Introduction
Products with innovative features often lose their appeal after a short time, but the Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro earbuds stand out. These adjustable hearables from Anker’s Soundcore brand serve as both open-ear designs and standard workout headphones, a dual role that proves practical during extended use. The earbuds’ body shifts relative to the ear loop, allowing users to position the driver closer to or further from the ear canal. This setup delivers flexibility: open mode maintains environmental awareness, while closed mode blocks distractions with active noise cancellation (ANC).
Initial impressions suggested these could excel in fitness scenarios, and testing confirms the mechanism’s utility. Runners can switch to open mode on busy streets for safety and close it in serene parks for immersion. Cyclists might keep them open en route to the gym and seal them during workouts. However, as the first earbuds with this form factor, they face several challenges that temper enthusiasm.
Design and Build Quality
The adjustable connector offers five positions, with the first two enabling ANC in-ear placement, the last two for open-ear use, and a middle option as a hybrid. Adjusting on the go feels intuitive—users can shift modes without removing the earbuds, even mid-run. Each bud weighs 11g, making them heavier than typical open-ear competitors, which contributes to noticeable wobbling during intense activity, particularly in closed mode.
The silicone ear loops lack sufficient rigidity, causing the battery counterweights to sway. While the earbuds stay secure, the motion distracts. Physical buttons provide tactile feedback with a satisfying click, easy to press in open mode but tricky in closed mode, as pressure pushes the bud deeper into the ear. The tip-less design, similar to AirPods, leads to sound leakage in open mode—nearby people can hear the audio clearly. Additionally, the bud tips attract dirt easily when pocketed or dropped, complicating cleaning.
The charging case measures large at 109g total and supports wireless charging, with an LED indicator for battery status. Unveiled at CES 2026 and available shortly after, these earbuds align well with fitness goals, priced at $179.99 / £179.99 (approximately AU$350, though not yet in Australia). Discounts appear quickly—$30 off in the US and £10 in the UK—positioning them as premium for open-ear tech, though prices may drop over time like the original Aerofit Pro.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Equipped with 11.8mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and LDAC support, the earbuds promise strong performance. In quiet settings with ANC active, audio reveals good instrument separation and detail, surprising for fitness-focused buds. However, the default Soundcore Signature EQ creates an unbalanced V-shaped profile, emphasizing treble while muting bass and mids—resulting in distorted guitars or overly sharp highs in tracks like Uncle Kracker’s ‘In A Little While’ or Don McCloskey’s ‘First In Flight’.
Switching to the Balanced preset or genre-specific options restores clarity, flattening the profile for enjoyable listening. The Volume Booster preset adds punch in noisy environments, and max volume reaches loud levels, though auto-ANC can cap it unexpectedly. Intelligent Noise Cancellation, which dynamically adjusts, often alters volume or profile abruptly—disable it for consistency.
ANC activates in closed mode but struggles without ear tips for a proper seal, allowing ambient sounds like typing to penetrate over music. The difference between modes feels minimal, and adjustable ANC exacerbates audio shifts. Open mode lets in less external sound than expected due to the driver’s proximity, limiting situational awareness compared to rivals.
Battery Life and App Features
Soundcore claims 7 hours in open mode and 5 hours with ANC, but real-world tests exceed these slightly, making battery life a strong point. The companion app enhances control with customizable touch functions (or buttons), low-latency mode, Spatial Audio, an eight-band EQ, and manual ANC toggling. Presets deliver noticeable improvements, and pairing with Android devices proves quick, though occasional stuttering occurs.
Verdict
The Soundcore Aerofit 2 Pro innovates with its mode-switching design, ideal for varied fitness routines, but design flaws like wobbling, weak ANC, and sound tweaks hold it back from top status. At full price, they suit early adopters of this tech; discounts make them more compelling against other open-ear options. Consider them for versatility if willing to adjust settings, but expect trade-offs in stability and isolation.
Testing spanned over two weeks on an Android smartphone, involving runs, gym sessions, cycling, and daily use like home listening, public transport, and neighborhood walks. Audio sources included Spotify, YouTube, and Prime Video apps. This evaluation draws from experience with numerous open-ear and fitness earbuds.
