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These Cheap Wireless Earphones Feel So Good

Monster is making affordable Bluetooth 5.3 headphones that are encased in a tough and unique shell.

Published: 4/3/2024, Updated 4/6/2024

Monster AIRMARS XKT10

4.5/5
Dislikes
  • The case lacks a 360-degree spin reduces fidgeting potential.
  • The outer rim may feel a bit sharp when held for extended periods.
  • Inserting or removing the earphones can unintentionally trigger a switch between game and music modes.
  • No Companion App which could limit customization options for the sound profile.
  • No Active Noise Cancellation so not ideal for commutes on trains.

Verdict

These earphones offer an unbelievable price-to-performance ratio. You'll get surprisingly good sound and a truly unique design at a great price.

review

Unboxing

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Inside the box:

  • Charging Case

  • Earphones

  • USB C cable

  • Manual

Features

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Monster is catering these earphones towards mobile gamers with a dedicated low-latency Gaming Mode. This is ideal for titles like PUBG, Asphalt 9: Legends, and Smash Karts where minimizing audio delay is important for a responsive experience. They also have a music mode, which you can freely switch between.

On the technical side, you could expect to enjoy a reliable connection and reduced lag thanks to Bluetooth v5.3. These come with a 13mm driver promises a solid audio foundation, ensuring compatibility with the latest devices. Monster claims around 4-5 hours of playtime at 80% volume, with the charging case boosting that up to a full 24 hours – perfect for keeping up with your on-the-go lifestyle.

Design & Ergonomics

Charging Case

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These earphones boast a unique charging case that immediately sets them apart.  The metal body offers a satisfyingly solid feel when you open and close the compartment. The dual bearings provide a smooth, premium snapping action. Unfortunately, the case lacks a 360-degree spin, which would have been a fun and satisfying fidget feature. 

The weight and construction feel durable. However, some design choices might make it slightly uncomfortable to grip such as the pointy edges along the rim from those fake screw designs which didn’t need to be there. 

A glowing red core serves as a charming charging indicator and also functions as a light when opening the enclosure, adding a dash of visual interest to the design. 

Unlike some higher-end earphones, just opening the case does not auto connect the earphones to your device. You have to remove the earphones but once you do I had no problems with them auto-connecting to my synchronised device.

The most peculiar aspect of the case is the inverted layout of the earphone charging slots. The left slot holds the right earphone and vice versa. This quirk might take some getting used to and could initially lead to a mix-up when putting on the earphones and returning them to charge.

Earphones

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These are lightweight and made of plastic but feel durable enough. They both have touch-sensitive buttons on the bottom side which I find is prone to accidentally presses when inserting and removing the earphones.

They have a secure fit but these don’t isolate my ears, it's a loose fit, not a snug one. Turning the volume up helps eliminate unwanted environmental noises.

Sound Quality

Considering their price point, these earphones deliver surprisingly good audio. They produce clear sound with a satisfying amount of bass whilst maintaining a decent level of detail across your music. 

These do lack active noise cancellation (ANC) which makes them less ideal for noisy commutes or loud environments but for quieter spots they are you’ll have no problem. I did find when using them on my desk, with my mechanical keyboard did did a good job at blocking out the sound when the volume was turned up to around 70%.

Turning on gaming mode does not seem to change the sound quality as I was expecting, I think it just reduces latency without changing the sound profile.

These earphones do not have a dedicated app to customise the sound profile. If you want to fine-tune the sound of these earphones, some music apps have built-in equalizers that you can experiment with, such as Spotify.

At full volume, the sound is still clear without distortion and this does get loud, at least for my hearing. 

Touch Controls

As with most touch-controlled earphones, these may take some time to master. However, the touch-sensitive areas on both earphones are clearly defined and responsive. Look for the left and right indicators, as this is where you'll tap or press to activate controls.

The controls cover the basics: music playback (play/pause, next/back), volume adjustment, and even voice assistant activation on your connected phone. A 2-second long press switches between music and game modes. I found when inserting or removing the earphones, I would keep accidentally triggering this switch. While this accidental activation can be slightly annoying, it's good to know that the music and game modes don't seem to impact audio quality.

Final Thoughts

While the lack of ANC might be a consideration for those who need maximum noise isolation, it's impossible to be disappointed at this price point. If you find these on sale through Aliexpress, they're an absolute steal. Their unique design, solid construction, and surprisingly good sound quality make them a compelling choice for budget-conscious audio lovers. 

The standout charging case is sure to grab attention. Despite its slightly poking rim, it feels satisfying to hold and adds a touch of character to the overall package.

The box is well presented but it does feel a bit flimsy however, considering these are affordable earphones I am okay with it. Everything you need is included in the box.

Technical Details:
Tags:

Earphones, Monster, Gaming, Music

Edited by: undefined

Disclaimer: The following article reflects the personal viewpoint of the author Bilal Khan and is not intended to serve as professional financial guidance. Its primary purpose is to provide educational and engaging content. Please be aware that investing in cryptocurrency involves significant risks, and there are no assured returns. Always conduct thorough research before making any financial decisions.