So here it is, the new TOZO HT2—these are budget over-head wireless headphones with hybrid ANC. I’ve been using the TOZO HT2 for the last few days and am quite impressed with them. I can confidently say that these are the best of all the budget over-head headphones I have tried so far. Currently, their […]
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]]>So here it is, the new TOZO HT2—these are budget over-head wireless headphones with hybrid ANC. I’ve been using the TOZO HT2 for the last few days and am quite impressed with them. I can confidently say that these are the best of all the budget over-head headphones I have tried so far.
Currently, their price is around $30, which is approximately 2500 Indian Rupees. This is quite a low price for such impressive headphones. If you read the full TOZO HT2 review, you’ll realize that even in the Indian market, it’ll be hard to find a better product for double the price. Of course, I’ll add a comparison at the end.
Type | Over-Ear |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Back Design | Closed-back |
Drivers | 40mm dynamic |
Frequency Range | 16-41,100Hz (in wired mode) |
Impedance | |
Weight | 254.5 grams |
Mic & Controls | Yes |
Water Resistance | IPX2 |
Battery Life | 27 hours |
Charging Time | 2 hours (Quick charge via USB-C) |
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes, hybrid |
Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
Microphone | Tri-Mic ENC call noise reduction |
The TOZO HT2 comes with not only a premium feel but also premium packaging. Besides the paperwork, you get a long USB Type-C cable for charging, and it also includes a high-quality 3.5mm aux cable. So yes, apart from Bluetooth, you can use them as wired headphones as well.
Design-wise, the TOZO HT2 is nothing particularly unique—it looks pretty similar to most Sony or JBL over-head headphones. However, it seems pretty premium because the overall build material is excellent. You can quickly tell that the company has paid a lot of attention to design detail. Its build, design, and comfort show that this is how daily use of headphones should be.
There are 7-8 different trending color options available. It features a matte finish on the top, perfect for daily use—it doesn’t easily catch fingerprints or dust, so it always looks clean.
They’ve used good-quality polycarbonate in its construction, which adds to its durability and makes it relatively light and comfortable for everyday use.
I’ve used it for a week, and it’s very comfortable for daily use. You can easily use it for 2-3 hours while watching a movie. Of course, the main reasons for its comfort are its lightweight build and the soft protein leather and memory foam cushions. The same material is used on the top headband as well.
So yes, the choice of materials, in terms of comfort, is perfect for these headphones.
And yes, the ear cups support swivel and tilt mechanisms, which is another reason they can offer a natural and comfortable fit for every user. The metal headband is adjustable and offers a decent length.
I had 3-4 people try them randomly, and most found them comfortable, although those with larger head sizes found them slightly less comfortable. Otherwise, carrying the TOZO HT2 for daily use is comfortable—they are lightweight, and they can fold completely.
Lastly, I have two complaints regarding the design. First, they only have an IPX2 waterproof rating, so while sweat won’t be an issue, it’s best to keep them away from rain or water; at least an IPX4 rating would have been better.
Additionally, the placement of the multifunctional buttons on the right side could be improved. There’s no issue using them, but the power button is often pressed accidentally when taking them out. Otherwise, buttons work well for volume adjustment, music control, call accept/reject, and accessing voice assistance.
It also has a dedicated button for ANC, allowing you to turn ANC on/off and toggle between the 6 ANC modes. A great feature of these headphones is the dedicated app support (TOZO App), which enables you to control ANC and its modes through the app as well.
ANC is definitely the prime feature of TOZO HT2. Most headphones in this price range don’t even come with ANC; if they do, it’s usually not very good. However, the ANC on the HT2 is quite promising. In fact, you can compare its ANC with some premium headphones.
Of course, we can’t compare it to very high-end headphones like those from Bose or Sony, but it certainly stands up well against mid-range headphones.
You will definitely enjoy using the ANC on these Tozo HT2 headphones. I say this because I’ve tried many budget headphones and earbuds with ANC, and while the ANC works, it’s often not very effective. Many times, you feel an odd pressure in your ears or hear a strange noise, which makes it less enjoyable.
However, with the Tozo HT2, I didn’t experience any of those issues. Another thing is, usually with budget headphones, turning on ANC slightly decreases the sound quality. That shouldn’t happen, but it does. Yet, with HT2, the sound experience actually improves, which is how it should be. This was a pleasant surprise because the price is lower, but there’s no compromise on quality. Once you turn ANC on and listen to music, you’ll want to keep it on all the time.
These headphones offer a total of 6 ANC modes, including transparency, adaptive, and wind reduction modes. The transparency mode is just average, but I found the adaptive and wind reduction modes to be really good. They are especially useful for the Indian environment, making the ANC very promising for the price.
When it comes to battery backup, the TOZO claims that these headphones offer 60 hours of playback without ANC and 40 hours with ANC. That’s what they say, but based on my testing, I used them all the time with ANC on, and I got around 27 hours of playback time.
This isn’t significantly less than the claimed time. Generally, headphones like this offer similar playback durations. Some do offer more, but this is an average time. So, the battery backup is decent. And yes, it supports Type-C fast charging, which means it gets fully charged in about 2 hours.
The TOZO HT2 headphones come with Bluetooth 5.3, providing a reliable and stable wireless connection. While they do not offer advanced audio codecs, you can still enjoy good sound quality with support for AAC and SBC codecs.
The microphone on the TOZO HT2 is quite decent and comes equipped with three microphones enabled with ANC and ENC technology. I tested it during online meetings and while outdoors, and the performance was impressive. It captures clear and crisp voice quality, effectively minimizing background noise to a significant extent.
For indoor use, the microphone works very well, offering clear communication without any issues. Outdoors still perform adequately, reducing background noise considerably. Although some wind and ambient noise are still present, they don’t create any major problems.
In my opinion, the microphone is solid for day-to-day use, ensuring that you encounter no difficulties during calls or meetings. It’s reliable and efficient for everyday communication needs, providing good sound quality and noise control.
Now, let’s talk about the most important part: the sound quality. Even though I’m mentioning it last, the sound quality is the biggest advantage of TOZO HT2. I tried the TOZO Golden X1 before, which is a premium TWS, so I didn’t expect the same detail and tuning in these budget headphones—but surprisingly, HT2 has the same tuning.
The HT2 has 40mm drivers and uses TOZO’s ORIGX acoustic technology. It also supports hi-res audio. However, there are no advanced codecs, so I noticed no hi-res audio impact with Bluetooth. If you want to experience hi-res audio, you’ll need to use them as wired headphones with a 3.5mm cable.
To put it simply, the sound quality is such that both audiophiles and regular users will enjoy it. It’s not too loud, even at full volume, and has a wide soundstage. I’m quite surprised at how well it maintains depth, clarity, and balance, especially for a budget headphone. While the depth in imaging isn’t very high, the overall music quality is thick and enjoyable. I was really impressed with the channel separation; it even compares well with some premium headphones.
The bass response is very good. If you’re a bass lover, you’ll really like its tuning. The sub-bass is quite boosted and punchy with good depth, adding the right amount of texture for a cinematic feel. Some might find the bass response a bit much, but don’t worry—you have options in the app for custom EQ and preset audio modes so you can easily achieve the audio output you want.
The mids offer decent clarity and detail. Mid-range instruments sound quite nice. Sometimes, lower mids might feel a bit dark, but you can easily fix that by reducing the bass in the EQ. Female vocals can occasionally sound a bit overpowering, but they are thick enough not to impact the overall music experience negatively.
The highs are clear and bright, adding good detail to the music. The treble doesn’t feel harsh anywhere and remains smooth and enjoyable even at loud volumes. Overall, the TOZO HT2 offers great sound quality, delivering a wide soundstage and a bass-rich enjoyable experience, which is quite rare for this price point.
In conclusion, the TOZO HT2 is truly impressive. They offer amazing audio quality, deliver promising ANC capabilities, and even provide custom audio features. At their price point, TOZO HT2 certainly gives more than what you’d expect at their price point, which is a rare achievement.
While we shouldn’t compare them to premium headphones because it wouldn’t be fair, they stand out as a superior option within their price range. Other models like the Realme Techlife H1, JBL Tune 760, JBL Tune 510, and Boat Nirvana, which I reviewed recently, are priced higher, yet the TOZO HT2 surpasses them in terms of overall performance.
In short, if you’re looking for headphones that deliver outstanding value, the TOZO HT2 is a fantastic choice. It combines excellent sound, effective ANC, and versatility at a competitive price, making it a standout option in its category.
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]]>The Redragon Magicwand SE K655 is a budget-friendly wired RGB mechanical keyboard featuring red switches. It was recently launched in the Indian market with an attractive price range of around 3500-3800 INR. The price point was one of the reasons I chose to review it, as it looks quite promising on paper for the cost. […]
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]]>The Redragon Magicwand SE K655 is a budget-friendly wired RGB mechanical keyboard featuring red switches. It was recently launched in the Indian market with an attractive price range of around 3500-3800 INR. The price point was one of the reasons I chose to review it, as it looks quite promising on paper for the cost.
But the main reason I picked it was its compact and efficient design. Despite its 75% layout, it includes dedicated number keys, adding up to a total of 78 keys. It also has dedicated media and macro keys, reminiscent of the old Corsair mechanical keyboard series. One of my favorite features is the metal scroll wheel for adjusting volume and brightness, which you can also use as a stress reliever, just like I do.
I’ve been using this gaming keyboard for the past week, and I’d like to quickly share my overall experience and any compromises I found. But before that, let’s talk about what’s included in the box.
You’ll find a user manual and some branding stickers. Since it’s a wired keyboard, it comes with a detachable USB Type-C cable, which is quite long, so you won’t face any issues even if your PC cabinet is under the desk. Additionally, the package includes a keycap puller and a switch puller, plus four extra switches in case you need replacements.
The Redragon Magicwand SE K655 looks quite stylish with its white and gray color scheme, giving it a cool appearance. The build quality is solid and noticeable at first glance. Design-wise, it’s definitely impressive, even without a top cover, which I usually prefer. However, the absence of a cover makes the keyboard slimmer and enhances the RGB effects.
It features over 20 RGB effects, including music and popular rainbow modes. There’s also an option for unlimited single-color lighting, and you can customize the effects. All the settings for RGB, including brightness and speed adjustments for each effect, are available. While you can adjust these settings directly on the keyboard, it’s not the most convenient method. Using software to control these settings is much easier and offers more options.
You’ve noted that the media and macro keys at the top of the keyboard are not mechanical; they use standard switches. This makes them a bit harder to press, but they are sturdy and function well. Additionally, you have the ability to customize the macro keys through software, offering added utility.
From a user experience perspective, after using the Redragon Magicwand SE K655 for a week for activities like gaming, coding, and article writing, you find the overall experience to be quite positive.
Although I typically prefer brown switches due to the amount of typing I do, red switches work well for gaming. While the exact brand of red switches isn’t mentioned, but I think these are Outemu red switches, which are often used in budget mechanical keyboards and are known for their good performance at an affordable price.
The keyboard has a good performance, with the keys having an approximate travel distance of 2 ms and requiring an actuation force of about 40 grams, which makes them responsive and quick to press. The response time is fast, and even though the exact n-key rollover support isn’t stated, it does indeed support this feature, which is beneficial for both gaming and fast typing.
As a budget mechanical keyboard, it comes with some trade-offs. The keycaps could be of higher quality, but considering the affordable price, it’s an acceptable compromise. The keyboard is designed without a base plate and uses a tray-mounted system, meaning the stabilizers are directly mounted on the tray, which might cause a bit of rattling. However, the keyboard is hot-swappable, allowing you to change and customize switches and keycaps easily. It supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, providing flexibility in customization.
The linear switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal noise. Despite minor compromises, the Redragon Magicwand SE K655 offers many value and customization options for its price range.
Overall, the Redragon Magicwand SE K655 gaming keyboard is a solid choice. While there are a few minor compromises, they’re to be expected at this price point. The overall user experience is quite good, and there aren’t many gaming keyboards at this price that offer similar satisfaction. Whether you’re upgrading from a membrane keyboard for gaming, coding, or typing, the Redragon Magicwand SE K655 is definitely worth considering. It’s unlikely you’ll find a better package, so it’s a good buy.
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]]>The new Realme Buds Air 6 was launched in the Indian market at a price tag of Rs 3299. I have been testing Realme Air 6 for the past 3-4 days, and I believe they will definitely become one of the best-selling earbuds under Rs 5000. Compared to the previous variant, there are noticeable improvements […]
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]]>The new Realme Buds Air 6 was launched in the Indian market at a price tag of Rs 3299. I have been testing Realme Air 6 for the past 3-4 days, and I believe they will definitely become one of the best-selling earbuds under Rs 5000. Compared to the previous variant, there are noticeable improvements in features and sound quality. This time, they even offer LHDC hi-res audio support.
While many best-selling earbuds under Rs 5000 have similar specifications and features, I still think the Realme Buds Air 6 stands out as the most promising option. But why is that? Let’s find out.
First thing, the Realme Buds Air 6 looks quite stylish. If we compare the new Air 6 to the previous two versions, there’s no noticeable change in its design; only the color and build have changed. The new Realme Air 6 comes in green and silver options. I wish there was a black, grey, or white version too.
The build quality is good, feeling solid and durable. Considering the price tag, its build is very impressive. The charging case is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket.
The earbuds are also lightweight and comfortable, so you won’t have any problems using them for longer durations. They offer a tight and secure fit, making them ideal for gym and outdoor activities. Plus, it has an IP55 waterproof rating, so you don’t need to worry about sweat, dust, or light rain as they are protected.
Feature-wise, there aren’t many changes compared to the previous variant (Realme Buds Air 5). The most noticeable difference is the addition of LHDC hi-res audio support in the new Realme Buds Air 6. While the previous variant supported only Dolby, and it was quite limited. So, having LHDC support is a good addition.
I wish it had LDAC support instead of LHDC because, although LHDC is good, very few smartphones currently support it. It’s available on newer models from Realme, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, but the list is still short. In contrast, many more devices support LDAC.
But as I always say, if your smartphone doesn’t support these advanced codecs, don’t worry. The advanced codec is secondary; the primary focus should be on the earbuds’ tuning. Plus, when you’re streaming from services like YouTube and Spotify, it doesn’t make much difference.
Another prime feature of Realme Buds Air 6 is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which supports up to 50dB at a 4000Hz frequency range, just like the previous variant. Like other best-selling earbuds in this price range, such as the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3, these earbuds offer impressive ANC performance. You can call this the best ANC performance under 6000 Rs.
I tested it outdoors yesterday, and it works decently in noisy and traffic areas. It effectively cancels out sounds like car and bus engines and other low-pitch noises. The app provides four preset ANC levels to choose from.
The transparency mode is also available and works decently. Just like the Pro variant, this model now includes a wind noise reduction option. While it doesn’t make a huge difference, it is somewhat effective.
These earbuds come with all the essential features you’d expect in the best-selling earbuds under 5000 Rs. These include Google Fast Pair, the latest Bluetooth 5.3 support, and dual pairing. One of the most important features is wear detection support. Additionally, you’ll find preset audio modes, a custom equalizer, dynamic bass (which you can increase if you want more bass), and a volume enhancer, which I prefer to keep on.
There’s also touch control customization, and basic features like earbuds fit and the “find my buds” option are included. The earbuds also come with a 55ms low latency gaming mode. While I haven’t verified this claim, I didn’t notice any in-game latency, and the gameplay wasn’t compromised at all.
The battery backup is also good. While I don’t use ANC, I tested the Realme Buds Air 6 with LHDC and got about 4 hours of battery life at 50-60% volume. With the charging case, the total comes to approximately 16-18 hours. If you don’t use LHDC, the battery life could be longer, and if you use ANC, it might be shorter. Overall, your usage will determine the exact battery life, but these numbers are quite decent.
The microphone on Realme Buds Air 6 is quite impressive. Even though the previous variant also had a good microphone, this one feels slightly better. It features six microphones, which capture natural and clear audio with minimal background noise. Even outdoors, the microphone works very well. I tested it on a call, and it performed without any issues. Overall, the microphone quality is excellent.
Moving on to the sound quality, it’s quite enjoyable overall. Like other Realme earbuds, these, too, focus on bass. The good thing is that the bass isn’t overpowering, so other frequencies aren’t overshadowed. The bass is at the right level—not too detailed but also not overly boomy. It’s warm and punchy, making the overall sound enjoyable. If you want more bass, it has a dedicated high bass mode, a dynamic bass option, and a custom equalizer, so you can achieve the tuning you prefer.
The mids and highs are also promising. The vocals have good detail and clarity, and the mid-instruments sound decent. The high frequencies (treble) are decently bright and detailed without feeling harsh anywhere. So, the default tuning is quite good and enjoyable, and I think most people will like it.
While there isn’t any major compromise in its sound quality, considering its price range. Is there any downside in sound quality? Well, there is no major downside, but I feel that the soundstage isn’t very wide, and the separation in mid-instruments could be better.
Yes, the Realme Buds Air 6 is definitely worth buying. The sound quality of Buds Air 6 is good and quite enjoyable. Overall, the Realme Buds Air 6 is very promising. Beyond sound quality, their battery life, microphone, and ANC are all impressive. So, if you are looking to buy earbuds for around 3000 Rs, the Realme Air 6 should definitely be at the top of your list.
Realme Buds Air 6
Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
When comparing with the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro, OnePlus Buds 3, and Realme Air 5 Pro, those models do have slightly better audio quality and a few additional features. However, there is also a considerable price difference of almost 2000 Rs. Therefore, I don’t think it’s fair to compare them directly. Still, I included them here because the gap in sound quality isn’t as large as the price difference suggests. You can achieve similar audio quality on the Realme Air 6 with some EQ adjustments.
When it comes to direct competitors like the CMF Buds Pro, Redmi Buds 5, CMF Buds, Nord Buds 2, and Realme Air 5, the Realme Air 6 stands out as the better option overall. That’s why I mentioned at the beginning that this will likely become the best-selling earbuds in this price range.
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]]>Here is the new Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo, recently launched and currently one of the best-selling budget wireless neckbands. Its price is around Rs 1299. There are tons of wireless neckbands available in the market at this price point, but in terms of features, this one is very promising, and its sound quality is […]
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]]>Here is the new Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo, recently launched and currently one of the best-selling budget wireless neckbands. Its price is around Rs 1299. There are tons of wireless neckbands available in the market at this price point, but in terms of features, this one is very promising, and its sound quality is also good.
However, it’s worth noting that its higher variant, the Realme Buds Wireless 3, has also seen a price drop and is now only Rs 200 more expensive. The higher variant offers the advantage of ANC, so which one is the better option, or is there another choice? Let’s find out.
The build quality of the Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo is quite good, especially considering its price tag. It has a full plastic build, but don’t worry, it feels very durable. Design-wise, it’s like most other neckbands; it’s nothing fancy.
The ear tips are magnetic, offering features like auto on/off and quick call receive and reject, which is very convenient.
The comfort is also good—it’s lightweight, and the ear tips are perfectly designed for longer use. It offers a secure fitting, so it won’t easily slip from your ears. This makes it great for going to the gym, walking, and cycling. Additionally, it has an IP55 waterproof rating for protection against dust, sweat, and light rain.
The Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo is also comfortable to use. It has three big buttons on the right side with a soft touch, which controls music, incoming calls, and voice assistance. It also supports Google Fast Pair and the latest Bluetooth 5.4, making the pairing process easy. There are no issues with connectivity.
Yes, it supports dual pairing and has app support available for iPhone and Android platforms. Like other Realme neckbands and earbuds, it offers four preset audio modes. The good thing is that it also provides a custom equalizer option. Additionally, for bass lovers, it includes options for dynamic bass and volume enhancers.
For gamers, there’s a low-latency gaming mode option, as well. I tested it, and it’s quite effective, so you won’t need separate wired earphones for regular gaming.
The microphone is also good. The microphone works well for indoor use, and the voice sounds fairly natural. The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) is decently effective, so background noise is minimal. Even for outdoor use, it works fine; the background noise isn’t too much, making the microphone decent.
Also, the battery backup is decent. The company promises 32 hours of playback time, and you get approximately that much in reality. At 50-60% volume, it easily delivers 25-27 hours of battery life, which is pretty good for a neckband. Yes, it also supports quick charging.
Finally, let’s talk about sound quality. I found the sound quality of Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo to be quite promising. It’s almost the same as what we’ve seen in other neckbands from Realme, Oppo, and OnePlus in this price range.
The audio output is vibrant and sounds fairly natural. None of the frequencies are overpowering, and the bass isn’t too strong, which is good. The bass is just the right amount. If you want more bass, there’s a separate high bass mode and an equalizer, so you can easily set the tuning the way you want.
The default tuning is good enough, so you won’t need to adjust much. The mid and high frequencies are also decent. The tuning focuses a bit on the bass but doesn’t compress the sound too much. The mids have decent detail, and even mid-range instruments have good space and detail. The high treble is also decent; it’s not too sharp but detailed enough. Overall, it provides an energetic and enjoyable audio output, which is something very few wireless neckbands in this price range manage to do.
Overall, you will get much better audio output from the Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo compared to other TWS earbuds in this price range. So, if audio quality is your main priority, you should consider buying this neckband instead of TWS earbuds under Rs 1500.
Talking about comparisons, I think there are two best options under Rs 1500: this one and its higher variant, the Realme Buds Wireless 3. There is only a 5-10% difference between them. The higher variant has ANC and a couple of extra audio settings. But the improvement in audio is minor, not very significant. So, if you need ANC, you can spend an extra Rs 200 to get it. If ANC is not necessary for you, then you can confidently buy the Realme Buds Wireless 3 Neo. It is a very promising and value-for-money product in terms of audio quality and features.
So, this was a detailed review. I hope this video helped you a lot. You will find the buying link in the description below. You can also purchase it through Flashprice, where you will get extra cashback on this product and an additional 80% discount when redeeming the cashback. The link for this is also in the description below.
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]]>Looking to buy affordable gaming TWS earbuds? You should definitely consider the new Kreo Mako. These budget-friendly earbuds may not have flashy features, but they pack all the essentials for a gaming experience. So, are they worth your money? Let’s find out. Box Content Design, Build & Comfort These Kreo Mako really match the gaming […]
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]]>Looking to buy affordable gaming TWS earbuds? You should definitely consider the new Kreo Mako. These budget-friendly earbuds may not have flashy features, but they pack all the essentials for a gaming experience. So, are they worth your money? Let’s find out.
These Kreo Mako really match the gaming aesthetic. They come with a single purple LED light on both the charging case and earbuds. The LED is minimal and doesn’t overpower the design, which is a plus. The earbuds themselves have decent build quality, but the charging case stands out with a smooth matte finish, offering a premium touch experience at its price point.
In terms of comfort, the earbuds are lightweight and can be worn continuously for 2-3 hours without any issues. Unfortunately, there’s no mention of a waterproof rating, which could be an oversight, but they likely offer basic protection like most modern earbuds. As for user experience, the touch controls are responsive and reliable, making them easy to use.
Connectivity-wise, there are no problems, thanks to the latest Bluetooth 5.3 support. Pairing them with any device is a breeze. As I mentioned before, these are budget gaming earbuds. It doesn’t have dual-connectivity, ANC, fast pair or app support.
The battery backup is also good. The Kreo promises a total playback time of 40 hours. Based on my two days of testing, I would say you can get approximately 32 hours of total playback time. At 50% volume, a single earbud can last for about 4-5 hours. So, these numbers are quite good.
Like battery backup, the microphone of Kreo Mako is also promising. It has a total of four microphones that pick up your voice clearly and naturally. It does a good job of reducing background noise, so during calls or while gaming, the person on the other end will hear you clearly. Overall, the microphone performs decently well.
Talking about sound quality, the Kreo Mako comes with 13mm large drivers, and the company promises a low latency of 50 ms. Of course, you can’t compare them to wired earphones—there will be some latency—but it’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t affect gameplay.
Additionally, the Kreo Mako has dual audio modes for gaming and music. You can switch between modes with a long press on the touch controls. I was quite surprised to find that the gaming mode sounds better than the music mode. In music mode, there is more noticeable audio distortion. So, for both gaming and other entertainment, the gaming mode is actually better.
For gaming, the sound quality is good. Like other gaming TWS, Kreo Mako has a high bass response, which makes action games more enjoyable. You can easily detect footsteps, vehicle approaches, and bullet directions, making the sound quality decent for gaming.
When it comes to music and general entertainment, the sound quality is just average. The soundstage isn’t very wide, and the high bass tends to overshadow the mids, causing some audio distortion. Given the low price, you can’t expect too much, but overall, the sound quality is great for gaming and average for general use.
If you want budget gaming earbuds, the Kreo Mako are definitely worth considering. They offer a cool gaming aesthetic at a reasonable price, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to get good value for their money. Overall, for the price, the Kreo Mako provides a satisfying experience, especially for gamers.
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]]>When it comes to air conditioners (AC), there are four brands that I trust the most: Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Daikin, and Panasonic. However, it’s also true that their options tend to be a bit expensive. I wanted to try an option that was budget-friendly but didn’t compromise on quality and performance and also had good after-sales […]
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]]>When it comes to air conditioners (AC), there are four brands that I trust the most: Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Daikin, and Panasonic. However, it’s also true that their options tend to be a bit expensive. I wanted to try an option that was budget-friendly but didn’t compromise on quality and performance and also had good after-sales service. After a lot of research in the market, I bought three options and tried them for 2-3 months.
Finally, the one that impressed me the most was the Lloyd AC (5-in-1 Convertible Inverter AC). Its cooling performance is quite good, and it offers many useful features. Well, not everything is perfect; there is some compromise. Let’s discuss it in detail.
In this Lloyd AC series, there are 9-10 different variants with varying capacities and energy ratings. The AC series has no specific name; it just has model numbers. You’ll find the purchasing links for all models in the buying section of this article. The model I reviewed is the 1-ton 5-star rated version, but it also comes in options like 1.5 ton, 1.2 ton, and 0.8 ton. These capacity variants are available in both 5-star and 3-star energy ratings. There are also options with Wi-Fi and hot and cold features.
If you’re confused about whether to buy a 3-star or a 5-star energy-rated model or what capacity to choose, you can find a detailed video and an article on our website. However, I highly recommend going for the 5-star rated variant because the price difference isn’t significant. If your usage is moderate, you could opt for the 3-star model. Just make sure to buy the latest 2024 variant.
If I talk about what I liked and didn’t like about this Lloyd AC, then I would say the cooling performance is exceptionally good. I didn’t expect it to be this effective. Within 5-7 minutes, it cools down my entire room.
I tested it during the summer, and the room where I tested it is approximately 170 square feet and receives direct sunlight through a large window during the day.
I know that the 1-ton AC is not enough for a room of this size (a bit underpowered); it should be 1.5 tons. However, I bought this AC specifically for review purposes to check its cooling capacity thoroughly. That’s why I chose to use a slightly underpowered unit.
Most of the time, I tested this AC within a temperature range of 24-27 Celsius because that’s the range where you can truly gauge an AC’s actual cooling performance. After three months of use, I can definitely say that the cooling performance of this new Lloyd AC is very impressive.
The build quality of the outdoor unit is also good. I found it to be excellent—even better than some premium ACs on the market. It uses the latest industry-standard coating, and there’s no compromise anywhere in its build.
However, the outer body of the indoor unit shows some compromises in build quality. On the bright side, the evaporator coil is equipped with both Hydrophilic Coating and Black Fin coating, which means that despite the lower price, quality hasn’t been sacrificed.
I think remote control has some cost-cutting measures. What do you think? It looks cheap, and the lack of a backlight display makes it difficult to use at night. On the positive side, it has large dedicated buttons, which is a plus for senior citizens as it makes the remote easier for them to use.
When it comes to features, this Llyod AC has all the standard features you would expect nowadays: auto mode, economy mode, turbo mode, sleep mode, 2-way swings, humidity control, timer on/off, and even indicators for low gas and filter cleaning. It also has a 5-in-1 mode, which I think is common in most inverter ACs nowadays. I personally use this feature a lot, and it definitely makes a difference in my electricity bill.
The energy efficiency is good and meets the latest BEE rating standards. In terms of noise, the indoor unit operates very quietly. The only noise you might hear is from the fan if it’s on; otherwise, the indoor unit will be really silent.
Regarding installation and service experience, although it may vary by location, my personal experience was quite positive. If you check on Amazon, you’ll find that their basic installation charges are lower than many other brands. They charged me around 1200 INR for basic installation, including GST. Since I already had the outdoor unit stand, they only charged me about 1500 INR in total, including the drain pipe, a few extra nuts, and a cable, which I think is reasonable.
Overall, considering the price, this Llyod AC offers great value for money. After using it extensively for the past 3-4 months, I haven’t found any major downsides. The performance is its main advantage.
My experience with this Llyod AC has been very good. If you are looking for an affordable 5-star AC, you should definitely consider this one.
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]]>There are plenty of good over-ear gaming headphones on the market, but options for in-ear gaming earphones are quite limited. There are some good ones from Razer and HyperX, but they are very expensive for the Indian market. Enter the Kreo Hydra, which is affordable and promising both. The Kreo Hydra aims to let you […]
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]]>There are plenty of good over-ear gaming headphones on the market, but options for in-ear gaming earphones are quite limited. There are some good ones from Razer and HyperX, but they are very expensive for the Indian market.
Enter the Kreo Hydra, which is affordable and promising both. The Kreo Hydra aims to let you both game when you’re at home and listen to music when you’re on the go.
The Kreo Hydra comes in two variants: one with a USB Type-C and another with a 3.5mm aux, so you can choose according to your preference.
It has a sporty look with a black and purple colour combination, giving off an aggressive gaming wali vibe. The build quality is also good, and it definitely justifies the price tag. One cool thing about it is that it has a dual-driver setup, but still, it remains compact and lightweight. It doesn’t look bulky at all, and it’s comfortable too. You can easily wear it for 3-4 hours straight without any problem.
Below the right earbud, you’ll find a microphone and remote control that works for both Android and iOS. It has a volume toggle and microphone on/off switch.
Now, let’s talk about the microphone quality. The microphone quality is good, similar to what you usually get with most wired earphones. It’s clear, so you won’t have any issues chatting with your teammates in-game.
Let’s talk about the sound quality. The Kreo Hydra is designed to be both a gaming headset and earphones for listening to music on the go. The best gaming headset should be ideal not just for gaming but also for regular music and entertainment purposes.
A big credit for its great sound output definitely goes to its dual-driver setup. Like other gaming headphones, the Hydra’s tuning is bass-heavy, but thanks to the dual driver, the bass is well-managed here. The bass has decent detail without any noticeable distortion.
Although the bass is strong, but it doesn’t overshadow the mid and high. The vocals might feel a bit compressed, but again, mid-range instruments are detailed well, and there’s good separation overall. So, the overall audio quality is enjoyable.
For gaming, the sound quality of Kreo Hydra is perfectly acceptable. It has a wide soundstage, and the bass response is good, too. So, the overall gaming audio experience is good. The spatial awareness is also good, so you can easily get an idea of the direction of the footstep or vehicle approach in the game.
As I mentioned earlier, Kreo Hydra’s tuning is good, so besides gaming, you can also consider it as music earphones. One last thing that I liked about the Kreo Hydra is that it isolates noise very well, which is something you’d want in a good gaming headset.
Overall, Kreo Hydra is definitely an impressive product. It serves both gaming and music purposes well. If gaming is your main priority and you’re looking for a good option within a lower budget, then you can definitely consider buying the Kreo Hydra.
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]]>Recently, I reviewed the BenQ ScreenBar Plus monitor light bar, and after the review, many users told me that ScreenBar Plus is a good option but expensive for Indian buyers. They asked if I could suggest a more budget-friendly alternative option. So, I began searching and found an interesting and unique option on Amazon India […]
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]]>Recently, I reviewed the BenQ ScreenBar Plus monitor light bar, and after the review, many users told me that ScreenBar Plus is a good option but expensive for Indian buyers. They asked if I could suggest a more budget-friendly alternative option. So, I began searching and found an interesting and unique option on Amazon India – the Quantis ScreenLinear 2-in-1 RGB monitor light bar.
This Quntis ScreenLinear Monitor RGB light bar works as a typical monitor light bar and also illuminates your monitor background with RGB, adding a creative or gaming vibe to your desktop setup. I’ve seen many light bars before, but this one caught my attention because it offers RGB lighting options and standard light bar features. I’ve been using this Quntis Monitor RGB light bar for the last week. Here is my detailed experience with this Quntis ScreenLinear RGB light bar.
First, I really liked that despite its low price, there hasn’t been much compromise on the build quality. The main chassis of the light bar is made of metal, giving it a strong and durable feel. The counterweight clamp part is also well-built. You can tell from its weight that the build is solid. Plus, the counterweight clamp is detachable and has a universal design, so it can easily attach to any monitor, whether flat or curved screen. Furthermore, it can even be attached to laptop screens.
The length of the light bar is approximately 16 inches, which is an ideal size for monitors ranging from 15 to 27 inches, though there’s also an option for a 20-inch variant if needed. Given its low price tag, there are some compromises, like we don’t get a desk controller with it. However, this isn’t much of a miss because it includes touch-sensitive buttons – two of them, one on the right side and the other on the left. The left side button controls the normal light, while the right side button manages the RGB light.
The RGB light comes with a total of 15 preset modes, out of which 6-7 are static modes like green, blue, red, white, and purple, and then preset effects like rainbow, water, and breathing. Overall, I found the RGB light effects pretty cool. The brightness of the RGB light is also quite good. It definitely gives my PC setup a unique and creative look.
Another feature I really liked, which many premium light bars don’t have, is that you can easily adjust the angle up to 180 degrees. This means you can direct the RGB and regular light in any direction you prefer, according to your use.
In the regular light bar, there are some customization options. You get three levels of brightness and temperature adjustment options. However, the Quntis ScreenLinear RGB light bar doesn’t have dynamic temperature or brightness adjustment, which can be considered a downside. But given its low price, it’s hard to complain much. The three-level adjustment is usually enough, but having dynamic adjustment and ambient light sensor options would have made it even better. Still, it’s not a deal-breaker.
The performance of the Quntis ScreenLinear Monitor RGB Light Bar is good; there is no compromise here. After setting up this light bar at a height of 25 inches, it easily covers a desk area of 27 x 17 inches, and in the centre, you can expect an output of 700-750 lux. So yes, the brightness of the light is quite good.
So, yes, it has limited controls, but there’s no compromise in terms of the light’s main purpose.
Overall, this product is good and unique. It’s a 2-in-1 monitor light bar, serving as both an RGB and a normal monitor light bar. Whether you’re in work mode, gaming, or entertainment mode, this light covers all uses. So, if you’re looking for a budget monitor light bar, you should definitely consider the Quntis ScreenLinear RGB Light Bar.
If you have any more questions about this light bar, feel free to ask me in the comments below.
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]]>Nothing recently dropped its most affordable earbuds ‘ CMF by Nothing Buds’ in India. The new Nothing Buds is a more affordable version of the Nothing CMF Buds Pro. The new CMF Buds carry a price tag of Rs 2,499, putting them in India’s budget ANC earbuds segment. Let’s find out how they fare for […]
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]]>Nothing recently dropped its most affordable earbuds ‘ CMF by Nothing Buds’ in India. The new Nothing Buds is a more affordable version of the Nothing CMF Buds Pro. The new CMF Buds carry a price tag of Rs 2,499, putting them in India’s budget ANC earbuds segment. Let’s find out how they fare for a pair of entry-level TWS earbuds.
The Nothing Buds really stands out in terms of design. It has quite a unique and stylish look. Initially, they might seem a bit unusual, but you’ll find them cool over time. I’ve been using this for the last month and have taken it outside several times. Believe me, it has caught the attention of many people. A few people even asked me which brand of earbuds these are. So, yes, the Nothing buds are definitely attention-seeking. And if you prefer a more aggressive look, I would suggest you go with the orange colour variant.
The main highlight of the earbuds is the aluminium alloy dial, which feels solid, and I personally like it. The earbuds have been sitting on my desk for a month, and I use them like a fidget spinner.
It’s a unique design approach that gives these earbuds a great aesthetic. Additionally, there’s an option to attach a lanyard cable, although the cable is not included with the retail unit.
The charging case isn’t the most compact, but it’s still easy to carry daily, fitting easily even into the tight jean pockets. The matte finish gives it a premium feel, though it could get scratched over time, but scratches won’t show as prominently as they would on a glossy finish.
The build quality of CMF by Nothing Buds is good, especially considering the price. It feels strong and durable—you can easily feel that strong build as you open and close the lid.
The earbuds’ design is almost identical to the previous Nothing Buds Pro. I have no complaints about comfort or the experience of using the earbuds. While these earbuds might not be the most comfortable out there, they’re still pretty good. You can easily use these earbuds for 3-4 hours and continue without any problem. It also offers a secure fit, making it ideal for activities like gym workouts.
The Nothing Buds have an IP54 waterproof rating, so they’re protected against sweat and light rain. Please note that the charging case doesn’t have any waterproof rating.
The new CMF Nothing Buds supports Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs. Pairing these buds with your Nothing Phone is very easy. Just turn on Bluetooth on your phone, open the charging case of the buds near your phone, and follow the prompts to connect.
To pair with other brands of smartphones or laptops, put the Buds back into the charging case with the lid open. Press and hold the setup button inside the case for about 2 seconds to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Then, select ‘CMF Buds’ from your device’s Bluetooth settings.
For Android users, it has Google Fast Pair support. It also supports Microsoft Swift Pair, making it very easy to pair with Windows PCs without extra effort.
The Nothing Buds also features a dual-connection option so that you can connect two devices at once. However, remember that activating or deactivating this feature will cause the headset to restart.
The CMF Buds use touch controls similar to the previous Buds Pro. You can play/pause or answer/hang up calls with a double tap on the earbud. Triple tapping skips to the next track while tapping and holding switches between noise cancellation modes. For volume control, double tap and hold. By default, volume control is disabled, but you can customize these controls using the Nothing X app on Android or iPhone.
The Earbuds also come with an in-ear detection feature. You also have the option to turn off in-ear detection and dual pairing.
Let’s talk about its key feature, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The CMF by Nothing Buds supports ANC up to 42dB with a frequency of 2900Hz, which is quite good considering the price. I’ve used it a few times outdoors, even in noisy traffic areas, and it does a decent job.
However, the new Nothing Buds uses a wide frequency range of up to 2900 Hz, compared to 5000 Hz in the Bud Pro and the premium Ear series, so the cancellation is not the best in varied sound conditions like switching from traffic or crowded areas. We can’t complain much about this price point.
It also has a transparency mode, allowing you to listen to ambient sound to recognize the surrounding situation and any potential risks. Just like ANC, the transparency mode is just average. There’s not much difference between normal and transparency modes, so the transparency mode is definitely the downside.
You must download the Nothing X app on Android and iOS platforms to access all Nothing Buds features. It has a custom equalizer option with four pre-set audio modes. There is a Find My Buds option along with touch control customization.
It has a low-latency gaming mode option, which I tested once. It generally works well, though there is still some latency, which is typical for earbuds. Overall, it’s suitable for day-to-day gaming.
Let’s talk about another important feature: the microphone. It has a total of 4 microphones, which easily pick up your voice while minimizing background noise. Even during outdoor calls, its performance is good. There might be a bit of background noise outdoors, but the person you’re talking to will still hear your voice clearly. So, don’t worry, the microphone is good, and you won’t have any complaints about it.
The CMF Buds come with a 45mAh battery that gives you around 7-8 hours of use without ANC and approx 5 hours with ANC turned on. In my testing, using AAC and occasionally turning on ANC, I got slightly over 4 hours at around 60% volume, which is pretty good.
When I turned off ANC completely, the battery lasted close to 7 hours. For calls, it lasts about 4 hours with ANC on. The charging case has a 460mAh battery, offering up to 35 hours of total battery life without ANC and 24 hours with ANC. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support wireless charging. It takes about 1.5 hours to charge the case fully with the earbuds inside. Additionally, it supports fast charging, giving you 6 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging.
When it comes to sound quality, my opinion is somewhat mixed. The CMF by Nothing Buds features large 12.4mm drivers with DIRAC tuning and Nothing’s Ultra Bass Technology 2.0. After hearing these specs list, you might expect impressive sound quality, but that’s not entirely the case.
I’ve tried many DIRAC-tuned earbuds and headphones; I like DIRAC tuning a lot. However, I didn’t find it as enjoyable with Nothing Buds. After a recent update, there has been some improvement, but there’s still room for more improvement.
Overall, the sound profile leans towards heavy bass. The bass response is quite strong, which many Indian users might like. However, some users, including myself, might find the tuning to be bass-heavy, where the bass overpowers other frequencies. You can use the built-in equalizer to balance the audio to some level, although the preset modes in the app are not very effective. You’ll need to create your own custom mode.
You might enjoy this heavy bass tuning more if you listen to many Bollywood, pop, and rock music. There’s also an ‘ultra bass’ option to adjust bass levels across five levels. This option wasn’t very useful before the recent update, but it’s better now.
The mid and high frequencies are decent, but due to the heavy bass, the vocals and mid-range instruments may feel a bit crowded. However, compared to other high-bass earbuds, the CMF by Nothing Buds perform quite well. Some high frequencies may seem a bit subdued, but you can adjust this easily with the app equalizer.
In simple words, the sound quality is not bad at all, although it has some downsides. Still, considering the price range, these are among the best-sounding earbuds, even ranking higher. You’ll likely appreciate the Nothing Buds sound quality if you enjoy EDM, pop, high bass tracks, watching YouTube videos and movies, and playing games.
After testing numerous true wireless earbuds in the sub-Rs 2,500 price range, it’s clear that the CMF by Nothing Buds stand out as a top recommendation. Priced at Rs 2,499, they offer an impressive array of features and deliver a good audio experience, making them a standout choice in this competitive market.
One of the most striking features of the CMF Buds is the ANC, which surprisingly proves to be effective in blocking out unwanted noise. Moreover, the solid build quality ensures durability, while the microphone delivers clear sound during calls.
In conclusion, the CMF by Nothing Buds provides a balance of features, performance, and aesthetic design, making them a compelling choice for anyone looking for budget-friendly earbuds.
When it comes to comparisons, there are a few best-selling options available for the Rs 2500 budget. The Realme T300, Oppo Enco Buds 2, Nord Buds 2R, and Noting CMF Buds Pro are among them. However, the biggest competitor to the Nothing Buds is its older brother, the CMF Buds Pro. Without going into too much detail, the CMF by Nothing Buds is currently the best option in the Rs 2500 range.
If you extend the budget to Rs 3000, then there are a few good options, such as the Realme Buds Air 5, Redmi Buds 5, Nord Buds 2, and JBL Wave Flex. In terms of design, build quality and features, the Nothing Buds are slightly ahead. However, when it comes to sound quality, I would prioritize the Realme Buds Air 5. The Nord Buds 2 also offers good sound quality with heavy bass tuning, while the JBL Wave Flex also delivers impressive sound quality. But when it comes to features, the Realme Buds Air 5 is a little bit ahead of Nothing Buds.
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]]>Ptron recently launched the Bassbuds Gomax, the company’s latest budget wireless earbuds. It is compact and stylish, features Bluetooth 5.3, has touch controls and promises over 30 hours of playback. After using it for a couple of days, here is my review of Ptron Bassbuds Gomax earbuds. Box Content Design, Build & Comfort The Ptron […]
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]]>Ptron recently launched the Bassbuds Gomax, the company’s latest budget wireless earbuds. It is compact and stylish, features Bluetooth 5.3, has touch controls and promises over 30 hours of playback. After using it for a couple of days, here is my review of Ptron Bassbuds Gomax earbuds.
The Ptron Bassbuds Gomax have a decent design. Their charging case looks quite similar to the OnePlus Buds, but overall, it looks good. I have a white colour variant, but you also have a black colour option. The build quality is also good, and it feels durable and justifies the price tag.
The earbuds are comfortable to wear. They have a long stem design and are lightweight. I continuously used Bassbuds Gomax for 1-2 hours, and I didn’t find any comfort-related issues. The touch controls are also very responsive and easy to use, so there is no extra struggle. You can easily control the music and incoming calls using the touch control.
The only thing I didn’t like much was the red and blue indicator lights on the earbuds. It would have been nicer if they were just simple white lights. But it’s okay; every wish doesn’t come true. ThePtron Bassbuds Gomax has an IPX5 waterproof rating, so they’re protected from dust, sweat, and light rain.
I don’t find any connectivity or pairing-related issues. The Bassbuds Gomax come with the latest Bluetooth 5.3, so they easily connect to any device. However, you won’t find advanced features like Google Fast Pair, dual pair, or ANC support on this.
The battery life is decent. You’ll get around 4-5 hours of playback time with the earbuds at 50-60% volume, and overall, you’ll get approximately 28 hours of playback time with the charging case. These numbers are good.
The microphone is also good. The quality is decent, similar to what you’d find in most earbuds in this price range. The voice sounds quite natural, which is nice. Even for outdoor use, it works well. Though it might pick up a bit of background noise, it’s normal for TWS earbuds. During calls, the person on the other end can hear your voice clearly. So, overall, the microphone is decent.
Let’s talk about the sound quality. The Ptron Bassbuds Gomax have large 13mm drivers. I haven’t tried many options under Rs. 1000, but the sound quality here was better than what I expected. With large drivers, the output is quite loud. Even at 60-70% volume, it’s more than enough, and there’s not much distortion even at full volume.
The bass is the main priority in audio tuning. Like the majority of Indian listeners, if you prioritize bass, then you will like the sound quality of Ptron Bassbuds Gomax. What I liked about Bassbuds Gomax is that, unlike many budget TWS earbuds where the bass is overly emphasized, here it’s not so overpowering. This means other audio frequencies aren’t negatively affected much. The vocals are somewhat compressed but still have decent space and detail. The mid-frequencies lack some detail, but it’s OK. Considering the price point, we can’t complain too much.
High frequencies (treble) are also vibrant and have decent detail. Instrument separation is good, too. Overall, the audio experience was enjoyable, and Bassbuds Gomax is an ideal choice for all-in-one entertainment purposes.
Overall, PTron Bassbuds Gomax is definitely a value-for-money product. There are no major drawbacks, just some minor compromises, but that’s expected at this price point. If you’re looking for decent-sounding TWS earbuds under Rs. 1000, you should definitely consider buying these Bassbuds Gomax.
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