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Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 Review

Last updated: 11 months ago
11 min read
Editor
rating
3.5
Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 on a tree

Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 might have a confusing name, but their performance and design are currently unmatched at merely $50. They aren’t perfect, but they’re a worthy investment for a budget commuter.

Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are currently the most affordable true wireless earbuds we’ve tested from this brand. While that shows in the overall performance, you (almost) never feel underwhelmed.

For example, ANC isn’t mind-blowing but eliminates just enough noise to make a noticeable difference. Sound isn’t the most balanced but works well with all music genres.

Battery life is their biggest sore point, lasting only around four hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. Fortunately, ANC isn’t necessary for the best sound quality. More on that later.

So, can these sleek-looking TWS earbuds win you over, or should you pick something at $50? Find the answers in the review below.

Price:

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Pros & Cons:

  • Excellent sound (after disabling ANC and picking Classical EQ)
  • Comfortable & surprisingly stable fit, suitable for exercising
  • Decent call quality in quieter environments
  • Good ANC & ambient sound mode for the price
  • Battery life of 4.5h is below average for ANC earbuds
  • A visible latency during gaming, even with Game mode

Category ratings:

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rating
3.5
By HeadphonesAddict
User
ratings
3.4
User Ratings: 9
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CONTENTS (show more)

    Sound

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 sound unbalanced and a bit boomy with ANC on, but calm down when you turn it off. Changing the EQ preset to “Classical” gives the best results.

    Check the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 – A/B sound test:

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    Learn how to understand sound comparisons.

    Edifier earbuds always deliver bold sound. And TWS1 Pro 2 are no different. Interestingly, the least exciting pair were NeoBuds Pro, Edifier’s top-of-the-line buds (new ones are coming).

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are a different beast, producing a ton of sub-bass energy and sparkly lower treble. They can easily match the great sound quality of other earbuds under $50, like SoundPEATS Sonic or Anker Soundcore Life A1.

    While we would love to play around with custom EQ (which is absent from the app), we’re pleased with what Edifier audio engineers provided.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 Frequency Response

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 - Classic EQ (ANC on & off & Ambient mode)
    Disabling ANC levels the bass and makes it more balanced.

    Bass: Boomy & uneven with ANC, slightly more fluent without it

    These are the first Edifier headphones we’ve tried that don’t require ANC to perform their best. Normally, enabling ANC changes the sound in a way to clears up the treble or tightens up the bass. But not here.

    The ANC presence is most noticeable in the bass. Looking at the frequency response measurements, you can see that it creates a dip between 200Hz and 400Hz.

    In practice, this scoop accentuates the low-end punch and sub-bass rumble. However, due to the lack of upper bass energy, some bass lines and guitar riffs occasionally become quiet.

    Disabling ANC evens out that scoop. And while the sound may now be a tad too warm, it’s at least consistent in loudness.

    Bass kicks are tight and tactile enough, even for listening to metal, rock, or any other genres with faster drumming. You can easily follow double pedals in “Cry of the Black Birds” by Amon Amarth.

    However, they pair even better with more bass-oriented music thanks to deep and powerful sub-bass. “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa is a tad boomy but enjoyable, nonetheless.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 - EQ presets
    There isn’t much difference between EQ presets, but the Classical one gives the most treble sparkle.

    Midrange: Very natural (with ANC off)

    Active noise cancellation affects the midrange by boosting it in the middle. Adding an upper bass scoop gives you relatively thin-sounding vocals and instruments.

    Turning ANC off balances out the mid-range and make it much more natural. However, due to the bass boost, there’s still a lot of warmth and occasional muddiness, but nothing too serious.

    Without ANC, vocals and instruments sound natural and nicely textured. There’s some clarity missing, but that’s treble’s fault.

    Overall, not a lot to complain about the mids.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 EQ Presets Comparison – HeadphonesAddict

    Treble: Good but could use more energy above 10kHz

    High frequencies are decently sparkly, but most energy comes from a 6.5kHz spike. It adds presence to cymbals and vocals and avoids generating sibilance.

    The dip at 10kHz calms the lower treble energy, but the next peak at 15.5kHz isn’t enough to clear up the highs. You could also say that cymbals sound a bit splashy at times.

    Despite the messy tuning, Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 sound good, even in treble. There’s a good amount of detail if the bass isn’t too strong to mask them.

    On the flip side, adding more energy above 11-12kHz would add clarity and air, which is somewhat missing, especially compared to more neutrally tuned earbuds.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 buds on stone
    While the sound won’t blow away audiophiles, for under $50, the TWS1 Pro 2 are hard to beat.

    The soundstage is on the smaller side, but the sound doesn’t feel trapped inside your head. You get a little more width than depth.

    In contrast, imaging accurately places the sounds where they should be. There’s maybe slight blurriness in between the left/right channels, but a mild one.

    What’s the conclusion?

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 deserve our recommendation for providing full (although sometimes too full) and natural sound with good clarity for under $50. While not perfect, the flaws at this price aren’t a dealbreaker.

    Comfort & Fit

    Star Rating
    4.5 Almost Perfect

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have a refined ergonomic shape that fits your ears like a glove. And while they don’t strike you as sports earbuds, they stay in your ears really well.

    TWS1 Pro 2 shape reminds us of 1MORE Evo, premium true wireless earbuds with a gorgeous design and excellent comfort. A similar form means that Edifiers fit equally as comfy as the Evos.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 vs. 1MORE Evo
    TWS1 Pro 2 have a very similar design to 1MORE Evo (on the left).

    I have zero complaints regarding comfort, at least with my ears. They perfectly mold my pinna, so no part presses against the skin. As a result, I could wear them for hours if I wanted to.

    Packaging provides 4 pairs of oval silicone ear tips. Upon observation, there’s a significant size difference jumping from size M to L. Fortunately, M fits perfectly in my ears, even if I feel like they aren’t grabbing at all.

    Speaking of grabbing your ears, TWS1 Pro 2 are surprisingly stable. Even during a headshaking test, they remain in my ears without notable changes in sound.

    While I haven’t tried anything more extreme, I managed to make them sweaty and a bit waxy to test the fix during a normal workout. Surprisingly, they didn’t budge. Since earbuds lack ear fins or similar accessories, the stability is admirable.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 ear tips
    As you can see from the image, the difference between medium and large ear tips is significant.

    Earbud’s surface is smooth, with a glossy finish on the inside to improve friction (and a more stable fit; at least, that’s how earphones achieve better stability).

    The outer part has a matte finish that serves no particular purpose other than to grab them with your fingers a bit better.

    Durability

    Star Rating
    3.5 Almost Great

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2, earbuds are the charging case, feel really sturdy and without visible weak points. The only thing to keep an eye on is the IP54 rating, which means dust and sweat resistance, not waterproofness.

    From a price standpoint, TWS1 Pro 2 are made incredibly well. Earbuds feel solid and without wider gaps between the seams. It would be difficult to crack open accidentally.

    Furthermore, earbuds are rated for an IP54, meaning two things:

    • First, they can prevent small particles like fine sand from entering the enclosure.
    • Second, they can resist sweating and light sprays of water.
    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 sweat
    Earbuds can withstand sweating and light rain conditions.

    You can wear them outdoors on dusty roads or in the middle of a light rainfall without an issue. However, it’s best not to bury them in fine dust or dunk them underwater.

    Apart from accidentally dropping them in water, the glossy exterior might get scratched. But that’s a cosmetic issue, not a functional one.

    Speaking of glossy, the charging case is made entirely of shiny plastic. It’s small and sleek, but the black version is so dark you could have difficulty finding it inside a backpack.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 on a rock
    A glossy charging case gets easily scratched, especially when placed on harder surfaces.

    The case isn’t rated for an IPX rating, so it’s best to keep it away from water, sweat, and even moisture from sweaty clothes.

    Regarding durability, though, it feels sturdy and without rattling noises. The lid shuts down firmly, with strong magnets preventing it from accidentally opening.

    Battery

    Star Rating
    3.0 Good

    Battery test results: Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have a below-average battery life of 4 hours and 40 minutes (with ANC enabled). Fortunately, there’s fast charging but no Qi wireless support.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 Battery Comparison

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 battery comparison

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are mediocre when it comes to battery duration. They aren’t hiding that in their marketing material; they even tell you lower playtime expectancy than what you can actually expect. Here’s the official data:

    • 4 hours + 12 hours in the case (with ANC)
    • 6 hours + 18 hours in the case (without ANC)

    In our battery life test, where we leave headphones playing music at 50% (and enable ANC), we got:

    • 4 hours and 40 minutes.

    That puts them somewhere at the bottom of the list, with only a few models performing worse. Fortunately, ANC isn’t necessary to get the best sound quality, so you can only enable it when needed. Meaning that you can extend the battery life for at least a few hours.

    Furthermore, earbuds support fast charging. It’s on the slower side, but it’s always good to know that:

    • A 10-minute charge adds an hour’s worth of playtime.

    On the flip side, they lack Qi wireless charging, which is okay for the price. They will fully charge from 0-100% in 1.5 hours using a USB-C jack.

    Features

    Star Rating
    4.5 Almost Perfect

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 offer almost all features you typically find in premium Edifier models, except for customizable EQ. You even get a good mic quality, at least in a noise-free environment.

    As stated at the beginning of this review, Edifier made cuts where they don’t ruin your user experience. Features are a great example since they work well enough to satisfy all the basic needs.

    The Edifier Connect app offers most functionalities of the other Edifier models, like multiple ANC modes, ambient sound mode, and even Wind reduction mode. More on that under noise cancelling part of the review.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 app front page
    The first page in the Edifier app tells battery percentages and lets you control ANC and Ambient sound modes.

    Furthermore, you can:

    Controls

    Within the app, you can tweak double-tap and triple-tap commands. Single-tap commands don’t work, probably to avoid ghosts or accidental touches.

    The app lets you pick between commands for:

    • Music playback
    • ANC mode
    • Game mode
    • Voice assistant

    However, you can’t change EQ presets via controls. Another thing worth mentioning is that only the left side can raise the volume, whereas the right side can only reduce it.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 custom controls
    The app offers an in-depth control customizer.

    EQ presets

    You can pick between 4 different EQ presets:

    • Classic
    • Pop
    • Classical
    • Rock

    They mainly differ in bass boost, with the Classical one having the most natural tuning. Also, the Pop preset is almost identical to the Classic preset.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 EQ presets & game mode
    This time around, you can’t make sound tweaks on your own.

    Soothing sounds

    The soothing sounds feature offers 32 audio samples of nature, like rain and waves, to animals, like frogs by the pond. And even some ambiental tracks.

    Audio samples’ length varies from 23 seconds to a few minutes. By default, when a sample ends, it starts playing another one. So, ensure you set the player on repeat if you only want to listen to one track.

    Edifier W820NB Plus soothing sounds
    To access the player interface, you need to first click on the name of the track and select to play it on repeat.

    Microphone quality

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have a good call quality when speaking in a quiet room, with some audible distortion when speaking next to a busy road.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 microphone test: (no noise test from 0:00-0:25, background noise test from O:25-0:47)

    TWS1 Pro 2 show a great performance in quieter environments. Your voice sounds decently full and without distortion. You may appear slightly muffled, though.

    Conversely, others will hear you somewhat distorted when walking down a noisy street. The noise reduction tech works really well, as you can hardly hear any background sounds.

    Usually, this kind of aggressive reduction meant heavy distortion, whereas, in the case of Edifier TWS1 Pro 2, it’s relatively mild. But it’s there, nonetheless.

    Therefore, try to avoid noisy places if you want others to understand you loud and clear.

    Noise Isolation

    Star Rating
    2.5 Average

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have a pretty average passive noise isolation with poor mid-range but good high-frequency reduction. Playing music should help you mask outside noise.

    Measured average noise isolation10,75 dBA

    Some earbuds are better at passive isolation than others. However, the ear canal fit of the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 is too gentle and shallow to ensure excellent performance.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 vs. EarFun Air S Passive isolation comparison
    EarFun Air S (green) are slightly better in the mids, whereas Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are better at blocking highs.

    What you get is average passive isolation, which primarily reduces higher frequencies. Compared to similarly priced EarFun Air S, the latter are a hair better in the mids but worse in treble.

    That level of isolation isn’t suitable for using TWS1 Pro 2 as some kind of hearing protection. You can also hear external noise pretty clearly. So, playing music or enabling ANC is a must if you don’t want outside distractions.

    Here’s a table of how effective is Edifier TWS1 Pro 2’s passive noise isolation at blocking specific frequencies:

    FrequencyNoise reduction
    dB SPL
    Noise reduction
    dBA (A-weighted)
    100 Hz0 dB-19,1 dBA
    200 Hz0 dB-10,8 dBA
    400 Hz0,9 dB-3,9 dBA
    600 Hz1,4 dB-0,8 dBA
    1 kHz3,7 dB3,7 dBA
    2 kHz6,6 dB7,8 dBA
    4 kHz30,8 dB31,8 dBA
    6 kHz20,9 dB21 dBA
    10 kHz33,8 dB31,3 dBA
    15 kHz15,8 dB9,8 dBA
    Average10,75 dBA
    A-weighted values from the International standard IEC 61672:2003

    Noise Cancelling

    Star Rating
    2.5 Average

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have a decent active noise cancellation performance, which, despite poor measurement results, reduces noise in all places where it matters.

    Measured average noise cancellation2,92 dBA

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 active noise cancelling test:

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 ANC Test – HeadphonesAddict

    Earbuds have a decent-to-good ANC performance for the price. They can reduce bass notes to 11dB from 20Hz to 1kHz. Afterward, the passive isolation does the rest.

    While this can’t entirely reduce loud engine noise, it can effectively block a fan or air conditioning.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 ANC mode comparisons
    If you want to squeeze the most out of ANC, you must use it in High mode.

    That’s far from what more expensive earbuds can do, like Edifier W240TN or EarFun Air Pro 3, which cost $30 more. However, for $50, you won’t find better-performing buds.

    Here’s the table with Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 ANC test results:

    FrequencyNoise cancellation
    dB SPL
    Noise cancellation
    dBA (A-weighted)
    30 Hz0 dB-40,6 dBA
    50 Hz2,9 dB-27,4 dBA
    70 Hz8,4 dB-16,1 dBA
    90 Hz11,6 dB-9,0 dBA
    200 Hz11,7 dB0,9 dBA
    400 Hz9,7 dB4,9 dBA
    600 Hz5,7 dB3,5 dBA
    800 Hz4 dB3,2 dBA
    1 kHz7 dB7 dBA
    2 kHz8,5 dB9,7 dBA
    Average2,92 dBA
    A-weighted values from the International standard IEC 61672:2003

    You get 3 different active noise-cancelling modes:

    • Low ANC, which reduces bass frequencies by 6-7 dB.
    • High ANC, which reduces bass frequencies by 11 dB.
    • Wind NR, which only reduces lower bass by 10 dB, but does slightly better at frequencies above 8kHz.

    What about ambient sound mode?

    The ambient sound mode in Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 naturally boosts sound up to about 2.6kHz, which is standard performance, even in premium models.

    By slightly over-boosting frequencies between 400Hz and 2.5kHz, you hear human speech clearer and louder.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 Ambient sound modes comparison
    Boosting Ambient sound mode by +3 provides the clearest sense of surrounding noise.

    Bluetooth

    Star Rating
    3.5 Almost Great

    Edifier TWS1 Pro reach an indoor connection distance of 40 feet and only pack an SBC Bluetooth codec. However, despite the Game mode, the latency in games remains visible.

    The Bluetooth performance of the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 is identical to the Edifier W240TN. Both earbuds have exact features and connection ranges, leading us to believe they share similar Bluetooth 5.3 internals.

    Regarding our indoor Bluetooth range test, TWS1 Pro 2 manage to reach:

    • 40 feet (or 12 meters), with audio beginning to stutter right after passing the second brick wall.

    That’s about average, considering all the Bluetooth headphones and earbuds we’ve tested in recent years. It should be enough to walk around your apartment without taking your phone.

    Unfortunately, earbuds lack Bluetooth multipoint to connect two devices simultaneously.

    How to pair Edifier TWS1 Pro 2?

    1. They immediately go into pairing mode when you use them for the first time.
    2. To pair them with a new device, put them in the case and hold the button on the side until you see the LED start flashing.
    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 case button
    Pairing/reset button is located on the sides of the case (a bit hard to find due to the glossy, deep black surface).

    What Bluetooth codecs do they use?

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 only support the SBC Bluetooth codec. They even lack AAC, which is common, even in cheaper Bluetooth buds.

    That said, sound-wise, you shouldn’t get inferior performance on Apple devices.

    Is there an audio lag?

    You can easily use Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 to watch videos on social media, YouTube, or movies on your smartphone or laptop.

    On the flip side, the lag in mobile games is pretty apparent. Enabling Game mode helps but doesn’t entirely eliminate it. Meaning that they’re suitable for casual games but not competitive ones where audio cues are vital.

    Should You Get Edifier TWS1 Pro2?

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    Despite some of the shortcomings and average performance in some areas, Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are overall great ANC earbuds for merely $50.

    Their best features are:

    • Ergonomics & stability: Suitable for sports as they stick in ears well.
    • Sound quality: They sound good out of the box, and you can adjust it with sound presets (in the app)
    • Lots of features: Despite the low price, the app offers most features of other Edifier models.
    • Cheap but not cheaply made. Value for money is through the roof.

    On the other hand, they’re very light on battery life and might not entirely reduce loud rumble for frequent travelers.

    Who are they for?

    They’re perfect for budget-conscious students, commuters, or gym-goers.

    How do Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 compare to the competition?

    While they have a Game mode, the latency is still visible and unsuitable for competitive gaming.

    • Edifiers have a better sound quality out of the box than other TWS earbuds below $50.
    • They’re one of the rare earbuds under $50 to have ANC, and it actually works well.
    • Earbuds are slightly more comfortable to wear than similarly priced competitors.
    • They’re also more stable for sports than competitors. They maintain a good seal that’s better than with some buds with ear fins or hooks.
    • The battery life of 4h 40min is among the lowest we’ve tested in the ANC earbuds category so far.

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 alternatives

    EarFun Air S

    EarFun Air S earbuds on the wall

    For $10 more, you get a similar sound performance (after EQ), although the sound signature is actually more natural on TWS1 Pro 2.

    Feature-wise, they’re similar but with a slightly more effective ANC in bass frequencies. Also, they have a longer battery life of 5 hours per one charge, multipoint support, and a longer Bluetooth range of 50 feet.

    EarFun Air S review

    Edifier W240TN

    Edifier W240TN on a stone wall

    Two drivers per earbud deliver a more controlled bass performance while keeping the midrange and treble smooth. They need some custom EQ, and ANC enabled to sound the best, though.

    Despite being bulky, they remain comfortable in your ears but can’t ensure the same stability as TWS1 Pro 2. Bluetooth range and features are similar, with battery life lasting more than 6 hours.

    Edifier W240TN review

    EarFun Air Pro 3

    EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds on stone

    After some EQ, you get a more consistent and smooth sound than with Edifiers, but both are enjoyable to listen to.

    Paying an extra $30 brings much improved ANC, rivaling the best, and a battery life of more than 8 hours on a single charge. You get an IPX5 rating, multipoint, and a new LC3 BT codec.

    EarFun Air Pro 3 review

    What’s in the Box?

    Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 accessories
    • Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 true wireless earbuds
    • Charging case
    • USB-C charging cable
    • 4 pairs of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
    • User manual

    Specifications

    Type: True wireless
    Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Back design: Closed-back
    Drivers: 10mm dynamic
    Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz
    Impedance: n/a
    Weight: 1.56 ounces (44.5 grams) with case
    Mic & Controls: Yes
    Water resistance: IP54
    Battery life: 4.5h + 12h in case
    Charging time: 1.5h – quick charge – USB-C
    Active noise cancelling: Yes, 3 modes
    Bluetooth codecs: SBC
    Wireless range: 40 feet (12 meters)
    Microphone: AI call noise cancellation
    4 Comments
    1. Hi, thanks for the review. I compared these to earfun air pro 3 and the Edifier cancel the noise as good as the earfuns. And I don’t understand why they edifiers scored so low in this test. Was it somehow measured or it’s based on subjective opinion?

      Reply

      1. Hi Andre,

        The ANC was measured, you can see the results in the Edifier review.

        Reply

        1. Hi, I did check your measurements, hence the question. The Edifiers seem to cancel noise better imo.

          Reply

          1. If you check and compare the ANC measurement graphs, you’ll see the Edifiers cancel less noise than EarFun Air Pro 3. The lower the curve goes in ANC mode the better. As you can see in the graph, Air Pro 3’s curve goes much lower. Hence the lower Edifier rating when compared.

            Reply

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