The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro open-ear earbuds are designed for outdoor athletes who need to remain aware of their surroundings while exercising. SoundGuys noted the earbuds deliver a secure fit and IPX5 protection, though they compromise on sound quality by prioritizing situational awareness. The device offers up to 48 hours of battery life and includes a magnetic neckband for added stability. Wired called the build quality well-executed with soft-touch materials, while a YouTube reviewer noted the comfort and all-day wearability as standout features despite initial awkwardness with the open-ear design.
Full review
Hybrid design with five fit modes
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro introduces a transforming hybrid design that allows users to switch between open-ear and in-ear modes by twisting the earbuds along their adjustable hooks. Wired reviewer Ryan Waniata noted that the buds feature five different fit positions, with levels 1 and 2 being the 'open' positions and levels 4 or 5 required for noise canceling. The design requires a tactile click to adjust between positions, and the transition between modes is described as 'slow and still feels awkward two weeks on' by the same reviewer. The physical button on each earbud provides tactile feedback, though pressing them in noise-canceling mode can be slightly uncomfortable. Soundcore's included diagram helps users understand the five different fit positions, with the company referencing the buds' 'semi-in-ear' noise cancellation in its literature.
Battery performance and charging
The AeroFit 2 Pro delivers 7 hours of playback in open-ear mode and approximately 5 hours when active noise cancellation is engaged. Wired reviewer Ryan Waniata noted that the charging case is notably large, described as 'two or three times the size of most modern buds,' and that it includes wireless charging capabilities. The case provides an additional 34 hours of total runtime when combined with the earbuds' 7 hours of playback. Serious Insights reviewer Rob Salkowitz reported that the case takes 2.6 hours to fully charge both the earbuds and itself wirelessly, with a wired charging time of 1.7 hours for the case alone. The case also features a battery bulb at the back of each ear hook and a pill-shaped housing at the front with a tip that resembles Apple's AirPods 4. The overall package is described as bulky, with the reviewer noting that 'the same is true for the included charging case.'
Audio quality and EQ customization
Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds deliver surprisingly detailed audio with excellent spacing between instruments, according to AndroidGuys reviewer Andrew Allen. The earbuds utilize an 11.8mm driver and support LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification for high-fidelity audio. The default Soundcore Signature EQ might feel a bit treble-heavy for some users, but the Soundcore app allows for extensive customization through various presets and an eight-band manual equalizer. IGN reviewer Samuel Horti noted that the audio quality is clear and vibrant in every configuration, though it requires users to 'dig into the settings' to get the most out of them. The sound smartly adjusts as users twist from open-ear to in-ear mode, with the in-ear configuration providing more detailed audio. The Balanced preset is recommended for a more even sound, and a special Volume Booster mode provides extra punch needed to cut through noise in busy environments. However, the ANC mode was described as 'meagre' by IGN, with audio sounding 'a little washed' when ANC is turned on.
Comfort and fit in different modes
Comfort levels vary significantly between the open-ear and in-ear modes. The loop sat snugly on ears without chafing or irritation, and the buds felt light and comfortable in open-ear mode. However, when twisted to the in-ear mode, they felt slightly less comfortable due to the lack of flexible rubber on the tips. Wired reviewer Ryan Waniata noted that the buds proved reasonably comfortable over two weeks of testing, but their headset-like design and weight of over 10 grams per side do get onerous after a few hours. The physical button requires a bit of force to press because users need to press the buds against their ear before the button actuates. SoundGuys reviewer Dave Carr noted that the earbuds stay in place reasonably well without the magnetic neckband, though he found the hook-shaped design best suited for a rotating motion around the back of the ear.
Noise cancellation effectiveness
The AeroFit 2 Pro's adaptive noise cancellation is described as 'unstable and inconsistent' by Wired reviewer Ryan Waniata, who also noted that the ANC system is 'not as powerful as high-end, tip-based earbuds.' IGN reviewer Samuel Horti found that the ANC mode was 'a letdown' due to 'meagre active noise cancellation' and that audio sounded 'a little washed' when ANC was turned on. The ANC system employs a six-microphone array that adjusts noise cancellation up to 180 times per second based on surroundings, which is particularly useful for dampening consistent background hums like office AC or airplane noise. The system also includes an Intelligent Noise Cancellation feature designed to automatically engage noise canceling when the buds are moved into position, but this feature is described as inconsistent.
Connectivity and app features
The AeroFit 2 Pro supports multipoint connectivity, allowing users to switch connections between devices easily. This feature is particularly useful for users who have both a laptop and phone in use simultaneously. The earbuds also support simultaneous connections to two devices and switch between them with a tap. AndroidGuys reviewer Andrew Allen noted that the app is mature and well-designed, with clear UX and easy access to features, including customization of tap control features, firmware installation, and tailored music with preset or customizable EQ settings. The app also features a 'gaming mode' with lower latency and more responsiveness for players. Serious Insights reviewer Rob Salkowitz mentioned that the app allows for customization of EQ settings and includes a 'gaming mode' with lower latency. The app allows users to manage firmware installation and tailor the music with preset or customizable EQ settings.
Build quality and durability
The AeroFit 2 Pro features a solid build quality with a matching clamshell case that feels premium and includes a single USB-C charging port, a recessed reset button on the outside, and an LED and fitted charging port for the buds. The buds themselves are mounted on adjustable rubber fittings with a rubber tip designed for a comfortable fit. SoundGuys reviewer Dave Carr noted that the earbuds feature an IPX5 protection rating and a snug over-the-ear fit, making them ideal for outdoor cardio enthusiasts. The physical button on each earbud provides tactile feedback, and the design is described as 'satisfying' by the same reviewer.
User controls and interface
The AeroFit 2 Pro features physical control buttons on each earbud, with each button providing tactile feedback. The default control layout includes volume and play/pause via single and double taps, but users must download the Soundcore app to assign the triple tap for functions like song skipping. The app allows users to customize these controls, with the default settings operating as follows: one press on the left button adjusts volume down or answers calls, while one press on the right button adjusts volume up or answers calls. Double press on the left button skips to the next track, while double press on the right button plays or pauses audio. Hold (1 sec) on the left button powers on/off the earbuds, while hold (1 sec) on the right button hangs up or rejects calls. Hold (2 sec) on the left button powers on/off the earbuds, while hold (2 sec) on the right button hangs up or rejects calls. The physical buttons are described as 'stiff' by Wired reviewer Ryan Waniata, which helps avoid accidental tapping during adjustment, though pressing them in noise-canceling mode can be slightly uncomfortable.
Strengths
- +Secure fit with over-the-ear design that stays in place during physical activity
- +IPX5 waterproof rating for outdoor use
- +Up to 48 hours of battery life with charging case
- +Magnetic neckband provides extra stability during workouts
Watch-outs
- −Lack of good-sounding preset EQs
- −The charging case is very large and heavy.
How it compares
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro provides a secure fit with magnetic neckband and up to 48 hours of battery life, advantages over the Shokz OpenDots 2 and Sony LinkBuds Clip. Unlike the Shokz models, it lacks wireless charging support and has a bulky case, but offers extended battery life and over-the-ear design for outdoor athletes.
Rating sources
Our 3.3 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
