SoundPEATS sent me the Cove Pro for an honest review, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. These are $70 headphones that do just about everything right at a wallet friendly price. Up to 95 hours of playtime without ANC, extending to an outstanding 58 hours when ANC is turned on. Moreover, they feature 56dB Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC codec support, and multipoint technology for pairing to two devices simultaneously.

I tested these headphones with my iPhone 13, MacBook Air M1, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 over the course of several days, and based on my experience, they’re looking like tremendous value for money.

Build quality and design

The SoundPEATS Cove Pro feel good for $70 Bluetooth headphones. They’re lightweight but sturdy and don’t have a hollow or cheap feel about them. I love the look of this set. The matte finish looks clean. Logo branded on each earcup, discreetly embossed into the plastic.

At 250g, these are one of the lightest headphones I’ve tested. The protein leather earpads are plush and soft, making them comfortable even during long listening sessions. Memory foam ear cups that are not only soft but also breathable, reducing the chance of ear fatigue. I wore them for hours without discomfort, even during long flights. The headband offers nice clasping strength to help the seal around the ear. Adjustable stainless steel underneath with fabric cover on top and protein leather covers the padded underside.

The earcups fold flat for easy storage. However, the headphones were not packaged with a carrying case, which is an odd omission for a headphone with such an impressive battery life. I also wish there was a carrying pouch of some sort, though I have plenty of them strewn around the house.

Each earcup has vents/grilles for noise canceling. The headphones rotate about 95 degrees and you can lay them flat around your neck. SoundPEATS has eschewed capacitive touch controls in favor of physical buttons. All controls are located on the right earcup – volume up/down, power/play/pause, and

ANC toggle. The USB-C port for charging sits on the left earcup alongside the 3.5mm AUX port.

The buttons are nice and clicky, and you’ll know exactly when you click them. The volume up and down buttons can be held down to fast forward or rewind. The power button controls Bluetooth pairing, as well as play/pause, answering calls, and even enabling game mode.

I don’t know how SoundPEATS does it, but they seem to take ordinary materials and make them feel extremely well built and solid.

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Sound quality – smooth as velvet, lush and vibrant

The SoundPEATS Cove Pro have a very balanced and smooth-tuned sound. It’s smooth as velvet, lush and vibrant. These headphones have an overall smooth tuning with slightly boosted bass, balanced midrange, and smooth treble. While there are some peaks and dips, you can iron them out using the custom EQ in the app. The Cove Pro continues with the “signature” SoundPEATS sound tuning.

The bass is juicy with deep, satisfying tones. By default, the lower frequencies are slightly boosted, mainly in the sub-bass region. Extension down to about 40Hz. The latter results in a pleasant rumble when a song asks for it, although don’t expect a skull-rattling sensation. Moreover, the boost ends way before 200Hz, so the bass from the 40mm dynamic drivers never bleeds into the midrange. As for control and detail, headphones do a decent job. The punch could be tighter, but the bass is decently controlled and extended.

The mids sound lush but vibrant. Midrange frequencies are very well-balanced right out of the box. The bass lends warmth and body to the mids, yet vocals and instruments still come through vibrant and colorful. Vocals come through clear and full. Female voices sound particularly natural. The midrange is soulful and emotive and evokes deep feelings and connection in music and movies. There’s no bass bleed present, so every sound gets its chance to shine. Detail level is decent. Instruments have warmth and body, bright and crisp but not recessed.

Treble is smooth and non-fatiguing. Higher frequencies are really smooth. If you’re sensitive to treble, the Cove Pro won’t give you any trouble. Higher frequencies are smooth, non-fatiguing, and inoffensive. There’s enough energy and detail retrieval without any harshness or sparkle. Cymbals have texture and are pleasant to listen to. There’s also no splashiness and metallic sizzle, so they sound good even when you raise the volume. The highs peak at just the right frequency. There’s shimmer and energy without being offensive.

The only problem with the default sound signature is the lack of air, which would counter the otherwise quite full sound. As a result, music can feel slightly congested. But I’m nitpicking.

Its soundstaging is more compact and closed in than I’m used to. For some people this could add to the energy and intensity of faster paced music. Separation is good for the price. Imaging is decent in the left/right positioning.

Maximum volume can reach around 110dB with the right songs. These are one of the loudest headphones I’ve tested at this price point. I tested them through the Bluetooth connection as those headphones were optimized for it.

I ran through tracks like Justin Timberlake’s “Selfish”, John Coltrane’s “Naima”, and various K-Pop and classical from my personal library. The SoundPEATS Cove Pro do a great job across all frequency ranges, from lows to mids to highs.

So yes, I’ve reviewed a number of Soundpeats products. The general tuning is V-shaped, with a warm bass, tasteful and bright midrange, and a bright, sharp treble with strong detail. Frequency sweeps show that it’s actually more ‘flat’ than other budget options.

Hi-Res Audio and LDAC codec support

One standout feature is LDAC codec support. At this price point, LDAC is impressive. Sony’s codec transmits audio at up to 990 kbps, which is roughly three times higher than standard SBC or AAC. The Cove Pro carries both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications. With a frequency response range of 20Hz-40kHz, these headphones can reproduce the full spectrum of high-resolution audio files.

However, LDAC only works with compatible Android devices (Android 8.0 and higher). iPhones don’t support LDAC, so iOS users are limited to AAC. When paired with my Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, LDAC made an audible difference. Instrument separation improved noticeably. Detail retrieval was better. The soundstage opened up slightly compared to AAC mode.

That said, the difference isn’t night and day. You need high-quality source files (FLAC, ALAC, or high-bitrate streaming from TIDAL or Qobuz) to hear what LDAC offers. Streaming compressed Spotify tracks won’t benefit much.

For Android users with a decent music library, LDAC is a welcome addition at $70. It bridges the gap between wireless convenience and better sound quality. Most budget headphones don’t support LDAC, so this is a genuine advantage for the Cove Pro.

Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation – up to 56dB

The Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology on the Cove Pro reduces noise by up to 56dB, which is impressive for this price bracket. The ANC is effective at cutting out low-frequency sounds like engines, fans and air conditioners. I found it worked great, especially for a cheaper BT headphone. It knocked down a good chunk of low-frequency rumble on a bus. Not the strongest but solid.

Human voices still come through somewhat but they’re quieter. The hybrid ANC with 7 microphones does its job. Blocks ambient noise effectively. What’s more, the audio quality is consistent between ANC modes which is impressive.

Wind noise resistance ensures clear calls even in breezy conditions. I took a call outside and the person said they could hear me fine despite breeze.

Transparency mode lets in outside sound. Transparency mode, as with most budget gear, is hit-and-miss. It effectively raises ambient sounds but everything comes through thin and tinny and sounds unnatural. Like someone turned up the gain too much. Useful for quick conversations though.

Passive isolation is decent. The seal around my ears blocks some noise. Lower frequencies get through. ANC helps with that.

Turning on ANC pushes the tuning into a more pronounced V-shape, but it also opens up the soundstage and adds dynamics. The result is a far more pleasing sound overall. Based on my testing, the Cove Pro sounds best with ANC enabled.

Battery life – charging once a week is a real possibility

Never have we seen wireless cans this inexpensive come with 95 hours of listening time. At a claimed 95 hours without ANC, charging once a week is a real possibility. With ANC turned on, the headphones deliver an outstanding battery life of 58 hours. The battery life is the highest we’ve seen in the category for headphones at this price point.

At 95 hours of claimed playtime, you’re looking at a battery that’s incredible long. I’ve had zero connectivity problems throughout my testing, and comfort is excellent for long periods without any ear fatigue.

You can get a crazy 11 hours of playback from a 10-minute fast charge so you never need to worry about running out of battery. Quick charge works phenomenally. I tested it and 10 minutes on the charger gave me enough juice to finish the day.

Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint support

Bluetooth 6.0 ensures a low-latency, low-interference connection and longer battery life. Multi-device support allows connecting two devices. Multipoint pairing works. I connected to my iPhone 13 and MacBook Air simultaneously and it switched between them without issue. Not seamless but functional.

The headphones support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. LDAC is only available on Android devices running Android 8.0 or higher. iOS users are limited to AAC, which still sounds good but doesn’t match LDAC’s bitrate.

Maximum working distance is rated at 10 meters, which is standard for Bluetooth headphones. I walked around my apartment and didn’t lose signal until I was about 30 feet away with two walls in between.

One multipoint issue I ran into is that walking away from a paired device and returning doesn’t trigger auto-reconnection. I had to pair manually each time, which is something SoundPEATS could address in a future firmware update.

Pairing is straightforward. Charge them fully and then connect via Bluetooth.

SOUNDPEATS app and features

The SOUNDPEATS app hosts several big features: ANC, EQ, Game Mode, and multipoint technology for pairing to two devices simultaneously. One thing that sets SoundPeats products apart is the excellent app support. The app gives you access to extra customization, ANC and Game Mode settings plus the preset and customized EQ settings.

However, the app looks generic and lacks the high-end customization found on other companion apps. There’s no way to adjust the adaptive EQ, nor the ANC or Transparent mode settings beyond simple on/off toggles.

The EQ settings, in particular, are incredibly useful for users. If you want more bass, just switch to Bass Boost mode. Too much bass? Try the Bass reduction mode or any of the other presets. But I know a lot of people will end up enjoying the benefits of the 10-band custom equalizer. It makes it fast and easy to tune the sound just the way you like it. I found my best experience was without the “extra bass” enabled. The 10-band custom equalizer with +/-6dB adjustments gives good control over sound.

I tried the Adaptive EQ function. It works by playing different frequencies at different intensities, and you select whether you still hear them. In the end, it creates a personalized frequency curve. However, your results may vary.

Game Mode is there. I tried it with a mobile game and it drops latency noticeably. Still not wired-level responsiveness but better than standard Bluetooth mode. Use with the SOUNDPEATS app for a more immersive gaming experience.

Microphone and call quality

Microphone quality on the Cove Pro is above average for headphones at this price point. My voice came through clear and intelligible, though it could benefit from more fullness. The 7-microphone array with AI noise reduction handles vocal capture well for ambient listening and voice assistance.

I made two phone calls, one indoors and one outside. Both times I was told I sounded clean and clear. It’s fine for making calls and for video conferencing. The AI-powered noise reduction technology ensures that your voice is heard clearly in moderately noisy environments.

In quiet conditions the mic performs well, but noisy environments are a different story. Noise control isn’t strong enough and my voice came through soft. Moving to a quieter spot is the way to go if you want the other person to hear you clearly.

The mic quality is decent but not studio-grade, which is expected at this price point. Call quality could be better for web conferencing, particularly in crowded spaces.

Wired mode – Hi-Res audio via AUX cable

The headphones also support wired connectivity via an AUX cable for high-resolution audio. SoundPEATS markets the wired connection as the ‘Hi-Res Audio‘ listening mode for the Cove Pro. There is one 3.5mm to 3.5mm auxiliary wire for wired listening as well as a USB-C charging cable included in the box.

However, wired mode sounds worse than Bluetooth in my testing. I plugged in the 3.5mm cable and the bass got bloated. Mids got thick and compressed. Muddy overall. Plugging the included cable into the headphones bypasses the built-in DSP, which is also responsible for tuning corrections. As a result, you get a raw response.

Furthermore, ANC doesn’t work when wired, so you can’t use ANC while listening via a 3.5mm port. Defeats the purpose of having a cable option. Battery backup I guess. The only redeeming thing is that you can still listen to them when the battery runs dry.

Bluetooth mode is better for sound quality. Most of my listening and impressions have been taken through the Bluetooth connection as those headphones were optimized for it, and work best via the wireless connection.

Video and gaming performance

Video and game performance are both very good. Just as expected, the SoundPEATS Cove Pro also performed well with movies, YouTube videos, and podcasts. As expected, there is no visible audio lag when watching videos through YouTube and social media apps.

The dedicated low-latency Gaming Mode works extremely well. I tried it with a mobile game and the latency drops noticeably. Still not wired-level but better than standard Bluetooth. Low-latency Game Mode allows you to hear your opponents’ every move when playing, and elevates your movie-watching experience. Use with the SOUNDPEATS app for a more immersive gaming experience.

What I like about the Cove Pro

Comfort is excellent for long periods and extended listening sessions. ANC is effective enough for the price. Sound is balanced, smooth as velvet, lush and vibrant. Build feels sturdy and well made. Lightweight at 250g. LDAC codec support. Hi-Res Audio certification. Multipoint works. Quick charge is phenomenal. Physical buttons always work. One of the loudest headphones at this price point.

Room for improvement

No carrying case or travel pouch of any kind. Wired mode is underwhelming and sounds worse than Bluetooth. Earpads are glued on so replacing them will be a pain. Transparent mode sounds artificial, thin and tinny. Soundstage is compact and closed in. Multipoint doesn’t auto-reconnect. Microphone soft in noisy conditions. LDAC only works with Android devices.

Some other room for improvements are the controls not being so responsive at times, though I didn’t experience this as much with the Cove Pro. Minor complaints aside, these are looking like tremendous value for money.

Space vs Cove Pro comparison

So yes, I’ve reviewed a number of Soundpeats products, and the Cove Pro builds on what made the Space so appealing. Both headphones feel good for the price and deliver humoristically long battery life, though the Space edges ahead with 123 hours compared to the Cove Pro’s 95 hours.

The most obvious visual difference is the logo – the Space features rose gold accents on the earcups while the Cove Pro keeps things understated with a discreetly embossed logo. Sound quality is smooth as velvet, lush and vibrant on both, but the Cove Pro pulls ahead with LDAC codec support, Hi-Res Audio certification, and a frequency response range of 20Hz-40kHz compared to the Space’s 20Hz-20kHz. ANC performance is solid on both models, though the Cove Pro’s 56dB Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation is more effective than the Space’s 35dB hybrid system. At 250g the Cove Pro is slightly lighter than the Space’s 264g, and comfort is excellent on both with plush protein leather earpads and memory foam ear cups. Both models were missing a travel case of any kind, which is an odd omission for headphones with such impressive battery lives.

Based on my testing, the Cove Pro is the better option if you’re an Android user who values LDAC and stronger ANC, while the Space remains a solid choice if you want maximum battery life and prefer the rose gold aesthetic. Both deliver tremendous value for money, and IMHO they are a great bang for the buck at this price point.

Overall – IMHO they are a great bang for the buck

For $70 these deliver tremendous value. Sound is balanced and smooth. Comfort is there for extended wear. ANC is solid for cutting out low-frequency sounds. Battery life seems legitimate based on initial testing, and charging once a week is a real possibility. LDAC codec support at this price point is impressive.

The SoundPEATS Cove Pro are a welcome addition to the “under $100” market. Despite competing with a few beloved alternatives from Anker Soundcore and Tozo, these are overall better when it comes to battery life, comfort, and codec support.

Perfect for students, commuters, travelers, or anyone on a budget who values comfort and long playtime. I’d recommend them if you want affordable over-ears with great battery life and effective ANC. They’re perfect for all music genres, but as expected at $70, they aren’t quite as detailed as premium models.

Definitely look at the SoundPEATS Cove Pro if you’re in the market for budget noise canceling headphones that don’t cost anywhere close to 100 bucks. Something to consider if you often forget to charge your electronic devices and wish to have a reliable battery life.

These headphones are extremely comfortable to wear and produce a nice and balanced sound. I am very pleased with the performance, and IMHO they are a great bang for the buck.