When was the last time you went to the gym, went for a run, or even got on a flight without a headset or some earbuds? I have a couple of pairs ready to go whenever I need them. They are part of my everyday bag.
However, paying a few hundred bucks might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so we thought why not look into an affordable pair? The market for budget earbuds has grown dramatically, and one such player is Edifier, which has carved out a strong position with its X3 Lite model, offering a solid mix of sound quality, comfort, and features that meet the needs of most casual listeners. In this review, we’ll break down the key aspects of the Edifier X3 Lite earbuds, focusing on sound quality, battery life, design, and overall value.
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Design and comfort
We really like the fact that the Edifier X3 Lite maintains a minimalist design that is both compact and practical. Unlike bulkier alternatives, these earbuds fit snugly within the ear without causing discomfort, even during extended listening sessions. The sleek matte finish gives them a premium look that belies their budget-friendly price point. So far, after a couple of hours of wearing it, we don’t notice them and there’s no fatigue from the weight.
At just 4 grams per earbud, the X3 Lite is exceptionally lightweight. This makes them a good choice for those who wear earbuds for hours on end or use them during exercise, as they don’t exert the same pressure on the ears as some heavier models. Additionally, they come with three sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a good fit for different ear shapes and sizes. The snug fit not only contributes to comfort but also assists with passive noise isolation, blocking out some of the background noise in noisy environments.
The charging case is also pretty compact, easily fitting in pockets or small bags without adding bulk. It sports a similar matte finish as the earbuds, with a sturdy build that doesn’t feel overly cheap. The lid’s hinge, though simple, has a secure feel, and magnets keep the earbuds in place to avoid accidental drops.
Sound quality
For budget earbuds, the sound quality on the Edifier X3 Lite is a pleasant surprise. Edifier has managed to pack in clear mids and highs that outperform many competitors in this price range. Vocals and instrumental sounds come through cleanly, making them well-suited for genres like pop, classical, and jazz. Bass performance, while present, doesn’t reach the same depth as some bass-heavy models, so those looking for booming bass may find these lacking. However, for casual listeners, the balance of sound across frequencies is commendable.
The X3 Lite also performs well on volume levels. At higher volumes, there is minimal distortion, which is often an issue with budget earbuds. The quality of sound across volumes remains stable, making them a good choice for both quiet indoor listening and more dynamic outdoor environments.
Although these earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation (ANC), they provide decent noise isolation thanks to the in-ear design and tight fit. While this won’t completely drown out ambient noise in a busy street or café, it’s sufficient to reduce distractions during most situations. In short, for everyday usage, the Edifier X3 Lite delivers reliable audio quality that will satisfy most users, particularly for its price point.
Connectivity and Bluetooth performance
This is a big win for me, as I have used earphones (looking at you Jabra) before where connectivity takes a while and sometimes, there needs to be a reset for it to work. The Edifier X3 Lite features Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures a stable connection and decent range. Pairing is straightforward; once they’re out of the case, they’re ready to connect to previously paired devices automatically. During testing, the earbuds maintained a stable connection up to around 10 meters with minimal interference. Even in environments with multiple wireless devices, the connection remained strong, with little to no dropouts.
One of the standout features here is the low latency, which is especially helpful for streaming video content. Unlike some budget earbuds, which suffer from audio lag, the X3 Lite keeps video and audio in sync, making them a good choice for watching movies or YouTube videos. The dual-mode function also allows each earbud to operate independently, so you can use just one earbud at a time if desired. This feature can be convenient for making phone calls or when you want to stay aware of your surroundings.
Call quality
The X3 Lite features a built-in microphone that does a decent job at capturing voice for calls. In quiet settings, call quality is clear, with minimal background noise. In more crowded or noisy environments, some ambient noise can bleed through, but overall, the microphone performs well for earbuds in this price range. Users on the other end of the call reported that my voice came through clearly without sounding muffled, which isn’t always the case with budget earbuds.
While the X3 Lite may not have noise-cancelling microphones found in higher-end models, it performs adequately for most casual calling needs. For users who frequently rely on earbuds for business calls in noisy environments, these may not be the ideal choice, but they work fine for regular, everyday calls.
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Battery life
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any pair of wireless earbuds, and the Edifier X3 Lite holds up well in this regard. Each earbud offers around 6 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 18 hours, bringing the total to 24 hours of listening time. For most users, this translates to a few days of regular use before needing to recharge the case.
Charging is done via a standard USB-C port, which is a welcome upgrade as it’s becoming the industry standard. The case takes about 1.5 hours to reach a full charge, which is relatively quick. Unfortunately, there’s no quick-charge feature, which would have been a nice addition, but for most users, the overall battery life should be sufficient to meet daily needs without frequent charging.
Value for money
At its current price point, the Edifier X3 Lite offers excellent value. It manages to deliver solid sound quality, stable connectivity, and good battery life without breaking the bank. While it may lack some premium features like ANC or wireless charging, the X3 Lite offers the essentials done well, which is what most budget-conscious users are looking for. For the price, you get a reliable set of earbuds that competently handle daily listening needs.
Pros and Cons
The pros of the Edifier X3 Lite:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Clear sound with good balance
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Good battery life for the price
- Affordable
The cons of the Edifier X3 Lite:
- Lacks active noise cancellation
- Limited bass depth
- No quick-charge feature
Should you buy the Edifier X3 Lite
The Edifier X3 Lite earbuds are an impressive option in the budget earbud market. They strike a balance between quality and affordability, making them a practical choice for everyday users who don’t want to spend a lot but still expect a decent audio experience. While they might lack the premium features found in more expensive models, the basics are covered with surprising quality.
For users looking for a reliable, straightforward pair of earbuds that provide good sound quality, reliable connectivity, and a comfortable fit, the Edifier X3 Lite is an excellent option. They may not cater to audiophiles or bass enthusiasts, but they’re a strong choice for casual listeners, commuters, or anyone in need of affordable earbuds without major compromises.
Overall, the Edifier X3 Lite stands out in a crowded market as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel overly compromised by its price point. These are earbuds that deliver more than what one might expect for their price, making them a worthy consideration for those looking to maximize value.
