive models. However, these are small issues in an otherwise great package.
The battery life is decent, offering around 6-7 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing extra charges to get through a busy day. The low latency mode is great for gamers, ensuring that audio matches perfectly with on-screen action, making these earbuds versatile for many uses.
Final Thoughts
In a market full of choices, finding a pair of earbuds that offer such a great mix of features at an ultra-affordable price is rare. If you're looking for budget earbuds with excellent noise-cancelling capabilities, the Wave Earbuds are a solid choice. They prove that you don't have to spend a lot to enjoy great sound.
So, why not give them a try? Your ears—and your wallet—will thank you.