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You are here: Home / Archives for Earbuds

Urbanista London True Wireless Review

08/05/2020 By Hakan Can

Urbanista London earbuds in charging case in White Pearl

Best Alternative to Apple AirPods?

London is one of those places in the world which has something for everyone. I’m hoping this analogy translates to audio products from Swedish lifestyle brand Urbanista. Recently, we got our hands on the London, its latest true wireless, active noise cancelling earbuds, and put it through its paces. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Urbanista London True Wireless Review.

Urbanista London earbuds in charging case in White Pearl

Pros:
• 5 Hrs Playtime
• 25 Hrs Battery Life
• Active Noise Cancelling
• Ambient Voice Mode
• Ear Detection
• Portable Charging Case

Cons:
• Low Volume Level
• Weak Audio Quality
• Price Tag of $149

Read:   Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

Urbanista London True Wireless Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. Upon opening the packaging, fully charge the Urbanista London true wireless earbuds within the supplied charging case. You can use a Q-certified charging pad as well.
  2. Pairing these earbuds couldn’t be easier. All one has to do is lift the lid to the charging case with the earbuds in place, and that’s it. There are no buttons that require pressing.
  3. After pairing the earbuds to your Bluetooth device, place the earbuds in your ears.
  4. To play or pause the audio, simply tap the logo at the top of the left earbud twice.
  5. To increase the volume, tap the logo at the top of the right earbud. To decrease the volume, tap the logo at the top of the left earbud. Brushing your finger along the earbud worked well for me.
  6. To answer or end a phone call, touch the logo twice on either earbud. To reject a call, touch and hold the logo on either earbud.
  7. To activate Siri or Bixby (I used this one) touch the logo on the right earbud twice.
  8. To turn Active Noise Cancelling on or off, touch and hold the logo on the right earbud for at least two seconds.
  9. To turn Ambient Voice Mode on or off, touch and hold the logo on the left earbud for at least two seconds.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Urbanista press release, “Urbanista London is designed to provide the perfect fit and is comfortable for long periods of wear.” I agree wholeheartedly with this statement.

Urbanista London comes in four colors: Midnight Black, White Pearl, Rose Gold, and Dark Sapphire. And they arrive within a hard plastic, matte-finished charging case of the same color. A four-light charging indicator is located on the front of the case.

Controls are accessed by nothing more than a touch to the logo of either earbud. Operations are listed in the proceeding section. Although there’s no right or left designation on the  earbuds, it’s near impossible to place the wrong one into the correct ear.

Urbanista London earbuds in Midnight Black

These earbuds have in-ear detection, ambient voice mode, and active noise cancelling. The latter utilizes a BES chipset, which I’m told is quite advanced with ANC. While I never got around to utilizing the ambient voice mode, as a situation never presented itself, I can attest that the ANC worked quite well, especially so while mowing the lawn.

In other tests, the earbuds worked as they’re supposed to for playing/pausing music, accessing phone calls, and with the Bixby voice assistant.

Charging of the earbuds is handled via the supplied case and USB-C cable. To achieve play lengths of ½ hour, 1 hour, and 3 hours, charge the earbuds for 5, 10, or 30 minutes, respectively. To completely charge the case takes just over 1.5 hours.

Ear tips come in three sizes: S, M & L.

From a design and feature perspective, London from Urbanista is a solid product.

Urbanista London earbuds with charging case in Midnight Black

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $149.99
• Driver Type: 10 mm
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Supported Codes: AAC, SBC
• Siri/Google Assistant/Bixby
• IPX4 Protection

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 1.52 Hours
• Available in Midnight Black, White Pearl, Rose Gold, Dark Sapphire

Urbanista London earbuds in Sapphire Blue

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Earbuds
• Charging Case
• Manual

• USB-C Charging Cable
• 3 Additional Pairs of Silicone Ear Tips

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding earbuds and headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Urbanista London earbuds were tested across a variety of artists using my Amazon Music account.

Audio performance is where the London earbuds lose their luster. Rather than excelling in audio quality, the earbuds faltered. Regardless of the type or genre of music, and I listened to plenty, what I heard felt like layers of cloth or a muffler between my ears and the artist.  When testing a $150 product, I better be impressed, sadly I was disappointed.

Urbanista London earbuds with charging case in Rose Gold

Within the song Alone by Halsey, the finger snapping (among other things) didn’t sound right.

On the song Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey, the audio quality sounds like a blurry mess when the instruments join her vocals.

On the song Bad as the Boys by Tove Lo, the percussion doesn’t sound right. It’s too loud and unpleasant on the ears.

I could continue with less-than-stellar examples from the bands 30 Seconds To Mars, Rush, and The Black Keys, but I won’t.

The only positives I can note are from Jazz legend John Coltrane and the EDM artist Zedd. The audio quality of their albums The Ultimate Blue Train and Clarity were better on the ears, but I’ve heard more satisfying from similarly priced earbuds.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be comfortable in my ears and very portable within its travel case.

Audio life of five hours is enough to cover two day’s worth of bus or subway commutes plus lunch breaks. Sadly, the audio quality disappoints.

• Design – 4.5
• Features – 4.5

• Sound – 2.0
• Value – 3.0

What do you think of this Urbanista London True Wireless review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Urbanista’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. The London True Wireless ANC earbuds come with a one-year limited warranty, click this Warranty Terms link for more information. To learn about returns, repairs, and technical support, click this Help Center link for more details.

FTC Disclosure: Urbanista provided Beantown with one (1) London True Wireless Earbuds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Urbanista or Beantown LLC © 2020.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: bluetooth earbuds, Earbuds, london, urbanista, wireless earbuds 10/18/2021

Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

09/08/2019 By Hakan Can

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

Best Neckband Earbuds of 2019?

We rarely get the opportunity to review neckband earbuds. In fact, we’ve only tested two models all year. We don’t know why this is, but whenever the opp to review one comes our way, we seize it. This brings us to the Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds, which until recently were known as Sennheiser HD1 Free earbuds. (Don’t be confused by our product photos.) With features such as high-quality audio, Bluetooth 4.2, and Qualcomm apt-X codecs, these earphones offer much to the consumer. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Sennheiser Momentum Free Review.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

Pros:
• High-quality bass audio
• Connects to two devices
• Bluetooth 4.2
• apt-X, apt-X LL codecs
• Lightweight design
• Leather travel case

Cons:
• No USB-C connection
• No noise cancellation
• Price tag of $200
• Battery life of 6 hours

Read:   Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. After pairing the Momentum Free to a Bluetooth device, place the earbuds in your ears. Then press the power on button located in the center of the control panel. Hold the button down for 2 seconds.
  2. When powering down, press the power button for 4 seconds, and they will turn off. Store them in the circular leather travel case for safekeeping.
  3. To charge the headphones, place the USB cord into a power source. Charging of the headphones takes up to 1.5 hours, and playtime lasts for 6 hours.
  4. Volume adjustment is controlled via the “+” and “-” buttons located beside the power button.
  5. To control music, press the power button to play and pause. To advance or return to a previous track, press and hold the “+” and “-” buttons for one second, respectively.
  6. To control phone calls, press the power button once to answer and disconnect calls. To reject a call, press and hold the button for one second. You can even achieve 3-way calling.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Sennheiser website, “The smaller the headphone, the more meticulously built it has to be. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free is pure precision. From its custom machined stainless steel in-ear sound tunnels for the signature MOMENTUM sound to its luxurious leather carrying case.”

The Momentum Free earbuds come with a hard plastic outer shell in a black/silver color combination. Controls are located a few inches away from the right earbud. The earbuds come with a flexible and rubbery neckband approximately 29″ in length. As the cord comes out of each earbud, it goes through a loop. I suspect this helps prevent the cable from being accidentally yanked out of the earbud. It’s also a good look.

Unlike similar models, the earbuds are angled and noticeably so to fit your ears better. Ear tips come in four sizes: XS, S, M & L.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

The quality of workmanship from Sennheiser is high. In testing, the buttons worked flawlessly during music and phone calls.

When not in use, there’s the magnetic clasping feature, which we don’t see often enough. These earbuds do lack wear detection, and that’s fine. One shouldn’t expect every available feature. I do wish they had A.N.C.

The Momentum Free earbuds don’t allow for passive audio to come through. So much passive audio was blocked, making it difficult to hear a conversation. I found myself removing one of the earbuds to listen to whoever was attempting to speak with me.

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $199.99
• Driver Type: Dynamic (SYS10)
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• THD: <0.5%
• Sound Pressure: 118 dB

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 1.5 Hours
• Weight: 40 grams
• Available in Black

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Leather Travel Case
• Quick & Safety Guides

• USB Charging Cable
• 4 Pairs of Ear Tips

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

• Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy
• Tool – Fear Inoculum
• Halsey – BADLANDS
• Play List – Krewella and More

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds (previously known as HD1 Free) were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above using my Amazon Music account. Minus one change, it’s the same play list we used for the Edifier TWS2 earbuds.

Additionally, I gave them a go around the gym during numerous weight and treadmill workouts. The Momentum Free earbuds held up well during all my gym sessions. Due to their lightweight and secure fit, they held firmly in my ears.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review
Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

The first test on how well these earbuds would handle (keyboard, drum, and guitar) bass was from listening to Tool’s new album Fear Inoculum. Over many albums, Tool has placed an emphasis on bass audio regardless of the musical instrument. Now, I’m not a fan of this particular album, but I couldn’t help but be impressed with how their 16-minute song 7empest sounded.

I want to make one thing clear, and that is I’m no bass head. Regardless, I know many who are, and they’ll appreciate what the Momentum Free offers. The bass clarity at the highest volume with my Samsung Galaxy phone was terrific.

When testing a $200 product, I better be impressed. Fortunately, with the Momentum Free, I was. These earbuds packed plenty of clear bass audio.

Even albums from female artists such as hopeless fountain kingdom and BADLANDS from Halsey or Queen Of The Clouds from Tove Lo sounded well, especially the former. The vocals are a bit deeper, but if this is what you enjoy listening to, then you won’t complain. I particularly enjoyed listening to Colors and Gasoline.

I was less impressed with how Make A Shadow from Meg Myers sounded. As her music is more pop-and-rock oriented, the increased bass takes away from some of the instruments.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be very comfortable in my ears and very portable whether clasped around my neck or in its leather travel case.

Audio life of six hours is more than enough to cover two day’s worth of bus or subway commutes plus lunch breaks. The audio quality is quite good with its 15 Hz – 22 kHz range.

• Design – 4.75
• Features – 4.25

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 3.50

What do you think of this Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Sennheiser’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. The Momentum Free comes with a two-year warranty, click this Warranty Terms link for more information. To learn about returns, repairs, and technical support, click this Service Support link for more details.

FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown with one (1) Momentum Free Wireless Earbuds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: bluetooth earbuds, Earbuds, HD1 Free, Momentum Free, Sennheiser, wireless earbuds 09/11/2019

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

06/08/2016 By Jonathan Dery

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Versatility Running Through Your Ears: JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

The main ubiquitous problem with sport headphones mirrors one of the main reasons for refusing to go to the gym: they’re a hassle. The short, knotty wiring, the prone-to-dislodging earbuds, the limited functions available on the mid-strip remote (if there even is one); these culminating irritations nearly persuade users to forego their headphones when heading out to the gym, or worse, make staying home and further indenting their couch cushions sound much more appealing. JAM Audio’s new sport earbuds seek to alleviate all these discouraging irritations, as well as providing functions that are designed for exercise. The question remains, do the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Wireless Earbuds rise above and beyond the couch of their mediocre peers, or do they make a bag of chips sound more appealing than the music they play? Let’s take a look in this JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Aesthetic

Right from the start, the user will be delighted to see that they don’t need to use their aggressive hands, teeth, a pair of scissors, nor the sharpest steak knife to access these headphones. JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds reside intricately coiled inside a standard BPA-free sport water bottle showcasing both the 3-dimensional look of the headphones, as well as the secondary intent of this particular JAM Wireless Audio product: fitness.

Further than the exercise purpose of these headphones, the look embodies the qualities of fitness. Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. There are two ear grip accessories with small, medium, and large sizes for each. One that fits in the inner ear canal as well as another that rounds the rim of the whole ear.[Tweet “Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. @JamSpeaker”]

Additionally, these earbuds are practically wireless; the only wire is a one-foot long reflective chord, coiled around a small curved plastic plate in the middle, that connects the two earbuds to each other. This wiring is ultimately extremely useful. The length provided enough space to add an attached basic remote: two volume buttons and a play-pause button, and be just long enough that in the case of the headphones dislodging from the user’s ears, they should hang around the back of the user’s neck. This feature can be a life-savor, especially when using JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds during exercise.

However, the short length of the wiring can make it difficult for the user to move their head freely without the headphones falling out. This short length is most likely the secondary reason for the addition of the multiple ear-grip styles and sizes, though the standard small-medium-large format will require the user to try each size and style to ultimately determine which suits them best. This requirement can be both an inconvenient expense of the user’s time and result in the user still ending up unsatisfied with their most compatible headphone accessory arrangement. The amount of trial and error necessary to construct a viable set up not only detracts from the headphone’s appeal but is ultimately indicative of the design error on Jam’s side.

These sport earbuds are available in 3 color patterns. If the blue/black combination doesn’t suit you, there are a green/black and pink/black color combos as well.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

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Wireless Functionality

Despite the few nonessential design errors, the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are the Swiss army knife of consumer-centered functions.

The Bluetooth functionality is exceptionally competent and stable. It only takes a second to link a device to the headphones, and the connection rarely disrupts or disconnects. However, the connection disrupts most frequently when the user moves at faster speeds.

The Bluetooth is activated by holding the play-pause button on the mid-wire remote panel. On the remote panel are the increase and decrease volume buttons as well. JAM Audio elevates the functionality of these buttons by engineering them to be multi-functional. While playing music, if the increase volume button is held, the playlist will skip to the next song; if the decrease volume button is held, the playlist will skip back one song. If the headphones are connected to a phone, the play-pause button can be pressed to answer an incoming call or held to reject the call. Despite these implementations seeming like common sense and rudimentary additions, they are rarely included, though welcome add-ons. Especially considering how the aim for these headphones is to be used during exercise, these buttons are incredibly convenient and useful.

A thoughtful bonus innovation is the music cancellation button found on the left earbud. In any case, the user would like to hear their environment clearly while still listening to music (i.e. running on a road), they can press this button and stop the music in their left ear while it resumes in their right. Small extra, substantial increase in potential safety.

The one nearly detrimental caveat is that the user must recharge the headphones. The JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds have a 10-hour battery life. Understandably, this is the one way the headphones can be wireless, however, if the user is working out in the gym, running in open terrain, or too far from their home without the charger, they are hopeless. Even if the user did carry the charger and had outlets at their disposal, they would still need to remove the headphones and let them charge for at least thirty minutes. This inconvenience can be the deciding factor between purchasing these headphones or going with a wired or more expensive wireless pair of headphones.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

Wireless Sound Quality

These earbuds are designed for exercise use and multi-functionality. While the list price of these buds is $79.99, the Amazon selling price is closer to $50. Though being the fundamental purpose of headphones, the sound quality must be evaluated respectively. Wrong. Correct, yes, yet unnecessary with the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. The sound quality on these headphones not only match that of SkullCandy’s Smokin Buds 2 (which are designed primarily for sound quality) but ultimately surpass them pertaining to particular elements. Both the heaviness of the bass and the distinction between sounds are superior on the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. This statement holds true across genres. From the elaborate Hip Hop/R&B hit “Monster” by Kanye West to the elegantly robust concertos of Felix Mendelssohn, the earbuds’ fidelity and power are unwavering.

It would take months to truly test this or any other comparison, however, after an adequate number of trials, it is clear that this product does not just stack up to the competition; it is above the rest. Ultimately, the Jam Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are a top contender; it wasn’t until I heard new lyrics and sounds from songs I have heard numerous times that I discovered the earbuds’ exceptional heights. The same outcome was found with my fellow evaluators, as well.

Read:   SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review

Verdict

Though these headphones may not be qualified to compete against the sound quality of Dr. Dre’s Beats and the likes, they provide an exceptional plethora of convenient functions and dominate top selling headphone brands designed purely for outstanding sound. It would be a mistake not to purchase these headphones built for any consumer in practically any terrain (though, I recommend having a spare wired set of headphones if the juice runs out). JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds don’t just emerge from their couched competitors; they exceed so far until the rest might as well fall by the wayside. They even provide a water bottle – how refreshing.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds kick it up a few notches for each feature. They have established themselves as a formidable competitor.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. We’d be eager to hear your thoughts.

FTC Disclosure: JAM Audio Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Transit Micro Sport Buds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC 2016.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Earbuds, JAM Audio, Sport Earbuds, Transit Micro 06/12/2016

Review: The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Earbuds

01/13/2016 By Tom McLaughlin

House of Marley Smile Jamaica Earbuds

There’s Something to Smile About Here — The Marley Smile Jamaica

The House of Marley brand is one to watch these days. I recently got my hands on one of their lower priced headphones–the Marley Smile Jamaica in-ear headphones. Priced at $30 dollars, my expectations were pretty low. As it turned out, they gave me something to smile about.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica EarbudsThe Look

The way in which The House of Marley presents themselves is amazing. They have a long-term plan in place to preserve the environment, and they stick to it. They practice this plan in three ways:

  1. They use recycled materials for their packaging.
  2. They use FSC-certified wood in the backings.
  3. They use precision milled aluminum to make sure none of the materials end up in the waste system.

They make recycling cool in this way.

When I first received the Marley Smiley Jamaica earbuds, I knew I would need some convincing right off the bat. You see, I don’t usually use in-ear headphones when listening to music. There’s something about the way in-ear headphones fit where they don’t usually work well with my ears. The Smile Jamaica earbuds came with two sizes of ear tips to compensate a little bit for the wide array of ear shapes. Most earbud models come with three sets of tips. I found I didn’t have to adjust their pair at all. There were no earbuds falling out of these ears.

Then there was something about the color patterns and the FSC-certified Sapele wood backing that drew me in the rest of the way. To be perfectly honest, these are one pretty pair of headphones. They don’t ask for much attention. The way that the whole product comes together with design and feel is awesome.[Tweet “What you’re getting for $30 with these Smile Jamaica headphones is quite impressive”]

We at Beantown received a pair of the Marley Smile Jamaica in Purple to sample. Should another color pattern suit you, there are currently 9 options to choose from.

[envira-gallery id="3753"]

Color patterns shown above are in order from left to right. They are the following: Sky, Rasta Black, Purple, Mint, Fire, and Copper. Not shown are Tan, Black, and Rasta. In 2016, two new colors, Teal and Denim, are set to be introduced. Feel free to check out these color varieties they offer. You won’t be disappointed.

The outer layer of the cord is braided fabric, 52″ in length. This reduces noise interference and keeps them from getting too tangled. While using the Marley Smile Jamaica, I found the cord often gets bent and stiff. It’s the same challenge one sees with a tangled pair of headphones. They’ll need some breaking in for the better cooperation.

One observation that may present a problem is with the 35mm gold-plated 90-degree jack. Although its build quality is high, it may present a problem with bigger/thicker mobile phone cases. It plugs in flat and rests against the side of the phone, so it may not work correctly if there’s something that were to get in the way.

Wrapping up the look, the Smile Jamaica has a standard mic and universal music control button to pause, skip forward, skip back, etc. It does, however, lack volume control.

Like I said, these are one good looking pair of earbuds. Furthermore, what you’re getting for $30 is pretty amazing.

Read:   Review: Antec's SugarCube Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

The Sound

Let me restate the following: what you’re getting for $30 with these Smile Jamaica headphones is quite impressive and that stands true for the sound.

During my tenure at Beantown, I’ve tried out many headphones. A lot of sounds blend together. The mediocre ones are immediately noticeable while the great ones stand out. So with this $30 price, I wasn’t anticipating much.

When I took off another brands earbuds, replaced them with the Marley Smile Jamaica, and pressed play on the new Night Beds album I had been listening to nonstop, my heart jumped.

The bass was rich, the highs were tangible, and even though they didn’t perfectly isolate noise, they packed a punch! I felt like I could hear all these new layers to the same songs I’ve been listening to. The higher mid-tones didn’t sound as well as I would have liked, but it was acceptable.

This led me to double check the price and desperately look into the headphone system to see how it was making such pure sound. For those who are curious, the sound is derived from a 9mm high-performance micro speaker.[envira-gallery id="3771"]

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Thoughts

From the style to the sound, these earbuds proved they’re offering the whole package. On top of that, the price makes this an almost a no-brainer buy.

With all this said, as a potential buyer of the product, you should first consider what you would be using it for. From my experience, I can see the Smile Jamaica earbuds best used on walks around the city, rides on transit, or while relaxed on a sofa or bed. They’re appropriate for nearly any situation. The braided fabric cord creates minimal noise when walking. And with all the personalization options, they could become like any other accessory to your street attire.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica EarbudsThe only thing you should be weary of is taking them to the gym or on outdoor runs. These headphones are not aimed at the sports training market. Despite the lightweight and versatile design, there’s no guarantee on how they will react to water or sweat. The risk of damaging these headphones rests in your hands, or better yet, your ears.

The price of $30 has been something I’ve focused on throughout this review, and I want to end by stating how amazing this price is. I was quite impressed with the Marley Smile Jamaica earbuds. I would also definitely suggest them to a friend looking for a quality pair of earbuds at a competitive price.

Have you tried the Marley Smile Jamaica headphones out yourself? Were you surprised by the lower-than-expected $30 price? What do you love about them? Let us know over on the Beantown Review Twitter or Facebook pages. And don’t hesitate to head over to The House of Marley website. Feel free to check out their 2016 product lineup, as well as any sales they have going on. They’re doing something great over there! One doesn’t have to look beyond the products they offer or the booth traffic during the recent Consumer Electronics Show.

Editor’s Note: My writer Tom liked these headphones so much that I won’t be receiving them back. I believe this speaks volumes.

FTC Disclosure: House of Marley LLC provided Beantown LLC with one Smile Jamaica headphone sample for review purposes. We’re not paid ambassadors. Our opinions are 100% our own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of House of Marley LLC and/or Beantown LLC.

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Earbuds, headphones, House of Marley, Smile Jamaica 01/13/2016

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