Blackview AirBuds 9 Review: Most Affordable Earbuds Under 20$?
Today, we’d like to talk about earphones that are good for the beach or similar destinations where wearing expensive electronics in public is impractical. Premium tech is nice, but it doesn’t always make sense. For these sorts of situations, the Blackview AirBuds 9 that I recently tested would come on top.
These wireless earbuds are among the cheapest I’ve ever tested. While they have drawbacks, they shine where it matters.
Design
The design is where the Blackview AirBuds 9 shine. Its no-frills plastic build is in keeping with its utilitarian vibe, and the case is extraordinarily compact and lightweight. These aren’t trying to pretend to be high-end products — they’re simplified and utilitarian.
There’s a USB-C port and a charging indicator at the bottom of the case. Open it, and you’re treated to a neat little touch: a small LED screen, dubbed the Smart LED Power Display, which details exact battery percentages for both the case (0-100%), as well as individual earbuds and their remaining juice (via four-bar indicators).
As someone who favors an open style of buds and using SoundPeats PearlClip Pro, I was surprised how much I liked the Blackview AirBuds 9’s design when I popped them in, that old style so comfy! They come with interchangeable silicone tips for a customizable fit and sit discreetly in the ear. The color option is Phantom Black and Beige White.
Performance and Features
The sound quality is decent for the price. Audio is clear enough for casual listening, despite the 6mm drivers giving some tracks a slightly metallic tinge. Passive noise cancellation is limited, so don’t expect silence in loud environments.
Playback and volume controls are handled by touch controls on the earbuds themselves. However, if you’re used to pricier models, you miss the wear-detection sensors.
Bluetooth 5.4 supports fast pairing and stable performance on iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS devices. Pairing was a breeze with my OnePlus 13—just opening the case prompted recognition in my phone’s Bluetooth settings.
Battery Life
The 400 mAh case is fast charging capable, replenishing 50% power in 10 minutes over USB-C (a cable is included). There’s no wireless charging, but the case delivers up to 24 hours of total playtime, with the buds themselves lasting around 5 hours per use. Battery life varies by usage — calls use power much more quickly than music. A big highlight is the 12-month standby time while stored in the case, ensuring they’re primed even after extended periods not in use.
Final Thoughts
At their price point (generally under $20), the Blackview AirPods 9 represent pretty good value. They’re not for audiophiles, but as a practical, low-commitment choice for travel or out-of-home casual listening (note: they’re not waterproof), they’re tough to beat. And if you need headphones and won’t worry about losing or breaking them, these are a great choice.
Read Also: Edifier Announces New Open-Ear Clip-On Wireless Earbuds – Comfo C/R1
