Zakotu IT100 plus Wireless Earbuds : A Feature-rich yet Affordable Wireless Earbud Worth Buying
Published on June 26, 2023, 11:08 a.m.
Finding a decent pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver good sound quality without breaking the bank can be a challenge. In this review, we take a close look at the zakotu IT100 plus to see if it fits the bill of an affordable yet quality wireless earbud.
Overview of the zakotu IT100 plus Wireless Earbud
The zakotu IT100 plus is an in-ear style wireless earbud that aims to provide an immersive listening experience and great call quality at an affordable price point. Key features include:
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for faster pairing and more stable wireless connection
- 13mm drivers delivering powerful bass, stunning treble and clear mids
- Up to 8 hours of playtime per charge, 40 hours with charging case
- Touch controls for music playback, call handling, and voice assistant access
- IP7 waterproof rating for workout and outdoor use
- Ergonomic design with 3 sizes of silicone eartips for a comfortable and secure fit
With a compact charging case that offers convenient portability and extended battery life, the zakotu IT100 plus packs great value in a feature-loaded package.
Design - Lightweight and Ergonomic Fit
Weighing just 0.008lb per earbud, the zakotu IT100 plus wireless earbuds is incredibly lightweight and easy to wear for extended periods. The ergonomic shape nestles comfortably into the contours of the ear, while the inclusion of 3 sizes of silicone eartips ensures you can achieve a tailored fit. Once in place, the earbuds feel very secure even during vigorous exercise.
Despite the petite size, the build quality feels solid and durable. The matte plastic casing has a premium quality look and resists fingerprints. For added peace of mind, the IP7 waterproof rating means the earbuds can withstand sweat and splashes if you get caught in the rain.
Features and Connectivity - Packed with Convenient Functions
Offering Bluetooth 5.2, the zakotu IT100 plus earbuds deliver faster and more stable wireless connectivity compared to older Bluetooth versions. Pairing is a breeze – simply remove the earbuds from the case and they will automatically enter pairing mode. Bluetooth range is an ample 15 meters allowing flexibility in where you position your audio source.
The touch controls make it convenient to control your music, calls and smartphone’s voice assistant without reaching for your device. Users can play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, answer calls, redial last call, reject calls, and activate Siri or Google Assistant with different tap and touch gestures. It takes a little practice to remember the control combinations but works reliably once mastered.
Audio Quality – Big Sound from Tiny Earbuds
13mm drivers power the zakotu IT100 plus earbuds and they deliver energetic bass, sparkling treble and clear mids considering their diminutive size. Many wireless earbuds compromise sound quality due to space constraints, but the Zakotu IT100 plus Wireless Earbuds manages to reproduce audio with surprising breadth.
Bass has decent punch and depth, allowing you to enjoy genres like EDM, hip hop, and pop. Mids are well-defined so vocals come through clearly. Treble has good detail without being harsh or shrill. Soundstage is intimate which matches the in-ear design. While audiophile-level detail is lacking, the lively sound is very satisfying for everyday listening. Noise isolation is also decent thanks to the snug seal of the silicone tips.
For call quality, built-in microphones do a great job at picking up your voice while minimizing ambient noise. Callers reported that I sounded crisp and clear even when walking along a busy street.
Battery Life – Ample Listening Time
Battery life is a highlight of the zakotu IT100 plus wireless earbuds. A single charge yields around 8 hours of listening time, allowing you to listen wirelessly for most of the day before needing to recharge.
The charging case provides an additional 32 hours of playtime for a total of 40 hours when on the go. The case is compact and portable enough to carry in your pocket. Its integrated digital LED display lets you check charging status at a glance. A full recharge takes about 1.5 hours via the included USB-C cable.
Controls and Operation
The Zakotu IT100 Plus earbuds feature touch controls on each earbud. You can perform the following functions:
•Play/pause: Tap either earbud
•Previous track: Triple tap left earbud
•Next track: Triple tap right earbud
•Volume up: Tap right earbud
•Volume down: Tap left earbud
•Answer call: Tap either earbud
•End call: Tap either earbud
•Reject call: Double tap either earbud
•Voice assistant: Press and hold either earbud for 2 seconds
The touch controls are responsive and easy to use. I find touch controls more convenient than physical buttons on truly wireless earbuds.
Use Cases:
- Working out - sweat proof design is ideal for sports and exercise
- Commuting - wireless freedom and great for listening on the go
- Home listening - enjoy music, movies and calls without wires
- Office use - take calls and listen to music discreetly
In-depth User Feedback Analysis
The zakotu IT100 plus earbuds have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Here is a deeper look at what users are saying:
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Sound quality: Many reviewers praise the dynamic sound with great bass response and clear mids/highs. The 13mm drivers deliver impressive power and range from such a compact product. However, some users feel the maximum volume could be louder.
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Comfort and fit: Most users find the ergonomic shape and inclusion of 3 eartip sizes provides a very comfortable and secure fit for long-term wear. A few with very small ears struggle to get a tight seal.
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Controls: The capacitive touch controls work reliably for most users after some practice. Some occasionally trigger the wrong action if touches aren’t precise. Lack of app for customization is a downside.
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Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 provides stable wireless connection for many but some users faced occasional dropouts when moving far from audio source. Pairing and re-connecting is seamless.
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Noise isolation: With a tight seal, the earbuds block out a decent amount of ambient noise but it’s not active noise cancellation. Good for casual use but may leak sound at high volumes.
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Waterproofing: IP7 rating holds up well against sweat during workouts and light rain. Not suitable for underwater use.
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Battery life: Most users confirm the 8hr per charge and total 40hr with case battery life is accurate. Enables all-day listening.
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Durability: Build quality is impressive for the low price point. Earbuds and case feel solidly made and withstand drops.
Pros:
- Great value and features for the low price
- Impressive well-balanced sound
- Reliable touch controls
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- IP7 sweat/water resistant rating
Cons:
- Lacks app for customization
- Noise isolation could be better
- Maximum volume could be louder
- Some connectivity stability issues
Outstanding Value
Given the excellent feature set, impressive audio, IP7 rating, great battery life and quality feel, the zakotu IT100 plus earbuds provide tremendous value for under $30. Users consistently praise the performance and capabilities achieved at this budget-friendly price point. While lacking some premium features of more expensive brands, the fundamentals are very well executed. For casual everyday use, the Zakotu IT100 plus Wireless Earbuds punches far above its weight class in terms of value.
Summary – A Feature-rich Yet Affordable Wireless Earbud Worth Buying
With their compact charging case, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, capacitive touch controls, IP7 rating, and surprisingly powerful audio, the zakotu IT100 plus punches above its weight class. Battery life is excellent providing up to 40 hours total listening time between charges. Build quality and comfort are also impressive for the low price.
While the zakotu IT100 plus lacks premium features like active noise cancellation and app support, it nails the fundamentals of convenience, portability and audio performance. For those seeking quality true wireless earbuds on a budget, the zakotu IT100 plus earns a strong recommendation.
Specifications:
- Bluetooth version: 5.2
- Wireless range: 15m
- Battery life: 8hrs per charge, 40hrs with case
- Drivers: 13mm
- Waterproof rating: IP7
- Weight: 0.008lb per earbud
- Dimensions: 0.79 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
- Charging case dimensions: 2.56 x 1.57 x 1.1 inches
Box Includes:
- zakotu IT100 plus wireless earbuds x 2
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- 3 sizes (S/M/L) of silicone eartips
- User manual
How to Use:
- Open lid of charging case and remove earbuds - they will power on and enter pairing mode
- On phone, tablet, etc enable Bluetooth and select “IT100 Plus” to connect
- Insert earbuds into ears with silicone tips creating a snug seal
- Use touch controls to play music, answer calls, adjust volume, etc
- Return earbuds to charging case when not in use to power off and recharge
