Good sound does not necessarily have to be expensive. Manufacturer EarFun wants to prove that with its new Air Pro 2 in-ear headphones. Our review explains that the competitors of Apple’s AirPods Pro have a lot going for them despite their small size and low weight, and why they do not quite reach the upper class.
Technical data
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 |
| Maximum operating range | 15m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hrs, 34 hrs total with charging case; (varies depending on volume level and audio content) |
| Charging time | 1 hr. (for headphones via USB-C); 2 hrs. (for charging case + headphones via USB-C) |
| Size charging case (W x H x D) | 65 mm x 50 mm x 31.8 mm |
| Weight | 5.2g per earbud; 42.0g charging case & earbud |
| Most Important Features | ANC; Transparency mode; Wireless charging; Single use |
| Price | € 69.99 * |
Scope of delivery
Already the very small packaging with a size of 9.0 x 11.0 x 4.4 cm (L x H x D) suggests that we are dealing with the EarFun Air Pro 2 with extremely small in-ear headphones. The box already leaves a positive impression and convinces with a classy-looking, white-grey design that visually highlights the most important features in yellow lettering.
The minimalist approach is confirmed when opening the box. Removing the lid reveals the charging case, which houses the two in-ear headphones. Surprisingly, there is nothing underneath.
However, there is still more in the packaging, because the manufacturer EarFun has cleverly stowed the rest of the scope of delivery in the cardboard slipcase, which houses the charging case. Besides the obligatory manual and the USB-A to USB-C cable for charging, there are two bags of additional Ear Tips in the box, which are simply labeled A and B.
Three pairs of each in different sizes are included by the manufacturer. Upon closer inspection, we find that model A is a bit harder silicone attachments, while model B turns out much softer and therefore doesn’t seal quite as well. The scope of delivery is surprisingly large for the called price of under 70 Euros, which is pleasing.
Design and workmanship
Opening the charging case, we are immediately greeted by the glossy black in-ears, which feature a classic shape including a long temple, as we now find on the majority of all earbuds. A light-gray lettering with the manufacturer’s logo adorns the earpiece, while the silicone earpieces are semi-transparent gray.
With a red rubber ring, the attachments find their place on the headphones themselves, which makes for quite an eye-catching and chic look due to the transparent look. The flattened exterior of the EarFun Air Pro 2, which measure a total of around 37 mm, is somewhat reminiscent of the Skullcandy Indy ANC.
On the top of the outside, the microphones reveal themselves, which are supposed to record outside noise and block it out using active noise cancellation (ANC). On the inside, the magnetic closure is particularly eye-catching, thanks to which the in-ears are securely held in the charger.
The design looks quite elegant, especially in view of the low price. The same applies to the charging case, which is also glossy in black. With its dimensions of 65 mm x 50 mm x 31.8 mm (L x H x D), it also belongs to the more compact representatives. On the outside, there is only one LED display that informs about pairing mode and charging status. Inside, there is another button that can be used to start pairing manually.
In general, the EarFun Air Pro 2 do not show any weaknesses in terms of build quality and feel high-quality. Only the relatively high susceptibility to fingerprints (both on the charging case and on the earbuds) tarnishes the otherwise excellent impression.
Wearing comfort
The Air Pro 2 don’t let themselves down in terms of wearing comfort either. The oval silicone earpieces fit comfortably in the ear and provide an excellent seal, provided we choose the ideal size. The in-ears also rest comfortably in the ears during continuous use, but they do not quite reach the comfort of the AirPods Pro, since a slight but noticeable feeling of pressure sets in after a while.
In addition to the successful, ergonomic shape, the low weight of only around 5 grams per Earbuds provides additional comfort. However, the lightweight headphones suffer in terms of grip, because they slip noticeably during sports or fast movements and have to be readjusted manually.
Features and battery life
When we take the earphones out of the charging case, they are directly put into pairing mode and immediately recognized by our smartphone. The Air Pro 2 transmit in the modern Bluetooth 5.2 band, which ensures a stable connection and high range. We were able to move about 15 meters away from the external player without the connection breaking down during the test. About 10-11 meters are possible through thick walls. Thanks to IPX5 certification, the in-ear headphones can also be used in rainy weather and are protected against sweat during sports.
It is also practical that both earphones can also be used individually in mono mode. However, multipoint, i.e. the simultaneous connection with two audio sources, is not offered – but we would not have expected that in this price range. If you take out one of the two earbuds, the music playback is automatically paused and resumed when the second earbud is put back in the ear. However, the wear detection is a bit too sluggish for our taste; most competitors manage this much better.
When the EarFun Air Pro 2 is removed from the charging case, it connects quickly and flawlessly to the last source used. If we want to use them on another device, however, they have to be disconnected again and reconnected using the pairing button in the charging case – that is a bit awkward, but acceptable.
Speaking of the charging case, the Earbuds last for a total of around 34 hours in combination with the case. This value is made up of 6 hours of music playback with ANC (7 hours without active noise suppression) and 27 hours of runtime in the charging case. All in all, a good, but not outstanding battery life, which positions the Air Pro 2 in the upper third.
However, the EarFuns play right at the top in terms of charging options, because in addition to using the included USB cable, the charging case can even be charged wirelessly. Fast charging is also supported, which means the Earbuds can play another two hours of music in just 10 minutes. The charging case is fully charged to 100 percent in a total of two hours, and the earbuds inside even in just one hour – excellent.
Operation
As has become customary, the Air Pro 2 is controlled by touch commands. Via the surfaces on the outer sides of the in-ears, the operation is reliable and fast. At least, once you have internalized the manifold possibilities. Single, double and triple taps as well as holding down the touch surface trigger different commands separately for both sides.
Double-tapping starts or pauses playback, triple-tapping changes to the previous or next song, while single-tapping increases (right) or decreases (left) the volume. If you hold down the touch surfaces for two seconds, the in-ears switch between ANC, transparency mode and normal mode or call up the respective voice assistant on the left with the same command.
Once you have internalized the different commands, the touch operation works excellently and precisely. However, a slight delay after the inputs is always noticeable, which is why it is not uncommon for incorrect inputs.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that manufacturer EarFun does not offer a companion app to control its in-ear headphones. Accordingly, neither firmware updates, nor software-based equalizer settings or ANC gradations are offered, which is a bit of a shame.
Audio quality, ANC and microphone
Overall, the audio quality of the EarFun Air Pro 2 can be described as good. Each earphone is equipped with a 10 mm titanium driver, which, according to the manufacturer, reproduce a frequency range up to 40 kHz.
However, the focus is clearly on the bass, which lacks a bit of precision and volume in detail. It is also noticeable that the mids clearly recede into the background, and conspicuous voices like those of Billie Eilish or George Ezra are not reproduced in their full dynamic range. However, it looks much better with the treble, which the Air Pro 2 transmits very clearly and transparently.
Although the sound image can be balanced with the help of an equalizer, the inexpensive model can’t quite keep up with in-ear headphones that are twice as expensive. However, it should be noted that the sound is much more coherent than that of the Skullcandy, for example. Especially electric guitars and bright instruments, as well as strings, are reproduced very well. A complex sound, such as in the song “Shogun” by Trivium, is surprisingly reproduced by the Air Pro 2 in all facets. By the way, only AAC and SBC are supported in terms of sound codecs. High-resolution aptX variants are unfortunately searched for in vain.
ANC function and transparency mode
If we activate the active noise cancellation, the sound image changes once again. The basses exhibit an increased presence and more pressure. The mids are presented more voluminously, which ultimately results in a warmer and rounder sound.
The noise cancellation itself is on a very good level, but cannot quite keep up with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (our review) or the Apple AirPods Pro. Especially in medium and high frequencies, the ANC quickly reaches its limits: Voices in particular continue to come through almost unchanged.
However, I really liked the transparency mode, which amplifies background noises – especially voices – and makes them extremely clear in detail. Instead of distorting the sound, as is usually the case with in-ear headphones, it remains almost natural. However, a slight background noise is audible, just like in ANC mode. However, this is only noticeable in really quiet environments.
Microphone Quality
Finally, it remains to test the built-in microphone. These are located on the underside of the Earbuds and are accordingly automatically aligned towards the mouth. What is an advantage in theory, however, cannot convince in the case of the Air Pro 2.
The user’s voice is reproduced very muffled and with a strong reverb, which naturally affects the intelligibility. A minimal echo is always audible, while background noise is not filtered out effectively either. Overall, the microphone quality is only on a mediocre level. The following audio recording illustrates how this sounds:
Conclusion
Due to the extremely low set price, I was quite skeptical about the EarFun Air Pro 2. At the end of the test, however, the lightweight in-ear headphones turn out to be a positive surprise. Design and build quality hardly give reason for criticism. I particularly like the extremely low weight in combination with the compact size, both of the in-ears themselves and the charging case. Above all, the feature list is really impressive: ANC, transparency mode and wireless charging are anything but standard in this price segment.
Touch operation also works very well after a bit of familiarization, but it is a bit sluggish in direct comparison with the competition. I was also positively surprised by the sound, even though it is not without weaknesses. However, I have tested significantly worse-sounding in-ears with a much higher price tag – here, the Air Pro 2 are positioned in the upper midfield.
However, the ANC function and the installed microphones have to be accepted, neither of which is completely convincing. It is also a pity that there is still no companion app; EarFun will have to improve this slowly but surely. All in all, the buyer actually gets a lot for little money with the EarFun Air Pro 2. Anyone who has a narrow wallet and is still looking for current and good-sounding in-ear headphones, can access.
EarFun Air Pro 2
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
86/100
Comfortable and lightweight in-ear headphones with surprisingly good sound at a really affordable price. However, ANC and microphone are only mediocre.
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