I haven’t tested low-budget true wireless earbuds in quite some time, and I was surprised to discover just how many inexpensive options are now available. One example that caught my attention is the TAGRY X08, which currently costs just over $20. With such a low price, I wondered if they are any good? Let’s take a closer look to see if this is a good value.
Design and Build Quality
The TAGRY X08 comes with just a USB-C cable and the earbuds inside a charging case. Notably, the case has a LED display on the front showing the remaining battery percentage for both the case and the earbuds, making it easy to keep track of when you need to recharge. The 470mAh battery in the case provides an impressive total playback time of up to 60 hours. Each earbud can last up to 6 hours on a single charge, and the case allows for four additional full charges. You can recharge the case using the cable or a Qi charging pad.
One issue I encountered with the design is that the earbuds can be a bit difficult to remove from the case. The design of the insertion and magnets that hold them in place make it tricky to get a proper grip on the earbuds, especially if you have larger fingers. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be mildly frustrating when you’re in a hurry to pop them in.
Each earbud weighs only 0.14oz, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear, even for long periods. They come with three different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a snug fit for most ear shapes. I use the default tips and the earbuds fit my ears perfectly; I can wear them for hours without any discomfort.
With an IPX5 waterproof rating, these earbuds are designed to handle sweat and light splashes, making them a good option for workouts, running, or outdoor activities. The nano-coating on the earbuds protects them from moisture, so you won’t need to worry about light rain or sweat causing any damage. While they aren’t fully waterproof, the IPX5 rating is more than sufficient for most everyday situations.
The touch controls on the earbuds are quite responsive, so you can manage phone calls, control music, volume, and voice assistants by just tapping on either earbud. A simple tap or hold on either earbud lets you take control, and the commands are easy to remember after a little use.
Sound Quality: A Mixed Bag
When it comes to sound, the TAGRY X08 earbuds offer decent performance, especially considering their budget price point. The mids and highs are fairly clear, and they hold up well in most listening environments.
However, the mids and highs are still a bit harsh and the bass is boomy and slightly muddy, which can lead to some distortion, especially at higher volumes. While this isn’t a huge issue for casual listeners, audiophiles or those who enjoy a cleaner sound might find it less satisfying. That said, for the price, it’s difficult to complain too much. If you’re mainly using these for casual listening, podcasts, or background music, the sound quality will likely meet your expectations.
If you plan to use the earbuds outdoors, notice that there is no active noise cancellation (ANC), so you might find yourself hearing quite a bit of ambient noise, especially in louder environments like public transportation or busy streets. While the earbuds do provide some passive noise isolation, it’s not enough to block out all background sounds, meaning you may need to turn up the volume to compensate.
Each earbud has a built-in microphone, and with CVC noise reduction technology, your voice comes through clearly during phone calls. Of course, the sound feels a bit distant and it is not as clear as my iPhone’s microphone. If you often take calls while on the go, these earbuds will handle that task with ease.
Final Thoughts
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Display for battery tracking
- Long battery life
- IPX5 water-resistant rating
- Comfortable, lightweight design
Cons:
- Difficult to remove earbuds from the case
- Average sound
- No ANC
The TAGRY X08 Earbuds are a solid budget option for anyone looking to experience wireless audio without spending too much. They pack in an impressive features, including a long battery life, wireless charging, waterproofing, and comfortable design. While there are some minor drawbacks, they deliver excellent value for money and are well-suited for a range of activities from commuting to workouts.
Buy TAGRY X08 Earbuds on Amazon
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