As an owner of the original Echo Buds interested in the latest tech products, I’ve been researching whether upgrading to the newly released Echo Buds 2 is worth it. Amazon designed the Echo Buds 2 to be an upgrade focused primarily on enhanced noise cancellation abilities. However, with a product as personal as wireless earbuds, improvements beyond sound isolation matter too.
From battery life changes to design adjustments, in this guide I’ll be breaking down how the Echo Buds 2 compare to the Echo Buds 1 across over half a dozen key factors. My goal is to provide shoppers like me with the most comprehensive side-by-side analysis of these Alexa-powered wireless earbuds. Let’s dive in!
Overview: Echo Buds 2 Upgrades Over Original Model
Right off the bat, the area Amazon seemed most intent on improving centered on noise isolation. Through pioneering their own Active Noise Cancellation system, the Echo Buds 2 minimize ambient sound more notably than their predecessors.
How Active Noise Cancellation Works
Via inner and outer microphone arrays, ANC earbuds determine the incoming sound waves trying to enter your ear canal. Algorithms quickly calculate an output signal that is the exact inverse waveform of those noises. Combining that inverted audio signal effectively cancels out and removes unwanted outside sounds through destructive interference before you hear them.
Beyond enhanced noise cancellation, Amazon also managed to shrink the size of the Echo Buds 2 by over 20% for a lighter and lower-profile design. Wireless charging arrives thanks to a new case construction allowing for added convenience. Even with battery life and audio drivers staying relatively the same, the Echo Buds 2 still offer meaningful upgrades. Let‘s analyze the two wireless earbuds models across some key comparative specs.
Noise Management Abilities
| Spec | Echo Buds | Echo Buds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Handling Technology | Bose Noise Reduction | Amazon Active Noise Cancellation |
| Microphones | 2 outer mics | 2 outer, 2 inner mics |
| Noise Cancellation Capability | Reduce ambient sound by 15-20dB | Blocks over 2x as much outside noise |
Win: Echo Buds 2 – With 4 built-in microphones and improved noise cancelling tech, ambient sound blocking sees a big upgrade with v2
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Echo Buds | Echo Buds 2 | Typical Wireless Earbuds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Playtime | 5 hours | 4.5 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Total Listening Time | 20 hours | 15 hours | 16-26 hours |
| Charging Case | Wired only | Wireless charging supported | Varies |
Win: Toss Up – Battery life edge stays with original, but wireless charging case much more convenient
Audio Performance & Call Quality
With both generations relying on the same 5.7mm audio drivers, sound quality improvements mostly come from tuning updates providing a better balanced sound mix. The Echo Buds maintain great call clarity as well thanks to the beamforming mics and sidetone feature letting you hear your own voice on calls.
Design & Customized Fit
| Spec | Echo Buds | Echo Buds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 21% larger | 40% smaller |
| Weight | Heavier at 0.32 oz per bud | Lighter at 0.21 oz per bud |
| Ear Tip Options | Small, medium and large | Small, medium and large |
| Customized Fit Testing | No | Yes via Alexa app |
Win: Echo Buds 2 – Smaller, lighter design with added fit testing guidance makes getting a secure placement easier
Beyond improved noise cancellation and more portable charging case, taking the Echo Buds 2 size down considerably really makes a big difference for comfort and long term wearability. Being able to run the Alexa-powered Ear Tip Fit Test gives you confidence of achieving a proper in-ear seal as well. This leads to better sound isolation and audio fidelity overall.
Adding to the ergonomic perks, ear tips now come in both round and oval options. Having this flexibility lets you better match the unique contours of your ear shape. I found the oval style delivered a more locked-in feel reducing unwanted slipping or shifting during activity.
Pros & Cons Comparison
Echo Buds Benefits
- Longer 5 hour continuous battery life
- Tight bass and crisp mids
- Sweat & splash resistance rating
- Hands-free Alexa access
Echo Buds Downsides
- Less effective noise reduction
- Case lacks wireless charging
- Soundstage can seem compressed/narrow
Echo Buds 2 Perks
- Better noise cancelling with 4 mics
- 30% smaller, lighter design
- Wireless charging case option
- Improved audio balance
- Enhanced call performance
Echo Buds 2 Drawbacks
- Battery life cut slightly to 4.5 hours
- Bass resonance still trails rivals
- Case finish shows scrapes over time
- Price remains around $120
Conclusion: Which Model Echo Buds Are Best?
If your priority is battery endurance, save a few bucks and still get capable ambient noise reduction, the original Echo Buds make sense. However for most looking to optimize noise cancelling effectiveness and audio fidelity, the Echo Buds 2 edge out as the strongest option. Yes, battery runtime took a slight hit but the enhanced Active Noise Cancellation should outweigh that con for many.
Factor in welcomed design tweaks shrinking size considerably and the Echo Buds 2 stand out as a nice step forward without a step up in price. Unless you can find the original Echo Buds heavily discounted, feel confident splurging $120 for the upgrade is money well spent. You unlock noticeably improved noise isolation crucial for immersive listening paired with added customization. Much like with smartphones and smart home gadgets, the latest Echo Buds deliver an appreciably amplified experience over their predecessors in my testing.
Hopefully this comprehensive feature comparison of Amazon’s wireless earbuds lineup assists with your buying decision as well. Have you given either Echo Buds model a try yet? Which design aspects or capabilities matter most to your needs? Let me know if you have any other questions!
