SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 Review

Open-ear clip-on earbuds have become a practical alternative to traditional in-ear models, particularly for users who want to listen to music or podcasts without blocking their ear canals. The SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 takes this approach and combines it with a 12mm dual-magnet dynamic driver, LDAC support, Bluetooth 6.0, physical controls and up to 42 hours of total battery life.

The POP Clip 2 is also marketed as the SoundPEATS UU2 in some markets. SoundPEATS confirms that both names refer to the same product, while the packaging and Bluetooth device name use POP Clip 2.

We spent time using the POP Clip 2 for music, calls, work, workouts and general daily use to see whether this unusual design can deliver a convincing alternative to conventional earbuds.

Design and Build

The POP Clip 2 immediately stands out from conventional true wireless earbuds. Instead of inserting into the ear canal, each earbud uses a flexible U-shaped clip that sits around the ear. The speaker section rests just outside the ear canal and directs sound towards it.

This design makes the POP Clip 2 particularly interesting for users who find conventional silicone-tipped earbuds uncomfortable over extended periods. There is no ear tip pressing against the ear canal, and the lightweight construction makes them easy to wear for several hours.

Each earbud weighs approximately 5g, according to SoundPEATS, and the lightweight construction is noticeable during everyday use.

The finish combines matte and glossy surfaces. The outer section has a soft-touch feel that provides some additional grip against the ear. We found the earbuds secure during normal movement, walking and workouts. They can move slightly when there is significant sweat or particularly vigorous movement, but they generally remain in place.

The clip design also works well with glasses. Since there is no conventional earbud housing sitting inside the ear, there is less pressure around the ear canal.

Charging Case

The charging case is compact enough to carry comfortably in a trouser pocket. It is slightly taller than some conventional SoundPEATS earbud cases, but the difference is not significant.

A USB-C port is located on the rear of the case, while an LED indicator on the front shows the charging status.

One of the most convenient features is the automatic left/right detection. The earbuds can be placed into either side of the charging case, and the system automatically determines their left and right channels. This removes the need to check markings before putting them back into the case.

The package includes the earbuds, charging case, USB-C charging cable, user manual, app information and a sheet of SoundPEATS stickers. There are no silicone ear tips because the POP Clip 2 does not use an in-ear design.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is one of the strongest reasons to consider the POP Clip 2. Because the earbuds sit outside the ear canal, there is no pressure caused by silicone tips. During our testing, we were able to wear them for extended periods without the ear fatigue that can sometimes occur with traditional in-ear earbuds.

The lightweight design also means they become less noticeable after wearing them for some time. This makes them particularly useful for working, listening to podcasts, taking calls or keeping music playing throughout the day.

The fit does require some adjustment. The speaker needs to point towards the ear canal for the best sound. Moving the earbud slightly forwards, backwards or up can make a noticeable difference to clarity and bass.

Once positioned correctly, however, the clip feels secure without applying excessive pressure.

Sound Quality

Sound quality was one of the more impressive aspects of the POP Clip 2. Open-ear earbuds traditionally struggle to reproduce bass because they do not create the same acoustic seal as conventional in-ear models. The POP Clip 2 does a surprisingly good job in this area.

The 12mm dual-magnet dynamic drivers produce a punchy low end that gives music considerably more weight than we expected from a clip-on design. SoundPEATS has also included DynamicEQ to help maintain stronger bass at different listening levels.

Bass is clearly part of the tuning philosophy here. The POP Clip 2 is not a neutral-sounding pair of earbuds. The low frequencies have more presence, while the mids remain sufficiently clear for vocals and instruments.

Rock and electronic tracks benefit from the additional impact, while hip-hop and other bass-heavy genres sound more engaging than we would normally expect from open-ear earbuds.

The midrange is reasonably clear, making podcasts, dialogue and vocals easy to follow. Treble is sufficiently energetic to prevent the overall presentation from sounding dull.

However, the POP Clip 2 cannot completely overcome the physical limitations of an open-ear design. A good in-ear pair will still deliver greater detail, isolation and bass depth because the driver is positioned directly inside the ear canal.

Positioning is also critical. If the speaker is not directed properly towards the ear canal, the sound becomes thinner and less focused. Once the fit is adjusted correctly, the difference is significant.

LDAC and SoundPEATS App

The POP Clip 2 supports LDAC, alongside SBC and AAC. LDAC is particularly useful for Android users with compatible smartphones because it allows higher-bandwidth Bluetooth audio.

We found that LDAC provides a subtle improvement in detail, although the difference is not as dramatic as moving from a basic earbud to a high-quality wired or sealed in-ear model.

The SoundPEATS app provides a useful selection of controls and customisation options. Users can monitor battery levels, adjust the equaliser, enable DynamicEQ, activate LDAC, configure the controls and update firmware.

The app also includes multipoint connectivity, game mode, spatial audio, a Find Earbuds feature and Privacy Mode. SoundPEATS also provides a user guide and firmware update functionality through the app.

Privacy Mode is particularly relevant to open-ear earbuds because sound leakage is an inherent limitation of this design. It attempts to reduce the amount of audio escaping from the earbuds.

There are some areas where the app could be improved. Some settings are not explained particularly clearly, and certain features require experimentation before their purpose becomes obvious. We also found the requirement to use an account for the full app experience less convenient than it needs to be.

Spatial audio is another feature we would consider optional rather than essential. It can add a wider presentation for certain content, but we preferred the standard sound profile for most music.

Controls

SoundPEATS has moved to physical buttons rather than touch controls. We consider this a positive change. Touch controls on open-ear earbuds can sometimes register accidental inputs when users adjust their position. Physical buttons provide a more deliberate response.

The controls can be customised through the app, including playback, volume and track navigation. The main drawback is the size and positioning of the buttons. Finding them can take some practice, particularly when wearing the earbuds while moving. The audible click is also quite noticeable.

Still, we prefer the physical controls overall because they provide clear feedback and reduce accidental commands.

Call Quality

The POP Clip 2 is also suitable for voice calls. In quieter indoor environments, voices were clear enough for regular conversations and work calls. The microphones use noise-reduction processing to help separate speech from surrounding sounds.

Background noise is reduced reasonably well, although wind remains a challenge. When exposed to stronger wind, microphone quality drops and voices can sound less natural. This is not unusual for open-ear earbuds, particularly when microphones are exposed to airflow. For normal indoor calls, commuting and moderate outdoor use, the microphone performance is adequate.

Awareness and Sound Leakage

The open-ear design is arguably the main reason to choose the POP Clip 2. With nothing blocking the ear canal, we could continue listening to music while remaining aware of conversations, traffic and other environmental sounds. This makes the earbuds particularly useful for walking, commuting and workouts where maintaining awareness is important.

There is, however, a trade-off. Because the earbuds are not sealed, some sound can be heard by people nearby, particularly in quiet environments and at higher volume levels. Privacy Mode can help reduce leakage, but it does not change the fundamental characteristics of an open-ear design.

We would therefore avoid playing these at high volume in a quiet office, library or other shared environment.

Battery Life

SoundPEATS rates the POP Clip 2 for up to 10 hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 42 hours when combined with the charging case. The company also states that a 10-minute charge can provide up to two hours of playback.

Our real-world experience was close to those figures. At around 50% volume, we achieved approximately 9.5 hours of music playback. At maximum volume, playback dropped to around eight hours.

LDAC has a more noticeable impact on battery life, with roughly six to eight hours being a more realistic expectation depending on volume and content.

For normal daily use, the battery performance is more than sufficient. Most users are unlikely to listen continuously for 10 hours, meaning the earbuds can comfortably cover a full working day with charging breaks. The charging case also provides multiple additional charges, bringing total usage to around the claimed 42-hour figure.

Durability

The POP Clip 2 carries an IPX5 rating, providing protection against water jets and sweat. SoundPEATS positions the earbuds for activities such as walking, running, cycling and workouts.

This makes them suitable for exercise and outdoor use, but they are not designed for swimming or immersion. The earbuds should also be dried before being returned to the charging case if they have become wet.

Who Are the SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 For?

The POP Clip 2 makes the most sense for users who prioritise comfort and environmental awareness over isolation.

They are particularly suitable for:

• Users who find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable.
• People who wear earbuds for several hours at a time.
• Users who wear glasses.
• Walkers, runners and gym users.
• Commuters who need to remain aware of their surroundings.
• Podcast and audiobook listeners.
• Users looking for strong bass from an open-ear design.
• Anyone who wants physical controls instead of touch controls.

They are less suitable for users who need strong noise isolation, active noise cancellation or the most detailed audio possible.

Verdict

The SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 is a convincing example of how far open-ear clip-on earbuds have progressed. Its biggest strengths are comfort, secure fit, environmental awareness and surprisingly strong bass. The 12mm drivers deliver considerably more low-end impact than we expected from an open-ear design, while LDAC and DynamicEQ provide additional flexibility for users who want to fine-tune the experience.

Battery life is also strong, with our testing producing around 8 to 9.5 hours depending on volume, while the charging case extends total usage considerably. The physical buttons are preferable to touch controls for everyday use, although they could be easier to locate. The SoundPEATS app offers plenty of features, but some settings are not explained particularly well, and the account requirement is unnecessary.

Sound leakage remains an unavoidable compromise, and the microphone performance can suffer in strong wind. The earbuds also cannot match the isolation, bass depth or detail of a good sealed in-ear model. At $49.99, however, the POP Clip 2 offers a strong balance of comfort, features, battery life and sound quality. SoundPEATS officially lists the product at $49.99, while launch promotions may reduce the price depending on the market and promotion period.

For users looking for their first pair of open-ear clip-on earbuds, the POP Clip 2 is an easy product to recommend. It does not replace a good in-ear pair for every situation, but for work, walking, workouts, commuting and everyday listening, the combination of comfort and awareness makes it a practical alternative.

Readers can get 30% off the SoundPEATS POP Clip 2 using the code SPUU2810, valid from August 10 through August 31.

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