TINHIFI Tin Buds 3 review. Best audiophile budget TWS in 2023?

Tin Buds 3 have emerged as a budget-friendly option with some noteworthy features. These earbuds are designed and built to cater to the needs of audio enthusiasts seeking a wired IEM sound experience in a wireless format.

Tin Buds 3 feature a 6 mm beryllium-plated dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.2 with APtX codec support and have an impressive amount of volume, 6.5 hours of playtime on a single charge and 90 days standby time. While they may not boast a myriad of high-end features like ANC, a smartphone application, or wireless charging, the Tin Buds 3 aim to deliver a quality audio experience without breaking the bank.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product, and all thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.

The earbuds arrived in a square carton box with a sleeve. The front of the sleeve has a TinHiFi logo and model name. On the back of the sleeve there are several QR codes and website address. Below the sleeve there is a square black box.

In the box:

• Tin Buds 3 headphones
• Charging case 
• 3 pairs of silicone ear tips
• Short USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• Manual

Design & build

The Tin Buds 3 are not your run-of-the-mill wireless earbuds in terms of design. Crafted from medical-grade resin, the shells of these earbuds are strikingly large and exude a sense of robustness. One notable feature on the faceplate is the TinHiFi logo, a subtle touch that adds to their aesthetic charm.

Available in two colors, black and blue, both variants offer a unique visual appeal. The black version features captivating swirls with green accents on the faceplate, while the blue version boasts a similarly mesmerizing swirl pattern with black and white accents.

The glossy, smoky black plastic used for the earbuds gives them a sleek look, but it’s worth noting that it’s a magnet for fingerprints. On the other hand, the nozzles are made from metal, contributing to the earbuds’ durability. These nozzles are on the shorter side but have a substantial thickness. Each nozzle is equipped with a metal mesh at the end, along with a small lip to help retain the ear tips securely.

The inner part of the shell has a channel marking and a charging connector. Out of the box, the earbuds come with a set of silicone ear tips pre-installed, and three additional pairs of silicone ear tips are supplied. Overall, the build quality of the Tin Buds 3 is good. Despite their larger size, they are surprisingly light and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Charging case

The case that accompanies the Tin Buds 3 deserves special mention. It stands out as one of the best-looking TWS cases in its price range. Constructed from aviation-grade aluminum, the case’s round shape, measuring 54mm in diameter and 35mm in height, exudes an aura of elegance. The finishing of the case further adds to its visual appeal.

The case features a sliding magnetic lid with the TinHiFi branding and the lid can be smoothly opened in both directions. This design element not only looks fantastic but also feels great in your hand. On the front of the case, you’ll find a charging indicator consisting of a row of four green LED dots, providing a clear indication of the case’s battery status. The case is charged via a convenient USB-C port located on the back.

When it comes to battery capacity, the Tin Buds 3 case boasts a substantial 400mAh, capable of charging the earbuds a total of five times. Considering that these earbuds can run for approximately 6 hours on a single charge, the case provides a 30 hours of total playback time. Charging the earbuds is a straightforward process; simply place them in their designated slots within the case and close the lid. However, there is no fast charging available, and a full charge for the earbuds takes around 1.5 hours.

Charging the case itself is done using the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable, and a full charge for the case may take up to 2 hours. The only downside to this otherwise impressive case is its size, which might be a tad bulky for pocket storage. Nevertheless, it fits comfortably in a bag or backpack, making it a convenient travel companion.

Connectivity, functionality, and battery life

The Tin Buds 3 supports Bluetooth 5.2, which offers a faster connectivity and enhanced signal stability. Additionally, these earbuds support APTX and APTX Low Latency, ensuring high-resolution audio playback.

Pairing the Tin Buds 3 with a variety of devices, such as my Samsung Galaxy S10 and a FiiO X7 MK2, was a quick and hassle-free process. During extended usage, there were no reported issues of connection loss or dropouts, underlining their reliability.

According to the user manual, a single charge of the earbuds is expected to last approximately 6.5 hours. In real-world usage, with the volume set at around 50%, I was constantly able to achieve 6 hours of playtime. When the earbuds are placed in the case and the lid is closed, they automatically switch off. Additionally, when outside the case, the earbuds have an automatic power-off function after 5 minutes of inactivity, a handy feature for conserving battery life.

Buds 3 are equipped with built-in microphones and sensor buttons. While the microphone quality is average, it’s sufficient for answering calls when needed. However, the sensor buttons occasionally exhibited some lag, possibly due to a software. Unfortunately, as there is no dedicated smartphone application available for the Buds 3, firmware updates are not possible, limiting potential enhancements.

Please note that all the sound impressions I’m sharing on this channel are completely subjective, so please take them with a grain of salt. 

Before diving into the sound quality of the Tin Buds 3, it’s crucial to set the right expectations. These earbuds are tailored for audio enthusiasts who prioritize audio quality over bells and whistles like advanced call features, ANC, or touch controls. With that in mind, let’s explore how these earbuds perform in the sound department.

One of the most striking aspects of the Tin Buds 3 is their volume capability. These earbuds can produce remarkably loud sound levels, and in most scenarios, you won’t need to exceed 50% volume. If you’re accustomed to less powerful TWS earbuds, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Tin Buds 3’s volume capabilities.

The Tin Buds 3 boast a natural sound signature with commendable tonality and a smooth overall sound. Despite featuring a modest 6mm driver, they manage to deliver a surprising punch in the low-end, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Bass

In the bass department, the Tin Buds 3 shine with their tight and punchy delivery. Both sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies are well-extended, with mid-bass exhibiting dominance. This results in a bass response with substantial weight, impact, and a satisfying thump. While the bass can be considered slightly boosted, it doesn’t cross into the territory of being overly bass-heavy, making the Tin Buds 3 an appealing choice for those who enjoy a punchy low end. The texture and speed of the bass are commendable, offering a controlled and impactful experience, although some minor bass bleed into the lower mids may be observed.

Midrange

Moving on to the midrange, the Buds 3 have a recessed but smooth and articulate performance in this department. Lower mids provide a natural warmth that adds depth to male vocals and instruments, contributing to a well-rounded listening experience. In contrast, upper mids are slightly more forward without veering into harshness or sibilance. This upper midrange emphasis brings out details effectively while maintaining a natural sound signature. Overall, the midrange is a standout feature, characterized by smoothness, fullness, and clarity.

Treble

The treble in the Tin Buds 3 is well-extended, resulting in a somewhat bright overall tuning. The energetic and forward treble contributes to a lively sound profile, enhancing the overall detail retrieval. However, it’s important to note that the treble can occasionally sound sharp on certain recordings and, in rare instances, might come across as slightly unnatural. At higher volumes, the treble becomes more prominent, becoming sibilant on occasions.

Soundstage, imaging, details

In the realm of soundstage, the Tin Buds 3 impress with an above-average width, providing an immersive listening experience. However, soundstage depth falls slightly below average. The separation of instruments isn’t the strongest suit of these earbuds and it can be described as average. Detail retrieval, on the other hand, is commendable, particularly when compared to other sub-$100 TWS options. Imaging is accurate, with no noticeable anomalies, although pinpoint accuracy isn’t achieved.

Pros

• Good design & build
• Comfortable fit
• Excellent battery life
• Stylish charging case
• Balanced tonality with a punchy bass
• Energetic treble
• And overall excellent value per dollar

Cons

• Midrange is recessed
• Soundstage lacks depth
• There is no smartphone app
• Microphone quality is below average
• Charging case is bulky
• And touch controls are sometimes lagging

Conclusions

The Tin Buds 3 carve out a distinctive niche in the world of budget-friendly wireless earbuds. While they may not cater to those seeking a feature-rich TWS experience, they excel in delivering a natural sound signature with a punchy bass, making them an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts as Buds 3 are one of the best TWS earbuds that you can currently get for under 100 US dollars.

They work great for many genres of music, have an engaging sound signature, and paired with a comfortable fit, impressive volume levels and good battery life, they make a great choice for long listening sessions, both outdoors and at home.

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