Yamaha Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds (Gray) Review

For $80, the Yamaha TW-E3C delivers sound quality that embarrasses earbuds twice its price. Just don't buy them for the noise cancellation.

The Yamaha TW-E3C is a sleeper hit. For $80, you're getting sound quality that punches way above its weight class, landing in the 97th percentile in our database. That's the one thing to know: if your priority is pure, unadulterated audio fidelity on a budget, these are a shockingly good choice. They nail the basics with solid battery life, good comfort, and reliable Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, making them a fantastic all-rounder for commutes, workouts, and just listening to music.

The sound is the star here, and it genuinely surprised us. Yamaha's True Sound tech isn't just marketing fluff. The 6mm drivers deliver a balanced, detailed, and realistic audio profile that makes more expensive buds sound over-processed. The connectivity is also top-notch, sitting in the 92nd percentile, so you get rock-solid pairing and multipoint switching. The only real letdown is the ANC, which is firmly in the 'it exists' category at the 36th percentile. It'll take the edge off a constant hum, but don't expect it to silence the world.

At $80, these are an absolute steal for sound purists. You're paying half (or less) of what flagship models from Sony or Bose cost and getting 90% of their audio quality, if not more. The value proposition is incredibly strong if ANC isn't your top priority.

Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultras, you're giving up world-class noise cancellation and some brand cachet. But you're saving over $100 and arguably getting a more natural, less bass-boosted sound signature. Against something like the Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the Yamahas are a better choice for pure music listening, while the Jabras are built for calls. The Technics EAH-AZ80 is a closer competitor in sound quality, but it's also nearly triple the price.

If your main goal is to completely silence a noisy office, plane, or subway, skip these. The ANC just isn't strong enough. Go spend the extra cash on the Sony WF-1000XM5 instead.

We're giving these a strong recommendation for anyone who cares about sound first. They're a no-brainer for budget-conscious audiophiles, commuters, and gym-goers who want great audio without the premium price tag. Just go in knowing the noise cancellation is a bonus feature, not a primary one.