Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro: Can Open Earbuds Really Deliver ANC?

Introduction to the Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro

In the era of portable audio, the Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro emerges as a bold attempt to redefine open-ear earbuds. The goal? To combine the airy feel of traditional open earbuds with the sophistication of active noise cancellation (ANC). Yet, does this hybrid approach truly deliver on its promise?

Design and Usability

The first impression of the Aerofit 2 Pro is their sizable charging case—nearly two to three times larger than many contemporary earbuds. Initially, I couldn't help but liken it to an old Nokia phone, something not typically associated with modern tech. But bigger isn't always worse. This spacious case not only houses the earbuds efficiently but also allows for wireless charging and offers an innovative battery life indicator. All in all, it's a functional design, albeit a little bulky.

Transitioning from open to ANC modes is what sets these earbuds apart. They come with a physical transformation feature that allows users to switch between modes, a clever idea that initially feels cumbersome but can become second nature with practice.

Comfort and Fit

Despite the unique design, I found the earbuds themselves to be on the heavier side and cumbersome after prolonged use. Weighing over 10 grams per side might not sound much, but it does impact comfort levels over extended listening periods. It's a mild drawback to an otherwise intriguing concept that should prioritize your comfort during long listening sessions.

Sound Quality Assessment

Let's dive into the most critical aspect—sound quality. While the open mode provides an impressive sound profile characterized by clarity in vocals and superior stereo separation, it's important to note that the ANC performance fell short during testing. High-frequency and mid-range noises struggle to remain suppressed, leading to a rather unstable listening environment. This could be attributed to the absence of eartips, which normally provide a necessary seal for effective noise cancellation.

The bottom line: when it comes to noise isolation, traditional wireless earbuds still outperform.

Controls and Features

The controls are a refreshing change from standard touch sensors, opting instead for tactile buttons. This decision minimizes unintentional taps when adjusting the earbuds but can feel uncomfortable in ANC mode. Users should also be aware that full optimization comes through the Soundcore app, allowing for EQ adjustment, battery monitoring, and additional modes including a low-latency gaming option.

Battery Life

Battery performance is commendable, with the earbuds offering around 7 hours of playback, and the case extends this to a remarkable 34 hours. This makes the Aerofit 2 Pro a robust choice for those needing longevity while on the go.

Comparative Position

When placed alongside competitors like Apple's AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the Aerofit 2 Pro finds itself at a disadvantage in noise-canceling capability. Their ANC feature feels like a half-hearted attempt at incorporating a trendy capability into an otherwise solid offering.

Final Thoughts

In summation, the Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro provides a glimpse into the potential of hybrid open-ear earbuds. However, their lack of effective noise cancellation and discomfort during extended use surfaces significant drawbacks. They represent an intriguing concept with several admirable features, but if you require premium ANC, consider more conventional alternatives. All in all, while I appreciate the endeavor, the Aerofit 2 Pro still requires refinement to truly be one of the best in the business.

Recommendation

• If you cherish comfort during extended periods of use, seek alternatives.
• For those intrigued by open-ear designs, they may be worth experiencing, albeit with reservations.
• Consider waiting for potential future iterations or weight reductions in successive models.

For those interested in making a purchase, the price stands at $150, a moderate asking price for an innovative but imperfect offering.