Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds: A Budget-Friendly Introduction to True Wireless
Published on Dec. 18, 2023, 3:39 p.m.
Tired of wrestling with tangled wires while listening to your favorite tunes? The rise of true wireless earbuds has brought sweet relief to music lovers everywhere. However, with premium models often costing over $100, not everyone can afford to cut the cord. Enter the Koss TWS250i - an affordable gateway into the world of true wireless listening.
Overview
As the first true wireless earbuds from audio veterans Koss, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds deliver surprisingly robust features for their budget-friendly $49.99 price tag. They utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology for easy connectivity and offer intuitive touch controls for managing music and calls. With up to 4.5 hours of battery life per charge (11+ hours with the USB-C charging case), these buds balance performance with value.
Design - Compact and Understated
Doing away with the oft-maligned ear stem, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds showcase a low-profile design that sits flush in your ears. Their matte black finish resists fingerprints and looks subtly stylish with silver accents. The matching charging case continues the minimalist aesthetic.
Features - Surprising Functionality on a Budget
Despite their affordable pricing, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds manage to pack in premium features:
- Bluetooth 5.0 - Ultra-fast pairing as soon as you open the charging case lid.
- Touch Controls - Control music, calls, and voice assistants with intuitive taps.
- Dual-Connect - Use either bud independently or together.
- USB-C Charging - Get up to 4.5 hours playtime, 11+ hours with the case.
- Voice Assistant Access - Use built-in mics to access Siri or Google Assistant.
- Customizable Fit - Swap between included S/M/L ear tips for optimal comfort.
Killer Feature
For less than $50, you can enjoy dual-connect technology that lets you use either earbud independently - a rarity at this price! Whether you need to pause music to have a chat or keep an ear free for surroundings, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds adapt to your needs.
Ease of Use
Connecting is a breeze with Bluetooth 5.0 - the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds pair instantly when you open the lid. Intuitive touch controls on each earbud then make it simple to play, pause, skip tracks and adjust volume. You can even access Siri or Google Assistant with a long press.
Sound Quality
The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds punch above their weight in audio performance. Koss specifically tuned these earbuds to accentuate the lows and highs, delivering impactful bass and crisp treble. This vibrant sound belies their budget-friendly status.
Microphone Quality
Thanks to dual MEMS microphones in each earbud, your voice will come through loud and clear on calls. Noise-canceling tech helps reduce ambient sound so you can chat hands-free without disruption.
Battery Life
While not industry-leading, battery life is decent at 4.5 hours per charge and 11+ hours with the charging case. The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds will keep your tunes going for your commute or workout and then some. The USB-C case provides quick charging too.
Connectivity
The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds harness Bluetooth 5.0 for quick pairing and stable wireless connection to your devices. The latest Bluetooth technology provides extended range so you can leave your phone in another room without dropouts.
Controls
Full surface touch controls on each earbud allow you to tap, double-tap or long press to play/pause, skip tracks, activate voice assistant, adjust volume, take calls and more.
Build Quality
The matte plastic construction feels solid and the interchangeable silicone eartips provide a secure fit. While not advertised as sweat or water resistant, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds should hold up well for exercise and everyday use.
Comfort
Multiple sizes of silicone tips help you achieve the perfect seal for long-wearing comfort and immersive sound. The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds weigh just 5 grams each, making them easy to forget you’re even wearing them.
Brand
Founded in 1958, Koss is an audio veteran that helped pioneer stereo headphones. They are dedicated to excellent sound reproduction. The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds represents their first foray into true wireless earbuds.
Use Cases
The Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds are ideal for:
- Listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks on the go
- Taking hands-free calls while multitasking
- Working out with energetic tunes to motivate you
- Zoning out with your favorite playlists while commuting
- Enjoying distraction-free listening anywhere life takes you
User Feedback Analysis
Overall, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds have been praised by users for providing a surprisingly premium true wireless experience at an entry-level price point. Here’s a deeper look at what customers are saying:
Sound Quality
For just $50, buyers are wowed with the vibrant audio produced by the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds. The punchy bass and crisp highs provide enjoyable listening across genres. Many note the sound is impressive considering the budget price, praising Koss for tuning the drivers specifically for a lively sound profile.
Value
Users consistently call out the excellent value offered by the TWS250i. The features included like Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, touch controls, and especially dual-connect functionality are rare to find at this low cost. Customers feel like they are getting much more than they paid for.
Comfort
Thanks to the diminutive size, light 5g weight, and optional eartips, most mention the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds are comfortable enough for all-day wear. The lack of a stem helps them sit flush in the ear without protruding. Some with smaller ears wish for a more secure fit however.
Ease of Use
The intuitive touch controls and instant Bluetooth pairing upon opening the lid make the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds enjoyable to use for most. Many appreciate the ability to access voice assistants with a simple long press. Though some report occasional connection dropouts if too far from their phone.
Battery Life
The around 4.5 hours of battery life per charge is decent but not spectacular based on feedback. While acceptable for the price, users wish it was extended a bit longer. The USB-C charging case does provide a good boost up to 11+ hours total.
In summary, if you’re seeking true wireless earbuds on a tight budget, users say it’s hard to find a better value than the feature-filled Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Touch controls for music and calls
- Independent bud usage
- USB-C fast charging
- Voice assistant support
- Customizable silicone ear tips for comfort
Cons
- Battery life is just 4.5 hours per charge
- No active noise cancellation
- Can’t pair with multiple devices at once
Value - A Lot for a Little
For just under $50, the Koss TWS250i give you a hassle-free entry point into the wireless future. Though more premium models boast longer battery life and extra features like noise cancellation, the TWS250i get you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the cost. For budget-minded listeners craving wireless freedom, these earbuds are very easy to recommend.
So if you’re curious about cutting the cord without cutting into your wallet, the Koss TWS250i True Wireless Earbuds merit an audition.
Specifications
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours (up to 11 hours with charging case)
- Charging: USB-C
- Wireless Range: 30+ ft
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Ear Tips: S/M/L silicone tips included
- Microphones: Dual MEMS mic in each bud
- Controls: Touch controls for music, calls, voice assistant
- Water Resistance: unknown
- Noise Cancellation: No ANC
Box Contains
- Koss TWS250i earbuds
- USB-C charging cable
- Wireless charging case
- 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L)