In 2021, Amazon released its second-generation Echo Buds, which addressed many of the issues with the initial version. These new earbuds featured true active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and a smaller design. However, Amazon took a different approach for their third-generation Echo Buds by introducing a low-cost model with a completely new design that focused on essential features. Despite being a budget model, the $50 Echo Buds still catered well to the Alexa faithful and offered a solid mix of features.
In terms of design, the 2023 model of the Echo Buds featured an AirPods-like stem that extended down from the ear towards the jaw. Unlike its predecessors, these earbuds did not have silicone ear tips and instead sat in the ear without completely closing off the ear canal. They included two sets of thin silicone “covers” that provided a bit of grip but did not significantly change the feel of the earbuds. This mostly open design allowed for a comfortable listening experience while still allowing some ambient noise. However, it is important to note that these earbuds only had an IPX2 rating for water protection, making them less suitable for intense workouts or excessive sweating.
Despite being a budget model, Amazon did not compromise on controls and customization options. The upper part of the Echo Buds accepted taps for various music playback, call, and Alexa commands. They also featured in-ear detection for automatic pausing and allowed users to reconfigure the tap controls according to their preferences. Additionally, the earbuds supported hands-free access to Alexa and offered multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between two devices.
In terms of software and setup, the Echo Buds required the Alexa app for a full setup. While this is not uncommon for earbuds and headphones, the app’s integration with various smart devices made it a bit bloated. However, Amazon made an effort to make the earbuds’ settings easily accessible within the app. Users could see battery life percentages for each earbud and the case on the home screen, and had the option to disable Alexa hands-free. The app also offered EQ customization, a Find My tool, and various feature categories for entertainment, communication, and location settings.
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Sound quality was a standout feature of the Echo Buds. Despite their open design, these earbuds delivered surprisingly good audio quality for their price range. They offered clarity, detail, and a well-balanced sound across different genres. While they did lack a bit of low-end thump, which is common for open designs, pressing the earbuds slightly into the ears could enhance the bass. Overall, the Echo Buds performed better than many other $50 earbuds on the market.
The battery life of the Echo Buds was also commendable. Amazon claimed up to five hours of use, which could be extended by disabling hands-free access to Alexa. The charging case provided three additional charges, and a quick-charge feature offered up to two hours of listening time in just 15 minutes. While the Echo Buds did not support wireless charging, the compact and portable charging case was easy to carry around.
Call quality was not a strong point of the Echo Buds. Despite the presence of two mics and a voice accelerometer on each earbud, the overall clarity during calls was not particularly great. While Amazon claimed “crystal clear” quality, users may experience some limitations in call performance.
In conclusion, the third-generation Amazon Echo Buds offered a budget-friendly option with essential features and a new design. Although they may not have excelled in all areas, such as water resistance and call quality, they delivered impressive sound quality for their price range. With customizable controls and a user-friendly app, these earbuds catered well to Alexa users and provided a solid listening experience. Overall, the $50 Echo Buds were a worthy addition to Amazon’s lineup of audio devices.
