Baseus Bowie MA10 Review: They are better than I expected
Today, we’re diving into the world of budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with the Baseus Bowie MA10. These earbuds have been making waves in the tech community, with some claiming that they offer incredible value for their $30 price tag. As a result, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to test them out and see what they could do.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that Baseus is a company primarily known for its portable chargers and various docking solutions for PCs. However, with the MA10, they’re making a bold entry into the true wireless earbuds market, aiming to provide an affordable option that showcases their capabilities in the audio space.
Their impressive battery life, low latency, and water resistance make them a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. Baseus seems to be making a strong statement with their entry into the earbud market, and the Bowie MA10 are certainly worth considering if you’re on the hunt for an affordable yet feature-rich audio solution.
Baseus Bowie MA10: Video Review
| Specs | Baseus Bowie MA10 | |
| Driver | 13mm | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | |
| Transmission Distance | 10m | |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | |
| Supported codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | ≥102dB | |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -42dB ± 3dB | |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes | |
| Game Mode | Yes (38ms low latency) | |
| IP rating | IPX6 | |
| Battery | 50mAh (Earbuds), 2500mAh (Case) | |
| Playback Time | 8 hours (Single Charge) | |
| Total Playback Time | Up to 140 hours (with Case) | |
| Charging Time | 3 hours (charging case) | |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android devices | |
| Dimensions | 3.23 x 1.77 x 1.5", (45 x 85 x 34 mm) | |
| Weight | 3.77 oz, 106g (with case) |
Baseus Bowie MA10: Design
The Baseus Bowie MA10 charging case stands out with its substantial size (45 x 85 x 34 mm). It is larger compared to many other charging cases on the market, allowing for a 2500mAh battery.
The rectangular-shaped case, with its gracefully curved edges, is crafted from durable ABS plastic and finished with an attractive matte texture. An ingenious small cut on the front of the case enhances one-handed opening.
On the back of the case, you’ll find a USB-C input port, providing a convenient and modern charging solution. Next to it is the pairing button, simplifying the connection process with your devices.
At the front of the case, there are four indicator lights that serve as a valuable visual guide to the battery status of the case. These lights illuminate to indicate how much battery life remains in the case, allowing you to plan your recharging accordingly.
Turning our attention to the earbuds themselves, they feature a sleek and minimalistic design. Each earbud measures a mere 26 by 28 mm, making them compact and unobtrusive when worn. Constructed from durable ABS plastic, they strike a delicate balance between lightweight construction and robustness. The glossy finish adds an elegant touch to their appearance, enhancing their overall aesthetics.
One notable feature of the earbuds is the LED ring on the outside of each earpiece. This ring serves multiple functions, including indicating the charging status and connectivity of the earbuds. Additionally, the Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds utilize touch controls, making it easy and intuitive to manage various functions with a simple tap.
For those who plan to use these earbuds outdoors or in potentially wet conditions, the MA10s come with an IPX6 rating. This rating offers better water protection than many other earbuds, especially those with noise-canceling features, which typically sit at around IPX4. The IPX6 rating means you can confidently use these earbuds in environments with splashes, light rain, and intense workouts with heavy sweating. While they may withstand brief exposure to water, it’s still advisable to avoid submerging them completely.
Baseus App
Within the Baseus app, users can keep their earbuds up-to-date by installing firmware updates, ensuring that the earbuds continue to perform at their best. Additionally, the app provides access to various EQ (equalizer) options, allowing you to customize the sound profile to suit your preferences.
The Baseus app also offers control over the different noise-canceling modes available on the MA10 earbuds. These modes include indoor, commute, and outdoor settings, each tailored to different environments. If you have specific preferences, you can even create your own custom noise-canceling mode, giving you complete control over the active noise cancellation (ANC) settings.
However, it’s important to note that the earbuds do have limitations when it comes to control customization. Nevertheless, the app provides a useful platform for adjusting various settings and optimizing your listening experience.
The Bowie MA10 headphones support Bluetooth 5.3, which is a remarkable achievement in the field of wireless technology. Bluetooth 5.3 not only ensures a stable and efficient connection but also enables multi-point connection capabilities. This means you can seamlessly connect your earbuds to more than one device simultaneously, making it convenient to switch between devices without the hassle of constant re-pairing.
Another significant advantage of Bluetooth 5.3 is its low latency, which is crucial for a lag-free experience when watching videos or playing games.
ANC and microphone quality
The Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds offer a range of features that enhance the listening and communication experience, including active noise canceling and transparency mode.
Starting with the active noise canceling (ANC), it’s important to set realistic expectations, especially given the price range of these earbuds. The ANC on the MA10s may not be on par with premium models, but it still performs admirably. It does a commendable job of reducing background noise, particularly in environments where there are engine noises or lower-frequency sounds, such as air conditioning units.
However, it’s worth noting that like most earbuds in this category, the ANC may struggle in environments with a lot of people talking. In such situations, the ANC might not completely eliminate the chatter, as higher-frequency sounds are more challenging to cancel out. Nevertheless, considering the price, the ANC on the MA10 earbuds still delivers a decent performance and can significantly improve your audio experience in most scenarios.
On the other hand, the transparency mode is a standout feature. It allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without having to remove the earbuds. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to interact with others or remain vigilant while listening to audio content. The transparency mode on the MA10s effectively lets outside sounds pass through, making it easier to hold conversations without interruption.
When it comes to taking phone calls, the Bowie MA10 earbuds provide a reasonable experience. While their microphone quality may not match premium alternatives like AirPods, they perform well considering their price point. The microphone effectively picks up your voice, making it suitable for phone calls in public or moderately noisy environments. Additionally, the MA10s excel in reducing background noise, allowing your voice to come through clearly during calls.
Sound quality
Right out of the box and regardless of the EQ settings you choose, these earbuds deliver a prominent and boomy bass presence. This makes them an excellent choice for bass enthusiasts who appreciate a powerful low-end in their audio experience.
One notable EQ setting that can help balance the sound profile is the “treble plus” or “treble boost” mode. This setting elevates the treble frequencies, providing a counterbalance to the strong and aggressive bass. It results in a more well-rounded and dynamic audio output that retains clarity while still delivering that satisfying low-frequency punch. This makes the MA10 earbuds versatile across various music genres, from pop and hip-hop to even more chaotic genres like metal.
Despite the heavy bass, the mids on these earbuds are surprisingly capable. Vocalists stand out prominently, whether they are male or female, and you can discern good detail in vocal performances. This is not a common expectation in earbuds in this price range, making it a pleasant surprise. The mids maintain their presence without getting overshadowed by the bass, contributing to a well-balanced sound experience.
The treble, especially in the “treble plus” or “treble boost” mode, adds a brighter and more energetic element to the sound without becoming harsh. This treble boost complements the booming bass, resulting in a dynamic and engaging audio profile that is sure to satisfy those who enjoy a lively sound signature.
In terms of soundstage and sound imaging, the MA10 earbuds provide a sense of space that places you in a medium to large-sized room. While they may not create an extremely open soundstage, they still offer a good level of spatial awareness. The sound imaging is accurate, allowing you to pinpoint the direction from which different sounds are coming.
The Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds are characterized by their bass-heavy and dynamic sound profile. They are not designed for a flat or reference sound; instead, they deliver an energetic and engaging audio experience. With well-handled mids, enhanced treble options, and accurate sound imaging, these earbuds are a solid choice for music lovers seeking a lively and powerful listening experience.
Battery life
On a full charge, the Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds themselves offer an impressive 8 hours of continuous playback. This extended playtime means you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or calls without interruptions for a significant part of your day.
However, what truly sets these earbuds apart is the massive charging case that accompanies them. With this substantial case, you’re looking at a staggering 140 hours of total playtime. This extended battery life is a game-changer, especially for those who prefer not to worry about constantly charging their earbuds.
Even if you find yourself in a situation where the earbuds are completely drained, the fast charging feature is there to save the day. With just a 10-minute charge, you can get an 2 hours of use on the earbuds. This quick top-up ensures that you’re never left without your music for too long.
Baseus Bowie MA10: Conclusion
The Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds offer exceptional value that exceeds expectations, especially considering their budget-friendly price point.
First and foremost, the MA10s boast an astonishing 140 hours of total battery life, making them an ideal choice for users who want extended listening without frequent recharging.
With Bluetooth 5.3, these earbuds support multi-point connection and have low latency, ensuring smooth and efficient connectivity across different devices and media types. The inclusion of active noise canceling, while not top-tier, is still a valuable feature that helps reduce unwanted background noise.
One of the most impressive aspects of these earbuds is their sound quality. They deliver a dynamic and bass-heavy audio profile that can cater to various music genres while maintaining clear and detailed mids and treble.
All these features and the impressive sound quality come at a remarkable price point of just $30, making the Baseus Bowie MA10 earbuds a compelling option for those seeking an affordable audio solution.
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