The Komutr earbuds are a unique and innovative approach to earbud and case design. Sporting an ultra-thin profile and MagSafe-equipped carry case, they offer some unique features that, on paper, help them stand out from other everyday carry earbuds. From its unique kickstand mode case to Apple Find My integration, the engineers at Komutr have worked to create something special in the Komutr earbuds. While there is a lot to love about the innovation and care poured into these earbuds, innovation often comes with its own lessons, as is the case here.
The standout design element of the Komutr earbuds is, in fact, its case. With an impressive 12-mm thickness, it is one of the thinnest cases I’ve worked with. It comes equipped with a MagSafe-compatible backing for easy attachment to compatible phones. When attached, the case doubles as a kickstand in both portrait and landscape mode, creating a universal stand for your phone on the go.
For those used to carrying their phones in their back pockets, the case’s thinness makes it easy to continue this practice. I found during testing that, despite the extra 12mm of thickness, my phone with the case attached still easily fit in my back pocket. A thin lid covers the case’s face, and when opened, powers on the earbuds for pairing. A small button on the back of the case initiates pairing, and a small USB-C port on the bottom allows charging (no USB-C cable is included).
“The standout design element of the Komutr earbuds is, in fact, its case.”
The case is well-conceived and one of the more innovative designs I’ve seen. It works exceptionally well for everyday users. One feature that would be nice to see in future iterations is wireless charging support for phones with reverse wireless charging. Not a critique so much as a wish list item.
As for the earbuds themselves, they follow the standard design of many wireless earbuds, most closely resembling Apple AirPods with one stark contrast. The earbud tips are oblong to accommodate their thinner profile. While I understand the need for this choice, they do not sit as securely in the ear as more traditional earbuds.
Even with the three different sizes of silicon earbud tips, which are greatly appreciated, the earbuds still feel less secure than other earbuds. For everyday use while at work or commuting, this isn’t a problem. However, when engaged in more vigorous movement, such as running, this becomes a bit problematic. While they are dust- and water-rated (IP54), I’d still be hesitant to make these your earbuds of choice for cardio workouts.
“The audio quality of the Komutr earbuds is fine, though there is room for improvement.”
The audio quality of the Komutr earbuds is fine, though there is room for improvement. In frequency testing, the low-end bands revealed some noise in the sub 150 Hz range, which translates to a slightly muddy overall bass profile. The high-end, likewise, while not as noisy, did have a few notable areas where the frequency was marred slightly by noise.
That said, the music is still solid, with vocals coming through clearly. The bass, while present, is a bit muddy but thankfully doesn’t overpower the mix. The resulting audio experience is good for everyday listening. Dialogue came through clearly during video streaming testing with no notable issues. The overall profile is warmer, though not as crisp as some might be accustomed to, which makes it ideal for longer listening sessions.
On that note, battery life is quite impressive, especially given the Komutr earbuds’ thinner profile. In testing, I averaged around 6.5-7 hours of use per charge and was able to charge the headphones 6 times before needing to plug the case in. Not bad considering the 42mAh battery housed in the thin earbud casing.
“The Komutr Earbuds are an innovative design that could use some refinement.”
The Komutr Earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation, which worked quite well. In testing, I was able to clearly hear the audio playing in the headphones with almost no background noise bleeding through in the busy office space where I work. With different ANC options available, it’s a well-implemented feature. The earbuds also include onboard audio controls, which can be modified via the Komutr app.
One area that could use some work is the Komutr application, which provides smart control for the earbuds. While the earbuds have no issue pairing with a phone, the app struggles to find them. I’ve had to reinstall the app and reset pair the earbuds a few times now to get them to see each other. When it does work, though, all the standard presets and settings are available, allowing custom EQ mixes, ANC profile swapping, and touch-control options.
The Komutr Earbuds are an innovative design that could use some refinement. While the case is well implemented, I’d love to see some improvements made to the earbuds themselves. Despite these critiques, if you are looking for a compact set of earbuds in a convenient form factor, the Komutr Earbuds will do the trick. Just be aware of some of the quirks when purchasing.
