Amazon launches second-gen Echo Buds with improved noise-cancellation and a cheaper starting price

Amazon has just debuted the second generation of its own wireless earbuds with integrated Alexa support. The retail giant asserts that it has taken user feedback emanating from their predecessors into account in their design. Accordingly, the Echo Buds have shrunk by 20% generation-on-generation, and also now come with many more sizes of optional ear-tips.

Their USB type C-enabled charging case is also more portable compared to the first generation. Nevertheless, the Echo Buds (2nd gen) still incorporate ANC, which is supported by a triple mic system. Amazon also claims that audio (in terms of bass, treble and mids) is clearer and crisper in this new iteration.

Then again, it could be said that these modifications have left the second-gen Echo Buds with a rather generic take on the "popcorn" TWS look, albeit ones with the Amazon logo on the outer surface of each bud. They will be released via their first-party store on May 13, 2021 in black or white, whereupon they will start for US$100, (whereas their forebears went for $130) for SKUs without wireless charging.

Adding this feature will increase the price to $120; alternatively, choosing the introductory option to bundle a wireless charging pad results in a final price of $138. However, unless these options are ordered before May 12, 2021, their prices increase to $$120, $140 and $160 respectively. This, then, gives those who really want to plug in to their Alexa-run smart home via their ears something to think about.