Today, we will share the most popular TWS earbuds under Rs 5,000. Along with the earbuds, we will share information on sound quality, value for money, noise cancellation, battery life, and microphone quality. Before proceeding, the fit and comfort of these earbuds may vary based on user preference.
Redmi Buds 4
Great design and noise cancellation: Compared to the previous Bud generation, there are a few changes with the Redmi Buds 4. Unlike the previous generation, the earbuds have a sleek, oval-shaped design that is more comfortable. Additionally, noise cancellation technology removes low-frequency ambient noises. If you use the transparency mode, it amplifies other voices well.
Audio quality: The audio quality isn’t amazing when compared to competitors. Xiaomi has tried to balance the EQ with the Redmi Buds 4. It has a definite kick when it comes to bass and trebles. This means it sounds too sharp, but the muddy bass makes for fewer details when listening to hip-hop, rock, and similar tracks.
App support: Despite app support, there is no option to set a custom equalizer.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2
It has major improvements if you want more flexibility and a better sound experience, especially in bass response. You may need to tweak the EQ because the default EQ isn’t balanced and has a bright sound signature with boosted upper mids and high frequencies. Additionally, these earbuds have ANC, but it’s not top-of-the-line. However, you can expect decent background noise suppression, and with the updated 12.4mm driver, they are more sensitive. For most users, 70% volume is enough, even outdoors.
Redmi Buds 3 Lite
One of the cheapest earbuds. Other brands like Boat and Noise may compete in this price range, but the Redmi Buds 3 Lite has superior audio quality. If you don’t prefer comfy bass or strong trebles, you may find the Redmi Buds 3 Lite better with its laid-back tuning that sounds better than its competitors without overdoing anything.
OnePlus Buds Z2
This could be a better choice for you. It has balanced sound with better call quality, active noise cancellation, app support, and other features. It has a V-shaped sound signature, with booming bass and lifted trebles. However, clarity and sound definition are not that high. If you love listening to classical, acoustic, or any other genre with balanced bass, you may find the OnePlus Buds Z2 mid and treble response somewhat grainy, even sibilant at high volume.
With the most recent update, users can now adjust the EQ settings, and OnePlus has enabled the A6 bed equalizer. There is one downside to this: some features like Dolby Atmos playback, low-latency mode, and OnePlus Fast Pair are only available on selected OnePlus smartphones like the OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 2T, and OnePlus 11.
Sony WF-500
Sometimes, the price of these earbuds fluctuates. They have excellent audio quality, offering clean and faithful sounds. Also, the midrange and vocals are well preserved, while the treble reproduction is outstanding. You may not find their bass as impactful as other earbuds on this list; however, you can boost some of that bass with EQ adjustments.
Sony also bundles a spacious soundstage, and the instrument separation is amazing. This is said to be one of the highest-quality battery backup earbuds. Despite this, they don’t have ANC, and the microphone struggles if you’re in a noisy environment.
Realme Buds Air 3
The sound is quite similar to the OnePlus Buds Z2 but with a more balanced tone without being overpowering. It has a slightly punchier bass. The Buds Air 3 sounds very impressive across most musical genres. However, unlike the Sony WFC500, the sound stage and definition in the treble region are lacking. ANC is the leading model in this price range, even competing with more expensive models. The audio quality is good enough, but on challenging terrain, it’s average.
Jabra Elite 3
This is quite similar to the Sony WFC500. It is simple and focuses on audio quality. Mid-tone textures are not well-defined; although it has a 6mm driver, its bass is impactful. The microphone quality isn’t that exemplary, but it has a noise isolation design that is as good as active noise cancellation.
Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
It has it all: a comfortable fit, superior sound quality, ANC, and some of the cleanest bass responses. The bass is tight and punchy and doesn’t sound overbearing or extend to higher frequencies. In all types of songs, movies, and other voices, accurate sound stages provide a great experience. Its ANC is super effective, but the microphone is average, and it’s disappointing in terms of custom EQ as the app doesn’t have it.