Premium Codecs, Strong ANC, and a Polished Daily Driver Under $100
When SoundPEATS sent over the Air5 Pro for testing, I had high expectations. After reviewing their Capsule3 Pro+ and Air4 Pro models earlier this year, it was clear they were refining their true wireless lineup at a fast pace — and the Air5 Pro is a natural evolution of that momentum.
Table of Contents
This review is based on daily use over the past week, with testing across phones, laptops, and DACs — specifically with a focus on what matters most to everyday users: sound quality, connection reliability, call performance, and comfort.
First Look and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Air5 Pro comes across as clean, modern, and nicely built. The black finish has a slight gloss to it, but not too flashy. Everything feels solid — from the case hinge to the stem-style buds themselves. It’s a familiar form factor if you’ve used stem-based TWS before, but SoundPEATS keeps it compact and well proportioned.
There are no design gimmicks here. The buds sit flush in the ear, the touch-sensitive areas are easy to find, and the case is pocket-friendly without sacrificing charging capacity. It’s a practical design that feels mature and finished — more polished than the Air4 Pro, and definitely a step up from budget models in the same price bracket.
Features and Specs That Matter
The feature list is where the Air5 Pro starts pulling ahead of most competitors in its range.
At the core is the Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset, which brings support for aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound, and LDAC — giving users flexibility with high-resolution Bluetooth audio depending on their device. In day-to-day use, this means better clarity, tighter separation, and higher bitrates compared to basic SBC or AAC.
It also comes with:
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Adaptive Hybrid ANC (up to 55dB attenuation)
- Six microphones with AI CVC 8.0 noise reduction
- 37 hours total battery life
- In-ear detection
- Multi-point connectivity
- IPX5 water resistance
- Full app integration via the SoundPEATS app
This kind of spec sheet was nearly impossible to find in the sub-$100 category just a couple years ago. Now it’s the new standard, and SoundPEATS is pushing it hard here.
Fit, Isolation, and Everyday Comfort
The Air5 Pro is lightweight and ergonomic — easy to wear for long periods without fatigue. The nozzles are angled just right to seat well in the ear, and the included silicone tips are soft and pliable. I didn’t have to switch them out for third-party tips, but it’s worth noting the case can accommodate most aftermarket tip sizes if needed.
Passive isolation is decent on its own, but the ANC does the real work. On busy streets, in cafes, or even in the office with HVAC noise overhead, the Air5 Pro mutes enough background sound to stay focused. It’s not total silence, but it’s strong for this price — and definitely an upgrade over what the Capsule3 Pro+ offers.
Audio Performance – aptX Lossless, LDAC, and More
With the right source device and codec enabled (tested on Snapdragon Sound–enabled phones and desktop DACs), the Air5 Pro delivers a listening experience that punches above its price tag. There’s no bloated tuning here — just a carefully balanced sound that leans slightly warm but remains open and clean.
Bass: Controlled and deep. There’s a good level of sub-bass extension, but it never overpowers the rest of the mix. This isn’t a basshead set, but you still get a nice sense of weight and impact in genres like hip-hop, electronic, or film scores.
Mids: Vocals sit right where they should — slightly forward but without crowding the space. Instruments like acoustic guitar and piano come through with decent layering. It’s a midrange that sounds natural, which wasn’t always the case in older SoundPEATS models.
Treble: Rolled-off just enough to avoid sibilance but still present enough to carry detail. It’s relaxed rather than sharp, and that makes it great for extended listening sessions. The upper frequencies don’t feel congested or overly dampened, especially when listening via LDAC.
Compared to the Air4 Pro, which had a slightly more aggressive V-shaped tuning and larger 13mm driver, the Air5 Pro comes off as more disciplined and well-resolved. It may not hit quite as hard in the bass department, but it makes up for it in clarity and overall balance.
App Experience and Controls
The SoundPEATS app continues to be straightforward and functional. Firmware updates are easy to install, and the custom EQ allows for personalized tuning that stays stored on the earbuds. I mostly stuck with the default sound profile, but minor tweaks to treble and midrange are easy to apply if needed.
Touch controls are responsive and consistent. You get full control over playback, volume, ANC modes, and call functions — all without needing to reach for your phone.
Battery, Charging, and Real-World Use
Battery life has been reliable throughout testing. I averaged about 6 to 6.5 hours per charge with ANC on, and over 7 hours with ANC off. Combined with the case, 37 hours total is realistic — and the quick charge feature (10 minutes = ~2 hours playback) is a big plus if you’re constantly moving.
The Air4 Pro topped out around 26 hours total, so this is a welcome bump. You lose wireless charging here, but that’s not a dealbreaker in this price range.
Call Quality and Multi-Device Use
Call quality is a clear strength of the Air5 Pro. The 6-mic setup with AI noise cancellation blocks out background chatter without making your voice sound robotic. Even outdoors with wind or traffic, calls stayed intelligible. This is one area where SoundPEATS seems to have refined things since the Capsule3 Pro+ and Air4 Pro.
Multi-point pairing worked as expected. I paired them with a laptop and phone and could jump between Zoom calls and YouTube with zero hassle. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of functionality that separates solid earbuds from frustrating ones.
Verdict – A Complete Package for Under $100
For buyers in the US market looking for affordable wireless earbuds that deliver serious codec support, real ANC, strong call quality, and long battery life, the SoundPEATS Air5 Pro is one of the best all-around options right now.
It doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks. Instead, it gets the basics right — then adds in Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, and LDAC on top of that. The result is a daily-use earbud that can handle everything from casual listening to work calls without cutting corners.
Is it better than the Capsule3 Pro+ or Air4 Pro? In many ways, yes — especially if you value codec flexibility, battery life, and noise cancellation. But all three still hold value depending on what you prioritize.
If you’re after a balanced, refined wireless set that doesn’t compromise on features — the Air5 Pro is easy to recommend.
The SoundPEATS Air5 Pro is available on Amazon.