Finding quality earbuds that strike the right balance between affordability and performance is no small feat. Oraimo, known for its budget-friendly audio devices, has consistently delivered value-packed products, and the Oraimo SpaceBuds are no exception. Priced at KES 4,900, they bring impressive features to the table, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. Here’s a detailed review after a month of daily use.
Unboxing Experience
Oraimo has mastered the art of packaging, and the SpaceBuds are no different.
- What’s Inside the Box:
- The earbuds with their charging case.
- A Type-C charging cable.
- Silicon ear tips in multiple sizes.
- A welcome guide.
The packaging is simple yet elegant, with everything neatly arranged for an intuitive unboxing experience.
Design and Build
The Oraimo SpaceBuds take a step forward in design compared to their predecessors, such as the FreePods 4.
- Charging Case:
- Features a unique “lunar eclipse” two-layer transparent design.
- Customizable LED lights wrap around the lid, with the default Moonlight color standing out as a favorite.
- Earbuds:
- Shorter stems for a more comfortable fit.
- Eye-catching green and purple accents, deviating from the typical black-and-white aesthetic.
- Subtle visibility of internal components under certain lighting for a modern, tech-savvy look.
- Durability:
- IP54-rated for resistance to water and dust, making them suitable for outdoor use and workouts.
Sound and Call Quality
The SpaceBuds deliver impressive audio quality at their price point.
- Audio Performance:
- 11mm custom dynamic drivers ensure clear mids, crisp highs, and punchy bass.
- Excellent instrument separation and vocal clarity make them suitable for casual music and video consumption.
- The Oraimo Sound app allows users to tweak EQ settings for a personalized listening experience.
- Call Quality:
- Four microphones combined with AI noise reduction provide reliable indoor call performance.
- Outdoor calls are slightly affected by background noise, but the earbuds do a commendable job filtering distractions.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The SpaceBuds feature ANC that blocks up to 50 dB of background noise, outperforming both the FreePods Pro+ (45 dB) and the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (35 dB).
- Performance:
- Works well in most scenarios but struggles with some distortion on bumpy roads.
- The Oraimo Sound app offers sensitivity adjustments, but this doesn’t fully eliminate distortion.
Touch Controls and Customization
The touch controls are intuitive and customizable via the Oraimo Sound app.
Default Controls:
| Function | Control |
|---|---|
| Play/Pause | Tap twice |
| Next Track | Tap twice |
| Previous Track | Tap three times |
| Answer Calls | Tap twice |
| End Calls | Tap twice |
| Reject Calls | Tap and hold until you hear two beeps |
| Enable ANC | Tap and hold until you hear two beeps |
| Game Mode | Tap the right earbud and hold (four beeps) |
| Voice Assistant | Tap the left earbud and hold (four beeps) |
- Customization Options:
- Adjust LED lighting with seven color options.
- Replace default voice prompts with personalized recordings.
- Configure touch controls to suit individual preferences.
- Dual Device Connection:
- Connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, making it seamless to switch between tasks.
- Smart Chat Mode:
- Automatically pauses music when the earbuds detect speaking and resumes playback after a brief pause.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the SpaceBuds’ standout features.
- Playback Time:
- With ANC: 8 hours + 21 hours from the charging case.
- Without ANC: 11 hours + 29 hours from the charging case.
- Fast Charging:
- A quick 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback, perfect for users on the go.
Pricing and Availability
The Oraimo SpaceBuds are available for KES 4,900, making them one of the best options in their price range. Discounts are available:
- 12% off via the Oraimo store app.
- An additional 5% off with the code “Tech With Muchiri.”
- Discounts apply in Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality for the price.
- Effective ANC with up to 50 dB noise reduction.
- Long battery life with fast charging.
- Customization options for LEDs, touch controls, and voice prompts.
- IP54-rated for durability.
Cons:
- Lacks in-ear detection, a feature available in some competitors.
- ANC distortion in specific scenarios, such as bumpy travel.
Final Verdict
The Oraimo SpaceBuds excel in delivering quality sound, reliable ANC, and extensive customization options, all at an affordable price. While minor drawbacks like the absence of in-ear detection and occasional ANC distortion exist, they are far outweighed by the overall performance and value these earbuds provide.
For under KES 5,000, the Oraimo SpaceBuds are an excellent choice for anyone seeking budget-friendly earbuds with premium features. Have you tried them? Share your experience!
