The era of wired technology is coming to a close as Bluetooth’s reign permeates from one device to another.
Yet, when it comes to headphones, there are many out there who prefer the wires hanging around their necks just because audio quality over Bluetooth is still considered inferior to wired ones. And sometimes the budget does not allow one to venture into wireless options.
So for people looking to invest in some entry-level/budget friendly wired headphones, here are some options you can consider.
Xiaomi Mi Earphones
Considering the Mi Earphones have been priced at Rs 399 you have to accept a few compromises in terms of quality as the Mi Earphones are made of plastic.
The wire on the other hand is good quality and comes braided in some sort of a sturdy kevlar-like fiber which keeps the wire tangle free.
In terms of comfort the earphones didn’t sit that well in my ears and kept falling off. Not the best grip. But, that depends from person to person. Good thing that Xiaomi is giving different size earbuds as extras in the box.
Sound quality is average with bass that’s mostly overpowering although the mic setup on the Mi is good as we didn’t encounter any loss of audio while having a conversation over the phone.
The Mi Earphones are a good bargain for the daily metro traveler whose primary focus is to just consume video content without worrying about audio quality.
Realme Buds
The Realme Buds are a value for money product at Rs 499. The earphones sport a premium design. They come with magnetic earbuds which is always helpful when looking to keep them tangle-free. The earbuds fit snug and thanks to the rubbery texture don’t come off easily.
The audio quality is one of the best traits of the Realme Buds as it comes with rich amplified bass and adequate control over treble. In this price range it is one of the best sounding earphones in the market. There is less emphasis on the mids and vocals, but again not a deal breaker. It is loud! Almost noise-cancellation level loud.
The kevlar-coated wired headphones come with a setup to control the volume and answer calls, which is a great addition.
Investing Rs 499 on the Realme Buds is a great bargain. Despite being a low-cost earphone it gives you great performance, especially for the ones who like listening to bass heavy songs. Something music lovers should definitely consider.
JBL Endurance Run
Folks who are into cardio and running will definitely love the JBL Endurance Run earphones which come in at Rs 1,299. The headphones are really good looking and fit perfectly in my ear.
The fit is excellent as the earphones have been designed in such a way that they stay put in your ears even if you’re running at a brisk pace. What I really liked is that the silicon earphones are IPX5 sweat-proof, which ensures that it doesn’t take any kind of water damage.
The wire quality isn’t the most rugged and being made of rubber it is prone to getting tangled more than usual.
It would have been nice if there had been a small pouch to carry the earphones around in. Also, it comes with a single-button setting and doesn’t have any buttons to toggle the volume controls.
There is subtle presence of bass although it doesn’t overpower the audio. There is enough thump to keep you motivated to run that extra mile.
Honestly, these are headphones targeted towards sports enthusiasts and should mostly be on their buying list.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds
And for the mobile gamers we have the HyperX Cloud Earbuds which is on the higher end of the spectrum but also caters to a very specific category of users.
Mobile gaming has been a rage among Indian mobile users for the past couple of months thanks to roll out of games like PUBG, Fornite, Mini Militia and many more.
The fact that games like PUBG (which has a massive user base in India) requires constant chit-chat and audio cues warrants for a good audio setup that can help the player communicate with his team mates better and also be aware of enemy movement nearby.
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds is the perfect companion for these situations. The fit and finish of the earphones is uber premium and the unique design of the ear buds does provide that extra grip and comfort. The small case to carry the earphones is a welcome addition.
The audio quality is immersive and one is bound to have a good gaming experience with there.
What works against these earphones is that it comes with no buttons to control the volume and that too many could be a problem. Personally, playing with wired headphones is an inconvenience as they make it hard for players to reach certain buttons while playing.
The good thing about this earphone is that it is compatible across multiple platforms and can be used for gaming on PCs, PlayStation and even Nintendo. For a box price of almost Rs 5,000, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds is only and only meant for the true gamers out there and only they should invest in an accessory like this.
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