If you’re in store for moderately priced earbuds with good sound quality and a built-in microphone for handsfree phone conversations, the Kinbashi Premium are worth considering. For only $10, these lightweight metal earbuds deliver fantastic comfort and a highly enjoyable listening experience, making them a perfect alternative to those cheapo earbuds that come included with many smartphones.

Design and Build

When we first got our hands on the Kinbashi Premium earbuds, we were greatly surprised to find out that they are made from metal. Most other earbuds that cost around $10 are plastic, which is understandable considering how limited the budget earbud manufacturers have to work with is. Because the Kinbashi Premium earbuds are made from metal, they feel far more expensive than they really are, and they are also far more durable than most other earbuds in this price range.

Another pleasant surprise was the inclusion of a remote control with a built-in microphone. The remote control is compatible with all iOS, Android, and Windows devices, and you can use it to play or pause your music, skip songs, and answer or end phone calls. The microphone is of a decent quality, and it has the ability to filter out the noise caused by wind.

The Kinbashi Premium earbuds come with silicone earwings that provide a secure fit for working out. We can’t say anything negative about the overall comfort because the earbuds are so light and small that you can easily forget that you’re wearing them.

Sound Quality

The Kinbashi Premium earbuds are fun to listen to. Their sound signature is far from neutral, but that’s to be expected considering how inexpensive they are. Even though they are bass-heavy, they still preserve a good amount of detail. The mids stand out and are clearly separated from the lows. The highs are not fighting for your attention, but they are clearly present when they need to be.

Unfortunately, the rubbery cable is prone to microphonics, which can be distracting when listening on the go. Because the cable isn’t replaceable, this is something that you’ll need to accept and expect before buying the earbuds. A shirt clip might help eliminate the problem, but the manufacturer doesn’t include one with the earbuds.

What’s in the Box?

The Kinbashi Premium earbuds come with three pairs of silicone eartips (small, medium, and large). If you don’t have a small earbud pouch or case lying around the house, we recommend you get one to protect the earbuds from damage.