SoundPEATS CC3 Pro Review

The SoundPEATS CC3 Pro takes the open-ear clip-on concept and adds a dual-driver configuration, LDAC support, wireless charging, and extended battery life. Designed for users who prefer listening without blocking their ear canals, these earbuds aim to combine everyday comfort with a more substantial audio experience than typical open-ear alternatives.

After evaluating the supplied hands-on impressions, the CC3 Pro stands out for its lightweight construction, comfortable fit, and surprisingly engaging sound signature. However, its glossy charging case and some limitations in the companion app prevent it from being an entirely polished experience.

Design & Build Quality

The SoundPEATS CC3 Pro features a compact charging case that is noticeably smaller than some of the brand’s previous earbud cases. Its lightweight plastic construction feels reasonably solid, with no noticeable creaking during regular handling. However, the glossy finish attracts fingerprints and gives the case a less premium appearance than the earbuds themselves.

A small LED indicator on the front displays charging status, while the USB-C port and Bluetooth pairing button are positioned on the rear. The case also supports wireless charging, making it convenient to recharge without connecting a cable.

The earbuds use a flexible C-shaped bridge that wraps around the outer ear. Unlike conventional in-ear headphones, the CC3 Pro does not insert anything into the ear canal. Instead, it positions its speaker assembly near the ear opening while maintaining an open design.

Each earbud weighs approximately 5.5 grams, keeping the overall weight low enough for extended listening sessions. The flexible bridge distributes pressure around the ear, and its rounded construction avoids the uncomfortable contact points that can occur with some clip-on designs.

The physical buttons are another welcome addition. Rather than relying on touch-sensitive surfaces, SoundPEATS uses buttons positioned on the earbuds. This makes controlling playback and volume more predictable, particularly when adjusting the fit or wearing them during physical activities.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is arguably the CC3 Pro’s strongest feature.

The lightweight construction and flexible bridge make these earbuds particularly comfortable for extended use. During testing, we found that they could be worn for several hours without the pressure or ear canal fatigue commonly associated with traditional in-ear headphones.

The clip-on arrangement also makes them convenient for situations where earbuds need to remain in place throughout the day. Whether listening to podcasts at a desk, taking calls, or walking outdoors, the open design allows users to remain aware of surrounding sounds.

Fit will naturally vary depending on ear shape and size. Some users may initially feel that the earbuds are not securely attached, although this sensation can diminish after becoming accustomed to the design.

For users who regularly experience discomfort from silicone ear tips or conventional in-ear headphones, the CC3 Pro offers a practical alternative.

Features & Connectivity

The SoundPEATS CC3 Pro includes several features that make it more versatile than a basic pair of open-ear earbuds.

Key specifications include:

• 12mm dual-magnetic dynamic driver
• 9mm ceramic piezoelectric driver
• Bluetooth 6.0
• LDAC, AAC and SBC audio codec support
• Multipoint connectivity
• IPX6 water resistance
• Wireless charging
• USB-C charging
• Spatial audio modes
• Gaming mode
• Customisable physical controls
• Electronic noise reduction for calls
• Privacy mode
• Find earbuds functionality
• Firmware updates through the companion application

The dual-driver arrangement is particularly interesting. The larger dynamic driver handles the lower frequencies, while the ceramic driver contributes to high-frequency reproduction. This configuration is intended to improve clarity and frequency separation without relying on an enclosed ear canal.

Multipoint connectivity allows the earbuds to remain connected to two devices simultaneously. This is useful when switching between a smartphone and a laptop, particularly for users who frequently alternate between music playback and work calls.

The IPX6 rating provides protection against water exposure from sweat and splashes, making the earbuds suitable for workouts and outdoor activities in the rain. They are not designed for swimming or submersion.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the CC3 Pro makes a convincing case for open-ear clip-on headphones.

The combination of a 12mm dual-magnetic dynamic driver and a 9mm ceramic piezoelectric driver delivers a fuller presentation than we typically expect from this category. The sound remains open and spacious while retaining enough bass presence to make music enjoyable.

Out of the box, the CC3 Pro follows a slightly V-shaped sound signature, with elevated bass and treble and comparatively recessed mids. This creates an engaging presentation suited to mainstream music, pop, electronic tracks, and casual listening.

The bass has noticeable warmth and punch, although it cannot reproduce the deep, physically impactful low frequencies of sealed in-ear earbuds. This is an inherent limitation of the open-ear design rather than a specific weakness of the CC3 Pro.

High frequencies are reasonably clear, with the ceramic driver helping maintain detail and definition. The treble does not sound excessively harsh during regular listening, although the overall tonal balance may not appeal to listeners who prefer a neutral presentation.

Vocals are generally intelligible, but the recessed mids can make some voices sound less forward than they would through a conventional in-ear model. Podcasts and spoken content remain enjoyable, particularly with the warmer presentation of male voices.

The soundstage is another benefit of the open design. Music feels relatively spacious, with a wider presentation than many conventional in-ear earbuds. Spatial audio modes in the companion app can further alter the listening experience, although the effect depends on the content and personal preference.

LDAC and High-Resolution Audio

The CC3 Pro supports LDAC, allowing compatible Android devices to transmit audio at higher bitrates than standard Bluetooth codecs. This can be useful when listening to high-quality audio files or streaming services that support suitable formats.

However, LDAC is not supported natively by iPhones. Apple users will generally listen through AAC, meaning the experience will depend on the device and its available Bluetooth codec.

Enabling LDAC also has a noticeable impact on battery life. Playback drops from approximately 10 hours to around 5.5 hours per charge, depending on listening conditions.

For everyday listening, AAC or SBC is sufficient. LDAC is better reserved for sessions where audio quality takes priority over battery endurance.

SoundPEATS App

The SoundPEATS companion app provides a reasonable level of customisation without overwhelming users with unnecessary menus.

Available options include:

• Custom equaliser and preset sound profiles
• Dynamic EQ
• LDAC activation
• Spatial audio with music and movie modes
• Gaming mode
• Multipoint connectivity
• Customisable button controls
• Find earbuds functionality
• Privacy mode
• Drainage function
• Voice prompt language selection
• Firmware updates

The equaliser is particularly useful for adjusting the CC3 Pro’s default sound signature. Users who prefer more forward vocals can reduce the bass and increase the midrange, while listeners who enjoy a more energetic presentation can retain the default tuning or select a suitable preset.

The ability to customise physical button functions is another practical addition. It allows users to configure playback, volume, track navigation, and voice assistant shortcuts according to their preferences.

However, the application is not without shortcomings. The custom equaliser can feel unnecessarily slow when making adjustments. Individual changes sometimes trigger a loading process before another adjustment can be made, interrupting the process of fine-tuning the sound.

An option to apply multiple EQ adjustments simultaneously would make the experience considerably more convenient.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is one of the CC3 Pro’s strongest practical advantages.

SoundPEATS rates the earbuds for up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total battery life to approximately 44 hours. These figures make them suitable for extended workdays, travel, and regular daily listening.

During our evaluation, the earbuds comfortably supported extended listening sessions without requiring frequent charging. Their lightweight design also makes the battery capacity more useful, as wearing them for several hours does not become uncomfortable.

Fast charging is another useful feature. A 10-minute charge provides approximately three hours of playback, making it convenient when the earbuds need a quick recharge before heading out.

The charging case supports both USB-C and wireless charging. This flexibility is particularly useful for users who already have wireless charging pads on their desks or bedside tables.

Actual battery performance will vary depending on volume levels, codec selection, EQ settings, and usage patterns. LDAC users should expect significantly shorter playback time than those using AAC or SBC.

Call Quality & Microphone Performance

The CC3 Pro includes electronic noise reduction designed to improve voice clarity during calls.

In practical use, microphone performance is suitable for everyday conversations, work calls, and voice communication. Speech remains reasonably clear in quieter environments, while background noise reduction helps maintain intelligibility when surrounding sounds become more noticeable.

The earbuds are also capable of handling calls outdoors, although windy conditions can still affect microphone performance. This is particularly relevant for open-ear earbuds, where microphones remain exposed to environmental noise.

For regular office calls and casual conversations, the CC3 Pro offers dependable performance. Users who frequently take important calls in particularly noisy environments may still benefit from a dedicated headset with more advanced microphone processing.

Everyday Use & Performance

The CC3 Pro works particularly well in environments where remaining aware of surrounding sounds is important.

At an office desk, the open-ear design makes it possible to listen to music or podcasts while still hearing colleagues approaching or speaking nearby. This reduces the need to repeatedly remove and reinsert earbuds throughout the day.

For walking, commuting, and light exercise, the ability to hear environmental sounds is another practical advantage. The earbuds remain lightweight and comfortable, while their physical controls make playback adjustments straightforward.

Gaming mode reduces audio latency, making it more suitable for casual gaming and video playback. However, competitive gaming and situations requiring precise positional audio are better served by dedicated gaming headphones.

The privacy mode is also worth mentioning. It reduces the volume and sound leakage to help minimise disturbance to people nearby. While it cannot completely eliminate sound leakage inherent to open-ear earbuds, it is a useful addition for shared workspaces.

Importantly, the open design does not provide active noise cancellation or passive isolation. Users should not expect the CC3 Pro to block traffic, conversations, or other environmental sounds.

Price & Value

The SoundPEATS CC3 Pro launched with a US retail price of approximately $69.99, positioning it within the competitive mid-range clip-on earbud category. The price and availability may vary depending on the market and retailer.

At this price, the combination of dual drivers, LDAC, multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, physical buttons, and extended battery life represents a competitive feature set.

Its strongest value proposition is not simply audio quality. Instead, it combines comfort, practical connectivity, and battery endurance in a form factor designed for users who prefer not to wear conventional in-ear headphones.

For users considering open-ear earbuds for everyday work, walking, or exercise, the CC3 Pro offers a well-rounded package without moving into significantly more expensive premium models.

Also Read: SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 Review