Verdict
One of the better - vocalize rightful radiocommunication among the mid - range square bracket , the AXS Audio Earbuds also compact in a sure-footed ANC performance , though they are susceptible to confidential information noise and the wireless connection struggles in busy expanse .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The AXS Audio Earbuds are a dead on target wireless raise by fabled music producer Rikki Farr with the promise of delivering studio apartment - quality phone .
They ’re not the only buds to come with that eccentric of hoopla , but with Rikki Farr lending his noesis and expertise to the earbuds ’ tuning – a man who has produce live medicine for the like of Bob Dylan , Prince , Tom Petty , Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix – it ’s belike fair to say we can trust his ears .
These are n’t earbuds looking to tussle with the big brands but carve out a niche in the mid - range expanse of the securities industry . It ’s not as if the competition is any less fierce , but the public presentation of these buds is a pleasant - vocalize surprise .
Design
AXS Audio sticks with the tried - and - tested stem design that ’s used by so many brands , and this is a well - executed translation of that democratic concept .
The plastic construction might not scream agio , but it keeps the earphones jackanapes , and I found them very comfortable to wear . Whether putting them in for brief periods or extended sessions , I ’ve not go through any level of discomfort .
After a while I barely feel the AXS Audio Earbuds in my ears , which is precisely what I ’d want from atrue wireless . A generous six pairs of ear - tips are provided to incur the good scene , including three twosome of hypoallergenic earbud tips to avoid make any allergic reactions .
The human body of the housing , at least for me , slid into my ears without issue and create a very good seal with which to blank out outside sounds . The AXS Earbuds utilise capacitive touch control , with the coloured surface area denote where to press . Though you wo n’t see this when you ’re wearing them , the surface country has a different texture that demarcates them from what ’s around them .
The touch controls prove very responsive to prods , and precise too . I have n’t come across double taps , or otherwise , not record as they should . The only slightly awkward aspect to get past is that volume is supported via a single tap .
Having become so used to a exclusive dab being pause / period of play , it feels strange for it to be allocated to volume . My feeling is that forrunning headphone , specify volume to a undivided tap constitute sentiency if you ’re predominantly listening to playlist , but for medicine - centric earbuds , period of play / interruption feel more commodious .
Other means of onboard cognitive process include track - skipping and answering / ending calls , while a hold on the right earbud cycles through the noise - invalidate modes and the same trick on the left-hand scream up the gadget ’s vocalization help .
The buds have anIPX4 paygrade , equation for the course fornoise - set off earphonesand practiced enough to bat away splashes of urine . NoIP ratingis associate with the charging pillow slip , which fulfils the necessary obligations of being compact enough to match into a pocket .
The four - strip light-emitting diode on the front of the case is clear and obvious in discerning how much battery sprightliness is left ( each one equals 25 % ) . On the underside of the character is a multi - function button where you could originate first - time match forBluetoothor reset them to their factory state if held for long enough . conclusion are uncommitted in satin white and satin black .
Features
There ’s no app backing for the AXS Audio Earbuds , which means no EQ registration or firmware updates , so the earphones will stay in the exact same state from when they ’ve been deplume from the charging font to when they terminate working ( however long that takes ) .
Bluetooth connectivity is translation 5.2 , and like a number of true wireless earphones , the AXS Earbuds are no fans of engaged sign area . From walking about in Soho and Leicester Square to using them in busybodied ecstasy terminals like Waterloo , a sketchy connection was never too far away .
Call quality operation is below norm for a true radio . The AXS performs the usual feat of being satisfactory in unruffled areas , but when confront with lots of background knowledge noise it became hard for the person on the other end to make out what I was saying .
There isnoise cancellationto battle against surrounding haphazardness , reducing sounds by a claim 20 - 25dB , and I must accommodate the AXS puts in a very impressive performance . Despite the hustle and ado of people going about their business sector in Soho and Leicester Square , the overall feeling was one of peaceable subdued .
Very few noises contend to make their means past the earphones , in part due to its very good seal , and it dealt with the audio of wind rushing preceding and other persistent sounds on the Tube and school with assurance . The one aspect where it does falter is dealing with blustery conditions . There is a noticeable grade of noise when stochasticity - cancelling is engaged , which is n’t apparent when it ’s turned off .
The hap - through mode is good enough for added perception , opening things up without sound either noisy or affected . The mode is also expert enough for get conversation and still having music playing in the background or for hearing announcements on the train . It does what it ’s meant to do without issue .
electric battery life is quote at 10 hours without noise - cancelling and 8 60 minutes with it on . Having performed two battery drains ( an hr of streaming on Spotify at mid - volume ) , on both affair the AXS Earbuds came out the other side at 90 % overall with noise - cancelling on . That hint 10 hours with noise - cancelling , which is impressive .
There is no fast - charging as such , but AXS claims the earphones will fully recharge at a snappy 90 minutes , while wireless charging is also endorse .
Sound Quality
AXS says all tuning of the AXS Audio Earbuds has been done using Tidal euphony rain cats and dogs servicing at 60 % volume , but regardless of which cyclosis service you favour to listen to , the AXS earbuds put in a very respectable performance for their price bracket .
Their handling of the blue end of the frequency range is varied , capable of describing bass part in a number of fashion , like the dull thumping in Derrick Hodge ’s Heartbeats or the self-assertive and punchy verbal description of the constant percussion section in Makaya McCraven ’s Half Steppin ’ . With this track there ’s a squeamish kick to the drums at the start of the song before they accelerate and become a rapid beat – a musical rhythm and tempo the AXS does solidly to keep track of given how quick in succession McCraven ’s hits come .
That cut is n’t the clear song ( perhaps deliberately ) to gauge the AXS Earbuds ’ descriptor with clarity and detail , but there does appear to be a slight warmth and magnificence to their presentation that indicates the AXS are n’t the most neutral or analytical in their approaching . But with The Isley Brothers ’ For the Love of You , Part 1 & 2 , there ’s a fluid , lyrical character to their vocals that ’s gentle on the ear .
The soundstage these earbuds present is one that ’s open and spacious with Alex Isley and Jack Dine ’s Love Again ( keep on the Isley connection ) , the same suave tone applied to vocals . instrumental role expunge a ‘ true ’ whole step in their reproduction ; I can easily pick out the guitars and drums used in Dire Strait ’s Sultans of Swing , and there ’s an likable richness to the strum of the guitar that stand out .
I would n’t label them as the most active - sounding pair of earphones , but there is a difference between tranquil and loud notes even if it is more minor than major , with a signified of progression in loudness in Michael Giacchino ’s Ca n’t Fight City Halloween as the track reaches its crescendo .
The top remnant of frequency compass is not the brightest sounding either , more mensurable and controlled with GoGo Penguin ’s Atomised , but there is still a good sentience of clarity and detail to three-fold notes even if it does n’t voice as vivid and sharp as some others can muster .
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Should you buy it?
There ’s no shortage of earphones looking to put up a high - timber audio frequency experience but in the mid - range terms wall bracket , there are n’t many that voice as good as the AXS Earbuds .
The noise cancellation is very good at shutting out speech sound , but when it face up a blustering wind then it becomes a far-famed distraction .
Final Thoughts
As an all - round software package , the AXS Earbuds put in a solid performance . The design is well think out , lightweight , well-fixed , and easy to use . The noise cancellation is good at reduce auditory sensation , though it is susceptible to breaking wind stochasticity becoming a distraction . It also suffers from a choppy wireless link in busy areas .
But the AXS Earbuds cross off themselves out as one of the best - sound true wireless among the mid - range bracket with their warm and tonally pleasing introduction .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every set of headphones we review thoroughly over an extended period of time . We habituate industry standard tests to compare feature film right . We ’ll always tell you what we find . We never , ever , take on money to go over a product .
Find out more about how we test in ourethics policy .
FAQs
Currently the AXS Earbuds are only useable to purchase in the US , and directly from the AXS ’ website .
