Edifier TWS5 Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly AirPods Alternative?
The world of audio has decisively cut the cord. True wireless earbuds are no longer a novelty but a staple for commuters, students, and fitness enthusiasts. While premium brands like Apple with their AirPods dominate the conversation, their high price tag can be a significant barrier, especially for those on a student budget. The search for an affordable yet high-performing alternative is constant. This leads us to the Edifier TWS5, a pair of true wireless earbuds that promise premium features without the premium cost. But do they deliver? This in-depth Edifier TWS5 review will explore every facet of these earbuds, from sound quality and battery life to comfort and connectivity, to help you decide if they are the right choice for your audio needs.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Premium Feel on a Budget
The initial experience with any new tech product begins with the unboxing, and Edifier makes a strong first impression. The TWS5 earbuds arrive in a compact, well-designed box. Inside, the sleek black internal packaging presents the earbuds and their charging case with a level of sophistication you might not expect at this price point. The matte black finish of the magnetic charging case feels smooth and durable, while the earbuds themselves feature a complementary mix of matte and gloss black plastics.
Alongside the essentials, the package includes a standard micro-USB charging cable and a crucial accessory: three sets of silicone ear tips in small, medium, and large sizes. This thoughtful inclusion is key to ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, which is paramount for both audio quality and long-term wearability. From the get-go, the presentation suggests quality and attention to detail. So far, so good. But as any audio enthusiast knows, the true test lies in their performance.
Pairing and Connectivity: Seamless and Stable
Getting started with the Edifier TWS5 is a refreshingly simple and painless process. The earbuds are designed for immediate use; they automatically power on and enter pairing mode the first time you take them out of their charging case. On your smartphone or device, you simply navigate to the Bluetooth settings, find “Edifier TWS5” in the list of available devices, and select it. That’s it—you’re connected and ready to listen.
For connecting to new devices later, the process is just as straightforward. A long press on the multi-function button (MFB) on either earbud puts them back into pairing mode, indicated by a flashing red and blue LED light. A particularly useful feature is the ability to use each earbud independently. Both the left and right earpieces can connect to your device on their own, which is perfect for taking calls with one ear free or extending your listening time by using one bud while the other charges.
Edifier claims a stable Bluetooth connection for up to ten meters (about 33 feet), and our testing confirms this. Powered by Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX technology, the connection is robust and reliable. We were able to leave a phone on a desk and walk freely around a large room, and even into an adjacent room, without any stutters or dropouts. This solid connectivity ensures a seamless experience, whether you’re listening to music, taking a call, or watching a video.
Battery Life and Charging: Power for Days
One of the most impressive features of the Edifier TWS5 is its exceptional battery life. The earbuds themselves provide up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, a figure that rivals many more expensive competitors. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of work, classes, or a long-haul flight. However, the real power comes from the charging case. The compact case holds an additional three full charges, bringing the total playback time to a massive 32 hours before you need to find a power outlet.
The charging case itself is well-designed. While slightly chunkier than an AirPods case—roughly the size of a small matchbox—its rounded corners make it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket or bag. The lid snaps shut with a satisfying magnetic click, and the earbuds are also held in place magnetically, ensuring they are always secure and charging properly. Three green LED lights on the front of the case clearly indicate the remaining charge, with each light representing one full charge for the earbuds. From empty, a full charge for both the case and earbuds takes approximately 90 minutes.
The earbuds also feature their own LED indicators. A solid red light shows when they are charging inside the case, and the light turns off once they are fully charged. While in use, a flashing red light will alert you when the battery is running low. Given the extensive battery life, however, a quick charge before heading out will almost certainly guarantee you won’t run out of power during your commute or workout.
Performance: Surprising Sound Quality and Comfort
Ultimately, an earbud review comes down to two key questions: how do they sound, and how do they feel? On both counts, the Edifier TWS5 earns high marks. For anyone accustomed to the standard wired earbuds that come bundled with smartphones, the audio quality here is a significant upgrade. The sound profile is warm and engaging, delivering a powerful bass response that doesn’t overwhelm the other frequencies. Vocals in podcasts and music come through with excellent clarity, and there’s a pleasant depth to the overall audio that makes listening a genuinely enjoyable experience.
While audiophiles might find more nuance in earbuds costing two or three times as much, the TWS5 provides a rich and detailed sound that will satisfy the vast majority of listeners. From pop to rock to electronic music, they handle different genres with confidence. The clarity during phone calls is also excellent, with your voice being transmitted clearly to the person on the other end, thanks to effective microphone placement and noise-reduction technology.
In terms of comfort, the TWS5’s design, which is somewhat chunky and reminiscent of a curling stone, proves to be surprisingly ergonomic and lightweight. Once you select the correct ear tip size, they sit securely in the ear without causing fatigue, even during extended listening sessions. Their IPX5 splash-proof rating also makes them a reliable companion for workouts or jogging in light rain, protecting them from sweat and moisture.
Controls and Usability
Controlling your music and calls is handled via the multi-function button (MFB) located on the outside of each earbud. The controls are intuitive and easy to master. A single tap on either bud will play or pause your music, or answer/end a phone call. To navigate your playlist, a double-tap on the right earbud skips to the next track, while a double-tap on the left goes to the previous one. A long press can be used to decline an incoming call. While it takes a little practice to adjust the earbuds in your ear without accidentally pausing a track, you quickly learn to hold them by the edges. The physical button provides a satisfying tactile click, which many users prefer over less reliable touch controls.
Summary and Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing the Edifier TWS5, it’s clear that they are a standout product in the crowded market of budget true wireless earbuds. The freedom from tangled wires is liberating, and these earbuds make the transition seamless and enjoyable. They deliver on all their key promises: the sound quality is rich and immersive, the ergonomic design is comfortable for all-day wear, and the phenomenal 32-hour total battery life means you can leave battery anxiety behind.
For students, commuters, or anyone looking for a high-quality audio experience without breaking the bank, the Edifier TWS5 is an exceptional value proposition. They offer a level of performance and a set of features that punch well above their price tag, making them a highly recommended alternative to more expensive options. If you’re ready to embrace the wireless future, the TWS5 earbuds provide an outstanding and affordable way to do so.
Key Specifications
- Price: Check current price on Amazon.co.uk
- Drivers: 6mm dynamic bio-cellulose drivers
- Sensitivity: 104dB
- Impedance: 16 Ω
- Effective Range: 10m (33ft)
- Playback Time: Up to 8 hours from earbuds, plus 24 hours from charging case (32 hours total)
- Charging Time: Approximately 1.5 hours for a full charge
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX support
- Bluetooth Profiles: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
- Input: DC 5.0V 60mA (earbuds) | DC 5.0V 500 mA (charging case)