Review / The Devialet Gemini earbuds are finally here after delays, bringing innovative Active Noise Cancelling technology and top-notch sound quality – but is that enough?

Sep 3 , 2021

Devialet’s earbuds have a curved oval shape to them. Photo: STYLE

A-list music artists Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Will.i.am, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, are all fans of the brand, but how do its first earbuds stack up to its competitors?

Its charging case is flatter than the Bose Quietcomfort or the Sony WF-1000XM3, and slightly bigger than Apple’s Airpods Pro – but its sound quality is to die for

In just six years, Devialet has literally come from nowhere to become one of the most coveted hi-fi speaker marquees in the market, going head-to-head with Bang & Olufsen with its crisp sounds and revolutionary design. Fans of its products include A-list music artists like power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Will.i.am, and business mogul Elon Musk. So the news that the French brand was finally releasing its first earbuds gave rise to much anticipation.

The Devialet Gemini’s outer box has a sleek design to match its interior. Photo: STYLE

Interestingly enough, the Devialet Gemini made a brief appearance, without much fanfare, in-store earlier this year before being pulled, purportedly because there were some urgently outstanding software issues. It quietly made its way back in-store only recently. With its Devialet pedigree, expectations have been high on performance and design. Does it live up to them though?

Form and function

Even after extending, the Devialet Gemini’s case fits in the palm of a hand. Photo: STYLE

After the groundbreaking Phantom speakers, the design of the Gemini is a little underwhelming, with only matt black on offer. The small and sleek earbuds come in a relatively large charging case, with a slide-open top.

It’s flatter than what you get with the Bose Quietcomfort or the Sony WF-1000XM3, but slightly bigger than the Airpods Pro, and fits into pockets without an ungainly bulge. I love the slide top that opens the case wider and allows for easier access to the buds, which are held in place by strong magnets.

Compared against the Bose Quietcomfort, Devialet’s case is slightly flatter. Photo: STYLE

With the Bose case, I often find myself battling the case top, which automatically snaps shut. There is a USB-C port for charging, but you can also top it up wirelessly with a Qi wireless pad.

There are four sets of ear-tips to choose from and the small-sized buds are comfortable to wear, although there is a tendency for them to push out after some time, so they’re probably not that suitable for vigorous exercise.

The Devialet Gemini comes with a USB-C charging cord and four sets of ear-tips to choose from. Photo: STYLE

The oval-shaped earbuds are solid to the touch without being too heavy, with a demure Devialet “D” logo on the touchpad.