maxell Maxell Solid 2 Earphones with Built-in Microphone, Review

For $8, you get a microphone in the 85th percentile. That's the whole story. Sound and comfort are just okay (41st percentile), and they're not for the gym. A stellar value if you just need to be heard clearly on the cheap.

For eight bucks, the Maxell Solid 2 earphones are a simple, wired solution that does one thing exceptionally well: the microphone. Its mic performance lands in the 85th percentile, which is frankly wild for this price. That means for calls and voice chats, it punches way above its weight class. The rest of the package is what you'd expect for under ten dollars. Sound quality and comfort sit around the 41st percentile, so they're fine, not fantastic. They're a basic, functional set of earbuds that won't win any awards but will get the job done without breaking the bank.

Performance here is all about that microphone. An 85th percentile ranking for mic quality is the standout feature, making these a surprisingly competent choice for clear voice calls or gaming comms where your budget is tight. Everything else is squarely average or below. Sound quality and comfort are both in the 41st percentile, so audio is passable but lacks detail and bass. Build quality is at the 42nd percentile, so they feel a bit plasticky but should survive being tossed in a bag. They're not for fitness, scoring a dismal 14.7 out of 100 there, so keep them away from the gym.

The value proposition is brutally simple: you get a great microphone for eight dollars. That's it. You're sacrificing sound quality, premium materials, and wireless convenience, but if your primary need is to be heard clearly on calls or in-game chat without spending more than a fast-food meal, the math is undeniable. There's no real competition at this exact price point for mic performance.

Stacked against popular wireless buds, the Maxell Solid 2 exists in a different universe. Compared to the Nothing Ear (a) or Anker Soundcore P31i, you're giving up wireless freedom, active noise cancellation, and vastly better sound for a fraction of the cost. But if we're talking pure microphone clarity for the price, the Maxell's 85th percentile mic beats many budget wireless options. It's a tool, not an experience. For a similar wired budget pick, you might find options with slightly better sound, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a better mic at this price.

Skip these if you care about audio fidelity, want wireless buds, or need headphones for the gym. The sound quality sits in the 41st percentile, so audiophiles will be disappointed. Their abysmal 14.7 fitness score means they'll fail during a workout. And if you hate wires, the 62nd percentile connectivity score (which is just 'it has a wire') won't win you over.

We can recommend the Maxell Solid 2 for one very specific person: someone who needs a dirt-cheap, reliable headset for voice communication and nothing else. The data is clear—the mic performance is excellent for the cost, and everything else is acceptable for the price. If your priorities are music quality, wireless convenience, or workout durability, look elsewhere immediately. But for a backup set for calls or a kid's first gaming headset, eight bucks is a no-brainer.