SoundPEATS Air5 Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds review featuring Hi-Res audio and 30-hour battery

Description

Design and Build Quality

As someone who appreciates a mix of style and functionality, I found the SoundPEATS Air5 Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds to be impressively designed. The ergonomic shape, paired with a featherlight weight of just 3.8 grams per earbud, ensures all-day comfort. The rounded tips and refined curve make these earbuds a perfect fit for various ear shapes, reducing ear fatigue significantly. I couldn’t help but admire the sleek “waistline” design, which adds a touch of elegance. The gradient electroplating finish on both the earbuds and the charging case is stunning, offering a choice between black, blue, silver, and rose gold. This aesthetic appeal combined with a 45-degree golden angle cut makes the device compact and visually appealing.

Audio Performance

The audio clarity on these earbuds genuinely took me by surprise. Thanks to the Qualcomm S3 audio platform and the 13mm composite bio-diaphragm speakers, the sound is rich, detailed, and immersive. Whether I was listening to music or podcasts, the aptX adaptive lossless audio decoding delivered Hi-Res certified audio that felt crisp and vibrant. The bass was punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs were well-balanced, creating a truly immersive soundstage. The 77ms ultra-low latency game mode also stood out, offering a seamless experience for mobile gaming. It’s rare to find such premium audio quality at this price range, and this feature is a big win for audiophiles like me.

Noise Cancellation and Call Quality

The AI adaptive noise cancellation is a standout feature. It adjusts based on your ear canal structure, wearing style, and the surrounding environment. I tested the earbuds in a noisy coffee shop, and they effectively drowned out background chatter, leaving me in a bubble of quiet. Windy environments are no match for the L-shaped cavity design, windproof woven steel mesh, and the new wind noise reduction algorithm, which eliminates up to 90% of wind noise. The three-microphone system coupled with the Qualcomm CVC V8.0 algorithm ensures superior call quality. My colleagues mentioned that my voice was clear, even during outdoor calls.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for me, and the Air5 earbuds delivered as promised. A single charge provided up to 6 hours of playback, and the charging case extended this to 30 hours. I appreciate that the USB Type-C port charges the case quickly, making it convenient for someone who’s always on the go. Even with the battery-intensive game mode, the performance remained consistent. It’s worth noting that these numbers were achieved with ANC off and volume at 60%, but even with more aggressive use, I didn’t feel like I had to constantly recharge.

Positives

• Premium sound quality with aptX adaptive lossless audio and Hi-Res certification.
• AI-based noise cancellation and wind noise reduction for a quiet listening experience.
• Featherlight, ergonomic design ensures comfort even during long listening sessions.
• Durable IPX5 waterproof rating, making it resistant to splashes and sweat.
• Dual device connectivity for seamless switching between devices.

Caveats

• ANC performance is excellent but not as powerful as some high-end competitors.
• Despite the lightweight build, the plastic material used might not feel as premium to some.
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental activations.
• No support for hot water or intense exercise, limiting its use for some.

Competing Products

Comparing the Air5 earbuds to competitors like the Jabra Elite 7 Active and the Sony WF-C500, it holds its own remarkably well. The aptX adaptive feature gives it an edge over the Sony WF-C500, which lacks this high-quality audio codec. On the other hand, the Jabra Elite 7 Active offers better water resistance with an IP57 rating, making it more suitable for intense workouts. However, the Air5’s AI adaptive noise cancellation and 77ms low-latency mode are features that neither of these competitors can match at this price point. It’s clear that while the SoundPEATS Air5 isn’t the absolute best in every category, it strikes an excellent balance of quality, comfort, and advanced tech.

Value for Money

Considering the advanced features like dual Hi-Res and Qualcomm certifications, 13mm bio-diaphragm drivers, and adaptive noise cancellation, the Air5 earbuds offer exceptional value. While it doesn’t have the premium branding of competitors like Sony or Bose, it delivers a similar listening experience for a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on audio quality and comfort, this product is a no-brainer.

Additional information