Edifier X5 review - entry-level touch controlled TWS

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The Edifier X5 True Wireless Stereo earbuds look to continue the series at an upper entry-level price of RM139. Featuring touch controls, aptX, dual mic noise cancellation, IP55 water resistance and 6 hours + 15 hours battery life, does it manage to deliver all that and more? Find out in our full review of the Edifier X5 below.

Like some of the various other TWS we've seen, the X5 goes for a stem design like the Apple iPods but opts for inner earbuds instead. Thankfully there are replacement silicone earbud inserts included so you can change them out according to the size of your ears.

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The Edifier X5

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Just touch the Edifier logo to control music

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The Edifier X5 go for earbuds

 

The earbuds go for touch controls located underneath the Edifier logo on each earpiece. For the most part, this feature does work quite well with a touch to play and pause, double touch to go next and so forth. Unfortunately, there is some lag between the action and the touch, so don’t go tapping it repeatedly (this could cause it to play - pause - play - pause, etc.) as for the most part, it is quite reliable. We'd have liked a control for volume too but I suppose that's not too important.

The case is one of the most compact TWS cases we’ve seen yet so it should fit in most pockets, pouches and bags. Powered by a USB Type C port, the case offers another 15 hours of charging to the 6 hour batteries in the earpieces. However, the plastic build does make it feel a bit cheap and flimsy. 

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The compact case offers another 15 hours of battery life

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The case is charged via USB Type C 

Audio performance is super crisp and clear with very slight harshness for percussion instruments. So if you’re listening to Whitney Houston belting out “I Will Always Love You” the cymbals in the background have a slightly stronger hit or beat to them than normal. This still results in great audio nonetheless, but the lack of extra bass means that audio doesn’t sound nearly as full, especially if you’re used to hearing them. 

One of the Edifier X5’s standout features is Dual Mic noise cancelling, and for the most part this works reasonably well but only up to a certain point. This is because when I tried recording my voice with it, it revealed some background noise nonetheless, but it’s definitely better than your standard wired earbud headset so it should be good for most calls.

 

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What else is in the box? The manual, charging cable and the aforementioned extra silicon inserts

Battery life and wireless range are very good with stable connectivity even on the outskirts of the usual 10 meter range. The battery lasts quite a while even if you leave it uncharged for a week or so and the IP55 dust and water resistance means that it can handle most sweaty workouts with ease (just don’t go swimming). Unfortunately, there’s definite lag when using the X5 for gaming.

Overall, at RM139 the Edifier X5 is a pretty good value buy TWS if you’re looking to get one with touch controls. Battery life and range are great while dual mic noise cancelling makes it a better than average entry-level TWS.  

Thankfully, there’s not many other TWS that offer these features in this price range. However, if it somehow returns to the original price tag of RM199 this could change easily though as the Edifier Hecate GM4 and GM4 mini easily outperforms the X5 at just RM189 to RM199. 

 

Tech specs and Features

Here are the Tech specs and Features of the Edifier X5:

  • Bluetooth 5.0 | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
  • Range: 10 meters
  • Earbuds battery ~ 6 hours 
  • Charging case battery ~ 15 hours | USB type C
  • Charging time ~ 1.5 hours (Earbuds), 2 hours (charging case)
  • Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows 10
  • features touch controls, IP55 dust and water resistance, Dual Mic CVC 8.0, Qualcomm aptX

 

Pros and Cons

Pros: Touch controls, IP55, good battery life and wide stable range at reasonably affordable pricing

Cons: Not for gaming and dual mic noise cancelling isn’t as good as active noise cancelling. Slightly harsh percussion

Summary: Another good value buy TWS from Edifier with touch controls