A few months have passed since I had the opportunity to use the MIXX StreamBuds Solo 1 True Wireless Earbuds for review. A cheap offering by a brand previously unknown to me, I’ll admit to being very impressed, especially in terms of fit, feel and sound. In fact, aside from the fact that they were just a bit too small for my liking – something that has been proven since my daughter took them for keeping – I could have quite happily have used them as daily drivers.
But now MIXX are back, and they are looking to up things with the StreamBuds Ultra Mini Earbuds. The question is, does that ‘Mini’ wording mean these slightly-more-premium buds continue to fall short?
Well, no, not really. In fact, not at all. For much like my time with the Solo 1, I’ve again been extremely taken by what MIXX have put together with the StreamBuds Ultra Minis. They come in a stylish case too.
I’m going to start with that case, as whilst it’s not the main event, it does feel like MIXX have nailed the design. A square slab of zinc alloy that can fit a pocket well, the case that the StreamBuds Ultra Mini Earbuds sit in runs a gunmetal grey, complemented by a black strip, front and centre (champagne or silver white editions available if you prefer). It’s this strip that holds a digital screen, signifying – at a glance – current case charge and percentages for both the right and left buds. With the Ultra Minis charging upon their situating in that case, there should be next to no reason to ever find yourself without any form of charge. When you consider the buds will run for six hours before charge, the case holds some twenty-four hours of power, and a quick fifteen-minute drop-and-go can add a couple of hours of listening time to the buds themselves, you’ll find there is plenty of power available, pretty much on tap.
A side-mounted USB-C port allows for easy charge to the case, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll have USB-C cables aplenty for such times. There is a very short USB-A to USB-C cable included in the box if you really need it though. And then that case flips open from the top, neatly, with ease to reveal the buds inside. They sit in place really well, magnetised to the case, attaching to the two-pin chargers that are present. It’s a simple, but well worked system, that does away from the slightly finicky nature that we found with the Solo 1 buds.
Whip those buds from the case and you’ll discover a round earbud with a protruding stem. With a MIXX logo showing off the brand, and a similar colour and style to the case itself, they work well aesthetically. They also have a silicone tip that sits nicely in the ear, allowing for a secure fit at all times. We’ve been using the MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini Earbuds for a range of activities, from playing Game Pass games on our phone, to listening to music on our Mac and even going for a run. Never have they slipped and no matter whether use has been for a couple of minutes, or a couple of hours, comfort has been high.
The sound emitted from the Ultra Minis has been good too. We’ve found them to be pretty clear no matter what has been piled through their drivers, getting loud enough for what is required, bassy too. Is there a little bit of confusion coming about at really high volumes? Perhaps a tiny bit, but nothing that you should be concerned by.
Connection to the MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini Earbuds has been extremely solid too. Once connected via Bluetooth, we’ve not had a single issue with a dropout or non-connection. Opening the case wakes the buds, and by the time you’ve got them plugged into your ears, they’ll be ready to roll. And controlling them has been equally impressive. Perhaps it’s down to the inclusion of the stem (we’ve been using the Mini version, but there are some shorter Dots with no stem, or Hybrid version which ditches the silicon tip if you prefer), but a single tap to the left bud has decreased the volume without issue, whilst a hit of the right has increased it. Admittedly, whilst playing Game Pass titles, we’ve preferred to use on phone volume controls, but those touch controls are a godsend when out for a run. Skipping of music tracks is easy too, double tapping to move through your tunes, holding for phone calls…
With the MIXX App to hand should you wish to mess around further with EQ settings, including Assistant support and some decent mics with ‘Beam Technology’ included for calls, the MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini buds are hard to knock. Any negatives are even harder to pick up on when you consider the low asking price. As cheap as the Solo 1’s these are not, but £69 is hardly any money for such an accomplished set of earbuds.
A comfortable fit is obviously important for any earbuds, but so is some decent sound, plenty of power and a great case. The MIXX StreamBuds Ultra Mini are capable of ticking all four of those boxes and should well be considered if you’re in the market for some mid-range earbuds capable of covering work, rest and play.
Huge thanks go out to MIXX for providing us with their Streambuds Ultra Mini Earbuds for review. Hit up MIXX direct to grab some for yourself. You’ll be looking at a £69 asking price. Bargain.
