In the world of budget wireless earbuds, the SoundPEATS Air5 stands out as a promising choice with a combination of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon audio technology, aptX adaptive sound quality, and a long-lasting battery.
With Bluetooth 5.4 and a sleek design, these earbuds are gaining popularity among listeners looking for high-quality audio without the premium price tag. But are these features enough to make the SoundPEATS Air5 the right choice for you? Let’s dive deep into this detailed review.
Overview of SoundPEATS Air5
The SoundPEATS Air5 is the latest addition to SoundPEATS’ lineup of affordable earbuds, designed to deliver advanced audio performance for everyday use. Powered by the Qualcomm S3 platform and the QCC3091 chip, the Air5 provides features such as aptX adaptive audio, AI-powered noise cancellation, and multipoint pairing.
With a playback time of 30 hours, IPX5 water resistance, and 13mm composite drivers, these earbuds offer an impressive package that can appeal to both casual listeners and audiophiles on a budget.
SoundPEATS targets the Air5 at those who value a balance of audio quality, comfort, and affordable pricing, and in this review, we’ll assess how well these earbuds meet these expectations.
Key Features of SoundPEATS Air5
Technical Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Chipset | Qualcomm QCC3091 (Snapdragon Sound) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 |
Battery Life | 6 hours per charge + 24 hours with case |
Driver Size | 13mm Composite Bio-Diaphragm |
Water Resistance | IPX5 |
Noise Cancellation | AI Adaptive Noise Cancellation |
Audio Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
Weight (Per Earbud) | 3.8 grams |
Design
The design of the SoundPEATS Air5 is modern yet understated. The stem-style earbuds bear a resemblance to Apple’s AirPods but are distinctive with SoundPEATS’ touches. They are crafted with a matte finish and feature a small LED indicator that signals connection status. Check out our review of the TOZO HA1.
Compact and ergonomic, the Air5 earbuds are available in multiple colors, including classic black and purple, adding a touch of personalization to suit various preferences. The charging case is similarly compact, fitting easily in a pocket, with a magnetized lid that clicks securely into place, ensuring that the earbuds are safely stored.
Comfort
Weighing just 3.8 grams per earbud, the Air5 is designed for all-day comfort. The earbuds feature a semi-in-ear fit, which doesn’t fully seal the ear canal, reducing pressure buildup and providing a comfortable listening experience.
The lightweight design reduces ear fatigue even with prolonged use. Users with sensitive ears, like Brenda, noted the secure fit that holds well even during activities like walking, yard work, and light exercise, a testament to the Air5’s ergonomic design and versatility.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Air5 is solid, with high-quality materials that provide durability without adding bulk. The matte coating resists fingerprints and minor scratches, keeping the earbuds looking new even with frequent handling.
The case is sturdy, providing a satisfying click when closed, which reassures users of its durability and longevity. Given the budget-friendly price point, the Air5 stands out with its reliable construction that doesn’t sacrifice on materials.
Mic Quality
Equipped with Qualcomm’s CVC 8.0 noise reduction and three dedicated microphones, the Air5 delivers clear call quality, even in noisy environments. This feature is especially appreciated by users who rely on their earbuds for phone calls.
BMS shared their experience of having crystal-clear conversations outdoors, where the wind noise was effectively minimized. However, some reviews noted occasional inconsistencies in noisy environments, suggesting that while the mic quality is good, it might fall short in extremely noisy conditions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a strong point for the Air5. With Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, the Air5 supports lossless audio at up to 24-bit 96kHz, a rare find at this price level.
The 13mm composite bio-diaphragm drivers produce a balanced sound signature, with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The Snapdragon Sound platform enhances audio clarity, delivering a premium experience for listeners across different music genres.
Kevin Ross, who compared them to Apple’s AirPods, was pleasantly surprised by the similarity in sound quality, noting that the Air5 offers comparable clarity at a fraction of the cost.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.4 with the QCC3091 chip ensures a stable, low-latency connection, making the Air5 a reliable choice for both music and calls. Multipoint pairing allows users to connect to two devices at once, a rare feature for earbuds in this price range.
MS appreciated the seamless connection, sharing that the earbuds automatically paired as soon as they were taken out of the case. This feature is especially useful for those who switch between a phone and a laptop during the day, adding a layer of convenience.
Comparison: SoundPEATS Air5 vs. Other Budget Brands
The Tozo is another affordable option that has gained popularity, making it a natural competitor to the SoundPEATS Air5.
While both models provide good sound quality and IPX5 water resistance, they differ in several ways:
- Sound Quality: The Air5 offers Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive support, providing higher resolution sound, whereas the Tozo T6 relies on SBC and AAC, which may lack the same clarity.
- Connectivity: The Air5 features Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, allowing for seamless switching between devices, while the T6 only supports a single device at a time.
- Battery Life: The Air5 delivers up to 30 hours of playback, surpassing the T6’s 24-hour battery life.
- Noise Cancellation: While both models include noise-canceling features, the Air5’s AI Adaptive Noise Cancellation is more effective than the T6’s passive noise isolation.
In summary, while the Tozo T6 is a solid alternative, the Air5 offers better sound quality, connectivity, and battery life, making it the more attractive option for those who prioritize audio performance and convenience.
SoundPEATS Air5 Reviews: What Are Customers Saying?
User Experience Highlights
- Sound Quality Improvements: Dallas Lowe noted a significant improvement in sound quality over previous models, particularly when using an equalizer app like Wavelet to fine-tune the audio. The aptX codec allowed for clear sound reproduction, regardless of whether ANC was active or not.
- Battery and Connectivity: Many customers, like MS, praised the Air5 for its battery life and quick pairing, sharing that the earbuds connect instantly as soon as they’re taken out of the case. Battery life was cited as ideal for daily use, lasting through extended listening sessions without needing frequent recharges.
- Mixed Feelings on Noise Cancellation: J pointed out that while the earbuds’ sound quality was impressive, the noise cancellation fell short of expectations, mentioning that the difference between ANC on and off was barely noticeable in louder settings.
- Comfortable Fit for Active Use: Brenda shared her satisfaction with the Air5’s secure fit, which stayed in place during activities like yard work and household tasks, providing a stable and comfortable fit that doesn’t cause ear fatigue.
SoundPEATS Air5
- Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds with aptX Lossless Audio.
- Hi-Res Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound with QCC3091 Chip.
- 30 hours of playback and IPX5 waterproof rating.
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 based on 157 reviews
Conclusion
The SoundPEATS Air5 presents an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize audio quality, comfort, and convenience. It combines Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive codec support to deliver a listening experience that is rare at this price point. While the noise cancellation may not be on par with high-end models, it’s sufficient for everyday use, providing a level of sound isolation that most users will appreciate.
These earbuds have several standout features, including multipoint pairing, a 30-hour battery life, and an IPX5 water resistance rating that makes them versatile enough for both daily and active use. If you’re looking for affordable earbuds that don’t compromise on essential features, the SoundPEATS Air5 is a worthy contender that deserves consideration.
FAQ
How is the battery life of the SoundPEATS Air5?
The SoundPEATS Air5 offers up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of 30 hours when including the charging case.
Does SoundPEATS Air5 have active noise cancellation?
Yes, the Air5 includes AI Adaptive Noise Cancellation. It effectively reduces background noise for calls and audio playback but may not be as powerful as premium ANC options.
Are the SoundPEATS Air5 earbuds waterproof?
The Air5 earbuds have an IPX5 rating, meaning they are resistant to sweat and light rain. However, they are not designed to be submerged in water.
Can I connect SoundPEATS Air5 to multiple devices?
Yes, the Air5 supports multipoint pairing, allowing it to connect to two devices simultaneously.
How does SoundPEATS Air5 compare to other budget brands like Tozo?
Compared to brands like Tozo, the Air5 provides better sound quality due to the aptX Adaptive codec, along with improved connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint pairing.
Is the SoundPEATS Air5 comfortable for extended wear?
Yes, with a lightweight design and semi-in-ear fit, the Air5 earbuds are comfortable for prolonged use, making them suitable for daily listening and activities.