Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro True Wireless Earbuds review
Are you ready to dive into the world of truly wireless earbuds? Well, hang onto your headphones, because we're about to take a closer look at the Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro. A couple of months ago I checked out the firm's FlyBuds C2 and now I offer my opinion on this more expensive in-ear variant in Tribit's earbuds portfolio. With a price tag of $129.99, they cost over 60% more than the C2 -- but are they worth the premium?
The packaging might not shout "audiophile," but it's what's inside that counts. The overall packaging is similar to the C2. Inside the compact box, you'll discover the charging case housing the two earbuds, a charging cable (yes, USB Type-A to Type-C), a selection of ear gels, and a manual. The latter is worth checking out to get the most out of the earbuds.
The basics like pairing are pretty simple but interpreting the meaning of the earbud indicator light and figuring out how the single button on the left and right earbud works is a bit more challenging. Earbuds don't have a lot of room for buttons so the single mechanical button has over six functionalities depending on how long you press it or how many times in a row you click it...
For example, a single press acts as play/pause (but will also answer/end a call). Double-clicking the button will result in the previous track or rejecting an incoming call if it's done on the left earbud, while the same operation on the right one will result in the next track or the acceptance of an incoming call. Similarly, holding the button for a couple of seconds will decrease (left earbud) or increase (right earbud) the volume.
While the charging case of the FlyBuds C2 was a bit puzzling to use at first, the one that comes with the C1 Pro earbuds is more convenient to use. The left earbud goes in the left slot and the right one goes in the right slot -- perfectly logical, which was not the case with the C2. The case is compact, stylish, and convenient – it not only shields your earbuds but also rejuvenates them for the next auditory adventure.
The charging case isn't just a sidekick; it's a superhero in disguise. With just 1.5 hours of charging, these buds promise up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with enough power in the case for just over three more rounds. Think of it as a marathon runner's dream – they keep going and going, much like that pesky energizer bunny. In total, you get a maximum battery life of up to 36 hours. I tested these earbuds by taking them with me to the gym several times a week. Frequent charging is not required -- the package lasts longer than you expect.
The charging case has a USB type-C port for charging and has four LED indicator lights. When all four LEDs glow the charging case is fully charged. Getting a full charge in should take around two hours. A press of the small round button will activate the LEDs so you can check the battery level at any time.
One of the big differences versus the FlyBud C2 is that the FlyBud C1 Pro has six sets of ear gels so you can try several ones to find the best fit for your ear channel. Despite being a significantly more expensive product than the C2, the C1 Pro from Tribit gives me a cheaper feel. The grey, matte plastic design feels less refined than the glossy black C2 earbuds. Thanks to the choice of ear gels, the C1 Pro stays relatively well in my ear. There are six ear gels included so that should be plenty to find a decent fit. The design of the earbud has an IP4X waterproof rating, which means it's resistant to water splashes from any direction.
While not required to use the earbuds, Tribit recommends you install the Tribit app on your smartphone. This app lets you use the Audiododo personal sound feature and enables you to further tune the sound profile with equalizer presets. It also lets you switch more easily between normal mode, transparency mode, and noise reduction mode. Should there ever be a firmware upgrade for these earbuds, the app will be able to install it too. One of the biggest downsides of the app is that it requires you to create an account.
Tribit's product page is surprisingly low on details about what's inside these in-ear earbuds. You get Tribit True Sound with promises to take listening to the next level and one of the special features is Hybrid ANC, which promises to immerse you more in your music via noise cancellation. The Audiodio feature I talked about in the previous paragraph feels a bit like a hearing test, it analyzes your hearing and adjusts the audio based on how well you hear certain treble, mid-range, and bass ranges. Overall, I'm not blown away by the audio quality of the FlyBuds C1 Pro. There are a lot of customization options but for $129.99 my expectations for audio quality are higher and I don't feel the FlyBuds C1 Pro meets my expectations here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro is your dynamic duo for on-the-go audio adventures. With marathon-worthy battery life, swift pairing, and a lightweight design that won't weigh you down, they're like the sidekicks you never knew you needed. For those who crave top-notch audio, it might be time to seek other options, but if you're in it for convenience and need noise cancellation, these earbuds have your back.
The Good Stuff:
- Long battery life with the trusty charging case.
- Swift pairing process to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle.
- Lightweight and comfortable – perfect for long listening sessions.
- They stay fit
- Noise cancellation
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Audio quality should be better at the price level.
- Look-and-feel not in-line with the $129.99 price tag.
In the grand scheme of things, we'd give the Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro a solid 7.5/10.
Added: November 5th 2023
Product reviewed: Tribit FlyBuds C1 Pro True Wireless Earbuds
Reviewer: Thomas De Maesschalck
Score: 7.5/10
