In this iWorld earbuds review, we focus on the iWorld Matrix Neons Earbuds line of noise isolating, in-ear headphones.
Key features include the following.
- Highly flexible cables.
- A microphone for hands-free operation of cell phones, iPods, and Android media players
- Bright pink and lime green in color.
- Cost less than ten dollars. Often however, they appear for less than five dollars at many discount and dollar stores.
iWorld Matrix Earbuds Introduction
As is typical for iWorld, they’ve again built a cheap, brightly colored, reasonably well performing cell phone headset. These also work well on CD and MP3 players. They provide acceptable performance. Plus, their near-bargain-basement prices make them easy to throw away when they wear out. But they are by no means junk.
Those joggers and gymnasts who trash earbuds, breaking them with high frequency, will appreciate these buds. True. These do not measure up to higher-end portable headphones from Koss, Pioneer, Sennheiser, and the like. Yet these iWorld Neons appear reasonably rugged. They play quite loudly, fit well in the ear, and stay put once you insert them.
These iWorld earbuds with microphone are near to the best communications grade headsets. But they may have the worst sounding drivers we’ve ever played our music through.
Yet as low-end ear buds go, these have some sound advantages. Due to reduced high frequency output, these buds virtually eliminate the hiss of old cassette tapes. They also cut the crackle of old vinyl records. Plus, the reduced bass frequency output stops the rumble and hum of cheap grade turntables and amplifiers. The quality here is enough for these situations.
Yet the near-minimum price is low. Low enough that you can break them with abandon. Soak them in the rain. Just sweat bricks all over them. At these prices, you can always buy more. So earphones like these make a great first-pair for the beginning listener.
iWorld Matrix Earbuds Features, Benefits, Advantages, and Pros
Economical
Less than $10. Bought this set for $5 at Gabriel Brothers. Pretty cheap price for as good as they sound.
Well Packaged
The packaging is perhaps even more durable than the product inside. Difficult to open, but solid. These will likely never be damaged in shipment.
World Matrix Earbuds Feature a Gold Connector
Gold plated 3.5mm plug.
Low Weight
Flat, thin and lightweight ribbon cable, which is also long, at nearly four feet from the plug to the buds.
Bright Colors
These iWorld earbuds are bright pink and lime green fluorescent colors.
Comfy Fit
Generally stay tight in the ear. The reduced depth of the tiny speakers completely fit inside the outer ear and do not protrude. This makes them harder to accidentally yank out. They do indeed fit our small ears quite well.
Strong Casings
The microphone and buds are made of a hard, sound-neutral plastic, for enhanced durability and audio performance.
Decent Strain Relief on World Matrix Earbuds
Strain relief at the plug as well as at each bud. Many earbud sets only offer this at the plug, like the ear pieces do not need it. They do need it however, and iWorld recognizes that in the design of this product.
Great for Talking on Cell Phones
Supports hands-free voice pickup via the inline microphone.
Remote Button on Microphone
The mic also includes a play/pause answer/hang up button.
Closed Air Design
No holes at the back of each driver. So, you hear little noise from the surrounding environment, and those near you do not hear your music. This provides adequate sound isolation. You hear little from the outside and the outside hears little of what you’re listening to.
World Matrix Earbuds are Best for Speech Applications
Great for cell phone operation. The audio frequency response seems to suit this style of communication best; intelligibility is maximized. Conversations sound crisp and easy to understand, as these are designed to work best with mainly speech frequencies. Can produce plenty of midrange volume.
Included Accessories
Instruction manual and three sizes of ear inserts provided. Standard equipment with most earbuds these days. You can replace the ear cushions too. How so? These drivers are a common size. So the inserts from other iWorld earbud sets fit this set too.
Music Sounds Good, Though Not Great
Harder to hear imperfections in recorded music with these earbuds; due to their limited frequency response.
iWorld Matrix Earbuds Disadvantages, Cons, Problems, and Limitations
No Volume Control
Now they put in a remote control button on the mic. So it seems that iWorld could have added two more buttons for volume. Indeed most other earbud / microphone combination units include this. So why not iWorld?
Not Noise Cancelling
True. No noise cancelling. But definitely noise isolating. What? You didn’t expect active noise cancellation at this price, did you?
Cables Too Fragile
More delicate (thinner cables) than the iWorld Sonic Earbuds reviewed previously.
Weak Bass and Treble on these World Matrix Earbuds
And like the Sonics, these Matrix earbuds have terrible fidelity for music. Definitely not hi-fi. They perform best in the midrange frequency range. Both bass and treble seem low. Plus, so much mid range can sound harsh and tinny at higher volumes.
In Ear Design
The ends of the buds touch the eardrum when fully inserted; a rather intimate audio interface to be sure.
Microphone Has No Strain Relief
No flexible strain relief provided for the cables at the entrances to the mic unit, or the earbuds themselves.
No Carrying Case
Without at least a little pouch, these earbuds can quickly become tangled and knotted.
World Matrix Earbuds Specifications
- Ear bud driver size: 10 mm.
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz. (We doubt this.)
- Impedance: 32 ohms, within a 15% tolerance.
- Plug: 3.5 mm.
- Sensitivity: 105 DB.
- Cord length: 1.2 meters.
Our Rating on the iWorld Matrix Earbuds
We advise against this pair of iWorld earbuds for more than the most casual music listening. But for a sale price of $5, we expected no more than this tier of performance. Over all, we’d rate them at 91 out of 100. Save the inserts if you hate the earbuds themselves. Indeed, these tips appear to be about the best parts on this headset.
Where to Buy iWorld Matrix Earbuds with Microphone
Look for them in the white box with fluorescent green lettering on a bright pink background. Find them at many bargain stores and flea markets. Though iWorld headphones are often hard to find, we found ours at the Gabriel Brothers discount store.
Related Posts to iWorld Matrix Earbuds Review
- iWorld Sonic Earbuds with Mic Review
- iWorld Earbuds, Stealth Sound Headphones Review
- Apple Earpods Earbuds Earphones for iPod iPhone Review
- iWorld iPhone iPod Car Charger Review
- Koss Earbuds KEB30K Review
References for World Matrix Earbuds Review
Revision History
- 2021-08-22: Revised the tags and internal links lists.
- 2019-03-19: Added subheadings, tags, and key phrase targeting.
- 2017-01-15: Simplified this article’s title to: iWorld Earbuds, Matrix Neons with Mic, Review
- 2015-12-12: Added appropriate tags.
- 2015-01-10: Revised content.
- 2014-12-09: Updated content, added whitespace, and adjusted ad placement.
- 2014-09-22: Added pictures.