Amazon Echo Buds 2 Review: A More Affordable Alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro

I’ve worn earbuds more over this past year than any other. Between video calls and workouts at home, it felt like I was constantly putting some sort of implement in my ear.

Wireless earbuds have become essential—as has noise-cancelling technology to drown out the sounds of housemates. If you’re looking for a new pair, and are leery of dropping $399 on Apple’s shiny Pro ’pods, consider Amazon’s recent update to its Bluetooth buds.

The second-generation Echo Buds have active noise cancellation and built-in, hands-free Alexa. They’re smaller and sound better than the previous model—and they’re cheaper too.

The price—$120, or $140 with a wireless charging case—is why these headphones are worth your attention. Noise-cancelling earbuds from companies like Apple, Samsung and Bose all cost over $200. For significantly less, Amazon’s set offers similar audio quality and sound-blocking cancellation, with some trade-offs.

Active noise-cancelling doesn’t only seal out sound; it uses microphones to listen to ambient noise, then generates opposing sound waves to eradicate it. (If it helps, think of lining peaks with troughs, and troughs with peaks.) Good noise cancelling is difficult to do, especially in small, marble-size earbuds.

The AirPods Pro are my gold standard. They can’t isolate sound like bulkier over-ear headsets, but they successfully reduce daily din to levels that allow me to concentrate. During indoor and outdoor testing, I was surprised how well the Echo Buds 2 active noise cancellation held up in comparison—and for $130 less.

Outside, the grumble of passing trucks and the howling wind were imperceptible. Inside, I could hear my husband on his video call, until I put on music. Then, his voice faded into the background.

Noise-cancelling has to start with a secure seal. A range of ear-tip sizes (S, M, L, and XL) plus three pairs of optional ear-support wings are included in the box. You can test the fit in the Alexa app. A chime plays and rates the quality of your seal. With the default medium tips installed, my fit was “good.” Adding wings bumped my grade to “great.” My ears did feel sore after wearing the buds all day. Downsizing to small tips eliminated the pain, but broke the seal.

To ensure a good fit, the earbuds come with different-size round ear tips and optional...

A snug fit also improves the audio experience. Modern pop such as Griff’s “Black Hole” and classics like The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” sound great in the Echo Buds. The bass is particularly punchy, and the treble is clean. Competitors I’ve tested do produce more balanced audio, but at a much higher price.

The Echo Buds’ feature set is generally on par with competitors’. I got an industry-standard 5 hours and 15 minutes of battery life, with noise cancelling on and music playing. When you’re on the phone, an adjustable “sidetone” allows you to hear your own voice. There are programmable tap controls: a single tap can pause media, while a double-tap answers a call.

In other respects, the earbuds don’t meet the mark in the same way pricier buds do. For one, the important “pass through” mode—which allows you to hear outside sounds clearly while wearing the headphones—produces a noticeable, unnatural hissing.

You can only use Alexa hands-free while the buds are connected to a phone with the Alexa app. And while the assistant was fine at recognizing my voice, and telling me the weather outside or the date, Alexa had some trouble with other requests: “Set a timer for one minute” consistently yielded a “Sorry, I’m having trouble” response. An Amazon spokesman said the Echo Buds team wasn’t aware of the bug or how to fix it.

I often recommend that people get earbuds made by the same maker of their devices. They’re often optimised for connection reliability and pairing. But at this price, the new Echo Buds are a tempting proposition.

And if past Amazon deals are any indication, they’ll probably be even cheaper when Prime Day rolls around.

There’s a famous scene in Love Actually where actor Rowan Atkinson goes through a convoluted exercise to gift wrap a piece of jewellery for fellow actor Alan Rickman. Quite the performance, Atkinson’s embellishments have become the benchmark of experiential Christmas shopping by which all others are judged.

And for good reason.

Jewellery is a deeply personal gift meant to last a lifetime, whether the someone special you’re buying for is a significant other, or even yourself. And the experience of purchasing is all part of the enjoyment. The Swarovski range is designed to elevate the everyday to the extraordinary with an enviable array of earrings, necklaces, rings and wrist wear perfect for a day with friends, the office or even an extravagant night out. Whether in store or online, skilled sales consultants are on hand, ready to assist every step of the way, from selecting the perfect pieces for you through to the final flourishes of gifting. It’s all part of a commitment to quality and service that brings lovers of beautiful jewellery back year after year.

While others have tried to emulate them, Swarovski crystals are unmatched. Since founder Daniel Swarovski opened for business in Austria in 1895, they have become known for their exceptional cut and brilliance, literally outshining the competition. Known as the masters of light, Swarovski crystals are still crafted in Wattens, Austria, although the range has expanded to Christmas ornaments, decorations and figurines, spreading the sparkle at this festive time of year.

Here are our favourites from the latest Swarovski releases:

The Una Angelic Set

What can we say about this classic necklace, bracelet and earring set? This timeless trio moves effortlessly from office and client meetings to after work celebrations. Finished in classic white crystals and Rhodium plated it’s the set you’ll return to again and again. If you’re looking for the failsafe gift, this is it.

Swarovski Advent Calendar

Don’t want to wait to embrace the Christmas season? Treat yourself, a loved one or even the whole family to something special leading up to the big day. The Swarovski Advent Calendar features a sparkling crystal Christmas decoration behind each of its 25 doors, ensuring your tree becomes a glittering centrepiece. Count down the days with style.

2024 Christmas Ornament

Swarovski aficionados will already be on the hunt for this year’s official ornament but it’s never too late to start your own tradition. The beautiful snowflake creation has been designed with 133 facets and is available in clear or gold tone finish. It is complete with a gold tone metal tag engraved with the year. Ideal for hanging on the tree, it also looks stunning hanging on a door or in the window.

The Angelic range

When too much sparkle is never enough, this beautiful range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more offers a glittering array of choice. The delicate collection is an easy wear range, perfect for casual Christmas lunches, work outfits or any event where the desired look is sophisticated, stylish and completely put together. With a range of colours and finishes available, the greatest challenge with the Angelic range is deciding on your favourite — and knowing when to stop.

Don’t miss out on our Holiday Styling promotion. Choose TWO items to style your look and receive a THIRD to complete. Shop Now

Includes Jewellery, Watches, and Home products only. Gift can be chosen from a defined product selection.

Plus, receive a pouch when you spend $280 and treasure all your new favourites. Shop Now.

Offer ends 16th December 2024.

While stocks last.
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Amazon Echo Buds 2 Review: A More Affordable Alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro

Amazon’s second-generation earbuds have noise-cancelling and hands-free Alexa.

The Una Angelic Set

Swarovski Advent Calendar

2024 Christmas Ornament

The Angelic range