Is the Occiam best wireless earbuds? Review the top-tested option for workouts.

Description

Testing the occiam wireless earbuds has been an interesting journey, especially since I use headphones daily for workouts, video calls, and even while catching up on podcasts during my commute. These earbuds claim to excel in multiple areas, and after weeks of testing them, I have plenty to share about their performance, features, and quirks.

Design and Build Quality

I immediately noticed the sporty aesthetic of these earbuds. The adjustable silicone ear hooks are a thoughtful addition, ensuring a secure fit during my workouts. Whether I was doing burpees, jogging on uneven terrain, or practicing yoga, these earbuds stayed snug without causing discomfort. The earbuds also include multiple ear tip sizes, which made it easy to find the perfect fit for my ears.

The black finish is sleek and understated, and the LED display on the charging case is a handy feature. It feels modern and makes checking the battery level intuitive. However, the case itself is a bit bulky compared to some other wireless earbuds I’ve tried, which can make it less pocket-friendly.

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound quality is where these earbuds shine. The audio is immersive, with deep bass and clear treble, making my playlists pop. During calls, the noise reduction feature did a decent job of cutting out background noise, though it’s not quite on par with premium brands. I tested them during a busy workday, taking several calls, and my coworkers reported that my voice came through clearly.

While the passive noise isolation works well, it’s not as effective as active noise cancellation. I wouldn’t recommend these for environments where you need complete silence, but they’re great for workouts or casual listening.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a huge win. On a full charge, each earbud lasts up to 8 hours, and the case provides an additional 48 hours of playback. I never had to worry about running out of battery, even during long trips or back-to-back meetings. The fast-charging feature is convenient too—20 minutes in the case gives you enough juice to keep going. However, the case itself takes a little over an hour to recharge fully, which is pretty standard.

The one downside is that the earbuds need to be manually powered off if you’re not putting them in the case. I found this process a bit cumbersome, as it requires holding down the buttons for a few seconds on each earbud.

Connectivity and Controls

Pairing these earbuds was seamless. Straight out of the box, they connected to my phone in seconds. The auto-pairing feature works reliably every time I take them out of the case. Switching between devices is also smooth, which is a big plus for someone like me who toggles between a laptop and a phone.

The controls are touch-based, and while they’re functional, they’re not as intuitive as I’d like. I often found myself accidentally skipping tracks or pausing music when adjusting the fit of the earbuds. It takes some getting used to, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Pros

• Impressive Sound Quality: Rich bass and clear treble enhance the listening experience.
• Exceptional Battery Life: 8 hours per charge plus 48 hours from the case.
• Secure Fit for Workouts: Adjustable ear hooks are comfortable and stay in place during intense activities.
• Water Resistance: The IPX5 rating makes them sweatproof and suitable for outdoor use.
• Convenient LED Display: Easy to check the battery level at a glance.

Cons

• Bulky Charging Case: Not as compact as some competitors.
• Lacks Active Noise Cancellation: Less effective in loud environments.
• Controls Can Be Finicky: Touch controls are prone to accidental activation.
• Manual Power-Off Required: Turning off the earbuds can be inconvenient.
• No “Find My Earbuds” Feature: Easy to lose, especially for clumsy users like me.

Comparison to Competitors

The occiam earbuds hold their ground against similarly priced competitors like the JLab Go Air and SoundPEATS TrueFree2. Compared to JLab, these earbuds offer better battery life and a more secure fit, but JLab’s case is more compact. When compared to SoundPEATS, the occiam earbuds have superior sound quality, though SoundPEATS provides active noise cancellation at a similar price point.

For those who prioritize workout durability and long battery life, occiam earbuds stand out. However, if you’re looking for advanced features like noise cancellation or a more portable design, other options might suit you better.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Considering their price point, these earbuds offer excellent value for money. The long battery life alone justifies the cost, especially for someone who uses their headphones all day, like I do. While they lack some premium features like active noise cancellation or a compact design, the trade-off is acceptable given their affordability. If you’re looking for reliable, workout-friendly earbuds that deliver great sound without breaking the bank, these are a strong contender.

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