As wireless earbuds become more accessible, the performance of budget-friendly models is a topic of curiosity. TRUEFREE 01 stands out with its Bluetooth 5.3 connection and large drivers. With its lightweight design and open-back construction, it offers a comfortable experience while also delivering some unexpected surprises in terms of sound performance.
Disclaimer: This unit is provided by TRUEFREE in exchange of a review.
Design and Comfort
TRUEFREE 01 features an open-fit design that doesn’t seal inside the ear canal. For the best sound experience, proper positioning is crucial. The bulkier driver sections need to hang slightly behind the ear to achieve fuller sound. It is lightweight and comfortable for extended use, making it suitable for long listening sessions. However, the lack of included eartips may be a downside for those who prefer a snug in-ear fit.
Connectivity and App Experience
With Bluetooth 5.3, the earphones provide a fast and stable connection. The pairing process is seamless, and no major dropouts were experienced. The latency is also low enough for everyday use.
The TRUEFREE 01 companion app offers access to essential settings and multiple equalizer (EQ) profiles. The app interface is simple and user-friendly, allowing users to select from preset EQ settings or manually customize their own.
TRUEFREE 01 Sound Quality
TRUEFREE 01 is equipped with 16.2mm dynamic drivers, designed to deliver a wide soundstage and an open, spacious sound.
• The soundstage and ambient presence are quite impressive. Sounds feel open rather than congested, and instrument separation is clear.
• Vocals and instrument separation are well-defined. Especially in acoustic and live recordings, tracking individual instruments is easy.
• The volume output is highly efficient. Even at 50/100, it delivers sufficient loudness without noticeable loss of detail at lower levels.
• The bass is present but controlled. Instead of an overpowering, boomy response, the presentation remains balanced and natural.
• High volumes may be fatiguing for aggressive music genres. In thrash or death metal, excessive brightness or intensity may become tiring over longer listening sessions.
TRUEFREE 01 particularly excels in live recording performances, creating a strong concert-like atmosphere. In Riverside’s live concert recordings, the 3D imaging makes the audience’s claps and chants of “RI-VER-SIDE! RI-VER-SIDE!” sound vivid and immersive, showcasing the soundstage width and spatial accuracy.
• Impressive soundstage and ambient presence – No congestion; instrument separation is clear.
KEY POINTS
• Defined vocals and instrument placement – Easy tracking of individual sounds, especially in acoustic and live recordings.
• Efficient volume output – At 50/100, it already reaches a strong loudness level, even at lower volumes.
• Balanced bass – Not overly emphasized but maintains a controlled, natural presence.
• Lovely musicality, combined with the earspeaker and TWS approach.
• High volumes may be fatiguing – Particularly for thrash or death metal, where brightness and intensity can become overwhelming.
TRUEFREE 01 – Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Spacious and open soundstage – No congestion, clear instrument separation.
✔ Lightweight and comfortable – Suitable for extended use.
✔ Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection – Reliable, with minimal latency for everyday use.
✔ Efficient sound output – 50/100 volume level is already powerful.
✔ Great price-to-performance ratio – Offers wide soundstage and clear vocals for around $50.
Cons
✖ Weak passive isolation – Due to the open design, external noise is not blocked.
✖ No eartips included – Some users may prefer a more secure in-ear fit.
✖ Can be fatiguing at high volumes for intense genres – Thrash or death metal may feel overly bright or intense after extended listening.
✖ Not so sport oriented with the stock EQ settings.
Conclusion of TRUEFREE 01 Review
TRUEFREE 01 is a great option for listeners who prioritize a spacious soundstage at an affordable price. It does an excellent job of reproducing the details of live recordings, making concert experiences feel immersive. With stable connectivity, a lightweight design, and a wide to a certain limit, airy sound, it provides a comfortable daily listening experience. However, due to its open design, it lacks strong isolation, making it better suited for quieter environments.
If you are looking for detailed instrument separation and an open soundstage, TRUEFREE 01 is a strong contender in its price range. However, if isolation or a more intense bass response is a priority, closed-back alternatives might be a better fit.