Review on 🎧 FIIL T1XS Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds - Waterproof, in-Ear, with Microphone - iPhone & Android - White by Cassandra Parkins

EDIT: I'm updating this review to mention a flaw that's at least less of a deal breaker. Although the case has a USB-C port, it doesn't seem to be properly USB-C compatible. In other words, if you try to plug it into a USB-C power source with a USB-C to USB-C cable, it just won't charge. You *have* to use a USB-C to USB-A cable and a USB-A charger, which is totally unacceptable for a device with a USB-C port. Whether that's a deal breaker or not depends on your setup - this is a big concern for me personally as I only use USB-C, especially when travelling. I have ordered another unit as a replacement to see if I have just received a single defective item or if it is a failure across the line and it is being updated accordingly. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I'm pretty picky about the sound. I like crisp mids and highs, but any noise bothers me. I prefer precise sound with reference tuning and my wired IEMs are TIN HiFi T2. Given that most true wireless headphones are aimed at a mainstream audience looking for pop and deep bass, it's very difficult to find headphones outside of the premium $150-$250 range that really do Offer benchmark sound. This is where FIIL comes into play. Big fan of the sound quality of this model's predecessor, the T1 X. However, the bulky chassis was a stumbling block for me. The T1 XS offers some of the sound quality of the T1 X, but this time in a much more reasonable package. It's still noticeably larger than an AirPods case, and there's still a noticeable pocket bulge in any pair of skinny or skinny pants, but oh well. At least this time it's acceptable and not unpleasant. I will note that the bass has been boosted a bit compared to the T1 X so it doesn't sound completely flat. However, you can use the EQ to dampen the bass if you wish, and even with the default settings, the mids and highs are still well defined. Either way, they outperformed all other sub-$75 wireless earbuds, at least at the time of review. Are they as good a listening reference as my TIN HiFi T2? nope Are they good enough to use most of the time thanks to the convenience of wireless? Yes. In terms of comfort, I prefer these types of wireless earbuds to those with legs. I've tried a few stem buds and they tend to put too much pressure on my tragus, making them uncomfortable after a while. Out of the box I actually had the same issue with them - the wings holding them securely in my ear make them really stand still and make my tragus bend forward too much. However, after switching to the included wingless rubber earcups and using the included ear tips, which were a size larger, they still seem to fit my ear properly and are comfortable to wear. They're also easier to put in and take out of the ear, which is a nice plus. I personally recommend a wingless setup unless you plan on using them for training. Other Notes: They look and feel better than you would expect for the price. The case and earbuds are made from a nicer glossy white plastic that feels premium, and the gray silicone and rubber color contrast is a nice touch. Speaking of touch controls, the touch controls aren't perfect, but they're responsive enough to be useful. Surveillance mode works well enough (as long as you pause the music) to walk into a supermarket or whatever and talk to the cashier and hear her without taking off your headphones. However, with music played at medium or higher volumes, Monitor mode doesn't seem to do much - maybe enough to miss car horns and such. Quality is your main concern. There are headphones with thinner bodies and more bells and whistles for the price, but you won't beat them for sound quality.