For the purists on a price range – Firstpost

Execs:
– Clear and detailed sound output
– Constructed-in 32-bit AKM DAC
– Customisation via companion app on Android and iOS each
– Help for aptX Adaptive codec
– Distinctive design, sturdy construct
– Twin pairing assist, Ambient sound mode
– Good battery backup
– Nice pricing for the sound high quality

Cons:
– No lively noise cancellation
– Cumbersome earbuds and charging case
– In-ear match just isn’t probably the most reassuring
– Common name high quality
– Temperamental contact controls

Value: Rs 4,999
Score: 3.8/5

Astell&Kern could also be new to many right here in India, however this 20 years previous Korean audio model has a robust international following. Their AK UW100MKII true wi-fi (TWS) earbuds aren’t precisely a current launch. Sure, they formally reached our shores most likely within the final quarter of final yr, however the companion app for units working variations of Android prior to fifteen solely launched proper on the finish of 2024. However extra importantly, by no means earlier than have been these $300 earphones promoting for one fifth of that value as they’re now in India.

No matter whether or not you view this as a large low cost or the corporate attempting to clear their shares by dumping them right here, a sub-Rs 5,000 price ticket makes the AK UW100MKII a really fascinating proposition. How does it carry out? How does it evaluate to a few of its trendy counterparts when it comes to options? Is it value shopping for at its present promoting worth? Let me reply all that and extra.

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Design and Consolation (7/10)

The earbuds sport a peculiar pentagonal design with a easy matte end. They appear good in two shades of grey however the buds are chunky. The identical goes for the charging case too, which is kind of cumbersome and never very pocketable. The buds weigh about 7 grams every and the case tilts the scales at 65 grams, which places them each on the heavier facet. A definite standing indicator LED is positioned on the entrance of the case, whereas a USB-C charging port may be noticed on the again. A pairing/reset button is absent.

The buds really feel comfy within the ears however they do stick out noticeably. The match isn’t comfortable sufficient, particularly if you transfer round. It’s a non-issue if you end up stationary or making some mild actions, however I discovered myself adjusting them on and off on walks and jogs. Therefore, regardless of the buds being IPX4 rated sweat resistant, I wouldn’t advocate them if you’re searching for a pair to put on throughout a exercise or a jog.  

One factor actually good about these AK earbuds is the passive noise isolation. The precise sized silicon suggestions from the handful of bundled pairs supply an excellent seal and block out fairly a little bit of ambient noise. That is essential as there’s no lively noise cancellation (ANC) right here. The contact zones are current in the back of the buds and you’re presupposed to faucet on the vertex however the contact sensitivity is a bit moody. The great half is not any unintended inputs are registered should you contact different areas on the again whereas adjusting the buds.

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Options and Specs (8.5/10)

Every earbud is fitted with a Knowles Balanced Armature driver, one thing extremely uncommon on this phase. However as I discussed earlier, these Astell&Kern earbuds have been by no means meant to be a sub-5K product. You additionally get a built-in 32-bit AKM DAC and two microphones (in every bud) for calling and noise suppression throughout calls. You don’t get ANC, however apparently, there’s an Ambient mode to remain conscious of your environment.  

On condition that this isn’t a current launch, you get a barely older Bluetooth model (5.2) however the codec assist is sweet with SBC, AAC and extra importantly, aptX Adaptive compliance. You additionally get put on detection sensors and multi-point assist with simultaneous pairing with two units; each options work nicely. You now get the AK Management app for many Android and iOS units to entry numerous options of this product.  

Although the tweaks aren’t as elaborate because the companion apps from Sony, Sennheiser and even OnePlus, it does cowl the fundamentals. Whereas it affords six audio presets and a multi-band equaliser for creating your personal sound profiles, the choices to configure controls are very restricted. You’ll be able to solely assign or alter capabilities for double faucet and triple faucet gestures for both earbuds from the few accessible choices. You’ll be able to choose a DAC filter and alter the ambient mode depth too along with updating its firmware when accessible.

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Efficiency (8.5/10)

Sometimes, within the sub-Rs 5,000 phase of wi-fi earphones, one expects merchandise with a V-shaped sound with boosted bass, if not ample. I’m completely satisfied to report that the AK UW100MKII just isn’t one in every of them. It stays as near impartial as potential with glorious mid-range copy and sharp highs. It isn’t bass-deficient however definitely not a product for bassheads. The lows get no preferential remedy, and that leads to a splendidly balanced sound with glorious element.

The vocals are crisp and clear, instrument separation is excellent, and the highs are sharp and well-tempered with out sounding sibilant. The soundstage within reason broad and the general element in sound right here is difficult to search out on this worth bracket and even in one thing priced one and a half instances these AK buds. Although not the loudest round, these earphones are completely audible round 75% quantity even when outside, and the sound doesn’t crack should you push it to 90% both.

The AK Management app, now accessible for older variations of Android too together with iOS, allows you to tweak the sound additional. You get six audio presets, of which, Pure and Steadiness present the very best outcomes, and will suffice for many. You additionally get an equaliser to finetune the output to your liking and create customized presets. We didn’t face any latency points when watching movies, with no noticeable lag between the video and audio. The wi-fi vary is completely high-quality with a robust connection as much as 10 metres with a transparent line of sight.  

This is without doubt one of the uncommon or uncommon pairs of wi-fi earphones that shouldn’t have ANC however have an Ambient mode. One can regulate the quantity of background noise that’s being let via utilizing the companion app; you have got 4 ranges to select from. Whereas it’s ok to remain conscious of your environment, it’s not the very best for having a dialog with the buds in your ear. Additionally, whereas the corporate takes pleasure within the passive noise isolation right here, it doesn’t maintain up that nicely in buzzing areas or in public transport. You do miss ANC there.

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Name high quality (6/10)

That is most likely the weakest side of those earbuds. The decision high quality right here is common at greatest. The caller may be clearly heard however your voice feels subdued and the readability is a couple of notches decrease. It’s nonetheless manageable indoors, however when outside, the individual on the road needed to actually pressure his ears to listen to me clearly. So if you’re searching for earbuds for frequent calling, I wouldn’t advocate this AK product.

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Battery life (8/10)

The battery backup right here is kind of sturdy. The corporate claims 9.5 hours for the buds and 29 hours total with the charging case. With loudness near 75% throughout testing, the earbuds managed to go on for shut to eight hours on a full cost, which is spectacular. The charging case may juice them up totally twice extra taking the general battery backup near 24 hours, which is sweet.  

The above figures are with out using Ambient mode. With a sporadic use of the identical, anticipate a backup of shut to twenty hours total. Quick charging figures are fairly modest, with a 10-minutes cost promising an hour of playtime. The battery degree of every earbud and the charging case is seen within the companion app. Nonetheless, if the app isn’t put in, you don’t get to see the remaining cost on the buds or the case in any respect on the paired machine, which is bizarre.  

Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII: Value, verdict, options

The Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII is priced at Rs 4,999 with a one yr guarantee, which is a good worth for its sound high quality. So is that this the very best pair of TWS earbuds to purchase below Rs 5,000 in India? Sure and no! In case you actually like near impartial sound with none boosted bass, these are simply the very best sounding earphones round 5K, regardless of a bunch of shortcomings listed above. However once more, provided that You want that sort of sound and never as a result of some self-proclaimed ‘audiophile’ influencer or good friend says so.

There isn’t any disgrace in preferring just a little further bass within the sound. It’s a person alternative, identical to spiciness in meals; nothing proper or unsuitable about it. If that’s the case or should you want extra options like ANC or higher name high quality or perhaps a extra comfy match, there are loads of glorious choices round Rs 5,000 in India that may serve you higher. The
OnePlus Buds 3,
Nothing Ear (a) and
Earfun Free Professional 3 could be our high picks. However if you’re a connoisseur of element in audio, nothing comes near the Astell&Kern AK UW100MKII on this worth band.