The KZ Carl True Wireless Buds are a compelling offering for audio enthusiasts on a budget. Known for their high-fidelity wired in-ear monitors, KZ ventures into the wireless earbud market with this release, combining a distinctive design with practical features. But how do they stack up? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The standout feature of the KZ Carl buds is their transparent, cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic. The semi-transparent casing reveals internal components such as the audio chip and battery, complemented by a glowing KZ logo that doubles as a notification light. Even the compact charging case maintains this see-through design, allowing you to quickly check if a bud is missing. This futuristic look punches well above the buds’ price range, appealing to fans of high-tech design.
Audio Features and Performance
Despite its budget positioning, the KZ Carl offers active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient transparency mode. However, the audio codec support is limited to SBC and AAC, with no high-resolution options like aptX or LDAC. This may disappoint audiophiles accustomed to KZ’s high-res wired products.
Sound-wise, the earbuds deliver a V-shaped profile, emphasizing mids and trebles. Vocals and instrumentals are clear and pronounced, making them ideal for acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks. While the bass is present, it lacks the punch needed for bass-heavy genres like EDM unless equalized through third-party apps. Notably, even at high volumes, the sound remains distortion-free, with no shrillness, ensuring a comfortable listening experience.
Connectivity and Controls
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the KZ Carl buds offer stable connectivity up to 10 meters. The touch controls—positioned on a small dot on each bud—allow users to manage playback, toggle ANC, and switch to transparency mode. Unfortunately, volume adjustment requires using your phone, as there’s no remapping option due to the absence of a companion app.
Multipoint connectivity is a standout feature, letting you pair the buds with multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly.
Battery Life and Charging
The KZ Carl excels in battery performance, offering up to 42 hours of combined playtime with the charging case. The buds alone provide 8 hours of use (6 with ANC), competitive for their price range. Fast charging is supported—10 minutes in the case delivers 2 hours of playback.
Missing Features and Downsides
While the KZ Carl offers a lot for its price, it does cut some corners. The lack of an official IP rating, despite claims of sweat resistance, may concern active users. Additionally, the absence of a companion app limits the ability to customize EQ or remap controls.
Verdict
For casual listeners and those who appreciate unique design, the KZ Carl True Wireless Buds are a solid choice. They outperform many competitors in the $20 range, delivering clarity and build quality typically found in more expensive earbuds. However, audiophiles and bass enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere or tweak the sound with third-party apps.
At their price point, the KZ Carl buds strike a balance between style, functionality, and sound quality, making them a worthy contender in the budget wireless earbuds market.