Amazon’s 2nd Gen Echo Buds Arrive with Improved ANC, Preorder Discount

Amazon just announced its 2nd generation Echo Buds with improved ANC and a more comfortable design. Preorders for the new Echo Buds start at $99, but Amazon will raise the price to $120 (or $140 with wireless charging) after preorders ship on May 13th.

The new Echo Buds are smaller than their predecessor and feature a comfortable, vented design similar to Google’s Pixel Buds. They come with several oval-shaped eartips and two pairs of wingtips, which are well-suited for exercise. Amazon also claims that the new Buds sit flush with your ear, unlike the original Echo Buds. Unfortunately, the new design also includes an Amazon logo on each earbud.

Amazon has also abandoned the Bose ANC technology that it utilized in its first Echo Buds, opting for in-house ANC tech instead. One of the original Echo Buds’ biggest downfalls was its sub-par ANC, and Amazon claims that the new Buds eliminate twice as much external noise as their predecessor. A new passthrough mode also gives you the option to adjust how much noise the Echo Buds cancel, a common feature in high-end wireless headphones.

Other features offered by the Echo Buds are pretty standard. You’ve got IPX4 sweat resistance, 5 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and a total of 15 hours of listening time with the included charging case. Alexa is also a standout feature for these Buds (of course), and Amazon promises VIP Filter features later this year.

You can preorder the Echo Buds now for $99, or $120 if you want the wireless charging case. Once the 2nd gen Echo Buds ship on May 13th, Amazon will shift those prices up to $120 and $140, respectively.

Source: Amazon