Amazon’s third-generation Echo Buds are the brand’s most affordable headphones yet, featuring a revised semi-in-ear design and retaining some of the popular features from the pricier second-gen Echo Buds, like hands-free Alexa support. We spent hours testing them in various environments—at home, on flights, and during errands—to evaluate their performance against the competition.

The third-gen Echo Buds are solid for entry-level headphones, offering decent functionality at a budget-friendly price. However, when it comes to sound quality and overall build, they fall short compared to the top wireless earbuds on the market. While they’re a good deal at just $50, the lower price does come with some compromises.

Pros

  • Comfortable semi-in-ear design
  • Hands-free Alexa integration
  • Smooth switching between devices

Cons

  • Basic build quality
  • Subpar sound performance
  • No wireless charging capability

Specifications

  • Drivers: 12mm
  • Voice Control: Hands-free Alexa
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (20 hours with charging case)

An on-ear Alexa speaker with simple controls

Alexa users will appreciate the convenience of having a portable smart assistant directly in their ears. The Echo Buds function just like any Echo speaker or display, offering hands-free Alexa capabilities that respond to voice commands.

This feature is particularly useful when you’re on the move or in a different room without a speaker nearby. With the Echo Buds connected to your smartphone (which needs to have a cellular or Wi-Fi signal), you can ask Alexa to manage your shopping list, play music, or make calls without needing to press any buttons.

The microphone quality is excellent, and Alexa responds well to a normal speaking volume, eliminating the need for shouting or exaggerated enunciation. However, this sensitivity might occasionally trigger Alexa if you’re speaking to someone with a similar name. Fortunately, you can easily mute the microphone with a long press on the earbuds or through the Alexa app.

Beyond voice commands, you can control audio playback with the responsive tap controls on the Echo Buds. A single tap plays or pauses music, a double tap skips to the next track or answers calls, and a triple tap returns to the previous song.

Pairing and managing the Echo Buds is done through the Amazon Alexa app, which also handles other Alexa-enabled devices. This app serves as a convenient hub for all your Amazon smart home needs, allowing you to adjust tap control settings, sidetone volume during calls, and access a basic equalizer.

Audio quality isn’t the best, but the buds sound decent for the money

At just $50, the Echo Buds offer decent audio quality for their price. While they’re not the best in their class, they stand up reasonably well compared to other budget earbuds, though they fall short of the higher standards set by premium brands like Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Apple.

The audio lacks the deep bass and can sound somewhat tinny compared to the richer tones of AirPods or higher-end over-ear headphones. However, the sound quality is relatively well-balanced and free from noticeable distortion. Acoustic and folk music, such as tracks by Lizzy McAlpine, come through clearly with well-defined vocals. On the flip side, the absence of robust bass can make genres like rap and EDM, including songs like “Happy Place” by Alison Wonderland, seem a bit underwhelming.

Additionally, unlike pricier models, the third-gen Echo Buds do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which means they may not be the best choice for noisy environments like airplanes or crowded cafes. If ANC is important to you, Amazon still offers the second-gen Echo Buds with this feature for $120. Although they lack the 2023 model’s updated design, they provide better noise isolation for those seeking a more immersive listening experience.

Not the most comfortable form factor

The 2023 Echo Buds introduce a new design compared to their 2019 and 2021 predecessors. While earlier models featured active noise cancellation (ANC) and a fully in-ear design, the 2023 version adopts a semi-in-ear approach with a design reminiscent of AirPods.

This updated model does not create a complete seal in the ear canal and includes stems similar to those found on AirPods. The earbuds come with a removable silicone cover that enhances the fit, making them slightly larger and more suitable for bigger ears. This cover also adds a grippier surface for improved stability.

The semi-open design resembles the standard AirPods, appealing to users who prefer a less invasive feel compared to fully in-ear models. However, this shape may not be ideal for individuals with smaller ears and can become uncomfortable after prolonged use. The fit also lacks firmness, with the earbuds potentially slipping out depending on ear shape.

Overall, the Echo Buds give off a somewhat cheap impression. They tend to rattle in their case, the matte plastic feels thin, and their IPX2 water resistance rating is modest. The construction lacks substantial heft, contributing to an overall impression of fragility.

Versatile use thanks to easy pairing with multiple devices

Despite their limitations, the Echo Buds remain a strong budget option for users who need to connect to multiple devices. They support simultaneous Bluetooth connections to two devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop, and switch between them effortlessly.

The Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, allowing for smooth use even when moving across a large room or into another space without losing the connection. However, the earbuds emit a notably sharp and loud chime when pairing with a device, which stands out compared to the more subtle tones of other earbuds.

Beyond music, the Echo Buds perform well for phone calls and virtual meetings, providing clear and crisp audio thanks to their effective microphone pickup. Battery life is commendable, offering up to six hours of continuous playback, or five hours if the Alexa wake word feature is active. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life but does not support wireless charging.

Should you buy the Echo Buds (3rd Gen)?

The Echo Buds (3rd Gen) may not be for everyone, but they offer distinct advantages. While their audio quality isn’t exceptional, the main attractions are their affordability, versatility, and integration with Alexa. These earbuds allow you to enjoy hands-free Alexa functionality wherever you go, provided they’re connected to your phone.

Priced at $50, they are among the most affordable Alexa-enabled earbuds available, making them a solid choice for those interested in Alexa’s features on a budget. However, if Alexa isn’t a priority, you might find cheaper options with comparable sound quality from brands like JLab. For superior sound quality and active noise cancellation, consider investing in higher-end models from brands such as Jabra, Soundcore, Sony, or Bose.