I17 Earbuds For 90 EUR: Are They Worth It?

Hey guys! Ever stumble upon a deal that seems too good to be true? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I first saw the i17 earbuds going for around 90 EUR. The price point definitely grabs your attention, but the big question is: are these budget-friendly earbuds actually worth the money? In this detailed review, we're diving deep into the i17, exploring everything from their design and sound quality to battery life and overall value. My goal here is to give you a clear, unbiased picture so you can decide if these earbuds are the right fit for your ears and your wallet. Let's get started!

Design and Build Quality: What Do You Get for 90 EUR?

First impressions matter, right? When you unbox the i17 earbuds, you'll immediately notice their design. The design is crucial for a great user experience. They often mimic the popular Apple AirPods, featuring a similar stem and overall shape. However, the materials and build quality are where the differences become apparent, especially at this price. For 90 EUR, you're not getting premium materials like metal or high-grade plastics. Instead, the i17s typically use a more basic plastic construction. While this helps keep the cost down, it also means they might not feel as luxurious in your hands or as durable as some higher-end options. The plastic used feels sturdy enough for everyday use, but you might want to be a little more careful with them compared to earbuds made with more robust materials.

Another important aspect of the design is the fit. The i17 often sport a universal fit, meaning they don't come with different-sized ear tips like some other earbuds. This 'one-size-fits-most' approach can be a hit or miss. If your ears are a good match for the default size, you're in luck! The earbuds should sit comfortably and securely. However, if they don't fit perfectly, you might experience a less-than-ideal listening experience. The earbuds may feel loose, which can affect the sound quality, especially the bass. They might also be prone to falling out during physical activities. One potential workaround is to purchase some third-party ear tips that offer a better fit. These are relatively inexpensive and can significantly improve comfort and sound isolation. Let's not forget about the charging case. The i17's charging case usually has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or bag. The case is essential because it not only protects the earbuds but also provides additional battery life. The case often features a magnetic closure to keep the earbuds secure. Overall, the design of the i17 is functional and aesthetically pleasing, but it reflects the budget-friendly price point. The build quality is decent but doesn't scream 'premium'. The fit is something you'll want to consider carefully, and the charging case adds convenience. So, while you're not getting the flashiest earbuds on the market, the i17 offers a practical and usable design for the price.

Sound Quality: Does the i17 Deliver the Audio Goods?

Alright, let's talk about the most important thing: sound quality. After all, what's the point of earbuds if they don't sound good? The i17 earbuds, being a budget-friendly option, naturally have some limitations in this area. You shouldn't expect the same level of audio performance as you'd get from premium earbuds that cost several times more. However, the i17s can still provide a satisfactory listening experience for casual use. The sound signature of the i17 often leans towards a balanced profile, meaning they aim to represent different frequencies fairly equally. This is generally a good thing, as it prevents the audio from being too bass-heavy or overly bright. However, the bass response might not be as deep or punchy as you'd like if you're a bass enthusiast. The mids, which are crucial for vocals and instruments, are usually clear and well-defined. This allows you to easily understand the lyrics in your favorite songs and appreciate the nuances of the music. The highs, or treble frequencies, are typically present but might not be as crisp or detailed as in more expensive earbuds. This means you might miss some subtle details in the music, but it shouldn't be a major issue for most listeners.

One area where the i17 often struggles is sound isolation. Since they don't usually come with interchangeable ear tips, they may not create a tight seal in your ear canal. This means that external noise can easily bleed into your listening experience, which can be distracting in noisy environments. The soundstage, which refers to the perceived width and depth of the sound, is another factor to consider. The i17's soundstage tends to be relatively narrow, meaning the audio might not feel as immersive as with some other earbuds. This is less of a concern for casual listening, but it might be noticeable if you're used to listening to music with a wider soundstage. Considering the price, the i17 earbuds offer decent sound quality. They provide a balanced sound profile that's suitable for various music genres. While they might not excel in bass, sound isolation, or soundstage, they deliver a respectable listening experience. If you're not a critical listener and primarily use your earbuds for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on the go, the i17s could be a good option. However, if you're an audiophile or prioritize top-notch sound quality, you might want to consider investing in a higher-end pair of earbuds.

Battery Life and Charging: Keeping the Music Playing

Battery life is a crucial factor, especially if you're always on the move. No one wants their music to die halfway through their commute or workout! The i17 earbuds, like most true wireless earbuds, come with a charging case. This case not only protects the earbuds but also acts as a power bank, providing extra battery life. The actual battery life of the i17 earbuds can vary depending on several factors, including the volume level and how you use them. On a single charge, the earbuds typically provide around 3 to 4 hours of playtime. This is a pretty standard battery life for budget-friendly earbuds. The charging case extends the total battery life significantly. The case usually holds enough charge to fully recharge the earbuds several times. This means you can get a total listening time of around 15 to 20 hours before needing to plug the case into a power outlet. The charging process is usually straightforward. You simply place the earbuds back into the charging case, and they will start charging automatically. The case typically has a USB-C charging port, which is a modern and widely used standard. Charging the case itself usually takes around an hour or two, depending on the charger you use. A fully charged case will give you several extra charges for your earbuds.

One thing to note is that the battery life can degrade over time. After several months or years of use, the earbuds might not hold a charge as long as they did when they were new. This is a common issue with lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the battery life can be affected by the ambient temperature. In extremely hot or cold conditions, the battery might drain faster. The i17 earbuds generally offer a decent battery life for the price. With the combination of the earbuds and the charging case, you can get a full day of listening without needing to find a power outlet. While the battery life might not be as long as in some higher-end earbuds, it is perfectly adequate for most users. If you're a heavy user who listens to music for several hours a day, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger with you just in case. However, for casual listeners, the i17's battery life should be more than enough.

Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics

Beyond the core functions of playing music and taking calls, let's look at the extra features that the i17 earbuds offer. These additional features can significantly enhance the user experience and make the earbuds more convenient to use. One of the most common features is touch controls. The i17 earbuds typically have touch-sensitive surfaces on the outside of the earbuds. These touch controls allow you to control music playback and manage calls with simple taps. For example, you can tap once to play or pause music, tap twice to skip to the next track, and tap three times to go back to the previous track. You can also use the touch controls to answer or end phone calls. The touch controls can be a great convenience, but they sometimes can be a bit sensitive or prone to accidental taps. Another common feature is Bluetooth connectivity. The i17 earbuds connect to your phone or other devices via Bluetooth, which is a wireless technology. The latest versions of Bluetooth, such as Bluetooth 5.0, offer a more stable connection and better power efficiency. The i17 earbuds typically have a range of around 10 meters (33 feet). One of the most important aspects is the voice assistant integration. You can usually access your phone's voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant, by tapping and holding one of the earbuds. This allows you to control your phone with your voice. You can ask the assistant to play music, make calls, send messages, or get information.

Some i17 earbuds also offer other features like noise cancellation. However, this is more common in higher-end models. However, it is always a bonus if it is included. Another feature that may be available is water resistance. Some i17 earbuds are rated IPX4 or IPX5, which means they can withstand splashes of water and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. Overall, the i17 earbuds offer a range of useful features and functionalities. The touch controls and voice assistant integration make them convenient to use, and Bluetooth connectivity ensures a stable wireless connection. While they might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive earbuds, they provide a decent feature set for the price.

Value for Money: Is the i17 a Good Deal?

So, the million-dollar question: are the i17 earbuds worth the 90 EUR? Well, it really depends on what you're looking for and what your priorities are. If you're on a tight budget and you're looking for a pair of true wireless earbuds, then the i17 can be a good option. For 90 EUR, you get a functional pair of earbuds that offer a decent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a reasonable battery life. However, if you're a discerning listener who prioritizes sound quality above all else, the i17 might not be the best choice. While the sound quality is acceptable for casual listening, it does not compare to higher-end earbuds that offer a more refined audio experience. The i17s might also lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive earbuds. Another important factor to consider is the build quality. The i17s are made with budget-friendly materials, and so they might not be as durable as some higher-end options. They may not withstand rough handling or extreme conditions as well. However, the build quality is generally adequate for everyday use.

Ultimately, the value of the i17 earbuds comes down to your individual needs and expectations. If you are looking for a pair of affordable true wireless earbuds with a good balance of features, sound quality, and battery life, then the i17 could be a good choice. They offer a lot of value for the price. However, if you are looking for top-notch sound quality, premium materials, and advanced features, you might want to consider spending a bit more on a higher-end pair of earbuds. Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to read reviews from other users and compare the i17 with other earbuds in the same price range. This will help you to make an informed decision and to choose the earbuds that best meet your needs.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Overview

Pros:

• Affordable: A very budget-friendly option, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
• Decent Sound Quality: Offers a balanced sound profile suitable for casual listening.
• Comfortable Fit: The design usually offers a comfortable fit for most ears.
• Long Battery Life: Combined battery life of the earbuds and the charging case.
• Touch Controls: Convenient touch controls for music playback and call management.

Cons:

• Build Quality: Uses budget-friendly materials, which might affect durability.
• Sound Isolation: Limited sound isolation, which can be an issue in noisy environments.
• Sound Quality: Lacks the refinement of more expensive earbuds.
• Fit: One-size-fits-most design might not be ideal for all ear shapes.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the i17?

So, should you get the i17 earbuds? If you're on a tight budget and need a pair of truly wireless earbuds, then yes, they're worth considering. They offer a good balance of features, sound quality, and value for the price. They are perfect for casual listening, commuting, or working out. However, if you prioritize top-tier sound quality, a premium build, and advanced features like active noise cancellation, you might want to look at more expensive options. In the end, the i17s are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and functional pair of earbuds. Just keep your expectations in check, and you won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!