ZDNET’s comprehensive insights reveal that the Treblab X4 earbuds, now accessible for purchase on Amazon for a modest $49, present an intriguing proposition for listeners seeking affordable yet competent audio performance. When these earbuds achieve a firm and airtight seal within the ear canal, their sonic output dramatically exceeds expectations for their price point, delivering an audio experience that feels richer, fuller, and far more dimensional than one might presume from budget-friendly hardware. Conversely, if that crucial seal is compromised, the listening quality deteriorates markedly—the bass recedes, the midrange becomes overly dominant, and the highs lose clarity, resulting in a sound profile that feels lackluster and unbalanced.

For readers seeking ongoing technology updates, ZDNET encourages you to add it as a preferred source on Google, ensuring timely access to critical tech insights. The reviewer begins with a candid admission: self-proclaimed as a devoted and rather discerning music enthusiast. This level of musical connoisseurship is apparent in an admitted preference for vinyl’s warm analog textures, a custom-tailored equalization curve designed to meet precise tonal desires, and a tendency to be selective—even dismissive—of specific genres. Yet, with tastes ranging from classical and progressive rock to metal, 1980s favorites, and select strands of pop, the reviewer’s musical sensibilities are broad but firmly rooted in quality.

Although they habitually enjoy music through imposing floor-standing speakers—an audiophile’s standard for immersive listening—they acknowledge that life’s mobility often necessitates high-quality earbuds when bringing personal soundtracks on the move. Historically, the reviewer’s go-to models include the Denon PearL Pro, Creative Aurvana Ace 3, and Beyerdynamic Amiron 300—all occupying a solid mid-tier price range, making them aspirational options rather than accessible choices for casual listeners. This financial gap in the market is where Treblab strategically positions itself, consistently developing cost-effective headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers that perform beyond their budget classification. With that background, the arrival of the Treblab X4 earbuds came loaded with tempered optimism: the expectation that they would uphold the brand’s reputation for providing remarkable value.

Upon first connection of the X4 earbuds to a Pixel 9 Pro smartphone and launching a carefully curated Spotify playlist, the initial listening experience was disappointing. The audio output felt thin and metallic, with high frequencies intersecting awkwardly with the midrange, while the low-end presence was almost nonexistent. Given that Treblab does not currently offer a custom equalizer app or companion software, the reviewer suspected potential user error or a setup issue. A closer examination of the design revealed that, though visually reminiscent of over-the-ear sports earbuds—complete with loops that wrap securely around the ear—the X4 model relies on achieving an internal ear seal for proper sound delivery rather than resting externally. Only when correctly inserted to form that seal did the earbuds transform, suddenly producing deeper bass, restrained mids, and a more balanced top register.

To gauge their capabilities further, the reviewer returned to a tested standard: a favorite song by Rush known for complex, finely articulated bass lines that reveal an audio device’s precision and depth. If earbuds can render Geddy Lee’s famously fluid bass with clarity—each note distinct and unblurred—they earn immediate respect. The Treblab X4s performed this task respectably, though, again, everything depended on fit. A poor seal stripped away the bass foundation, overexposing the midrange and upsetting the sonic equilibrium. To achieve the optimal sound, listeners must experiment with tip sizes and proper insertion technique, even manipulating the ear’s contour to guide placement correctly. Once secure, the difference was stark: a transformation from flat and dull to dynamic and vibrant.

Testing continued across a variety of genres. The X4s responded most pleasantly to electronic and ‘90s-era music, particularly tracks where heavy digital compression and equalization tend to dominate. When playing textured, rhythmically rich trip-hop—like that of Sneaker Pimps—the earbuds handled layered low frequencies with smooth control, while maintaining midrange clarity and crisp treble extension. Their comfort zone, therefore, appears to reside in genres produced during the early digital recording age, characterized by inherent brightness and compression that these earbuds seem to manage well. In contrast, denser musical styles—metal, progressive rock, and other instrumentation-heavy tracks—revealed the X4’s limitations, as their drivers struggled to reproduce the intricate separation and depth those songs demand.

One particularly memorable moment occurred while listening to Chris Cornell’s “Sunshower,” where the duality of Cornell’s emotive voice and acoustic resonance showcased the earbuds at their most articulate—delivering a satisfyingly transparent portrayal of vocals paired with clear, natural guitar tones. Despite these flashes of brilliance, the reviewer remains realistic: the Treblab X4 are not high-fidelity or audiophile-grade audio instruments. Yet, at under fifty dollars, they represent an admirable compromise between affordability and enjoyment. When properly seated, they produce a credible, balanced sound profile while maintaining excellent stability thanks to their ergonomic ear loops, ensuring they stay comfortably in place even during movement.

However, the most outstanding specification—and arguably the defining attribute of the X4 earbuds—is their astonishing battery endurance. A single charge yields approximately eleven hours of continuous playback. More impressively, the charging case extends total playback time to an extraordinary 253 hours, owing to its substantial 2,500 mAh internal capacity. Such longevity far surpasses conventional earbuds, whose cases typically offer only a few full recharges. For users frequently frustrated by short battery spans or constant recharging cycles, this feature alone justifies the purchase, promising extended usability on commutes, workouts, or long travels without constant power concerns.

ZDNET’s final verdict frames the Treblab X4 as a strong value proposition for budget-conscious buyers who still care about reliable audio. They are ideally suited for genres like grunge, electronic, and casual pop, offering solid performance with practical design. These earbuds are not engineered to impress seasoned audiophiles or purists accustomed to studio-level fidelity—indeed, gifting them to such an enthusiast might invite some good-natured ridicule. Yet, they make perfect sense for younger listeners, active users, or anyone prone to misplacing earbuds and reluctant to spend heavily on replacements. In the right hands—or rather, the right ears—the Treblab X4 earbuds will likely elicit genuine satisfaction and a smile of surprise at just how much performance fifty dollars can buy.

Treblab X4 Earbuds Technical Specifications:
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Weight: 8.3 g (0.29 oz)
Earbud Dimensions: 48 × 41 × 27.5 mm
Charging Case Dimensions: 98.5 × 61.8 × 40.2 mm
Battery Life per Charge: up to 11 hours
Total Playtime with Case: up to 253 hours
Charging Case Capacity: 2500 mAh
Earbud Charging Time: 1.5 hours
Case Charging Time: 2.5 hours
Driver Size: 10 mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB
Microphone Type: Dual unidirectional with environmental noise cancellation.
In conclusion, when judged by its price-to-performance ratio, the Treblab X4 deserves recognition as an impressive entrant in the low-cost audio market, merging economical design with unexpectedly robust functionality and record-setting endurance.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/treblab-x4-earbuds-review/