Key Points
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Amazon's Echo Buds use minimal packaging and recycled components to earn its climate-pledge-friendly status.
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The earbuds and charging case are no bigger than a standard money clip.
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The Alexa app is required to begin and complete the setup.
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Of the many standout features these earbuds possess, a truly customizable audio experience is among the most notable.
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Echo Buds compete with earbuds at higher price points without completely sacrificing overall quality.
Gift-giving, no matter how long you've been with your partner, is a daunting task. You want to make sure that whatever you get them conveys your affinity loud and clear. It needs to be personal while simultaneously showcasing how well you know them.
Do you get a bunch of small gifts to play it safe, hoping that at least one leaves them in awe, falling deeper in love with you, or get one giant gift, putting all of your eggs into one basket?
Cost is always a concern. You don't want to go over the top, regardless of the occasion — an anniversary, birthday, holiday, or just because. The more you think about it, the harder it becomes to figure out what to get.
Fortunately for you, that's where I come into play. If you're unsure of what gift to give to get the best bang for your buck, consider the 2023 version of Amazon's Echo Buds.
by Amazon
First Impressions
The first thing users will notice once they receive their Echo Buds is how small the package is. Personally, I really appreciate this, especially since minimalist packaging reduces waste. Amazon also certified them as climate-pledge friendly, meaning they minimize the overall carbon footprint left as a result of their manufacturing.
The box is about 3" by 3" and doesn't require any complex cutting to open it. The model I purchased only included the Echo Buds and charging case; no charging cable came with them. A different model includes the USB-C cable needed to charge them for an additional fee.
Paul Marsh for Cupid's Light
Product Feel
The Echo Buds are sturdy in-ear earbuds. They're somewhat heavy without being bulky. In other words, they're solid without being overly heavy. I've dropped mine a handful of times since purchasing them (at home, in the gym, outside) and haven't had to worry about them shattering into thousands of pieces.
The earbuds come with two sets of silicone covers (one already pre-attached) for an extra snug in-ear fit. This is perfect for minimizing wear and tear or keeping sweat from getting inside of them. Users who prefer a more customized fit can remove the silicone covers. I tried doing so. To be honest, the Echo Buds felt more secure with the silicone covering on versus without.
The charging case is smaller than a money clip, making them ultra-portable and easy to store. I throw mine in my pocket when I'm headed to the gym in the mornings or my fanny pack (don't judge) when I'm out and about. It has a slick, almost matte finish to it.
Paul Marsh for Cupid's Light
Setting Up Your Echo Buds
Setting up your Echo Buds is incredibly straightforward To begin, head over to your phone's App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). From there, download the Amazon Alexa app. Users who experience issues downloading the Alexa app can scan a QR code inside the guidebook that comes with the earbuds.
Once you have the Alexa app installed, open the charging case (like the image above) and wait for the green LED light located on the front of the case to pulsate blue. When that happens, follow the prompts in the Alexa app to complete the setup. This doesn't take more than five minutes.
An easy way to tell if you completed the setup correctly is to check the Alexa app. If you see the battery levels for each earbud and the charging case at the very top, you've done it right.
Paul Marsh for Cupid's Light
Highlights & Key Features
Amazon's Echo Buds have a wide array of thoughtful, useful features. Of the multitude included, some of the more noteworthy attributes include:
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5-hour battery life without charging case. This drastically increases to 20 hours with the charging case.
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Sweat-resistance so you don't have to worry about diminishing audio quality. As an added tip, wipe off any sweat that's on your Echo Buds with a damp cloth before charging them. The earbuds are sweat-resistant; the case isn't.
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Alexa-assistant built-in. To toggle it on, simply say, "Hey Alexa."
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Privacy controls to mute microphones when desired. If you don't want your Echo Buds to pick up on your conversations (similar to Amazon's Echo Dot or Echo Pop smart speakers), you can mute the mics.
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Ability to manage voice recordings stored in the Alexa app. We live in an age when corporations use our conversations to market specific products to us. Not everyone appreciates this. If that's you, cut them off at the source by deleting any or all recordings.
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Seamless switching between up to two devices. If you're anything like me, you have more than one device you listen to music on. When I'm at the gym, I use my phone. When I'm working on articles such as this one, I listen primarily on my laptop. Being able to switch between both devices without any lag is one of my favorite features of the Echo Buds.
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Customizable audio experience. Within the Alexa app, you can adjust the bass, lows, and highs to your liking. A self-proclaimed audiophile, I enjoy music with rich bass and love being able to tailor this to meet my specific mood or environment.
Echo Buds vs. Competition
Echo Buds are frequently compared to Apple Airpods, Beats Studio Buds, Google Pixel Buds A-Series, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
The biggest downside to the Echo Buds when compared to other earbuds is their lack of active noise cancellation. All the other earbuds, from the Airpods to the Galaxy Buds 2, include this feature.
This presents problems for people who need to tune out the noise around them. For instance, living in the Chicagoland, I take advantage of public transportation almost daily. It's challenging to hear music, movies, or podcasts with the Echo Buds in when I'm on the bus, regardless of how loud the volume is.
Individuals wanting active noise cancellation should consider the aforementioned earbuds. If this isn't a concern or potential red flag for you or your partner, then the Echo Buds are the way to go. They're markedly cheaper than any of the other earbuds they're compared to.
Potential Drawbacks
While I'm a vocal advocate for the Echo Buds, they do come with some drawbacks that, when considered, may discourage you from buying them. For instance:
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A USB-C charging cable isn't automatically included. As mentioned earlier, not every version comes with a charging cable. You have to pay extra for this. Even with early Prime Day deals, the difference between the two models is $10. In other words, are you willing to pay $10 for a micro USB-C cable, or would you rather purchase your own?
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Flimsy case design. The case, while compact, leaves a lot to be desired. It isn't glossy and fun to hold like the AirPods case. It has a matte finish, making it slick and challenging to hold or fiddle with. It also attracts dirt and grime, so constant cleaning may be necessary.
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Lackluster audio quality/active noise cancellation. If you're the type to frequent coffee shops or cafes to get work done and need to be able to tune out the sounds around you, these aren't the earbuds for you. There is no noise canceling.
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They're designed to hang in your ear. This took (and is still taking) an adjustment on my part. I'm used to Airpods or other earbuds that fit snugly in my ear. When at the gym, I constantly find myself fiddling with how secure the Echo Buds are in my ears, afraid that the slightest bit of activity will cause them to fall out.
Say I Love You Without Breaking the Bank
It's often said that you get what you pay for, with purchases on the cheaper side usually equating to junk-riddled, inferior products. That isn't the case with Amazon's 2023 Echo Buds.
For less than $50, you get a myriad of cool features. Combine that with seamless integration with your iPhone or Android, and you have a legit contender for a gift that says "I love you" without having to break the bank, manufactured by a company known for its high-quality products at affordable prices. I'd consider that a win-win!
Interested in learning more about the latest tech geared toward bolstering intimacy between you and your partner? Then check out this list of hot products!
Last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to CupidsLight, your hub for all things dating, marriage, and relationships — in addition to useful, timely product reviews!
