At first glance, the Earfun Air true wireless earbuds seem too good to be true. Packed with features, they include voice assistance with two microphones per earbud, a wireless charging case that supports Qi charging, and Bluetooth 5.0.
These earbuds are rated IPX7 for water resistance, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and boast an impressive 35-hour battery life. Additional features include touch controls and in-ear detection, which automatically pauses playback when you remove them. Their ‘toothbrush head’ design is comfortable, and the charging case is sleek, resembling a classy black plastic box of dental floss.
While most wireless earbuds with similar specs come with a hefty price tag, the Earfun Air costs around half of that. The only thing missing is a well-known brand name on the case, as Earfun is a lesser-known audio company based in Hong Kong, offering a limited selection of wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers. The Earfun Air earbuds are one of their priciest products.
Despite being a lesser-known brand, Earfun has proven itself with a budget Bluetooth speaker that received a five-star rating, making it intriguing to see if their true wireless earbuds could also impress.
Comfort
The packaging of the Earfun Air feels premium, and it comes with four sets of ear tips, one more than expected at this price range. The medium tips, pre-fitted, are a perfect fit.
The only indication that these are budget-friendly earbuds is the battery light on the case, which is a single LED indicating remaining battery life. When the case is opened, the light turns green for more than 30%, orange below 30%, and red at 10%, flashing red when charging is needed.
The touch controls work well. A long press on either earbud adjusts the volume, and we never had to use our phone to make changes. Functions like pausing with a double-tap (accompanied by a ‘bop’ sound) and resuming playback are flawless.
The triple-press function to skip tracks on the right earbud requires a bit of practice, but it’s more responsive than expected for this price range.
Build
Bluetooth pairing is simple, with a voice notification saying “connected.” The Bluetooth 5.0 connection remained stable throughout testing. While there’s no app for EQ functions or firmware updates, this isn’t a significant drawback at this price point. Features like Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and pass-through sound profiles are missing, but the passive noise isolation from the design works effectively.
The in-ear detection feature, which pauses playback when the earbuds are removed and resumes when they’re put back in, is a great addition at this budget and helps conserve battery life.
During calls, both our voice and the caller’s were clear, and touch controls for answering and declining calls worked smoothly without needing to reach for our phone.
Sound
The Earfun Air is ideal for those who enjoy a lively, energetic sound, particularly during workouts. On tracks like Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” the vocals and synths are presented with clarity, and the spaciousness of the sound is a standout, something not always achieved in budget earbuds.
Switching to more delicate music, like Elton John’s “Skyline Pigeon,” the sound remains impressive, with clear separation of the vocals and instruments, allowing the song to shine without losing emotional depth.
However, there are some compromises, particularly with higher frequencies. On “The Whole of the Moon” by The Waterboys, the female backing vocals in the treble are slightly less refined than expected, and the song’s punchy midrange is more prominent than the delicate upper frequencies. Similarly, “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish has excellent timing, but the intro’s banjo rhythm lacks dimensionality, and some higher frequency details are lost.
For bass, Stormzy’s “Big Michael” shows that the Earfun Air can handle energetic, accurate low-end sound, although the dynamic build isn’t as pronounced as more expensive models, such as the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1. However, the Earfun Air’s water resistance and wearer detection make it a better option for workouts at a more affordable price.
Verdict
Do the Earfun Air earbuds sound as good as models priced three or four times higher? Not quite. If sound quality is your top priority and you have a larger budget, there are better options. However, the Earfun Air provides a combination of great features, like waterproofing and in-ear detection, along with solid sound and comfort, making it one of the best value true wireless earbuds for those on a budget.
With their excellent battery life, wireless charging, and an expansive sound, the Earfun Air earbuds are an impressive option for anyone looking for affordable, quality wireless earbuds, especially for use during exercise.
Scores:
• Sound: 4
• Comfort: 5
• Build: 5
