TriBit FlyBuds 3

Introduction

The true wireless earphone market is a battleground, and every year, it feels like more contenders join the fray, hoping to challenge the titans like Apple, JBL, and Jabra. Among the many affordable options, Tribit has made quite a name for itself, delivering solid wireless audio gear without breaking the bank. Today, we’re diving into the Tribit FlyBuds 3, a pair of true wireless earphones that promise to redefine what we expect from budget-friendly models. With an unbeatable price tag of just $35.99, these earphones come with impressive specs: a 100-hour battery life, IPX7 waterproofing, and a sound signature that punches far above its weight. But can these earphones truly deliver on their promises, or is the old adage of “you get what you pay for” too true?

Let’s unpack the Tribit FlyBuds 3’s performance, starting with a deep dive into the specs and features that set them apart from the competition. From the moment you open the box, the FlyBuds 3 are built to impress, and not just with their price.

Technical: The Power Behind FlyBuds 3

When you talk about affordable true wireless earphones, there’s usually a trade-off. You get decent sound, but battery life often leaves much to be desired, forcing users to recharge every few hours. Not so with the Tribit FlyBuds 3. This is where Tribit has outdone itself. The charging case is a marvel of battery engineering, packing in a massive 2,600 mAh battery that gives you up to 100 hours of playback time when used in combination with the earphones. That’s right — 100 hours. This beats even premium models, making the FlyBuds 3 the perfect choice for those long-haul flights, weekend trips, or gym sessions. The earphones themselves offer a more standard 5 hours of battery life on a single charge, but the case ensures that you’ll never run out of juice when you need it most.

And if you’re someone who frequently finds themselves with a dead smartphone, the FlyBuds 3 case has a clever trick up its sleeve: it doubles as a power bank. Hidden behind a silicone flap, there’s a USB outlet that lets you charge your devices on the go. For just $35.99, having a charging case that also acts as a portable battery pack is a feature rarely seen, especially at this price point.

The Tribit FlyBuds 3 run on Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection and low-latency audio experience. With SBCand AAC codec support, these earphones are optimised for both iOS and Android devices. While the absence of aptXsupport may disappoint audiophiles who are after the highest quality audio, it’s important to remember that these earphones are aimed at those looking for great sound on a budget. For most users, the AAC codec offers clear, crisp sound without the stuttering or dropouts that sometimes plague other budget models.

Pairing the earphones is seamless. Open the charging case, and as soon as you remove the earphones, they’re ready to connect to your device. This level of convenience makes the FlyBuds 3 incredibly user-friendly. The Bluetooth connection is stable across distances, and I experienced no dropouts during day-to-day use, including during workouts and while commuting.

For anyone who likes to take their earphones on a run or uses them at the gym, the IPX7 waterproof rating is a significant feature. It means that the FlyBuds 3 can withstand immersion in water up to one metre deep, making them more than capable of handling rain, sweat, or the occasional accidental splash. While they won’t survive a full swim, they can certainly be used in a variety of wet conditions without issue.

Experience

The Tribit FlyBuds 3 come with six different sizes of silicone ear tips, as well as three pairs of silicone ear hooks to ensure a secure fit. However, I must admit that I had some trouble with the ear hooks. The ones provided didn’t quite fit my ears as well as I’d hoped. I found the hooks too small, but this could just be a case of my ears being on the larger side (I’m still trying to work out if I have donkey-sized ears or not). Despite this, I was able to find a comfortable fit using the ear tips, and the seal was good enough to help block out most ambient noise.

If you’re someone who’s had issues with comfort or fit in the past, the FlyBuds 3 offer a wide variety of ear tip options, so you’ll likely find a good match. Comfort was decent, though for extended listening sessions, it’s worth noting that any earphone will eventually cause some discomfort if worn for hours on end. That being said, these are solid options for short to medium-length listening sessions, whether you’re jogging or commuting.

The FlyBuds 3 rely on touch-sensitive controls for playback and calls. They allow you to pause and play music, skip tracks, answer calls, and summon your voice assistant with simple taps. However, there is a downside: the lack of a volume control. For many, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but if you find yourself adjusting volume often, you might miss the convenience of a dedicated volume button. But at this price, I’m willing to overlook this limitation.

The controls are responsive and generally easy to use, but there was a minor issue with the charging case. The lid has a tendency to snap shut a bit too easily, so it’s important to be mindful when opening or closing it. If you don’t hold it at just the right angle, it can unexpectedly close on you, which can be a bit annoying.

Now, let’s talk about the sound. The Tribit FlyBuds 3 sound phenomenal for the price. They’re driven by small 6mm dynamic drivers, yet they produce a sound that belies their size. The bass response is particularly impressive — deep, full, and warm, without overwhelming the mids or treble. Tracks like Massive Attack’s “Angel” really come to life, with thumping bass that doesn’t distort, even at higher volumes.

The highs are pronounced, giving tracks a sense of clarity and detail. On songs like Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.”, the high-mid presence of the kick drum is crisp, and the subtle nuances like the snare’s snap and the high hats’ sizzle are more apparent in the mix. The sculpted sound signature works well for genres that benefit from punchy bass and elevated highs, such as hip-hop, electronic music, and R&B.

However, for more audiophile tastes, the sound signature might be a bit too sculpted. On tracks with less bass-heavy content, like Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne,” the strings and vocals can sometimes feel a bit buried under the bass, making the drums come across as thunderous to an almost unnatural degree. While this doesn’t take away from the overall experience, it’s worth noting that these earphones are not designed for those seeking perfectly balanced, natural sound. They’re meant to be fun and engaging, with an emphasis on rhythm and musicality.

Orchestral tracks, such as Philip Glass’ “Glassworks,” are where the FlyBuds 3 show their limitations. The bass can sometimes overwhelm the delicate high registers of the strings, and the result is a sound that feels less refined compared to high-end options. But, again, considering the price, these earphones deliver an enjoyable experience that many will appreciate.

The call quality is more than acceptable, even without noise-cancelling technology. Tribit has included microphones in each earbud, which allow you to take calls or use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. While there’s no mention of active noise cancellation, the call clarity is decent, and I was able to hold conversations without issue, even in moderately noisy environments. This is a nice touch for anyone who needs to take calls while on the go.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice for Budget Seekers

At the end of the day, the Tribit FlyBuds 3 are a standout choice for anyone in the market for affordable true wireless earphones. For just $35.99, you’re getting an unbeatable 100-hour battery life (thanks to the included charging case), IPX7 waterproofing, and a bass-heavy, engaging sound that will make any workout or commute feel like a mini concert. The fit and comfort may not be perfect for everyone, but with six sizes of ear tips and three pairs of ear hooks to choose from, most users should find a good match.

The lack of volume control and the charging case’s flimsy lid are minor drawbacks, but they’re easy to overlook when you factor in the overall value this product offers. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a sculpted sound signature and needs a reliable pair of earphones for everyday activities, the FlyBuds 3 should be at the top of your list.

For those on an even tighter budget, there’s the EarFun Free, another solid option. However, when comparing the two, I think the FlyBuds 3 edge out in the areas of battery life, sound quality, and additional features like the power bank function. If you’re looking for something that combines solid performance with a few nifty extras, the FlyBuds 3 are an easy recommendation.

At this price point, there’s little to complain about. Tribit has delivered a product that doesn’t just compete with, but in many ways, exceeds the expectations of budget-conscious consumers. In short, the FlyBuds 3 are an incredible bargain, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for value and performance in one package.

Written by Amin Brodie

Photos by Valeryia Kalantayeva