TWS true wireless earphones - under $25
THREE STARS - If you're on a tight budget and still want good sounding truly wireless earbuds with heavy bass, look no further than the XG-13.
Specs of the XG-13 TWS:
Bluetooth 5.0
IPX5 water proof (sweat and rain resistant)
3 hours listening on a full charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Comes with 3 sizes ear tips and USB-C cable
$15 on AliExpress - check current price!
The XG-13 TWS is available under many different brand names, such as Tebaurry XG-13, Abay XG-13, VoiSoi XG13 TWS, Anbes, Giausa and more. This is a review for all of them.
Design, charging and comfort
When you pay such a small amount of money, you can't expect an original or well-thought-of design. The XG-13 TWS comes in a small cheap plastic charging case. Happily, the lid is held firmly in place with a magnet and the inside has four LED lights that indicate the charge of the case. The case can recharge the earpieces up to three times fully, providing the earpieces three hours of playtime every charge. An acceptable score in this price range.
The earpieces are shaped like a bean and somewhat bigger than competitors such as the Anomoibuds Capsule IP010-A and QCY QS2. Even though the pieces are oval to fit most ears, it can still be a bit challenging or painful to wear them most conveniently: standing up straight in your ear.
Connectivity and controls
The earpieces have a small button in the center of them, to control all the functions you want on your earpieces. Press once to play or pause, press twice to skip or return a song… and press three times to increase the volume (right bud) or decrease it (left). It's great - almost unique - to find volume control on a truly wireless earphone this cheap. Great!
It isn't too comfortable to press the buttons though, as pressing them requires some force. You'll keep pressing the earpieces further in your ear, and hear a loud squishy sound every time you do it.
Connectivity on the XG-13 TWS is decent. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is stable under most circumstances and holds pretty well up to ten meters. It does take the left earpiece a second to pair up with the right earpiece every time you start playing music though. Not bad per se, but something worth knowing.
Calling and watching movies
Calling is something you shouldn't be doing with the XG-13. The microphone quality is horrible. The other end of the line will probably hang up on you, as you will sound far away, vague and possibly even inaudible.
Watching movies with the XG-13 has some audio delay in the YouTube app on iPhone, yet fares good on services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The synchronization between audio and video gives no problems on Android.
Sound quality of XG-13: bassy
The XG-13 has a big emphasis on the bass and lower mids. Don't expect too much clarity here.
The loud, harsh beeps you hear when the earphones are connecting, are probably the highest notes you'll hear from the XG-13. High notes such as female vocals, cymbals, and violins, play a background role and miss a bit of clarity.
The bass and lower mids are the big conquerors within the sound signature of the XG-13 TWS. The mid-bass is very, very present here, although happily without punching in your ear too much. The lower mids, such as bass guitars and darker piano strokes, add to the somewhat dark, at times even muffled sound the XG-13 can produce. With the sub bass lacking detail, it's more bass quantity than quality.
Still, the XG-13 resolves quite a bit of detail. Especially the left-right stereo imaging and instrument placement are really good on this little low-cost beast. Guitars and other instruments can easily be placed in less crowded songs, and even in heavier songs of Muse, it's easy to hear drums go from left to right for example.
If higher notes often sound harsh to you, you will find the sound of the XG-13 smooth and full. Audiophiles will likely miss clarity and detail in the higher range. If you want a more complete sound on a budget, it's better to save a few dollars more and aim for the QCY QS2 or Haylou GT1.
Verdict
The XG-13 is a typical you get what you pay for-deal. While the bassy sound is surprisingly detailed, the battery life, comfort and build quality are exactly what's to be expected for this price.
THREE STARS - WORTH CONSIDERING
Buy XG-13 TWS/ check current price:
I bought the XG-13 TWS myself, to test and review. 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
