Key Takeaways
- Temu headphones supply a modern design and comfy match at a fraction of the value of Apple’s AirPods Max.
- Whereas not on par with high-end headphones, Temu’s finances choice gives spectacular noise-cancellation and clear audio for streaming music, podcasts, and TV exhibits.
- Though the mic high quality is missing, the Temu headphones are an important choice for journey and make for an inexpensive and sensible present.
In New York Metropolis, headphones – in-ear or over-ear – are important. Whether or not I am happening a 5-minute grocery run, 30-minute subway journey, mile-long stroll or cranking out an article or on the fitness center, I all the time have to take heed to some form of audio on my outings and whereas in my workflow. However I am simply one in all thousands and thousands of New York Metropolis inhabitants who constantly use earbuds or headphones as each a instrument and an adjunct. Prior to now few years, over-ear headphones, particularly Apple’s futuristic-looking AirPods Max, have develop into a part of the Manhattan “it-girl” trend aesthetic.
Apple AirPods Max review: Premium headphones with a premium price
We have been listening to Apple’s over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. Is the steep asking worth to extra or does the standard justify it?
Whereas I like my AirPods Max, they really feel a bit heavy and develop into notably noticeable after sitting for lengthy intervals or making an attempt to do any type of cardio, even with the versatile mesh headband. To not point out, they value anyplace from $450 to $550 – a hefty worth for those who’re buying-in partially for the aesthetic. So, whereas shopping Temu, the favored finances e-commerce platform, I used to be instantly intrigued to see a pair of over-ear headphones with stellar buyer evaluations that had the identical modern, white look and versatile headband, however extra impressively, that they had a sub-$20 worth.
What is Temu, who owns it, and is it safe to buy from?
Questioning why Temu is so low cost, whether or not it is protected to purchase from, and are the merchandise any good? We purchased over 30 issues from Temu and obtained the inside track.
Naturally, I purchased them.
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Whereas not matching the AirPods Max’s ANC high quality, I used to be nonetheless impressed by the noise-cancellation capacity, particularly given the value. With an especially light-weight body, they’re additionally among the many most comfy over-ear cans I’ve examined. The audio is general clear for streaming every little thing from bass-rich music to podcasts and TV exhibits. Basically, for those who’re in search of a snug, modern, and budget-friendly pair of headphones, these look and act the half.
Not fairly luxurious, however nonetheless modern
Apple, whereas a tech firm, has undoubtedly additionally made waves within the trend world. The AirPods and their “cut-off wired earbuds” design are an iconic staple now, and the AirPods Max are gracing each Decrease East Aspect girl and fitness center buff’s temper board. Whereas I am no trend professional, I’ve to suppose a part of the AirPod Max’s enchantment is the look of the over-ear cans and the scarf that isn’t overly thick or so skinny that it errs on the aspect of disproportionate. It completely connects the 2 cans and sits properly on prime of the top with out an ungainly bulge.
These Temu knock-offs I purchased, whereas they do not have a mesh headband or metallic ear casings, adhere to the identical trendy look because the AirPods Max, they usually are available a matte khaki colour that does not conflict with any of my fitness center garments or staple black NYC wardrobe.
The facility button and quantity controls are a bit clunky and make a barely outdated clicky sound whenever you toggle the buttons. Whereas that is removed from the digital crown management that dawns the AirPods Max, they’re the identical beige colour, and it blends in well-enough to the place it is barely noticeable. And, in contrast to the AirPods Max, Temu’s headpiece options folding earcups, which you’ll be able to provoke by gently urgent on the divit that meets the scarf and prime of the ear can. The hinge is barely noticeable, however very useful for journey or conveniently slips away right into a fitness center tote.
When finances and luxury beats Apple
These Temu finances headphones want some premium upgrades to really match AirPods’ iconic standing, however the place I am going to give Temu’s choice the crown is consolation. They’re maybe among the lightest headphones I’ve ever tried. At first, I’ll admit, the standard did really feel a bit flimsy or low cost, however as soon as I put them on my head, they stayed in place higher than my AirPods Max whereas jogging on the treadmill, they usually lasted on my head as I labored all day with out leading to any built-up strain. I am unable to say the identical for my AirPods Max.
I’ve solely had the headphones for a few week and a half, however to date, the set does not sacrifice consolation for sturdiness and has remained in-tact, scratchless, and comfy as ever.
Little worth, however large sound
You’ve got seemingly been questioning: How do these $9 headphones really sound? Up entrance, for those who’re in search of a real AirPods Max substitute, these aren’t them. However I used to be greater than pleasantly stunned.
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Quietly promoting Energetic Noise Cancellation
Once I purchased these headphones, Temu did not promote Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC) within the product itemizing. Nevertheless, they’re scary good at blocking out subway screeches, the hum of the treadmill, or my roommate yelling my title from lower than three toes away. Certain, the ANC is not as crisp as my high-quality cans and has extra of an “underwater” sound high quality to it, however I wasn’t anticipating the ability that lied behind the light-weight cans.
Booming bass, however not fairly clear
In relation to bass high quality, I used to be additionally impressed. In drum-heavy songs like Olivia Rodrigo’s “Get Him Again,” the drums stood out towards the punk pop princess’ vocals. Nevertheless loud, the bass and sound as a complete had a really muffled, somewhat than crisp, layer.
I additionally discovered the headphones misplaced on sound high quality with greater frequencies, just like the saxophone on Pink Floyd’s “Monkey” or Girl Gaga’s “Fringe of Glory”. A tar-like muffled movie overwhelmed the brassy excessive factors.
Streaming with out Spatial Audio is doable
Persevering with my sequence of shock, I did not miss a phrase Love Island UK as I streamed the present and concurrently walked on the treadmill. Nevertheless, the shortage of Spatial Audio did improve my appreciation for the lifelike sound high quality that the AirPods Max gives. Often, it feels just like the characters in exhibits are speaking in a room with me, however with Temu’s finances headphones, it very a lot felt as in the event that they have been talking at me. Nothing game-changing, and it wasn’t a stark distinction, however one thing I observed nonetheless.
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The mic is similar to AirPod Max’s, however that is not factor
Utilizing my headphones nearly as a lot to speak hands-free as I do to pay attention and stream, I’m a harsh critic in terms of evaluating headset microphones. That is the place these finances headphones actually let me down.
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Put bluntly, my mother instructed me it seemed like I used to be the “Charlie Brown trainer trapped in an underwater wind-tunnel” once I tried to speak to her with the headset. That mentioned, the AirPods Max’s mic can be poor high quality. Many individuals have mentioned it seems like I am at ultra-low quantity when talking to them. I see why finances headphones have an excuse, however Apple? Please, do higher.
Verdict: Not the right dupe, however an important present or journey headset
For under $9, I’ve by no means been extra pleasantly stunned. In relation to aesthetic, long-lasting battery, and luxury, the Temu headphones maintain their very own towards Apple’s premium AirPod Max. The sound high quality is in no way a direct substitute for these headphones, however it’s higher than anticipated, and solely makes refined sacrifices for the value.
Light-weight and compact, they make an important alternative for journey, though I am undecided in the event that they’re the most effective if you would like a silent prepare journey or flight. Total, nevertheless, for the value, I like to recommend them, and I’ll purchase a number of extra for my family and friends in time for a straightforward vacation present.
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