I’ve gone through more wireless earbuds than I’d like to admit. Some die within months, others promise “HD sound” but end up sounding tinny, and a few just refuse to stay in my ears. When I saw the HTC NE20 Bluetooth 5.4 Earphones being advertised as the “budget-friendly AirPods alternative” with strong bass, crystal-clear calls, and long battery life, I figured it was worth a shot. The big question: are they actually good, or just another cheap pair that looks nice until they break?
What Is the HTC NE20 Bluetooth 5.4 Earphones?
The HTC NE20 Bluetooth 5.4 Earphones are true wireless earbuds marketed as an affordable yet premium-sounding option. They come with Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, touch controls, ENC noise cancellation for calls, and a compact charging case. Prices generally sit around $25–$40, depending on the seller, which puts them in the lower mid-range compared to big names like Apple or Sony.
Why I Tried It
I wanted a backup pair of earbuds for commuting, workouts, and casual listening… something that wouldn’t break my heart if I lost them. With their promises of strong bass, stable connection, and up to 30 hours of playback, the HTC NE20s seemed like they could be the balance between affordability and decent quality.
My Experience Using It
Here’s where reality set in.
- First impressions: The case felt light, almost too light, which made me question durability. The earbuds themselves looked sleek and fit comfortably in my ears without falling out, even during a short jog.
- Sound quality: Decent, but not amazing. The bass was there, but not nearly as deep as advertised, and at higher volumes, the sound started to distort. They work fine for podcasts and casual music, but if you’re into detailed sound (vocals, instrument separation), you’ll notice the difference compared to pricier options.
- Connectivity: Pairing was fast and easy. Once connected, they stayed stable… no random drops or delays during videos, which is a plus.
- Calls: This was a weak spot. While people could hear me, background noise came through heavily, and voices sounded a bit muffled. I wouldn’t rely on these for work calls.
- Battery life: I got roughly 4.5 hours per charge, and the case gave me about 3 extra recharges. That’s not terrible, but it’s far from the 30-hour claim if you’re a heavy listener.
- Heat & comfort: No issues with heating like I’ve had with cheaper knockoff brands, and I wore them for about 2 hours straight without ear pain.
After two weeks, they still work fine, but I can already tell they’re not built for the long haul. The hinge on the case feels flimsy, and I suspect it won’t survive many drops.
Pros
- Affordable compared to premium brands
- Stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection
- Comfortable fit, even during light exercise
- Sleek design and easy pairing
Cons
- Average sound… lacks depth at high volume
- Call quality is below average
- Battery life shorter than advertised
- Case feels cheaply built and not durable
- Not truly noise-cancelling (just reduces background a little)
Alternatives
- Soundcore by Anker Life P2 Mini
- TOZO T6
- JLab Go Air Pop
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
The HTC NE20 Bluetooth 5.4 Earphones aren’t a scam, but they’re also not a game-changer. They work fine as a budget backup pair or for casual use, but they fall short of their marketing hype. If you need cheap and functional, they’re worth a try. If you want rich sound, durability, and reliable call quality, you’re better off spending a little extra on proven brands like Soundcore or TOZO.
Would I buy again? No. For the price, I’d go with alternatives that have stronger track records.
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