I attempted AI Translation on the EarFun Air Professional 4 Plus, and it may be the reasonably priced Pixel Buds killer we’ve been ready for

Gadget Weekly

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Can’t afford to spend over $200 on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, prized for their live translation capabilities? Happily, the audio accessory brand EarFun can match your budget without skipping any of the best premium features, including translating conversations on the fly.

$74.99 at Amazon.

How does EarFun’s AI translation work?

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Much like Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds, which rely on Gemini for translation, EarFun uses its own AI to translate languages. Users can choose languages from over 145 countries and regions, and the brand is open to adding more upon request.

Naturally, you need a stable internet connection on your phone to access the AI translation option. Users also need to update their EarFun app to version 20.1.36 on Android and 20.5.5 on iOS.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

EarFun’s AI translation feature offers users two modes: Face-to-Face and Real-Time. You can save the transcripts from both modes.

Face-to-Face mode is designed for a conversation between two people, where each speaker takes turns talking in short bits. You can select languages for both speakers, and you can even flip one side of the screen so the foreign-language speaker can see their side better. Each speaker can play their section of translations out loud.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Real-Time mode translates the foreign language in real time. So, for instance, I could be speaking to someone who is talking in an unknown language, but their sentences would be translated and played out in English (or the language you choose) in real time.

The best cheap wireless earbuds just got better

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

I found that while both modes function well, the Real-Time mode is particularly good at its job. Of course, both speakers need to enunciate clearly and not talk too fast, but that’s a given with any translation app.

As someone who uses Google Translate a lot — and I mean every single day — EarFun’s Real-Time mode is on par with Google’s real-time conversation translation.

best wireless earbuds to consider for under $100. You get Bluetooth Auracast support, ANC, hi-res audio, LDAC support, wireless charging, and an IP55 water and dust resistant rating, as well as an excellent dual-mode translation feature without breaking the bank.