IMAGE: IAN BIRNBAUM APRIL 2020 MACWORLD 109I
can imagine an alternate world where
Phiaton’s Bolt BT 700 earbuds came
close to greatness. Priced at $20 less
than Apple’s AirPods, these $140 true
wireless earbuds could have undercut
Apple on price and still offer users a lot of
the same sleek features.This is not that world. Despite onboard
batteries that dramatically overperformed
their advertised limits, the BT 700s are
noticeably larger, heavier, and worse-
sounding than other earbud options that
cost much less. Worst of all is the
combination charging case/bluetoothPhiaton Bolt BT 700: Great
batteries and disappointing design
Phiaton’s $140 true wireless earbuds have great batteries, but otherwise
aren’t quite worth the price.
BY IAN BIRNBAUM