Hifiman TWS450 Review: Audiophile Sound in Budget Wireless Earbuds

Looking for a pair of budget wireless earbuds that deliver high-quality sound without emptying your wallet? The Hifiman TWS450 might just be what you need. As someone who tests and uses a variety of audio gear, I was surprised by what these true wireless stereo earbuds have to offer for around $39.

From gym workouts to public transport and even office breaks, I used the TWS450 extensively. In this review, I will share my full experience covering everything from build quality to sound performance, and why these may be some of the best cheap wireless earbuds available today.

Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Transmission Distance: ≥10m
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Noise Cancellation: ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) for calls
• Battery Life: 5 hours (earbuds) + 15 hours (case) = 20 hours total
• Weight: 3.5g per earbud
• Price: $39

Unboxing Experience

The Hifiman TWS450 arrives in a minimalist white box with a clean aesthetic. Inside, you get:

• The earbuds inside their compact charging case
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• Three pairs of silicone ear tips (small, medium, large)
• Basic documentation and quality certificate

The unboxing experience is simple and no-frills, which makes sense at this price point. Hifiman clearly focused on essentials rather than unnecessary extras.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed is just how compact and lightweight these earbuds are. Each earbud weighs only 3.5 grams and has a smooth, rounded profile that fits naturally into the ear. The design is ergonomic and stem-free, which not only enhances comfort but also allows you to wear them under hats, helmets, or even while lying down.

The charging case is equally compact, with a matte white finish that resists fingerprints and fits easily in any pocket or bag. The USB-C charging port and LED indicator are practical and neatly integrated. Magnets inside the case hold the earbuds securely, so they do not rattle or fall out.

Water Resistance and Durability

The TWS450 is rated IPX4 water resistant, meaning it can handle sweat, rain, and splashes with ease. I used them during intense workouts and light rain without any issues.

Connectivity and Features

These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures stable connections and quick pairing. In my experience, the connection remained rock solid within a typical 10-meter range, and latency was low enough for watching videos or casual gaming.

The TWS450 supports SBC and AAC audio codecs. While it lacks aptX or LDAC, I honestly did not miss them considering the price. For daily listening, the audio quality remains excellent.

The earbuds include touch controls that cover essential functions: play, pause, skip tracks, answer calls, and summon your voice assistant. A slight click sound confirms your taps, which is a nice touch.

One missing feature is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or a mobile app for custom EQ. While some might see this as a drawback, I personally prefer a great default tuning over extra settings I never use.

Battery Life

Battery life on the Hifiman TWS450 is surprisingly good. You get around 5 hours of playback per charge, with an additional 15 hours from the charging case, totaling 20 hours of use.

I charged the earbuds once and used them for several days during workouts and commutes. Quick top-ups are also possible, with 20 minutes in the case giving around an hour of extra playback.

During calls, battery life shortens a bit to around 2.5 to 3 hours, which is typical for TWS earbuds in this category.

Sound Quality

The real highlight of the TWS450 is its sound performance. Hifiman managed to bring their signature sound to a true wireless format in a fun, energetic way.

Bass

These earbuds deliver deep, punchy bass with a clear focus on sub-bass. Tracks like “Rumble” by Skrillex showcase the power and speed of the low-end response. There is physicality to the bass that makes the music feel alive without muddying the rest of the spectrum.

Midrange

The midrange is recessed, in line with the classic V-shaped tuning. While vocals do not sit at the front, they still retain a warm tone and sound smooth and natural. Both male and female voices come through clearly, although detail is slightly rounded off.

Treble

Treble is where the TWS450 really shines. It is bright, energetic, and adds plenty of air and sparkle. Cymbals, strings, and high-pitched synths have a crisp presentation. There is a touch of sharpness in some tracks, and it can be piercing or fatiguing for sensitive listeners, but overall, it avoids harshness or sibilance.

Soundstage and Imaging

For budget true wireless earbuds, the soundstage is impressive. The TWS450 provides a spacious, wide presentation with decent instrument separation. Imaging is serviceable, although not pinpoint accurate. For music, it works beautifully, but I would not recommend these for competitive gaming.

Comfort and Fit

These are among the most comfortable wireless earbuds I have ever used. Their tiny profile makes them perfect for long sessions. I used them for several hours straight without any discomfort or ear fatigue.

With the right ear tips, they stay securely in place during exercise, walking, or cycling. Passive isolation is solid, blocking out about 70 to 80 percent of ambient noise.

Call Quality

The built-in ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) works well for reducing background noise during calls. That said, the microphone quality is average. Callers could hear me clearly in quiet environments, but in noisy surroundings, my voice sometimes sounded distant or clipped.

If clear voice calls are your top priority, you may want to look elsewhere. But for casual calls or voice assistant usage, they are more than adequate.

Pros & Cons

Comparisons

Versus AirPods 1st Gen

The original Apple AirPods have a more midrange-focused sound with a lighter fit and no ear tips. In contrast, the TWS450 offers a richer bass response, better treble clarity, and far superior isolation. The TWS450 lacks the seamless Apple integration, but wins easily on sound performance.

Versus Premium Flagships

I compared these to my Sony WF-1000XM3 and Sennheiser Momentum TWS2. While those offer better microphones, active noise cancelling, and app support, they cost several times more. Surprisingly, the TWS450 offers a more fun and dynamic listening experience, especially for genres like electronic, hip hop, and pop.

Who Should Buy the Hifiman TWS450

The Hifiman TWS450 is perfect if you:

• Want budget audiophile earbuds under $50
• Need a comfortable pair for gym sessions or commuting
• Prefer strong bass and lively treble for fun listening
• Are okay without advanced features like ANC or companion apps

This is not the pair for critical listening or high-end reference use. But for most casual users, it covers all the important bases.

Conclusion

The Hifiman TWS450 delivers where it matters most. It is one of the most affordable audiophile TWS earbuds I have tested, and the sound quality is far beyond what the price suggests.

While it lacks features like active noise cancellation or high-definition codecs, the excellent tuning, long battery life, stable Bluetooth connection, and secure fit make it a no-brainer.

If you are searching for budget wireless earbuds with premium sound, the Hifiman TWS450 should be at the top of your list. For less than forty dollars, it is hard to find better value.

Where to Buy

You can find the Hifiman TWS450 on:

• Aliexpress

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