All-new Echo Buds (2023 Release) | True Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds with Alexa, multipoint, 20H battery with charging case,

Like many who probably just got the item from the Prime Day sale, I figured I would take a chance on some sub-$40 buds. I’ve had the first-generation Echo Buds in the past and always used them for outside labor since they were more affordable and tended to fit in the ear better than my AirPods.Speaking in terms of comparing the buds to the previous generation, these are more in the style of AirPods instead of the traditional in-ear type experience (similar to Samsung).Versus Echobuds (previous generation)Not sound isolating, if you need that – get a different set.Sound just as good.Case much less annoying and takes up less of a footprint.Versus AirPodsThrough various promotions, I have three generations of AirPods – these fit just as well and probably slightly better than AirPods for me. They have a sleeve that goes over the top that helps them fit a little more snugly than AirPods. I have used these for a variety of functions, from casual use to exercise – the Echo Buds remain in my ear just as well.The sound is much better than AirPods and the Alexa app can adjust the EQ of the sound. The bass can actually be heard. I don’t think they sound as good as some other high end options, but for $50 or less – these are on the money.The battery life so far has been impressive. I use the headphones every day and have only charged them fully twice. These are charged by a USB-C cable and FYI it doesn’t come with a cable or charger, but you know you have one.Alexa integration – My music service is Youtube Premium and this actually works better with Youtube Premium than Siri. Alexa responds quicker than Siri in summoning and tends to be a little more helpful.Bud mounting – I thought I would hate the magnetic bud mounting system, but it has actually not gone wrong for me yet. I am curious how this will playout over long-term ownership, but it isn’t that bad. Also, dropping the AirPods usually means that I am searching on the ground/floor for where they shot out. These Echo Buds have not shot out when dropped on the floor.Find my Buds – I set this feature up, but haven’t really spent time with it. I am absolutely sure it can’t be worse than the AirPods version.Phone use – The people I regularly talk to and who can barely hear me seem to barely hear me with these buds as well. I assume this puts them on the same level as the AirPods. You will probably have a better time with calls on these than I do with my people. Let’s just blame them.Some complaints/negatives – The case isn’t always that easy to open one-handed. I know this is a minor gripe, but it seems like I am regularly in situations where one-handed operation would be helpful.You only have to use the Alexa app to initially set the device up. Some of ya’ll will hate that. I don’t mind that, but it would be nice to see the battery power without having to open a separate app. I guess, I’m just saying that convenient Apple popup when you open the case is a cool feature!The case is white and that design doesn’t make for readily available cases quite yet. This thing will be filthy by the time I actually begin looking for a case. The case also feels cheap compared to some other models.Connection – Connecting to the phone seems to have a slight delay. This isn’t a huge deal because I can spare the possible second or two of delay, but some might be annoyed by this. I also had some interesting stereo delay between the two buds while watching a Youtube video. This so far has been an isolated event.Summary – I wouldn’t pay $100 for these, but for $50 or less – these are fantastic. I can’t speak for the Android experience, but the IOS experience has been decent and I would gladly purchase a few of these versus going the AirPod route. There are some minor oddities, but nothing significant that would hamper the enjoyment of the device. The Echo Buds sound much better than the AirPods at a fraction of the price. There are some minor setbacks as far as connection delay, but not enough setbacks to warrant the increased cost.