Retevis Earpiece Walkie Talkie Review: Conditional 6.8/10
Opening with a surprising twist, the Retevis Walkie Talkies Earpiece with Mic 2 Pin Acoustic Tube Headset scores a conditional 6.8/10. Across platforms, buyers praise its clear audio and discreet design, but recurring issues with comfort, durability, and background noise handling temper enthusiasm. While marketed heavily for high-noise and covert environments, the lived experience varies widely depending on use case.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp audio in many setups | Comfort issues for some head sizes and ear shapes |
| Discreet acoustic tube design | Picks up background noise in certain environments |
| Compatible with wide range of Kenwood 2-pin radios | Durability concerns – cables and mic failures |
| Affordable multi-pack options | VOX function not as advertised |
| Easy to clip and operate | Fit not adjustable on certain models |
| Clear transmission for security and events | Noise cancellation claims inconsistent |
Claims vs Reality
One major marketing claim is "not sensitive to background noise", promoted especially for security, riding, and high-noise work. While some Amazon buyers found this accurate, noting “the microphone transmits directly from your throat… ideal for usage in high noise environments,” others on Trustpilot and Reddit disagree. Jeremy J. reported in a theater setting that “the headphones picked up so much background noise that we had to wait until the end of the musical number to call out a clue.”
Another selling point is VOX functionality for hands-free communication. The product page suggests push-button or voice-activated transmission, yet multiple Trustpilot reviews indicate it behaves more like “always on” monitoring. Damon M. noted, “the red light comes on when you turn it on and it hears everything. Doesn’t turn on and off with voice like a real VOX.”
Finally, the brand touts long-term comfort with ergonomic ear tips. While some users appreciate the soft mushroom-style earplug, Mandela B. found the earpiece sits “far in the ear canal, making it hard to hear surrounding noise… a bit uncomfortable.” Fit issues were echoed in Quora analysis, with reports of the headset being “way too loose on the head and there is no adjustment.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Clear audio quality is the most consistent win. On Amazon.com, a verified buyer noted, “Sensitive mic to pick up clear nature sound for smooth transmitting,” while a nightclub security worker found “the volume does get very loud” — useful for hearing over ambient noise. Reddit users in security contexts praised the snug fit of the acoustic tube for keeping conversations private.
Event staff and camera operators benefit from the clarity. One review in the Quora dataset stated, “Nice and loud… each camera operator has one on and says they are clear and plenty of volume room.” Police and hotel staff cited discreet design as a professional touch, with the transparent tube blending into uniforms.
Compatibility is also a strong point. The Kenwood 2-pin connector works with a wide range of Retevis, Baofeng, and Kenwood radios, reducing equipment headaches for teams with mixed gear. Security teams mentioned swapping units between members without issue.
Common Complaints
Comfort and fit are recurring pain points. Whether too tight in the ear canal or too loose over the head, users on Trustpilot and Quora found the lack of adjustability frustrating. “Not made for all head shapes… had to return because of the fit,” one buyer lamented. In-ear models sometimes blocked awareness of surroundings, problematic for situational awareness in security.
Durability concerns surface often. Mandela B. reported the mic stopped working “after only a couple of uses,” and several Reddit threads mentioned cable wear or failures under heavy use. The kevlar-reinforced variants fared better, but standard builds were described as “cheap cheap cheap” and prone to breakage if dropped.
Noise cancellation claims falter in practice. In noisy clubs, the DSP noise reduction model still allowed “literally hear everything around you coming from the other person,” leading some to abandon the headset mid-shift. Even in windy outdoor tests, while wind noise was reduced, speech came through “muffled” according to a Radioddity 878 user.
Divisive Features
The VOX function splits opinion. For motorcycle riders and hands-free users, the idea is appealing — “free your hands, more covert,” per Twitter product notes. Yet operational behavior frustrates others, acting more like a live mic than voice-triggered transmission. Damon M. and Kevin B. both remarked it was “always on” and not a true VOX.
Acoustic tube comfort divides users. Some love the snug, discreet fit for long shifts; others find discomfort after hours of wear, especially with deep canal insertion. The tube’s health benefit claim (reducing electromagnetic exposure) is noted in product descriptions but not widely discussed by buyers.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit feedback reveal mixed confidence in long-term reliability. Several users report failure within weeks — “worked for 8 hours then quit forever” — while others have units lasting months in daily use. Durability seems linked to build variant: kevlar-reinforced cables and detachable tubes get better longevity reports.
Concerns about misleading features (VOX, noise cancellation) erode trust. Buyers feel marketing sets expectations too high, especially for professional environments. The absence of clear instructions in some packages, as noted by multiple Amazon reviewers, adds to setup confusion.
Alternatives
Within the Retevis lineup, kevlar-reinforced ear hooks (EEK023/EEK024) earn stronger durability praise. The DSP Noise Reduction model offers USB charging but suffers similar noise cancellation inconsistency. Competitors in the same price bracket, especially non-acoustic tube designs, trade discreetness for better ambient noise awareness.
For pure comfort, G-shape ear hooks from Retevis are highlighted by warehouse and retail staff as more forgiving for different ear shapes. In contrast, the throat mic variant excels in motorcycle and airsoft contexts where wind and engine noise dominate.
Price & Value
Multi-pack deals significantly improve value — Amazon’s 10-pack at $49.99 works out to $5 per unit, appealing for team outfitting. On eBay, resale values are modest, with single units under $10 and bulk lots moving quickly. Community advice leans toward buying in bulk for replacements, given durability concerns.
Some security teams treat these as consumables, replacing every few months. For high-turnover events or large crews, the low per-unit cost offsets shorter lifespan. Individual buyers expecting multi-year performance may be disappointed.
FAQ
Q: Does the noise cancellation work in loud environments?
A: Results vary. Some users find wind and minor ambient noise reduced, but many report voices still get lost in background sounds in very noisy settings like clubs.
Q: Is the VOX function true voice-activated transmission?
A: No, multiple users report it behaves as “always on” monitoring rather than activating only when speaking.
Q: How durable are the cables?
A: Standard cables have mixed reports, with some breaking within weeks. Kevlar-reinforced versions last longer under heavy use.
Q: Will it fit all ear shapes comfortably?
A: Not necessarily. Deep canal insertion can be uncomfortable for some, and over-the-head versions may be too loose or tight depending on head size.
Q: Is it compatible with Motorola radios?
A: No, it’s designed for Kenwood 2-pin connectors and compatible radios (Retevis, Baofeng, etc.).
Final Verdict: Buy if you need affordable, discreet audio for compatible radios in moderately noisy environments, and can accept possible durability trade-offs. Avoid if you require true VOX, perfect noise cancellation, or guaranteed multi-year lifespan. Pro tip from the community: opt for kevlar-reinforced versions for better longevity and consider bulk packs for team use.
