Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen)

Premium wireless earbuds can set you back more than $500 but there are plenty of solid options for less than $200.

The tech giant’s second set of earbuds are the good kind of Echo

$169-$199, amazon.com.au

PROS

Decent sound and design Optional ‘wings’ keep earbuds secure Easy-to-use touch controls

CONS

Average noise cancellation $30 extra for wireless charging

Fitting them can be tricky

Amazon’s second-generation earbuds improve in important ways, offer what you’d expect from a pricier pair, and are compatible with more devices than you’d think. The second Echo Buds have a smaller design than the first – both the buds and charging case – plus they boast a matte finish, straightforward touch controls for music and phone calls, and holding a finger on one earbud triggers active noise-cancellation. Amazon’s assistant, Alexa, works with these earbuds, though they can also summon Apple’s Siri or Google’s Assistant, and plastic ear wings and four tip sizes will help wearers find the best fit.