Amazon Basics Bluetooth Headphones True Wireless Earbuds IPX4Waterproof, in-Ear w/Mic,Charging Case, Black Review

Let's be real about what these are: the Amazon Basics True Wireless Earbuds are a no-frills, budget pair of earbuds that cost roughly what you'd spend on lunch for two. They're not trying to compete with AirPods or Galaxy Buds. The question is whether they deliver enough for the price — and the answer is a qualified, cautious yes.

What You're Actually Getting

The earbuds come in a compact charging case, sport IPX4 water resistance (sweat and light rain, not submersion), and include an in-ear microphone. Connectivity is Bluetooth, pairing is straightforward, and setup takes maybe two minutes. For casual use — commutes, workouts, background music while you work — they do the job without fuss.

Sound quality is adequate for the price point. Don't expect audiophile highs or punchy bass. What you get is acceptable audio reproduction for podcasts, streaming, and casual listening. Users who came from nothing or cheap wired earbuds will likely be pleasantly surprised. Users stepping down from AirPods Pro will feel the difference immediately.

The IPX4 Rating — Useful, But Not a Pool Pass

The IPX4 waterproofing is a genuine selling point at this price tier. Gym sessions, rainy commutes, or sweaty runs — the earbuds hold up. Just don't confuse "splash resistant" with "waterproof." Submerging them or running them under a tap is a different story. For the intended use cases, though, the rating is appropriate and appreciated.

Battery Life: The Fine Print

Battery performance is serviceable for short-to-medium sessions. The charging case provides additional top-ups on the go, which is standard for true wireless earbuds. One recurring note from users: if you fully drain a bud, recharging can take the better part of a day to hit 100%. That's not catastrophic, but it's worth factoring into your routine — keep the case topped up and you won't hit this problem often.

Where These Fall Short

Here's where honesty matters. These are Amazon Basics earbuds, and the build reflects that positioning. The plastic construction feels lightweight in a way that can read as fragile. Long-term durability is a question mark — budget earbuds at this tier have a historical pattern of degrading microphone performance and connection stability after several months of heavy use. If you're planning to use these as a daily driver for a year or more, managing expectations is wise.

The microphone, while present, won't impress during calls in noisy environments. Voices come through intelligibly in quiet settings, but background noise handling is minimal. For office calls or quiet commutes it's fine. For loud streets or busy cafes, callers will notice the drop in clarity.

There is also no active noise cancellation — none at this price point typically offers it, but worth stating clearly so nobody is surprised.

Who Should Buy These (And Who Shouldn't)

These earbuds make strong sense for a few specific buyers:

• A backup pair to keep in a bag or at work in case your main earbuds die
• First-time true wireless buyers who want to try the format without committing $100+
• Gift-giving for casual listeners who don't have strong audio preferences
• Gym use where you'd rather not risk damaging expensive earbuds

They make less sense if you:

• Take a lot of calls in noisy environments
• Listen for extended sessions (3+ hours) and value audio quality
• Already own something like AirPods or Sony earbuds and are considering these as a "downgrade" option

At the same price point, alternatives like the JLab Go Air Pop or EarFun Free occasionally appear in budget roundups with slightly better sound profiles. Worth a cross-shop before committing, especially if audio quality is a priority even at this tier.

Buyer Tips

A few practical notes before you order: make sure your device's Bluetooth is fully cleared of old pairings if you have connection hiccups on first use. Store the earbuds in the case between uses to maintain charge rather than letting them fully drain. And if you're buying these as a backup pair, consider picking up a spare set of ear tips that fit — the default tips may not seal well for every ear shape, and a proper seal dramatically improves perceived bass and passive isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the Amazon Basics earbuds worth buying?

A: For casual listeners, backup use, or first-time true wireless buyers, yes. For audio enthusiasts or heavy phone-call users, the compromises will feel noticeable quickly.

Q: How water-resistant are these earbuds?

A: They carry an IPX4 rating, which means protection from splashes and sweat in multiple directions. They are not submersion-proof — don't take them swimming or run them under a tap.

Q: Do they have noise cancellation?

A: No. There is no active noise cancellation. Passive isolation depends on how well the ear tips seal in your ear canal.

Q: How long does the battery last?

A: Exact rated figures vary by usage, but the earbuds provide several hours of playback per charge, with the case adding additional charges. Note that fully draining a bud can lead to a notably long recharge time — keeping the case charged avoids this.

Q: How do these compare to AirPods?

A: There's a significant gap in sound quality, microphone performance, ecosystem integration, and build quality — but also a large gap in price. These aren't AirPods alternatives; they're a different tier entirely, aimed at buyers who don't need or want to spend $150+.

The Amazon Basics earbuds are exactly what they say they are — basics. They work, they're water-resistant, they pair easily, and they won't cost you much if they get lost, broken, or left on a plane. Just don't ask them to be something they're not.

— Tech Lead Editor 4, CPrice