Aukey EP-T21

Both the headphones and the transport case, which serves as a charging station, are impeccably manufactured and appear quite robust, especially since the in-ears are manufactured to be sweat and water-resistant according to IPX4, which also simplifies cleaning. At the same time, the EP-T21s embed themselves well into the auricle so that they can be worn under a hat if required. They fit comfortably and have sufficient stability for use during light sporting activities. Benefiting from the low weight of five grams per side, we had no pressure complaints even during prolonged use.

On the energy side, these headphones offer a running time of just under five hours at higher levels; they can be fully charged three times in the charging case and once to a good half charge, so that the running time of the entire package is about 22 hours. Considering that the case weighs only 33 grams and is small enough to disappear in one hand, this is good value. While these in-ears are fully charged in almost exactly 80 minutes, the battery reserve from the case can be replenished in two hours via the USB cable provided.

Device Control

Coupling these headphones, in combination with various iOS and Android devices, offered a range of more than eight metres with high stability within an urban environment, and is done directly upon removal from the case. This turns the system on and automatically puts it into pairing mode, while returning them to the case causes them to turn off. In addition, both sides can also be used separately in single mode. If there is a wireless connection, a double tap on the left or right headphone controls the Play/Stop function and answers and ends calls. A triple tap activates the voice assistant. It is also possible to select a title by holding the right-hand side of the headphone and to jump forwards or back using the left-hand side. The remote reacts reliably and directly. Volume control, on the other hand, is not available and must be carried out either on the device itself or by voice control. There are also certain limitations in terms of voice quality when making calls; the voices sound intelligible but slightly nasal and muffled.

Sound

These in-ears are tuned for universal everyday use but have powerful and amazingly well-defined basses with depth, which provide a lot of listening pleasure with bass-driven music. Even the mids know how to please, put vocals well in the spotlight and are extremely clear. Only the high frequencies come up for slight criticism; they don’t drop off, sounding very fresh and precise, but also they are a bit pointed and overdrawn. Apart from that, the tuning is balanced and harmonious, with a bright sound image and very clear, clean contours that suggest a much higher price bracket. All in all, these headphones don’t sound cloudy, queasy or spongy, but tidy, catchy and lively. Also, the output has reserves and the sound stage is not too compact.