Fun Generation Rock Buds

These lightweight headphones weigh five grams per side and embed themselves well in the ear, they are discreet and can be worn under a cap when needed. The fit is comfortable and sufficiently stable to allow you to take a short sprint when using them. Thanks to their light weight, even prolonged use does not cause any unpleasant pressure problems. Energy-wise, you have a running time of about five hours at a high level. When the batteries are empty, they can be recharged in the transport case, which also serves as a charging station, within 20 minutes, this is possible a total of five times. The Rock Buds are usable for about 30 hours before they need to be powered again, which is remarkable with a case which weighs only 36 grams and is small enough to be hidden in one hand. The transport case also has a USB-C port, which can be fully recharged in less than two hours using the USB-C to USB-A charging cable provided.

However, it is noticeable that the iOS battery status indicator of the headphones does not provide reliable information, as an interruption occurs at 50 percent, and the service life at 30 percent is only five minutes in real terms. In addition, with different iOS devices the fully charged headphones were displayed as being at 90 or 80 percent instead of 100 percent.

Device control

Coupling your Rock Buds is done directly when they’re removed from the case, as the system automatically switches on and is set to pairing mode, while a return to the case switches them off. Alternatively, hold down the buttons integrated into the surface for a long time, and manual switching on and off is activated. Both earbuds can be operated individually in single mode.

If there is a Bluetooth connection, both buttons can be used equally to control the Play/Stop function and to accept and end telephone calls. It is also possible to select a title by pressing the right button twice to jump forward or backward. Language assistants can be called up by pressing three times. Volume control, on the other hand, is not available and must be carried out either on the device itself or via voice control. Otherwise, the remote reacts precisely and without delay, so in combination with various Android and iOS systems, it can achieve a largely stable range of around seven metres within an urban environment. Speech intelligibility during telephone calls appeared to be limited, as the voices on both sides were quite quiet and distinctly choppy.

Sound

Rock Buds have a lush bass foundation that is full and saturated but not overloaded, plus it has an amazing depth. In the low-frequency range, I would like more precision, but overall the basses have contours and sound powerful. The counterpart is present in the highs, good resolution, which does not collapse at all and helps to make a clear, open sound picture, even if with increasing volume there is a tendency to overdraw, making noticeable hissing sounds. Otherwise, the powerful tuning is full and harmonious. This scores point from me, as it is an impressive definition in view of the price, and compares well with more costly systems. The sound is lively, there is a dynamic start, and the mids have enough room to stage lead instruments and vocals in detail. The compact stage also appears clearly structured and conveys an engaging directness, so that you’ll be nodding your head and tapping your feet with pleasure. Although these headphones have a high output with plenty of reserves and can be cranked up loudly, your listening pleasure is not lost even at low levels. However, in a quiet atmosphere, a slight background noise is noticeable.