If you want a compact, travel-focused earbud system with low-latency aptX-Adaptive support for seamless wireless audio on older devices, choose Avantree Relay; if you need massive battery life, deep bass, and an over-ear design optimized for long gaming or office sessions, choose Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling.
• Avantree Relay: Offers hybrid ANC with 24dB noise reduction and a unique dual-function design as both a Bluetooth adapter and earbuds, but trades off the convenience of an all-in-one headphone experience for its versatility. Best for travelers and commuters who need to bridge old AUX ports to modern Bluetooth gear.
• Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling: Delivers an incredible 160H to 200H playtime with Hi-Res audio and big bass through large 40mm drivers, though it is a bulkier over-ear unit that lacks the specific aptX-Adaptive low latency features of the Relay. Best for gamers and home users prioritizing immersion and marathon listening sessions.
The Avantree Relay stands out primarily because it solves a specific connectivity problem that most headphones ignore. It is not just a pair of earbuds; it is a premium Bluetooth 5.3 adapter designed to work with any device that outputs audio via an AUX jack. This makes it incredibly versatile for environments where standard wireless connections are impossible, such as on airplanes with in-flight entertainment systems, at the gym with older equipment, or when connecting to legacy televisions. The included dual 3.5mm adapters ensure that regardless of the connector type on your source device, the Relay can bridge the gap between wired audio sources and your wireless listening experience.
For the audiophile or the frequent traveler, the inclusion of aptX-Adaptive codec support is a significant differentiator. This technology allows the Relay to transmit high-quality audio while maintaining low latency, which is crucial for watching movies or playing games where lip-sync matters. With Bluetooth 5.3, the connection remains stable and reliable, reducing the interference issues often found in crowded spaces like airports or busy coffee shops. The hybrid active noise cancellation capability blocks up to 24dB of environmental noise, providing a quiet bubble whether you are trying to focus on a flight announcement or simply enjoy your music without the hum of an engine.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-29 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. If you are looking for a standalone headphone set that offers deep, room-filling soundstage typical of large over-ear cans, the in-ear design of the Relay might feel too intimate or isolating. The color option available is Orange, which may not suit those who prefer subtle, neutral tones. Additionally, while the case features a battery display to monitor charging status, the form factor is strictly that of earbuds, meaning it will not provide the same physical comfort for eight-hour workdays as a padded over-ear solution. You should skip this pick if your primary goal is maximum battery endurance for weeks of use, as the focus here is on connectivity versatility rather than marathon power.
The Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling headphones are built for endurance and immersion. They feature a foldable, portable design with soft protein leather earcups and an adjustable stainless steel headband, making them comfortable enough for extended wear during long flights, commutes, or all-day office work. The sheer scale of the battery life is their most compelling feature, boasting an average life of up to 200 hours on a single charge. This level of autonomy means you rarely have to think about charging, which is ideal for power users who travel frequently or forget to plug in their devices daily. Even with the active noise cancellation engaged, the advertised playtime extends to 160 hours, ensuring your music never cuts out unexpectedly.
Audio quality is another pillar of this product, specifically targeting listeners who crave depth and impact. Equipped with 40-millimeter dynamic drivers, these headphones deliver what the manufacturer describes as "big bass," supported by a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 KHz. This wide range captures both the rumble of a bass line and the clarity of high-hats, making them excellent for music genres that rely on heavy low-end frequencies. The Hi-Res Audio certification suggests they can reproduce intricate details that smaller drivers might miss. Furthermore, the ability to customize settings via a dedicated app adds a layer of personalization, allowing users to tweak the sound profile to match their specific preferences or hearing needs.
Despite these strengths, the Echoes Rainbow headphones come with trade-offs related to size and latency. As over-ear models, they occupy more space in a bag compared to compact earbuds and may feel warm during hot weather due to the enclosed ear cups. The audio latency is listed at 90 milliseconds, which is acceptable for general music listening but might be noticeable to competitive gamers who require near-instantaneous audio feedback. While they do include a 3.5 mm jack for wired connectivity, the primary experience is wireless via Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of 10 meters. These headphones are perfect for home office setups, casual gaming, and travel where comfort and battery longevity trump the need for ultra-low latency transmission.
• Best for battery life → Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling, offering up to 200 hours of playtime versus the shorter duration typical of in-ear buds.
• Best for low latency gaming → Avantree Relay, thanks to aptX-Adaptive support, whereas the Echoes model has a 90ms latency which may lag slightly in fast-paced scenarios.
• Best for legacy device compatibility → Avantree Relay, as it functions as a Bluetooth adapter for any AUX output, a feature the Echoes headphones lack.
• Best for immersive bass and comfort → Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling, utilizing 40mm drivers and protein leather cushions for a richer sound and softer fit.
• Best for travel adaptability → Avantree Relay, given its compact form factor and ability to connect to airplane entertainment systems directly.
• Best for app customization → Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling, which includes software controls for tailoring the audio experience.
• Best for transparency mode → Both offer ambient/transparency modes, but the Relay focuses on situational awareness for commuters while the Echoes focuses on safety for home/office use.
• Best value for long-term ownership → Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling, due to the massive battery capacity reducing the frequency of charging cycles.
I would buy the Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling for my own setup, primarily because I prioritize comfort and uninterrupted listening time. The 200-hour battery life eliminates the anxiety of finding a charger before a trip, and the 40mm drivers provide the deep, rich sound profile I need for both music and headphones for ps5 gaming sessions. While the Avantree Relay is a clever piece of engineering for travelers, the Echoes Rainbow feels like a more robust, permanent solution for a daily driver. Its ability to handle long sessions without fatigue makes it the superior choice for anyone spending hours plugged into their entertainment center or console.
Both products support Bluetooth, but the Avantree Relay offers lower latency via aptX-Adaptive, while the Echoes Rainbow provides deeper bass and longer battery life, making it a strong contender for casual gaming despite the higher latency.
Yes, the Avantree Relay is specifically designed as a Bluetooth adapter that works with any device having an AUX output, including older televisions and in-flight entertainment systems, using the included 3.5mm adapters.
The Echoes Rainbow Active Noise Cancelling headphones significantly outlast the Avantree Relay, offering up to 200 hours of playback compared to the typical usage window of the in-ear earbuds, making the Echoes better for long trips.
The Echoes Rainbow explicitly supports Hi-Res Audio with its wide frequency response and 40mm dynamic drivers, whereas the Avantree Relay focuses on aptX-Adaptive codec support for high-quality transmission.
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