Across reviews, ANC is strong for the price, especially against steady low-frequency rumble (traffic, engines), but it is less consistent against voices and higher-frequency clatter; a few reviewers still call it merely adequate compared with premium flagships. ANC offers manual and adaptive modes plus strength presets, but several testers report little real-world difference between levels, and changing presets from the earbuds is limited; others find the adjustability useful enough to dial in.
Android support is strong, including access to LDAC and the full Soundcore app feature set on compatible devices.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The Soundcore app is a major value add: it is usually described as straightforward, stable, and essential for unlocking features like EQ, control remapping, and firmware.
aptX support is explicitly absent in multiple reviews, so users prioritizing aptX should look elsewhere.
Latency and A/V sync are generally reported as good, especially for video; gaming modes exist, but several reviewers say improvements are subtle and best for casual mobile gaming.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass tends to be punchy and fun, with some reviews noting a mid-bass lift; extension and sub-bass weight are more variable, and stock tuning can feel light down low for bassheads unless EQ is used.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life is a consistent highlight: real-world playback commonly lands around 6–8 hours with ANC and higher without it, with the case extending total time well beyond a full workweek for many.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Bluetooth stability is usually reliable with quick pairing and solid range, though at least one review reports intermittent re-pairing frustration that may require forgetting devices.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Overall build quality is solid for the price, though small durability concerns show up around case hinges and scratch-prone glossy interior surfaces.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case is compact and convenient with wireless charging, but some reviews flag lid/hinge security or imperfect closure that can risk accidental opening.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging features are premium for the price, typically including fast-charge boosts and wireless charging; real-world convenience is strong even if total runtime varies by codec and ANC.
Codec support is strong for the class (SBC/AAC with LDAC often available), but higher-quality modes can reduce battery life and may constrain other features like multipoint.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is a strong point thanks to the small shells and light weight; long sessions are generally easy, though a few users report minor pressure or discomfort after several hours.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is frequently described as stylish and premium-looking for the price, with a compact, pocket-friendly aesthetic that does not scream budget.
Multiple ear tip sizes are included (often five or six), improving fit odds; however, people with very large ear canals may still need third-party XL tips.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ customization is one of the standout features, with extensive presets plus custom multi-band control and HearID-style personalization that can noticeably refine mids/highs and bass balance.
Find My-style locating is present in some accounts, typically using audible beeps rather than true GPS tracking, and works as a practical backstop for misplaced buds.
Tuning is described as broadly balanced and inoffensive, with the ability to correct the signature via EQ; some note small tonal shifts when ANC is enabled.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Instrument separation and imaging are often highlighted as a strength, delivering good layering and placement for the money, though not at true flagship levels.
LDAC support is repeatedly called a key differentiator for Android users, enabling higher-bitrate streaming; expect higher power draw and the need to toggle settings in the app.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Maximum-volume clarity is mostly maintained, with limited distortion reported; tonal balance, rather than distortion, is the more common complaint at higher levels.
Mic noise reduction can be effective at separating voice from traffic or café noise, yet wind processing artifacts and aggressive suppression can reduce naturalness or intelligibility for some callers.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call mic quality is mixed: indoor clarity is often fine, and some reviewers are impressed, but others report thin, muffled, or inconsistent voice pickup in louder or windy environments.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange is generally clear with decent vocal intelligibility, but a few reviewers note slightly veiled vocals or a cooler tuning that benefits from HearID/EQ tweaks.
Cross-platform support is good across iOS and Android, but the best codec features and some behaviors vary by platform (for example LDAC typically being Android-only).
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Multipoint/dual-device connectivity is commonly praised as smooth and dependable, but at least one source claims it is missing and others note tradeoffs (like dropping to AAC/SBC when enabled).
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
Passive isolation is generally above average with a good seal, providing a solid baseline even before ANC; fit-dependent leakage is the main limiter if tips do not seal well.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Preset EQ profiles are plentiful and generally useful, giving workable options for music genres and spoken word; most reviewers still recommend light personalization for best results.
Wear sensors are a weak spot: multiple reviews call out the lack of auto-pause/in-ear detection, which reduces day-to-day convenience compared with some rivals.
Setup is generally easy with quick pairing, but the feature set can feel dense; most reviewers suggest using the app to configure controls, codecs, and listening modes early.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Sound quality is widely praised for a sub-$100 set, with a clean, detailed presentation and lots of tuning flexibility; a recurring theme is that it is enjoyable rather than truly reference-grade for critical listening.
Soundstage is typically called wider than expected for compact buds, but still varies by listener and EQ, with some describing it as more in-head than expansive.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Fit stability is generally good for daily use and light exercise, though the lack of stabilizing fins means heavy workouts and running can require occasional readjustment.
Touch controls are customizable and usually responsive, but several reviewers mention occasional missed taps, lag, or finicky behavior that takes practice.
Transparency mode is feature-rich (often with full and vocal-focused options) and can work well for quick conversations, but opinions diverge on naturalness: some hear hiss, brightness, or a narrow sound window.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble detail is good for the price, yet multiple reviewers mention either a treble spike/snappiness or a slight roll-off and reduced sparkle depending on tuning and ANC mode.
USB-C charging is standard and universally present, with quick top-ups frequently cited as genuinely useful.
Voice assistant integration is available but not always reliable, with reports of lag or misinterpreted commands on some platforms.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Peak volume is generally more than sufficient for most listeners, with at least one measured test placing it firmly in loud-enough territory without obvious strain.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
The IPX4 rating is adequate for sweat and light rain but not for dunking or heavy water exposure; runners wanting more protection may prefer higher-rated alternatives.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.
Weight comfort is excellent, with the buds routinely described as lightweight and easy to forget once seated properly.