If you’re scouring the web for the best budget true wireless earbuds, the Audionic Airbud 740 ION likely popped up. Promising Hi-Fi sound, ENC, and a sleek case for a fraction of the price of premium brands, it sounds like a steal.
But does it deliver, or is it another forgettable gadget?
I’ve tested these earbuds for over two weeks—during commutes, workouts, and calls—to bring you this detailed, no-hype review. We’ll dive deep into sound quality, battery life, design, and real-world performance to help you decide.
Audionic Airbud 740 ION
Quad Mic ANC Wireless Earbuds, Gaming mode Low Latency TWS Earbud With Upto 70 Hours Playtime, IPX5 Water Proof Wireless Earphones With Voice Assistance Bluetooth Ear buds And Headphones
At a Glance: Audionic Airbud 740 ION Key Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | 13mm Dynamic Bass Driver |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with Low Latency Mode |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hrs total (10hrs buds + 30hrs case) |
| Charging | USB-C & Wireless Charging Case |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 Sweat & Splash Proof |
| Microphone | 4-Mic Array with ENC |
| Touch Controls | Yes, Customizable |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
1. Unboxing & First Impressions: Sleek & Surprising
The unboxing experience punches above its price point. You get:
- The Airbud 740 ION earbuds in a compact, matte-finish charging case.
- Three sizes of silicone ear tips.
- A short USB-C charging cable.
- A user manual.
The case is remarkably slim and pocketable. The earbuds have a stem-style design with a magnetic fit into the case. Build quality feels solid for plastic, with no noticeable creaks.
2. Sound Quality & Performance: Bass-Heavy & Engaging
This is the make-or-break section. Let’s break it down:
- Bass: Powerful and pronounced. The 13mm drivers deliver a satisfying thump in hip-hop, EDM, and pop tracks. It’s energetic, but can occasionally overshadow mids at max volume.
- Mids & Highs: Vocals are clear but not as forward as on neutral-focused earbuds. Higher frequencies are decent—cymbals and strings are present without being harsh. For the price, the detail retrieval is impressive.
- Soundstage & Separation: Adequate for a closed-in-ear design. You get a sense of space in well-mixed tracks.
- EQ & Customization: No companion app means you’re stuck with the default V-shaped signature (bass & treble boosted). A minor con for audiophiles, but the tuning is fun for most listeners.
Verdict: For under $50, the sound is excellent. It’s a bass-forward, engaging profile perfect for casual listening, workouts, and entertainment.
3. Battery Life & Charging: A True Marathon Performer
Audionic’s claims hold up well in real-world use:
- Earbuds: A consistent 7-8 hours of playback at 60% volume.
- Case: Provides roughly 3.5 full recharges.
- Total: You easily get 35+ hours of total battery life.
The addition of wireless charging for the case at this price is a huge win. Toss it on a pad overnight, and you’re set for days. The USB-C port is on the back for quick top-ups.
4. Call Quality & Microphone Test
The 4-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) system is effective. In tests:
- Indoors: My voice sounded clear and natural to recipients.
- Outdoors (Windy Street): The ENC cut out most background rumble, though some wind noise persisted—expected at this price tier.
- Overall: More than adequate for daily calls, Zoom meetings, and quick voice notes.
5. Design, Fit & Comfort
The stem design aids in easy placement and removal. With the right ear tip, isolation is good, and they stay secure during brisk walks and light jogs (IPX5 rating provides peace of mind). I wore them for 2-hour sessions with minimal fatigue.
6. Connectivity & Controls
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures quick pairing and a stable connection up to 10 meters (with minor obstructions). The gaming mode (activated via touch control) reduces latency noticeably for mobile gaming/videos.
Touch controls are responsive (tap, double-tap, hold) and can be customized as per the manual.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional value for money | ❌ No companion app for EQ customization |
| ✅ Powerful, fun bass response | ❌ Can feel bulky for very small ears |
| ✅ Class-leading battery life with wireless charging | ❌ Touch controls can be too sensitive |
| ✅ Reliable Bluetooth 5.3 & Low Latency Mode | ❌ Case lid has a slight wobble |
| ✅ Effective ENC for calls | |
| ✅ IPX5 rating for workouts |
Who Are The Audionic Airbud 740 ION For?
- Budget-Conscious Buyers seeking maximum features per dollar.
- Students needing long battery life for study sessions.
- Fitness Enthusiasts who want sweat-proof, secure earbuds.
- Commuters looking for an engaging, portable audio companion.
Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Budget Contender
The Audionic Airbud 740 ION delivers on its core promises: great sound, insane battery life, and useful features like wireless charging and ENC. While it lacks the polish and app support of premium brands, it offers about 80% of the experience for 25% of the price.
If you’re looking for the best affordable TWS earbuds under $50, this should be at the top of your shortlist.
Ready to experience them?
👉
Audionic Airbud 740 ION
Quad Mic ANC Wireless Earbuds, Gaming mode Low Latency TWS Earbud With Upto 70 Hours Playtime, IPX5 Water Proof Wireless Earphones With Voice Assistance Bluetooth Ear buds And Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the Audionic Airbud 740 ION have an in-ear detection sensor?
A: No, it does not feature auto-play/pause when you remove the earbuds.
Q: Can you use either earbud independently?
A: Yes, both the left and right earbuds support mono mode for single-ear use.
Q: What is the actual Bluetooth range?
A: In an open environment, you get a stable connection up to 10 meters (33 feet). Walls and interference will reduce this.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, Audionic offers a standard 1-year warranty on the Airbud 740 ION, which is handled through the retailer.
Q: How does it compare to the Realme Buds Air 5?
A: The Airbud 740 ION typically offers longer battery life and wireless charging at a similar price, while the Realme might have a slightly more balanced sound profile and an app. It’s a close call based on feature priority.
Disclaimer: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our testing and review process. I only recommend products that have high rating, high sales and I believe offer genuine value.