Earfun is again with the successor to the favored Earfun Free earphones we reviewed final yr. On the time, we had been impressed by their waterproof design, sound high quality, and budget-friendly worth and concluded that they had been “one of many hands-down greatest true wi-fi headphones you should buy underneath $50.” The Earfun Free 2 are formally right here to enhance upon the originals and as soon as once more problem precisely what you must anticipate from a $50 earbud. Spoiler alert: they’re nice.
Specs
- Present Value: $49.99 (Amazon, Earfun)
- Key Options:
- Qualcomm aptX Audio Expertise
- Balanced Immersive Sound with Dynamic Composite Drivers
- 60ms Tremendous Low Latency Mode for Higher Video and Gaming
- Intuitive Contact Management, Together with Quantity Management
- IPX7 Waterproof with Sweatshield Expertise
- 30 Hour Playtime with Sweatshield Expertise
- Bluetooth Model: 5.2
- Bluetooth Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
- Bluetooth Codec: aptX™, AAC, SBC
- Most Working Vary: 15m (with out impediment)
- Battery:
- Capability: 50mAh*2 (earbuds); 400mAh (charging case)
- Charging Time: 1.5 hours (earbuds), 2 hours (charging case), 3.5 hours (for charging case with wi-fi charger)
- Playtime: As much as 7 hours; 30 hours with charging case (varies by quantity stage and audio codec)
- Dimensions: 66mm x 39mm x 29mm
- Weight: 48 grams
Unboxing and Overview
The Earfun Free 2 evolve the design of the unique Frees and brings it up with the occasions. The earbuds are barely smaller this time round and have a refined, extra angular form that improves its match. Regardless of the delicate modifications, every bud nonetheless includes a 50mAh battery, similar to the originals. Despite the fact that the battery is similar, the expertise inside has modified making them extra vitality environment friendly whereas additionally enhancing sound high quality. The Free 2s now use power-sipping Bluetooth 5.2 which permits the buds to increase their battery life a full hour as much as 7 hours. The buds are actually additionally capable of transmit utilizing the higher-bandwidth aptX codec to cut back a few of the compression typical to bluetooth earbuds, so that you’re getting larger high quality audio and improved battery life with out sacrificing dimension and portability.
The charging case has skilled a giant face raise and it’s a wholesale enchancment over the unique. It’s a lot smaller and extra pocketable, nearly precisely just like the case with the Jabra Elite 75ts. The unique was a protracted oval and, whereas nonetheless pocketable, was too huge to hold with keys or a telephone comfortably. The brand new case can simply be slid right into a pocket and is simpler to retrieve due to the brand new tender contact end. Relating to recharge capability, the case is sweet for a bit over three recharges bringing whole playtime as much as 30 hours.
Like the unique, I’ve to attract comparisons to the Jabras right here. It is vitally clear that Earfun has taken inspiration from the Elite line and that’s a very good factor. Given their low value, it’s such as you’re getting the Jabra put on expertise with no need to pay for Jabras. Right here, the design permits for a match that’s nearly instantly safe and lends itself to all day consolation. This isn’t to take something away from the Earfun staff — the earphones and case are not precisely alike however they’re shut sufficient that they every supply a terrific carrying expertise.
The place the Earfuns actually stand out from the competitors is of their waterproof design. The Free 2s are IPX7 rated, which implies they are often submerged in as much as a meter of water for 30 minutes and nonetheless work tremendous. For those who’re searching for a pair of buds to leap within the pool with, these ought to match the invoice. On the identical time, rain and sweat received’t affect them in any respect, so you’ll be able to be happy to make use of them for exercises. Be aware that this doesn’t shield the earbuds towards jets of water like from a bathe. When water does make its approach into the earbud, they’ll merely shut off.
Professional-tip not endorsed by the producer: for those who don’t want the earbuds for calls, a drop of tremendous glue over the microphone port solves the water jet drawback so you need to use them within the bathe with out interruption.
One other design change I admire this time round is with the nozzles. The originals used a skinny movie proper the place the earbud opens. These use a steel grill with large open areas. Presumably, the water-blocking movie likes beneath these grilles additional down the nozzle (you can even pour water out of those nozzles, so it’s clearly blocked additional down). This can be a huge enchancment because the movies on the unique had a bent to get clogged over time and reduce quantity. The elevated distance right here ought to assist make sure the Free 2s efficiency over time.
Earlier than stepping into efficiency, it’s additionally value highlighting that EarFun has switched to the touch controls with the Free 2s versus a multifunction button. Controls are largely the identical — faucet as soon as for quantity, twice for play/pause, thrice for observe management, maintain for low latency mode, maintain longer to your digital assistant — however you’ll be tapping the face of every bud. It really works properly and persistently, so the implementation right here is properly performed.
Listening, Gaming, and Use Impressions
Underneath the hood, these earphones use customized dual-composite drivers. EarFun claims these ship a balanced sound. Particularly, “the bespoke drivers of the brand new EarFun Free 2 True Wi-fi ship high-fidelity sound with deep bass, pure mids and a transparent, detailed treble.” They’re positively an enchancment and made for a enjoyable hear, whether or not I used to be listening to Spotify, watching films, or enjoying video games.
Sure, you learn that proper: enjoying video games. EarFun really markets these based mostly on their gaming capability due to included low-latency mode that drops latency right down to 60ms. In observe, which means these are a significantly better match for gaming than the overwhelming majority of true wi-fi earbuds on sale right now particularly at this worth. Taking part in Name of Responsibility with these, there’s a delay I thought I may understand nevertheless it’s so minor that it didn’t affect my gameplay in any respect. Evaluate that to Sony’s new WF-1000XM4s the place enjoying shooters felt nearly unattainable. Sound high quality doesn’t take successful both. What does is the space you will be from the transmitting machine. You’ll lose connection extra shortly in low latency mode for those who resolve to stroll away. For those who’re at all times close to the machine you’re listening from, nevertheless, it’s value leaving on for the very best multimedia expertise.
Relating to sound high quality, EarFun has made some huge good points with the Free 2s. Bass efficiency is way improved. These supply a much bigger, fuller sound than the originals. Mid and treble efficiency can also be improved with higher presentation of small particulars, just like the ring of cymbals or ambient sounds within the atmosphere in video games and films. aptX positively helps right here, however simply as importantly, the change to the nozzles means this improved efficiency ought to last more. Over time, the unique EarFuns would degrade because the filters turned soiled and would require devoted cleansing to revive. It’s vital to notice that wanting pouring hydrogen peroxide inside the nozzle, it’s not clear you’ll be able to clear the filter at all — however with out coming in direct contact with ear particles, it’ll absolutely protect the efficiency of those earbuds properly into the long run.
Last Ideas
For $50, the EarFun Free 2s are an excellent worth. They provide efficiency and options not discovered elsewhere at this worth. Whether or not you’re gaming, swimming, or simply want a brand new pair of nice sounding earbuds that received’t break the financial institution, these are a wonderful alternative.
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