In the ever-crowded market of wireless earbuds, finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming. You need to consider sound quality, battery life, fit, features, and of course, price. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the Airbud Signature S650 Wireless Earbuds, a mid-range option from Audionic that promises solid performance without breaking the bank.
Design and Build
The Airbud Signature S650 boasts a sleek and stylish design. The charging case is compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag. It’s constructed from a durable plastic with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. On the front, you’ll find a convenient LED indicator that displays the charging status of both the case and the earbuds. A USB-C port sits at the bottom for charging, a welcome upgrade over the outdated micro USB found on some older models.,
The earbuds themselves have a stem design with touch controls on the outer surface. These controls are responsive and allow you to play/pause music, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and even activate voice assistant. The earbuds are available in a classic black finish, offering a versatile look that complements any style.
Fit and Comfort
Finding earbuds that fit securely and comfortably can be tricky. The Airbud Signature S650 comes with three different sizes of ear tips, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. For extended listening sessions, this snug yet comfortable fit is crucial.
However, some reviewers have noted that the stem design might not be suitable for all ear shapes. If you have smaller ears or find in-ear buds uncomfortable in general, these might not be the best choice. It’s always recommended to try earbuds in-store before purchasing, if possible.
Sound Quality
The Airbud Signature S650 features 30mm drivers, which are relatively large for wireless earbuds in this price range. These drivers deliver decent sound quality with clear mids and highs. However, bass response is a bit on the weaker side. Audiophiles seeking deep, thumping bass may be disappointed.
That being said, the soundstage is surprisingly wide for the price, offering a good sense of separation between instruments. For casual listening, podcasts, and audiobooks, the sound quality is perfectly adequate.
The Airbud Signature S650 boasts Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology. This feature utilizes built-in microphones to filter out ambient noise. While it won’t completely block out loud noises like airplane engines, it can effectively reduce low-frequency background hum, making it easier to focus on your music or calls.
Call Quality
The Airbud Signature S650 features four microphones with ENC technology for clear call quality. During calls, the ENC helps to suppress background noise and ensure your voice is transmitted clearly. However, some reviewers have reported that call quality can be a bit inconsistent in noisy environments.
Battery Life
The Airbud Signature S650 boasts a total playback time of up to 35 hours with the charging case. The earbuds themselves offer around 6 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 5 full charges. This makes them a good option for everyday use, commutes, and even long flights.
The earbuds support fast charging, allowing you to get a quick top-up when you’re short on time. A 10-minute charge can provide enough juice for up to an hour of playback.
Gaming Mode
The Airbud Signature S650 features a dedicated gaming mode with low latency (around 45ms). This can be helpful for reducing audio delay, which can be a major issue in fast-paced games. To activate gaming mode, you’ll need to switch the Bluetooth codec to SBC on your device.
Connectivity and Features
The Airbud Signature S650 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and reliable connection. Pairing is quick and easy, and the earbuds automatically reconnect to your device once removed from the charging case.
The touch controls on the earbuds offer a good range of functionality, allowing you to control music playback, calls, and even activate voice assistant. However, some reviewers have found the touch controls to be a bit sensitive, leading to accidental presses at times.
The Airbud Signature S650 boasts an IPX5 water resistance rating. This means they can withstand splashes of water and sweat.
Who Should Consider the Airbud Signature S650?
The Airbud Signature S650 is a good option for casual listeners who prioritize comfort, battery life, and a stylish design. They’re perfect for everyday use, commuting, working out, and even light gaming thanks to the low latency mode.
However, if you’re an audiophile seeking the most pristine sound quality or powerful bass, you might want to look elsewhere. Additionally, those with very small ears or who find in-ear buds uncomfortable in general may want to consider other options.
Alternatives
Here are a few alternative wireless earbuds to consider depending on your needs:
- For Superior Sound Quality: Sony WF-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
- For Powerful Bass: Jabra Elite 7 Active, JBL Live Pro+ TWS
- For Budget-Friendly Option: Anker Soundcore Life P3, Wyze Buds Pro
Final Verdict
The Airbud Signature S650 offers a good balance of features and performance for the price. They boast a comfortable design, decent sound quality with ENC, long battery life, and a gaming mode for a well-rounded experience. However, the bass response might be lacking for some, and the touch controls can be a bit finicky.
If you’re looking for a stylish and reliable pair of everyday earbuds with good battery life, the Airbud Signature S650 is a solid choice. But if you prioritize top-notch sound quality or powerful bass, you might want to explore other options.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Additional Notes
- It’s important to consider user reviews from various sources to get a well-rounded picture of the Airbud Signature S650’s performance.
- Price may vary depending on retailer and promotions.
- Newer models may be available by the time you read this review, so be sure to check for the latest offerings from Audionic.
We hope this in-depth review of the Airbud Signature S650 Wireless Earbuds helps you decide if they’re the right fit for your needs.
