The Tribit MoveBuds H1 is the latest release from the bargain audio manufacturer. These sporty buds carry enticing performance traits for the price, including aptX Bluetooth support, IPX8 water resistance rating, personalized sound via EQ, and some of the longest battery life we’ve seen from a truly wireless model. The inclusion of an ear-gripping design and transparency mode further add to their appeal.

Based on specs alone, the MoveBuds H1 looks well-positioned to be strong contenders for our cheap wireless earbuds, best running headphones, and the best sport headphones categories.

Unfortunately, several missteps keep the earbuds from leading the pack, such as mediocre ambient sound performance, below-par call quality, and average overall sound quality.

Price and availability

The Tribit MoveBuds H1 goes for $89 and can be purchased directly from Tribit. Only one color is sold: black. Inside the box are a charging case, USB-C charging cable, six different-sized pairs of ear tips, and a user guide.

Design and comfort

• Sweat and waterproof
• Bigger-than-average charging case
• Secure ear-hook design

Protection was a clear focus for Tribit when designing the MoveBuds H1. These buds are composed of solid plastic and feature flexible hooks that conveniently wrap around the ears. Anti-bacterial tips are bundled to minimize any bacterial buildup in your ears caused by sweat, earwax, dirt, and water. Speaking of water, it turns out the MoveBuds H1 can function under up to 5 feet of water for an hour, thanks to the IPX8 water resistance rating.

The charging case is large compared to most competitors, but is still smaller than what’s currently considered the biggest in the category: the Beats Powerbeats Pro charging case. Its thickness makes for an uncomfortably tight fit in pockets, though you can always toss it in to a gym bag and not feel weighed down.

A secure fit is guaranteed with the hook and gel tips locking the buds on your ears. The buds demonstrated proper stability when running and performing lateral exercises. Having several different sized tips also helps users narrow down the best option for optimal fit; those with large ear canals will be grateful.

Controls and digital assistant

• Extensive control scheme
• Digital assistant operates smoothly

Tribit programmed a full suite of media controls that are enabled through single/multi-tap and long-hold gestures. Functions include playback, call management, volume, digital assistance, and ambient sound activation. The touch panels register input methods accurately for seamless usability.

It’s a shame Tribit doesn’t allow you to customize the control scheme in the accompanying app. Something else that would have worked in the MoveBuds H1’s favor is on-ear detection for auto-pause/play when removing or placing the buds back on your ears.

Users can easily turn on their native digital assistant by triple-tapping the left earbud. Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby are all compatible, and work flawlessly. Tribit’s four-mic array is intelligible and picks up vocals with precision, while also offering great noise reduction, so that each AI bot can better acknowledge verbal inquiries in rowdy environments.

 Sound quality

• Punchy, but bloaty sound
• Hit-or-miss EQ settings
• Supports aptX AAC, and SBC codecs

The best workout headphones deliver impactful sound to get your engine revved up before an intense workout, and some elite models like the Beats Fit Pro, can even balance out frequencies to suit your listening experience. The MoveBuds H1 accomplishes their goal of pumping out strong, punchy lows, but at some cost to the soundstage, and leaves mid frequencies sound congested with little room to breathe and high treble details are lost.

Before starting a 5K run, I blasted KRS-One’s “Step into a World (Rapture’s Delight)” and felt the banging drum beat bounce off my eardrum, which sent surges of energy through my body with every thump. I was thankful for the kickstart but also noticed certain details were veiled (the ad-libs were practically absent). Not to mention the melodic hook didn’t sound as serene as it did on the other budget rivals like the recently reviewed $99 JLab Epic Air Sport ANC.

Read More: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/tribit-movebuds-h1