The Stardust earbuds from Kiwi Ears are an interesting choice. Not only do they look fantastic, but they have an unusual wired-only approach. I wasn’t too sure about the design, but it grew on me quickly. Accordingly, they’ve become a firm favourite when I’m walking my dogs or gaming on my commute to the office.
These amazing earbuds deliver exceptional power when you consider the 10mm Dynamic drivers and the 4 balanced armatures. Furthermore, you can pick whether you want a microphone to be included with your package. This is great, as many of us don’t need one and it adds weight to the audio device. Luckily, that unusual, wired design is part of the microphone arrangement, so if you don’t need one, you can order the mic-free cable.
What’s in the box of the Stardust earbuds?
- The vibrant packaging is attractive and informative. Additionally, it is professional and recyclable.
- The Stardust earbuds have an Azure blue finish. This fantastic colour choice looks amazing! Moreover, they are lightweight to reduce pressure and fatigue.
- An array of spare silicone ear tips is provided.
- I was given the microphone-to-3.5 mm cable. You may select a non-mic version and a microphone-to-USB-C cable.
- A textile case keeps your cable safe.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
It is strange to have wired-only earbuds, but I like this unique approach. The lack of battery life removes a concern, and the easy-to-handle 2-pin connection is a cinch to set up. The lack of battery ensures that the earbuds are lighter than many of their peers. This is ideal if you want a featherlight audio experience. Furthermore, the reduction in weight helps to keep your ears from becoming uncomfortable.
Kiwi Ears has packed a whole lot of audio tech into its impressive tiny earbuds. The Stardust earbuds have 10mm Dynamic drivers and 4 balanced armatures for an incredible audio soundscape. Additionally, they have a plug-and-play mindset to reduce issues and improve usability. I know many people like to adjust audio settings, but you’ll need to rely on your phone, tablet, or console to address those concerns.
This may be a deal breaker for some, but I wasn’t bothered. The balanced audio profile offers incredible layers of sound for a wonderful and immersive experience.
Sound quality.
10mm Dynamic drivers may not seem powerful, but when you consider the size of the earbuds, you understand that it is a big deal. Kiwi Ears has packed in some of the best audio tech to deliver a rounded and comfortable audio soundscape. The result is a beautifully balanced blend of bass and each tonal layer.
I have no complaints about overwhelming bass, weak highs, or tinny mids. Each element complements the other to generate immersive action and exceptional results. No matter if you were listening to music, gaming, or watching your favourite program, these wired earbuds don’t let you down. Alongside this, the wired microphone is fantastic. There was no popping or horrible static noise. Moreover, the pickup is great, and every phone call or Teams experience was a joy. Although it wasn’t my main concern, it was nice to have if I needed to talk while out with my dogs.
Build quality.
I was impressed by the build quality. The Stardust earbuds look and feel great to wear. The slender design sits nicely in your ears, and the compact size prevents them from sticking out. This discreet approach is ideal for people who are self-conscious. However, I’d argue that the Azure blue finish will make you stand out from the crowd.
The choice of silicone ear tips creates a perfect, gap-free fit for ultimate comfort and the best audio performance. Each of the tips can be removed, adjusted, and cleaned with ease. This keeps your earbuds in the best condition whenever you are not using them.
Finally, the handy case is ideal if you want to keep your earbuds and cable safe when commuting. Not only is it durable, but I also like the durable material and the clean, grey colour.
Are the Stardust earbuds worth it?
I’m terrible at charging my devices, so a wired-only approach worked perfectly for me. Not only does it reduce weight, but it ensures longevity of the product. Yes, the cable could be damaged, but Kiwi Ears offers a warranty on the cable and the earbuds.
I love the balanced and high-end audio, the exceptional microphone quality, and the array of ear tips to select. The lightweight design is comfortable, and the included case keeps everything nicely protected. Accordingly, I think they are great, and I recommend buying them here!
(More information on Kiwi Ears can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
