'I swapped my AirPods for a budget Amazon pair and they're still going strong two years on'
I was sceptical of the Btoos True Wireless Earbuds from Amazon, but I was pleasantly surprised and even now two years on, I still find myself reaching for them over my more expensive pairs
I swapped my AirPods for this budget Amazon pair
(Image: Harriet Morphy-Morris )
Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sony headphones are all pairs I've used or currently use. They're renowned for their superior sound quality, excellent transparency, noise cancelling capabilities, hands-free operation, and sleek designs, all of which justify their £100 plus price tags.
However, a few years ago, I made the decision to swap my AirPods for the budget-friendly Btoos True Wireless Earbuds from Amazon, priced at just £18.99. Tech enthusiasts might scoff at the idea, but I found them to be a reliable pair for tossing in my bag, walking the dog, or any activity where there's a slight risk of losing an earbud.
Two years after I endorsed this pair as a budget-friendly option, I'm back with an updated review on this more affordable alternative. With standard Bluetooth, 36 hours of playtime, and Environmental Noise Cancelling technology, there are some unexpected features packed into this inexpensive pair.
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I'm pleasantly surprised by how well the Btoos pair has held up over time; the audio quality remains consistent, and the connection to my iPhone is still dependable and quick. Naturally, they do lack some of the high-end features (as expected), so if you're in the market for top-tier tech like Apple's latest AirPods 4 with enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, they might be a better fit - currently priced at £129 at Currys.
Earphones for budget shoppers
£18.99
Amazon Buy Here Product Description
The Btootos A90 True Wireless Earbuds are fitted with Bluetooth 5.3, noise reduction technology, a waterproof rating of IP7, and playtime of around 36 hours when on a full battery.
The sale price of £18.99 is for Prime members only.
For those who prefer headphones, the Sony ULT Wear is another viable choice, offering more pizzazz than Amazon's £18 Wireless Buds - and I say this as someone who has personally tested both. Retailing at £129.99 at Argos, the Sony ULT pair boasts superior sound quality with its deep bass mode and a powerful sound feature, essentially a button that intensifies the music in your ears, reports Chronicle Live.
Both of these options provide features that Amazon's budget-friendly pair simply can't match, which isn't surprising given their sub-£20 price tag. However, I wouldn't write them off just yet.
I still use this cheap pair of Amazon earphones when I don't want to risk losing my AirPods
(Image: Harriet Morphy-Morris/Amazon )
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One feature I particularly appreciate is the LED display, something even AirPods don't offer. This LED display outshines Apple's offering, with a small illuminated indicator displaying battery life - a feature that sets these £20 earbuds apart from my current £100+ Apple pair. Even after two years, the light hasn't dimmed or flickered.
The LED charging display allows you to keep track of the headset's charge level on the move, showing the battery status of each earbud. Years after my impulsive budget purchase, the only aspect of the Amazon pair that hasn't lived up to expectations is the battery life. Initially, the earbuds did deliver on their promised '36H playtime', but now I find myself needing to recharge them after just a few hours of use.
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