In February 2022, Amazon launched the long-awaited second generation of its Amazon Echo series of true wireless earphones: the Echo Buds.
Supporting all the essential convenient features such as noise cancellation, ambient sound pass-through, and multipoint connection, these earphones are essentially flawless.
They offer incredible cost-performance during sales, so I highly recommend purchasing them during those times.
Mr.ガジェットBy the way, the first generation was not released in Japan.
- Want earphones with noise cancellation
- Want earphones with good overall value (only during major sales)
- Want to try earphones that support Alexa
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
- Can drop to nearly half price during sales
- Active noise cancellation included
- Alexa support
- Ambient sound mode included
- IPX4 water resistance
- Performance is not good enough to justify the regular price
- Weak bass and lacking overall impact
Basic Information on Amazon ‘Echo Buds’ 2nd Gen
Specifications
| Codecs | Unannounced (likely SBC, AAC) | Colors | Glacier White / Black |
| Drivers | 5.7 mm dynamic driver | Dimensions | Earphones (excluding tips/wings): 20.0 mm x 19.1 mm x 19.1 mm Charging case: 66.8 mm x 28.6 mm x 39.1 mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | Weight | Earphones (excluding tips/wings): 5.7 g Charging case: 44.4 g (47.6 g for wireless charging model) |
| Max Playback Time | With ANC and Alexa hands-free on: up to 5 hours Up to 15 hours with case | Actual Weight | Earphones (including tips/wings): 6.1 g Charging case: 43.4 g (measured by this site) |
| Waterproof | IPX4 rated (earphones only) | Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Noise Cancellation | |
|---|---|
| Ambient Sound | |
| Multipoint | |
| Auto-wear Detection | |
| Game Mode (Low Latency) | |
| Dedicated App |
- Alexa integrated
- Active noise cancellation included
- Ambient sound mode included
- Multipoint support
- Supports activation of Siri and Google Assistant
- IPX4 water resistance
Included Items
- Earphones
- Charging case
- Ear tips (4 sizes)
- Wing tips (2 types)
- USB-C cable
- Quick start guide
Appearance
Ms.ガジェットYou can tell they put effort into more than just the earphones themselves, like the ear tips and wing tips!
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
Actual Usage Feel
Sound quality… Vivid but lacks impact. Feels flat overall.
Overall, I felt the sound had very high resolution and was vivid.
The high range is not piercing, and the mid range is natural, so I have no complaints there.
However, the low range lacks impact.
It’s a matter of personal preference, but earphones in the 5,000 yen range have much more impact.
Noise cancellation… Eliminates most noise, but not perfect
Due to the nature of noise cancellation technology, it is difficult to eliminate high-pitched sounds, so you may still hear sounds like birds or cicadas, which can be bothersome at times, but it’s not a major issue if you are playing music.
However, I feel it is debatable whether it’s worth paying 12,980 yen for this level of noise cancellation.
Mr.ガジェットIf this performance were at the sale price, it would be quite impressive, though…
Also, I feel there is a slight white noise when it is quiet. I cannot recommend them as a substitute for earplugs when studying or reading.
They cannot compare to Apple’s AirPods or Sony’s WF-1000XM4, so I recommend not setting your expectations too high.
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
Ambient sound mode… Usable level
When using ambient sound mode, you can hear considerably more surrounding sound than in normal mode.
Surrounding sounds don’t sound exceptionally loud compared to other earphones, but I think it is practical for conversations at a checkout counter, etc.
Supports multipoint!
Amazon ‘Echo Buds’ (2nd Gen) can add multipoint pairing functionality by performing the latest firmware update via the Alexa app.
Mr.ガジェットIt wasn’t possible before, but it’s wonderful that they added proper support!
Even more convenient for those who want to use hands-free operation
The biggest feature of these earphones is that they have Alexa integrated.
When your hands are full, such as while cooking, you can just say “Play music” without touching any buttons, and it will start playing music.
Of course, you can specify songs or playlists, and you can also shuffle, skip, and repeat using voice commands.
Easily customize with the app
Various settings are consolidated in the Alexa app, making them easy to understand.
There are many things you can set in the app, such as power-saving mode, equalizer, customization of touch controls, and workout settings.
As shown, you can customize various items from the app.
Mr.ガジェットI felt the equalizer was too rough and not really usable. However, it’s a happy point that you can customize the tap controls!
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
Comes with many ear tips and wing tips & fitting test for more comfort
The included ear tips and wing tips are excellent.
Also, you can perform a fit test in the app, making it easy to choose the tips that fit you best.
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
Summary
Buy during sales! Wait during regular times.
The regular price is 12,980 yen (14,980 yen for the model with a wireless charging case), but during sales, the price can drop to nearly half.
The discount range during sales is large, and honestly, I find it debatable whether they are worth the regular price.
Conversely, they offer incredible cost-performance during sales, so I recommend purchasing them during those times.
- Can drop to nearly half price during sales
- Active noise cancellation included
- Alexa support
- Ambient sound mode included
- IPX4 water resistance
- Performance is not good enough to justify the regular price
- Weak bass and lacking overall impact
Recommended for people who:
- Want earphones with noise cancellation
- Want earphones with good overall value (only during major sales)
- Want to try earphones that support Alexa
- Please note that the listed price may differ from the actual price; always confirm the final price before purchasing.
Prices are highly likely to change during sales, so please be sure to check.
Thank you for reading until the end!
- Product prices and information are current as of the time of writing.
- Please note that this site cannot be held responsible for any errors in this information.
- Product and service names mentioned on this site are trademarks of their respective companies.
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