TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
FOUR STARS - Comfortable, easy controls, automatic pairing and a stellar, detailed sound quality for the price. The QCY QS1 or T1C is one of the best ultra cheap true wireless earphones.
Specs of the QCY QS1 (also sold as QCY T1C and SoundPEATS TrueFree)
Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec
+-3 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and a micro-USB cable
$20 on AliExpress or Amazon US/ EU/ UK - check current price
The QCY QS1 or QCY T1C is also sold as SoundPEATS TrueFree or Dudios Zeus Air TWS. This then, is also a SoundPEATS TrueFree and Dudios Zeus Air TWS review.
Having volume or sound issues with these earphones? Read how to fix it.
Update March 8, 2020: Due to the increased competition, the overall score of the QCY QS1 is now adjusted from 5 to 4 stars overall. See the best wireless earbuds under $25 here.
Design, charging and comfort
The case of the QCY QS1 is one of the few on the market that doesn't have a lid on it. I'm quite sure that is the reason why QCY released the QS2 with bigger charging case with a lid later on. The fact that it's missing however, is not a downside of the device. The magnetised case holds the earpieces steady, even in your pocket or when turned upside down. It need just the right amount of power to grab them out.
The case has enough battery capacity to fully charge your earphones three times and holds the battery very long for itself. What is a downside of the case though, is that it can't store bigger ear tips than the three sizes that come delivered with the QCY QS1 or T1C. You'll have to pull them off before charging the pieces.
The pieces itself are very middle of the road. They are medium-sized bean shaped pieces, supposed to wear standing up in your ears with the QCY logo shown to the outside world. They can be a bit too large for smaller ears, but will do perfect on medium and larger ones. Getting a perfect seal however, is challenging on the QS1. It can take some attempt to put the earpieces in exactly the right way. It's important to figure this out; only with the perfect fit, the QCY QS1 delivers a stunning audio quality.
Connectivity and controls
The QCY QS1 may have been the first true budget TWS that did pairing and connecting the right way. Just take to two earpieces out to connect them to each other and then your device. It's done with convenient beeps, rather than a Chinese voice or a Chinese attempt at English. Shutting them off again is as simple as putting the earpieces back in the charging case.
Connectivity is great on the QCY. It holds connection for around 10 meters and the earpieces hold their Bluetooth signal strong, even when on the move or moving yourself.
As for the buttons: one click on the button pauses/ plays/ takes a call, two taps forwards or goes back a song. A long press activates your voice assistant. Very intuitive. Volume control is not available on the earpieces however.
Calling and watching movies
Two points the QCY QS1 isn't the best at, are calling and watching videos. When watching YouTube or Netflix videos on an iPhone, there's definitely some audio delay. On Android too, the lag prevent the QS1 from being a good gaming option.
Calling quality isn't a strong suit either. It's allright for indoor use, but take it outside and it can even sound like you're in a storm for the other caller.
Sound: greatness in a small package
And now for the point where the QCY QS1 shines: the audio quality. The QCY sounds surprisingly balanced, detailed and rich. Especially on iPhones, where the volume can go louder than on certain versions of Android, you wouldn't expect a sound quality on earphones this cheap. Mind you though: when you have an Android device and like to listen to high volumes, it may be better to look at the Anomoibuds Capsule.
Rather than many competitors, that put much emphasis on the bass, the bass on the QCY QS1 is mainly supportive. It's there when it needs to be, delivering a subtle slam and some rumble when called for. Most of the time though, it has just the amount of presence to give music an oomph and a warm sound. It's never overbearing - it's delicate, leaving all room for the mids and highs to shine.
And they do. In short: only when a certain song should sound shaky, the sound is shaky. Like with garage rock. On everything else, the QCY QS1 can be described as a little bit bright, but definitely complete and balanced sounding.
Vocals and higher tones are emphasised with great clarity and it's here where detail comes across. It's possible to hear vocal nuances competitors can't quite reach, like gasps of breaths from singers and extra detail in the background. The QS1 doesn't offer a huge soundstage, but definitely makes instruments and sounds come from around you - creating a satisfying airy feeling. Lower mids like drums and guitars are the only frequencies not pushed forward - yet they sound clear.
Only the biggest bass lovers may miss a Beats-like emphasis on lower mids. The sound signature is great for almost al music.
Verdict
Especially for iPhone users, where the volume can reach satisfying heights, the QCY QS1 or QCY T1C is a great sounding TWS truly wireless earphones for under 20 dollars.
FOUR STARS - very good
Buy the QCY QS1/ check current price:
Buy QCY QS1 on Amazon Europe (Germany)
Buy SoundPEATS TrueFree on Amazon Europe (Germany)
I bought the QCY QS1 for my own listening and review purposes. I test and review all audio products equally honest - read about it here.
Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3
Also read:
Leaderboard: All true wireless earphones reviews