TOZO is a tech brand that produces and sells a wide range of products, including chargers, power banks, smartwatches, headphones, and budget earbuds, and TOZO Golden X1 is their first flagship product offering high-quality audio and advanced features. And I recently had the opportunity to try out the Golden X1 wireless earbuds, and I must say they exceeded my expectations. At a price of $149, TOZO is entering the premium segment.
These earbuds offer a combination of features that I’ve been looking for in one device, In this review, I’ll discuss various aspects of the Golden X1, including design, battery life, app support, sound quality, latency, microphone performance, comfort, noise cancellation, and including multipoint connectivity. But the question is it worth the $149 price tag? And does it compete with more expensive earbuds in the market? And most important, does it have the right mix of technology, quality, and design to be among the top earbuds available? we can’t wait to see what they bring to the table. So, I’m really excited to be reviewing the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds and we’re here to explore their features and performance.
TOZO Golden X1 Features
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- Digital LED Display
- 12mm Hybrid Dynamic Driver
- 1 Knowles Balanced Armature Driver
- OrigX Pro High-Quality Sound & Hi-Res Audio
- Bluetooth 5.3 Chip & LDAC HD Audio-decoding
- 42db Hybrid 3-layer ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)
- Transparency Mode
- Voice Assistant Support
- Up to 32 Hours of Playtime
- Support Wireless Charge
- IPX6 Protection
- TOZO Sound App
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Unboxing Video
Let’s start with the unboxing. The Tozo Golden X1 comes in a nicely presented package with a golden and black case, which looks sleek. Inside the box, you’ll find the wireless earbuds, the charging case, a quick guide, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a user manual, and six replacement ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for different ear sizes (XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL). The medium-sized tips worked well for me, but it’s essential to find the right fit to achieve optimal sound quality and effective active noise cancellation.
Design & Build Quality
Let’s start with the case they highlight the attention to detail in the design and impressive build quality. Although it’s not the smallest case, it can easily fit in a pocket for on-the-go use. At first glance, the case appears quite ordinary, however, a pleasant surprise awaits when you open it—A standout feature is the individual earbud charge digital display.
This a convenient feature that eliminates the guesswork and allows you to easily check the battery levels of both the case and the earbuds with precision, although it may be difficult to read in bright daylight. It’s a subtle touch that adds convenience without compromising the overall aesthetics. Finally, there is a reset button inside. The charging case is lightweight, weighing only 54 grams, and features a magnet that securely holds the earbuds in place. The lid of the case, although not spring-loaded, closes securely.
The case supports Qi wireless charging, and the USB Type-C port is conveniently located on the back. By the way, in the front, there is a charging indicator light.
Now let’s take a closer look at the earbuds themselves. Tozo Golden X1 features a familiar black plastic design that may not be particularly exciting or innovative, resembling traditional earbuds with a slight stem, with Tozo branding, a matte finish with no sharp edges, LED indicators, three microphones on each earbud, and gold tip pins. This design not only houses additional components but also positions the microphone closer to your mouth for improved call quality. Also, The earbuds are lightweight, weighing only 5.7 grams each and the sturdy plastic construction ensures durability.
Comfort and Fit:
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds offer a nice snug fit with the right-sized ear tips to ensure a secure seal in the ear, which is crucial for maximizing sound quality and noise isolation. And they do not cause any discomfort or weigh you down, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The earbuds stay securely in place even during vigorous activities, this makes them suitable for workouts, running, gym, and other active pursuits. The earbuds are discreet in appearance and sit comfortably in the ears.
IPX6 Waterproof:
These earbuds are rated IPX6 for waterproofness, which means they can handle exposure to rain and water splashes without any issues. While they are not designed to be fully submerged, they should survive accidental encounters with water. If you use them for workouts or in rainy conditions, they will hold up well. Also, lack dust resistance and an IP rating on the case. So be cautious around water.
Touch Control on Golden X1
Now let’s talk about the touch controls on the Tozo Golden X1. Each earbud has touch-sensitive controls on the stems that allow you to control playback, adjust volume, answer calls, and activate voice assistants with a few simple taps or swipes. Tapping actions register accurately, and some actions can be customized through the app to suit personal preferences or they can choose to disable them altogether. However, not all tapping actions can be modified, and certain actions on the touch-sensitive interfaces are dedicated to specific functions.
The touch controls are responsive and easy to use, but they can take a little bit of practice to get used to since there are different gestures for different functions. Once you become familiar with them, though, it becomes second nature.
listing the TOZO Golden X1 touch control functions:
| Function | Touch Control |
|---|---|
| Pause/Play | 1 tap on the right earbud |
| Volume Up | Press and hold the right earbud |
| Volume Down | Press and hold the left earbud |
| Track Forward | 2 taps on the right earbud |
| Track Back/Reset | 2 taps on the left earbud |
| Switch between ANC/Transparency | 1 tap on the left earbud |
| Turn off ANC/Transparency | 3 taps on the left earbud |
| Turn on Voice Assistant | 3 taps on the right earbud |
| Answer Incoming Call | 1 tap on either earbud |
| Reject/End Call | Press and hold either earbud |
How to Pair TOZO Golden X1
The TOZO Golden X1 earbuds are packed with impressive features that enhance your audio experience. With Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility and support for the LDAC audio codec, these earbuds ensure high-quality audio streaming.
Pairing the Golden X1 earbuds is a breeze. Simply open the case with the buds inside, and they will automatically enter pairing mode. From the device menu, select “TOZO Golden X1,” and you’re ready to enjoy your favorite audio content. If you need to reset the Golden X1 for any reason, put the buds in the case and hold the button inside the case for 15 seconds.
In terms of range, the Golden X1 provides a reliable connection within a reasonable distance from your connected device. While the range can vary depending on the environment, you can typically enjoy a stable connection up to 30 feet (10 meters) without obstacles. Whether you’re moving around your home or working out at the gym, you can stay connected without interruptions or dropouts.
Audio Codecs:
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds support multiple audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, and LDAC. SBC is a standard codec that offers good audio quality but with a higher level of compression. AAC is a higher-quality codec commonly used by Apple devices, providing better audio fidelity. LDAC, on the other hand, is a high-resolution codec developed by Sony that allows for even higher-quality audio transmission when used with compatible devices.
Multipoint:
One standout feature of the Golden X1 is its multi-point connectivity capability. This feature enables you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, such as a smartphone and a laptop, and easily switch between them without the hassle of re-pairing. Whether you’re listening to music on your phone or taking a conference call on your computer, the transition is seamless and lag-free. For added convenience, the Golden X1 earbuds also offer a mono mode option, allowing you to use a single earbud for calls or when you want to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to audio.
The TOZO App
Tozo provides an intuitive and feature-rich app called “Tozo Sounds” that complements the Golden X1 earbuds, offering a range of customization options and enhancing the overall user experience. The app allows you to fine-tune the sound settings of the earbuds according to your preferences and hearing abilities. Furthermore, the Tozo Sounds app keeps you informed about the battery life of each earbud, ensuring that you can monitor their power status easily. It also provides firmware update functionality, allowing you to keep your earbuds up to date with the latest features and improvements released by Tozo.
The compatibility of the Tozo Sound app extends to both Android and iOS platforms, ensuring that a wide range of users can benefit from its rich features. By pairing the Golden X1 earbuds with the app, you unlock a world of customization and control, elevating your audio experience to new heights.
With its user-friendly interface and attention to detail, the Tozo Sounds app seamlessly integrates with the Golden X1 earbuds, empowering you to personalize every aspect of your audio journey. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking precise sound adjustments or a casual listener wanting to optimize your listening experience, the Tozo Sounds app provides a comprehensive suite of features and customization options to meet your needs.
One notable feature of the app is the hearing test, which analyzes your hearing levels and creates a personalized EQ profile based on the results. This ensures that the audio output is optimized specifically for your ears, delivering a tailored and immersive listening experience.
In addition to the hearing test, the app offers comprehensive noise cancellation settings. You can customize the level of noise cancellation to suit your surroundings, whether you prefer complete isolation or the ability to stay aware of your surroundings through the transparency mode. The app also includes specific noise reduction options, such as wind noise reduction, to provide clearer audio even in challenging environments.
Tozo Sounds app further extends its customization capabilities by allowing you to adjust the equalizer settings. You can choose from pre-built EQ presets tailored for different music genres or create your own custom EQ settings with a 10-band manual equalizer. This level of control allows you to fine-tune the audio signature, emphasizing bass, and treble, or achieving a well-balanced sound reproduction that aligns with your personal preferences.
The app also offers touch control customization, enabling you to assign specific functions or actions to different touch gestures on the earbuds. Whether you want to control playback, adjust volume, or activate your voice assistant, you have the flexibility to customize the touch controls to your liking.
TOZO Golden X1 – Sound Quality
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, providing an immersive and enjoyable audio experience. These earbuds incorporate a two-way speaker design, featuring a 12mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver. This combination allows for a comprehensive range of sound reproduction, delivering a wide frequency response and accurate audio representation.
One standout feature of the Golden X1 is its ability to support LDAC, a high-quality audio codec. LDAC enables the transmission of high-resolution audio files with minimal loss in quality, resulting in a more detailed and realistic sound reproduction. When paired with compatible devices and high-quality audio sources, the Golden X1 truly shines, offering an audio experience that rivals that of wired headphones.
The balanced armature driver in the Golden X1 contributes to its remarkable sound quality. Known for their precision and accuracy, balanced armature drivers excel in reproducing intricate details and nuances in the audio. This translates to clear and well-defined highs, allowing for crisp vocals and instrumentals that stand out in the mix. The balanced mids further enhance the overall sound signature, providing a balanced and natural representation of the music.
Additionally, the Golden X1 earbuds feature a 12mm dynamic driver that focuses on delivering powerful and impactful bass. The dynamic driver provides depth and richness to the low frequencies, offering a satisfying rumble and ensuring that bass-heavy tracks are fully enjoyed. The combination of the dynamic driver and balanced armature driver creates a hybrid driver system that strikes a balance between accuracy and impact, resulting in a well-rounded and engaging sound profile.
To further tailor the sound to individual preferences, Tozo provides the Tozo Sounds app. Through the app, users have access to a comprehensive range of customization options. This includes a 10-band equalizer (EQ) with pre-built presets and the ability to create personalized EQ settings. Users can fine-tune the bass, treble, and other frequencies to their liking, allowing for a truly personalized sound experience.
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds deliver a wide soundstage, creating a sense of spaciousness and immersion in the music. The separation between instruments and vocals is well-defined, allowing for a clear and detailed audio representation. Whether you’re listening to complex instrumental tracks or vocals-driven songs, the Golden X1 earbuds excel in reproducing the nuances and subtleties of the audio. Tozo has prioritized not overemphasizing the bass, resulting in a balanced sound signature that caters to a wide range of music genres. The sound quality of the Golden X1 is lauded for its clarity, accuracy, and attention to detail. It captures the intricacies of the music, ensuring that every note and instrument is faithfully reproduced.
Overall, the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds deliver a premium sound quality that rivals that of wired headphones. Whether you’re a fan of bass-heavy genres, enjoy crisp vocals, or appreciate the clarity of instrumentals, these earbuds will not disappoint. With their exceptional sound performance and range of features, the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds are a solid choice for anyone seeking an immersive and enjoyable audio experience.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds offer impressive noise cancellation capabilities, providing a more immersive listening experience. The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music even in noisy environments. Whether you’re on a flight or at a bustling train station, the ANC significantly reduces external sounds, creating a quieter and more enjoyable listening environment. Additionally, the passive mode is useful when you need to hear your surroundings, such as train announcements or conversations with co-workers.
With a comfortable fit, the Golden X1 earbuds can be worn for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The ANC feature is particularly impressive, reducing ambient noise by up to 42 decibels, further enhancing your audio experience. It effectively blocks out engine noises, AC units, and even voices, providing a more immersive and focused sound experience.
The transparency mode of the Golden X1 earbuds is another noteworthy feature. When enabled, it utilizes external microphones to capture and amplify ambient sounds, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music or taking calls. This feature is useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when walking outdoors or engaging in conversations. However, it’s worth noting that transparency mode may pick up ambient noise more sensitively, but it still provides excellent sound clarity.
The active noise cancellation and transparency mode of the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds greatly enhance the versatility and usability of these earbuds. They offer an effective solution for reducing external noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions. Whether you’re looking for a quiet listening experience or the ability to hear your surroundings, the Golden X1 earbuds deliver impressive performance in both noise cancellation and transparency modes.
Call Quality and Microphone:
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds deliver impressive call quality, ensuring clear and intelligible voice transmission during phone calls. The built-in microphones effectively capture the user’s voice, allowing callers to hear them clearly. Additionally, the earbuds feature noise reduction technology, which helps minimize background noise, further enhancing the overall call experience.
The Golden X1 earbuds are equipped with three microphones for voice calls, as well as two microphones dedicated to noise cancellation. This microphone setup contributes to the earbuds’ excellent performance during calls. The dual-mic noise reduction feature effectively reduces background noise, resulting in clearer and more intelligible conversations, even in noisy environments.
During microphone tests, the Tozo X1 performed well in quiet environments, delivering clear audio during phone calls. The built-in microphones accurately captured the user’s voice, ensuring smooth communication. The people on the other end haven’t reported any complaints either, the mic performs well, enhancing the overall user experience. However, it’s worth noting that in challenging outdoor conditions with significant background noise, such as wind and traffic, the microphone quality may be slightly affected, resulting in slightly muffled audio.
Connectivity and Latency:
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring reliable and stable connectivity. In terms of latency, the Golden X1 earbuds exhibit minimal delay, making them suitable for watching videos, streaming content, and general use. There is no noticeable lag or latency when using the earbuds for activities like watching YouTube videos or streaming content on both iOS and Android devices. This means you can enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and online videos without experiencing audio syncing issues.
While Bluetooth earbuds may not be the best choice for intense gaming due to latency limitations, the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds offer a satisfactory experience for most applications. However, it’s worth noting that there may be a slight lag when gaming, causing the audio to fall slightly behind the action. If you’re primarily looking for earbuds for gaming purposes, you may want to consider other options specifically designed for low-latency gaming.
Overall, the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds provide reliable connectivity through Bluetooth 5.3 and offer minimal latency for regular multimedia consumption. Whether you’re watching videos, streaming content, or enjoying high-resolution audio, these earbuds deliver a seamless and immersive audio experience. While they may not be the ideal choice for intense gaming, they excel in providing a satisfying audio experience for most everyday applications.
Battery Life and Charging capabilities:
The Tozo Golden X1 earbuds offer impressive battery life and convenient charging options. On a single charge, you can enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous playback, which is ideal for extended listening sessions. The included charging case provides additional power and can fully recharge the earbuds approximately three times, extending the total listening time to up to 28 hours. It’s worth noting that the battery life may vary depending on the usage. If you activate features such as LDAC or ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) or transparency mode, the battery life will be slightly reduced. However, even with these features enabled, the Tozo Golden X1 earbuds still offer sufficient battery life for most daily use.
Charging the case is a breeze. You can use the provided USB-C cable to quickly charge the case in about an hour, ensuring that your earbuds are always ready to go. Additionally, the case supports wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently charge it on a compatible charging pad. If you have a smartphone with reverse wireless charging capabilities, you can even charge the case wirelessly using your phone. The battery status LED on the case displays the remaining charge percentage, enabling you to easily monitor the battery levels of both the case and each individual earbud. This feature ensures that you’re always aware of how much power you have left before needing to recharge.
Conclusion:
The Tozo Golden X1 wireless earbuds have exceeded my expectations in every aspect. They offer a remarkable combination of impressive sound quality, effective active noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and reliable microphone performance. The balanced armature and dynamic drivers deliver a rich and detailed audio experience, comparable to wired headphones. The LDAC codec ensures high-quality audio transmission, making it a worthwhile feature for audiophiles.
The earbuds themselves are comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the touch controls work well for easy playback and call management. The app support adds extra convenience and customization options, allowing users to fine-tune the sound and noise cancellation settings to their liking. The low latency makes them suitable for streaming content without audio-video synchronization issues. The battery life of the Tozo Golden X1 is good, providing several hours of continuous playback. Additionally, the compact charging case features a digital display, making it easy to monitor the battery levels and ensuring you never run out of power when you need it.
While the Tozo Golden X1 offers impressive features and performance, it’s important to note that there are some minor defects that must be taken into account. The hinge of the charging case feels a bit flimsy, which may raise concerns about durability. Additionally, the earbuds lack in-ear detection, a feature found on many competing models, which automatically pauses playback when the earbuds are removed.
Considering the overall performance, sound quality, and features that the Tozo Golden X1 delivers, along with its price of $150, it offers great value for the money. It has the potential to compete with more expensive brands in terms of performance and user experience. So, Tozo Golden X1 is a category killer, providing exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit at an affordable price. While there may be some minor drawbacks, these limitations can be outweighed by the overall performance and value that the Tozo Golden X1 offers. If you’re in the market for earphones, I highly recommend giving the Tozo Golden X1 a try.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Impressive sound quality with balanced armature and dynamic drivers | The hinge of the charging case feels flimsy |
| Effective active noise cancellation | Lack of in-ear detection feature |
| Comfortable fit for extended wear | Potential limitations in noisy environments for microphone performance |
| Reliable microphone performance | |
| LDAC codec for high-quality audio transmission | |
| Customizable sound settings through the app | |
| Low latency for streaming content | |
| Good battery life | |
| Compact charging case with a digital display for easy monitoring |
TOZO Golden X1 Price & Where To Buy
The TOZO Golden X1 earbuds are available for purchase through various platforms such as the AliExpress Store, Amazon, and the official TOZO website. They offer a very competitive price, and if you purchase directly from the TOZO website, you can use the code 7FE72TJHX to get $15 off your purchase. Don’t miss out on this excellent deal! Click on the store icon to view the current price or make a purchase.
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What’s in the Box?
- TOZO Golden X1 pair
- Charging Case
- Ear tips (XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL)
- USB C Charging cable
- User manual
TOZO Golden X1 – Specifications
- Driver Size: 12mm
- Knowles balanced armature
- Audio Codec: LDAC (24bit/96khz music)
- Controls: Touch
- Active Noise Cancellation: 35db
- Impedance: 28 ohms
- Frequency range: 12Hz – 44.1KHz
- Battery capacity: 55 mAh x2
- Case battery capacity: 500 mAh
- Bluetooth version: 5.3
- Charging time of earbuds: 1.5 hours
- Charging time of case: 2.5 hours
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per charge, up to 32 hours total with charging case
- Music play time with ANC OFF: 6 hours
- Music play time with ANC ON: 4.5 hours
- IPX6 Waterproof protection
- Mobile with EQ settings and touch control customization
