Review of Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) – Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation

The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) literally “embed” Alexa right in your ear. Of course, the new model is interesting not only because of the voice assistant. Let’s see how these wireless earbuds perform in practice, especially since they promise effective active noise cancellation.  

The Alexa voice assistant is supported on many devices today. The voice assistant is closely tied to the proprietary Amazon Echo Buds wireless earbuds. Amazon decided to offer a second generation of earbuds, while the first generation was not officially sold in Europe. The basic functions of the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are reminiscent of various competing products, such as the OnePlus Buds Z2 (test). The Amazon earbuds also support wireless connectivity and come with a charging case that provides protection during transport. Active noise cancellation ensures effective isolation from external noises. There is also an IPX4 rating for splash protection. Therefore, the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) can withstand a walk in the rain, for example.

Some functions can be controlled directly by touching the earbuds. Of course, it’s more elegant to control the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) using the voice assistant Alexa. Media playback and various other functions are supported. But alternative voice assistants such as Apple Siri and Google Assistant.

As for the price, the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are slightly more expensive than the aforementioned OnePlus Buds Z2, above the €100 mark. On the Amazon website, the earbuds in black or white together with a wired charging case will cost €120. However, you can purchase a version with a wireless charging case for €140. We received the latter for testing, as well as the Anker inductive charging station, which costs €18 separately.

Amazon has included a USB charging cable, in-ear tips of four different sizes (some already installed on the earbuds by default), ear hooks in two sizes, a quick start guide, and a brochure with additional information in the package.

Earbuds in detail

The charging earbuds fit into a well-protected case with dimensions of 6.8 x 28.6 x 39.1 mm. The wireless charging option weighs 47.6 g. There is a recess on the side that allows you to easily pry open the lid and open the case. Below it is an LED that displays the state of charge of the built-in battery in three colors (green, yellow, red). The case allows for convenient charging of the earbuds while on the go, significantly increasing battery life. The batteries in the earbuds provide up to five hours of listening time with ANC and Alexa control, and with the case, this time extends to 15 hours. Without ANC and voice control, the earbuds can last 6.5 hours on their own, 19.5 hours with the case.

To charge the case’s battery, use a USB cable with a Type-C connector; the model with wireless charging has the corresponding option. The button nearby activates the charging indicator. However, it also lights up when the case is opened.

Additionally, two internal LEDs light up, indicating the charging status of both earbuds in the previous color scheme (green, yellow, red). The earbuds are inserted into the case with the outer side facing up. Charging is performed through three contacts in each earbud.

The Echo Buds (2nd Gen.) have a rounded shape; the body is made of matte plastic, and the barely noticeable Amazon logo can be seen on it. The manufacturer did not add a “stem” to the earbuds, unlike many competitors. However, the case is still large enough to be easily grasped. The earbuds are protected against splashes of water with an IPX4 rating, but this does not apply to the case.

Inside, Amazon chose glossy plastic. On the black surface, three contact points for charging are visible, as well as the markings for the right and left earbuds. There is also an IR sensor that allows the Echo Buds to determine when they are placed in the ear canal. Inside, a “system on a chip” Realtek RTL8763C Bluetooth is used, which includes an integrated audio codec and NXP digital signal processor. Amazon has added two external microphones with directional technology, as well as an internal microphone for each earbud. Sound is produced by two 5.7 mm speakers.

Four ear tips have different color coding, so it won’t be confusing. The default ear tips are red and of medium size. Three pairs of optional ear fittings in two sizes are also included.

The ear fittings securely attach to the earbud body. They should be used if planning to engage in sports with the Echo Buds.

Conclusion

The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) show significant progress compared to the previous version, offering a wide range of features and improved sound quality. The built-in Alexa voice assistant is the standout feature, though the lack of Russian language support may limit its appeal in some regions.

Among the advantages are effective active noise cancellation, convenient touch and voice controls, and long battery life (up to 15 hours with the charging case). The IPX4 protection makes the earbuds suitable for sports or use in rainy weather, although the case itself does not have similar protection.

However, competition in the wireless earbuds market remains fierce, and the price of the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) slightly exceeds budget-friendly options like the OnePlus Buds Z2. Additionally, the lack of support for high-quality audio codecs (e.g., aptX) might disappoint audiophiles.

In conclusion, the Echo Buds (2nd Gen) are ideal for users who value integration with the Amazon ecosystem and active noise cancellation. If a voice assistant and versatility are key priorities, these earbuds are a solid choice. However, for those seeking the best sound quality at a similar price point, alternative options might be worth considering.