Launched in late February this year are two new open-ear wireless headphones by Soundcore, Anker’s sub-brand which mainly focuses on audio products. The duo are of a series known as AeroFit, consisting a base model and a high-end Pro variant. The latter of which is the subject of this review.
Open-ear wireless headphones have a specialised purpose. They’re primarily intended for music listening while performing outdoor activities such as running, cycling and so on, while at the same time still allowing users to be aware of their surroundings.
With that said, you might want to turn away now if you’re expecting the AeroFit Pro to fulfil the role of a daily driver, because – to be completely blunt – it simply can’t. But if you’re still curious to find out the best and worst parts of it, then feel free to stick around.
What Am I Looking At?
The AeroFit Pro is the high-end variant of the two newly launched Soundcore open-ear headphones. What sets it apart from the base model is its larger driver size of 16.2mm and longer battery life, while its charging case is more massive and a detachable neckband is also included in the package.
Like its sibling, it too utilises a design that hooks behind your ear while its speakers hover in front of it. The latter is intended to still allow you to hear external noise while playing media, as to provide situational awareness.
As mentioned earlier, the Soundcore AeroFit Pro, as with other devices within the same category, are meant to be used for running and other similar activities. While it’s no direct substitute to bone conduction headphones, it is an alternative – sans the ability to be used while swimming. Despite this, Soundcore’s open-ear audio product does feature a rating of IPX5, meaning that it can withstand splashes and other minor contact with water.
Is It Any Good?
AeroFit Pro’s audio delivery is actually quite pleasant for a product of this particular category, so much so that I didn’t need to tweak its settings after taking it out of the box. That’s often a plus point in my book, as this spares the need to download a companion app.
Its performance in terms of sound staging, depth, and bass are commendable, allowing for music genres such as classical, dance, and funk to stand out. However, expect the different layers of sounds to jumble up when things get busy, like during choruses and such.
Volume is also good, but results will vary depending on your current surroundings. It goes without saying that you’ll only be able to appreciate the music you’re playing in quieter environments rather than busier ones. I should also note that cranking the volume higher will impact audio quality, likely to prevent peaking.
As for practicality, controlling playback and so on is done through physical buttons situated on each side of the Soundcore AeroFit Pro, which does require some getting used to. A single tap on the left or right will decrease or increase the volume respectively, while double tapping functions differently depending on which side you’re interacting with. Doing so on the left will switch to the next track, whereas double tapping the right will pause or play instead.
Meanwhile, the headphones’ battery performance is exactly what’s advertised on the tin. On its own, the AeroFit Pro can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, while using it together with its charging case will tally the usage time up to 46 hours. These are good numbers, excessive even, but much appreciated nonetheless.
What’s The Catch?
While light, the Soundcore AeroFit Pro isn’t the most comfortable for long term use, at least for me. It’s fine for the first couple of hours but past that, I start to notice straining, especially on the back of my ears where the hooks are situated.
Meanwhile, the included adjustable neckband is there for added assurance, but you don’t really need them. Comfort issues aside, the headphones actually hang on quite securely around the ears, even if there’s plenty of head movement involved.
Despite having above average audio delivery, the AeroFit Pro isn’t ideal as a daily driver. This is a given, as they’re a pair of open-ear headphones after all, therefore lacking any ability to suppress or block external noises.
This can be considered a downside if your day-to-day routine, like mine, involves commuting via public transport. Expect audio to drown behind louder ambience such as train movement and chatter, while increasing the volume would do little to remedy this.
Should I Buy It?
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro offers decent audio delivery through wireless connectivity, has water resistance, and excellent battery life. However, as I’ve emphasised plenty of times in this review, keep in mind the headphones are designed for specialised use. In other words, they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something to replace your existing personal audio device.
They also lean towards the expensive side, coming in at RM799. But if its pricing and limitations aren’t an issue for you, then the AeroFit Pro is worth considering as an audio companion for your workouts, running and other outdoor activities, as well as office use.
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