In the highly competitive sub-$100 earbuds market, SoundPEATS has made a strong case for itself with the release of the Air5 Pro. Positioned as a significant upgrade from the Air4 Pro, these earbuds bring premium features such as adaptive ANC, high-resolution codec support, and customizable sound—all at a surprisingly affordable price point. After extensive hands-on testing, here’s how they performed across key categories.
Design & Comfort
The Air5 Pro features a design that blends elements of both the Air4 Pro and Capsule 3 Pro Plus, resulting in a compact, lightweight earbud that’s comfortable for long-term wear. While only three ear tip sizes are included, we found the fit to be generally secure and ergonomic. However, users needing larger tips may need to consider aftermarket options like SpinFit, which are compatible with the case.
Fit & Stability
The Air5 Pro performed well during physical activity, such as weight training and running, with no major fit issues or slippage. Despite the lack of wing tips, the earbuds remained stable. However, wind noise can be an issue when using transparency mode outdoors, which slightly detracts from their use in windy environments.
Battery & Charging
Rated for up to 7.5 hours of use (ANC off) and 37 hours total with the case, the battery performance is respectable. With ANC on, this drops to approximately 4.5 hours and 25 hours respectively, which is below average for this category. There’s no wireless charging, but the USB-C case is compact and supports quick charging—10 minutes yields about 2 hours of playback.
Controls
Touch controls are responsive and fully customizable via the SoundPEATS app, with options for volume, playback, ANC modes, and game mode. One limitation is that ANC mode cycling is linear—users must cycle through ANC Off, On, and Transparency without skipping. The removal of in-ear detection (present in the Air4 Pro) was a surprising omission in an otherwise well-rounded control scheme.
Connectivity
Connectivity is where the Air5 Pro truly excels. With Bluetooth 5.4 and support for SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless, these earbuds support nearly every major audio codec. Multipoint connection is supported, though automatic switching (takeover) is not. Latency performance is excellent, especially in game mode, delivering sub-150ms lag even on platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
Call Quality
Equipped with six microphones and AI-powered ENC, the Air5 Pro handles calls well in both quiet and noisy environments. Voice clarity is strong, and background noise suppression is significantly improved over its predecessor. While not the absolute best in its class, it holds its own against pricier alternatives like the Nothing Ear (a) and CMF Buds Pro 2.
App & Features
The SoundPEATS app offers a solid range of customization features including ANC mode toggles, control mapping, multipoint settings, and a comprehensive 10-band EQ. The app experience is inconsistent at times, with login requirements and occasional connectivity issues. When it works, though, it provides excellent tuning flexibility and additional features like fit tests and firmware updates.
Noise Cancelling
Adaptive ANC on the Air5 Pro delivers strong performance—especially impressive given the price. During testing, it effectively blocked low-frequency noise such as gym music and ambient traffic. ANC strength can be adjusted through the app, though the differences between indoor, outdoor, and traffic modes were marginal. There’s no dedicated wind noise reduction mode, which would have been a welcome addition.
Transparency Mode
Transparency mode is effective for general awareness but falls short in clarity during conversations. A slight occlusion effect and noticeable white noise are present, especially in quiet settings. Wind pickup remains an issue, even during light outdoor use.
Sound Quality
Out of the box, the tuning is relatively flat and lacks definition. However, with a custom EQ applied through the app, the sound dramatically improves. Bass is deep and controlled, mids are balanced, and treble is crisp without being harsh. The soundstage opens up significantly after EQ adjustments, offering one of the richest audio experiences we’ve found in this price bracket—rivaling earbuds that cost much more.
Final Verdict
The SoundPEATS Air5 Pro is a compelling option in the budget true wireless category. It delivers impressive sound quality, excellent codec support, and competitive ANC performance—all in a compact, comfortable design. While the app experience needs refining and the battery life could be stronger with ANC, the value proposition is difficult to ignore.
For Android users with devices supporting aptX Lossless or LDAC, the Air5 Pro is especially appealing. While it doesn’t quite dethrone top performers like the CMF Buds Pro 2, it’s an excellent alternative to AirPods Pro and an easy recommendation for budget-conscious buyers looking for flagship-level features.
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