The recently released soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro promise something unique: they combine open-ear headphones and semi-open in-ears with ANC in a single device. After intensive use in everyday life, during sports and when traveling, I extensively tested the innovative concept of the AeroFit 2 Pro. Can the Anker subsidiary really deliver on its ambitious promise?
Technical data of the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
| The product | Aerofit 2 Pro |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Maximum operating range | 15m (without obstacle) |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours, 34 hours in total with charging case; (varies depending on volume level and audio content) |
| Charging time | 1.5 hours (for charging case via USB-C) |
| Most important functions | Wearer detection; multipoint; wireless charging; open-ear/in-ear mode; ANC |
| Price | € 149.99 * |
soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro test: design and workmanship
The first thing that catches the eye with the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is the unusual design. With a weight of around 10.4 grams per headphone, they are among the heavier representatives of their class. Significantly heavier than the HUAWEI FreeArc (our test), for example. But there is a good reason for the higher weight: the unique mechanism that allows you to switch between open-ear and in-ear mode.
The workmanship of the headphones, which are available in black, white and an appealing purple version, is consistently high quality. The housing is largely made of a soft, rubberized silicone composite that feels pleasant against the skin. Only the front with the Soundcore logo and the integrated push buttons is made of smooth plastic. In my test, the workmanship proved to be absolutely solid – even after weeks of use while jogging and in the gym, there are no signs of wear.
A particular highlight is the IP55 certification, which protects the AeroFit 2 Pro against dust, sweat and splashing water. Even intensive training sessions in the rain did not harm the headphones. However, the charging case is significantly larger than with classic in-ears: measuring 10.74 x 5.69 centimetres, it takes up quite a bit of space in your trouser pocket. On the other hand, it also offers wireless charging via the Qi standard – a practical feature that I have come to really appreciate in everyday life.
At the heart of the design is the finely adjustable rotating mechanism at the transition between the earpiece and driver unit. This can be adjusted in five stages over an inclination angle of 56 degrees. The mechanism works precisely and does not feel worn out even after numerous adjustments. Soundcore has done a great job here – the workmanship gives the impression that these headphones are designed for the long haul.
Wearing comfort: Good, but fluctuating
Wearing comfort is one of the biggest plus points of the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro. However, in my opinion, there is one important limitation: it depends heavily on the individual ear anatomy. Soundcore states that the headphones should fit well for around 90 percent of all users. Conversely, this means that one in ten users could have problems.
According to Soundcore, the decisive measuring points are two places on the ear, which should be at least 16 millimetres apart. For me personally, the AeroFit 2 Pro fit very well: the large, soft earpieces distribute the weight evenly and do not exert any uncomfortable pressure. Even after wearing them for several hours at work or on long train journeys, I didn’t feel any signs of fatigue or pressure points.
The earpieces prove to be a real strength during sport: the headphones sit firmly on the ear, even during intensive running sessions or jumping, nothing wobbles. This is a clear advantage over classic in-ears, which often slip out of place when I’m doing sport. The soft silicone composite material feels comfortable even when in contact with sweat and doesn’t slip.
soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro test: equipment and features
The soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro have a lot to offer in terms of technology. Inside is a modern Bluetooth 6.1 chip that supports the standard SBC and AAC codecs as well as the high-resolution LDAC codec. This means that the headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified and can play back audio files in the highest quality. In my tests, the Bluetooth connection proved to be extremely stable – I achieved ranges of up to 16 meters in an open field, and indoors the connection worked without any problems within an entire apartment.
The multipoint function, which allows simultaneous connection with two devices, is particularly practical. This allowed me to switch seamlessly between my smartphone and laptop without having to manually reconnect. A gaming mode with reduced latency is also on board – this is definitely noticeable when gaming, even if the headphones are of course not primarily designed for this purpose.
The built-in 11.8-millimeter composite drivers deliver an impressive maximum volume of 94 decibels – more than enough to get through even in loud environments. A total of four microphones are available for phone calls, which are supported by AI-supported algorithms. In practice, the phone works well: I can hear the other person crystal clear. However, my own voice is transmitted a little thin and distant, as if I were speaking further away from the microphone. This is not ideal, but it is within the range of what can be expected with open headphones.
One innovative feature is the automatic mode detection: as soon as I turn the driver unit forwards and position it in half in-ear mode, the ANC switches on automatically – provided I have configured this in the app. This intelligent automation works reliably and makes switching modes very convenient in everyday life.
The AI-supported real-time translation function, which can currently be used free of charge via the Soundcore app, is also worth mentioning. Although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to test it intensively, the feature shows that Soundcore is integrating pioneering technology here.
Operation and app connection
The soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is controlled via pressure-sensitive buttons on the outside of the driver units. These react very sensitively – sometimes almost too sensitively. I repeatedly triggered commands by mistake, especially when adjusting the ear hooks. Soundcore has obviously anticipated this problem and offers the option of deactivating individual gestures in the app. After I switched off the single press, unintentional triggers were no longer an issue.
The Soundcore app is a real highlight and is one of the best I have come across in the headphone sector. It offers extensive customization options that go far beyond the standard settings. Particularly clever: two separate 8-band equalizers are available – one for the open-ear mode and one for the half in-ear mode. When switching between the two modes, the app automatically activates the appropriate sound profile. I used this function extensively and created individual settings for both modes, which significantly improved the sound quality even further.
In addition to the two custom EQs, the app also offers several preconfigured presets for different music genres. The spatial audio feature is available in two variants (one for music and one for movies) and works surprisingly well with head tracking enabled. Although the head tracking is not quite as precise as with the AirPods Pro, it is still impressive and provides a more immersive listening experience.
Other features of the app include touch control customization (with options for single, double and triple tap and hold), a shut-off timer, a search function for misplaced headphones, left and right channel balance adjustment and multipoint connection management. Firmware updates are also conveniently installed via the app.
Battery life of the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
The battery life of the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is at a solid level without standing out in particular. According to the manufacturer, the headphones achieve up to seven hours of runtime in open-ear mode with one charge at 50 percent volume and AAC codec. The charging case provides additional power for a total of 34 hours of music enjoyment.
In my practical tests with the LDAC codec activated and a mixed volume between 50 and 70 percent, I achieved around five hours per charge – a very respectable figure. With AAC codec at a similar volume, I achieved around six hours. In half in-ear mode with ANC activated, the runtime is reduced to around five hours, as expected, but a total of 24 hours is possible with the charging case.
The fast-charge function is particularly practical: according to Soundcore, 3.5 hours of music playback is possible after just ten minutes of charging.
In my tests, it was more like one and a half to two hours. Still a good value, which is often sufficient in everyday life to be ready for use again quickly. Charging takes place either via USB-C or wirelessly using the Qi standard. The LED strip on the charging case provides clear information about the battery status. A small, but nice detail solution.
Sound, ANC and microphones of the AeroFit 2 Pro
The sound quality of the soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is the centerpiece of this test and also the area in which the 2-in-1 concept reveals its strengths and weaknesses most clearly. The 11.8-millimeter drivers deliver a powerful, balanced sound that differs significantly depending on the mode.
In open-ear mode, when the driver units are positioned sideways in front of the ear, the AeroFit 2 Pro sound airy and elegant with a surprisingly present bass for open headphones. The mids and highs are clear and precise without ever becoming shrill or unpleasant. Soundcore has implemented an active bass boost here to compensate for the natural loss of low frequencies in open-back designs. This works well, even if the bass naturally does not reach the intensity of closed in-ears. I was able to further refine the sound using the equalizer in the app – a slight boost in the bass and treble range further improved the presentation.
The big advantage of this mode is the complete perception of the surroundings. When jogging along the road or cycling, I could easily find my way through traffic without having to give up my music. Compared to the artificial transparency mode of classic ANC in-ears, I found the natural openness much more pleasant – no annoying wind noise, no distorted ambient noise.
If you fold the driver units forward into the half in-ear mode, the sound character changes noticeably. The headphones now sit closer to the ear canal and the bass is perceived as much more powerful due to the resulting resonance chamber, even if it is technically somewhat reduced. Overall, the sound is more direct, closer and more intense. The intelligent volume adjustment prevents an unpleasant jump – instead of suddenly becoming much louder, it is primarily the sound characteristics that change.
However, this also reveals the fundamental challenge of the concept: the AeroFit 2 Pro remain open headphones even in half in-ear mode. They do not achieve the bass depth and isolation of classic in-ears, which is hardly physically possible. The frequency response shows the typical weaknesses in the bass range that are characteristic of open-ear headphones.
ANC and transparency mode
This brings me to ANC – probably the most heavily advertised feature of the AeroFit 2 Pro and also its biggest weakness. Soundcore uses ANC 3.0 technology here, which performs excellently in the classic Liberty 4 Pro and Liberty 5 in-ear models. In the AeroFit 2 Pro, however, the technology cannot fulfill its potential.
The ANC has hardly any measurable effect. Low-frequency noises are minimally reduced, while medium and higher frequencies remain practically unchanged. This is not due to poor technology, but to the design-related inability to effectively seal the ear canal. Even when the headphones fit me well, there are still openings at the sides through which ambient noise can penetrate unhindered. Even pressing hard does not change this – physics sets clear limits here.
In practice, this means that ANC makes practically no difference in a noisy café or on the train. Voices remain completely present, traffic noise penetrates largely unfiltered. The mechanical shielding provided by the drivers closer to the ear reduces ambient noise somewhat more than in open-ear mode, but there is no real noise suppression.
Microphones
The voice quality when making calls is solid, but not outstanding. The person I’m talking to is crystal clear – I benefit from the good drivers here. However, my own voice is thin and somewhat distant. The AI-supported noise suppression for the microphones does a decent job, but only reaches a mediocre level. Making calls in quiet surroundings is no problem, but it becomes more difficult for the other person in strong winds or traffic noise.
soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro Review: Conclusion
The soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro are a bold, innovative product that Soundcore has implemented with remarkable quality. The idea of combining open-ear headphones and semi-open in-ears with ANC in one device is fascinating. And the implementation is amazingly sophisticated.
The greatest strengths lie in the well thought-out design, the high-quality workmanship and the excellent app with its extensive setting options. The separate equalizers for both modes in particular are a clever feature that offers real added value. The wearing comfort is excellent with the right ear anatomy, the Bluetooth equipment with LDAC and Multipoint leaves nothing to be desired and the battery life is solid. The sound of the AeroFit 2 Pro is convincing in both modes, although they are neither the best open-ears nor the best in-ears – but they manage to combine both worlds in a sensible way.
The main weakness is the ANC, which is practically ineffective and does not meet expectations. Soundcore advertises the noise suppression prominently, but cannot deliver due to the design-related limitations. More was promised here than is physically possible. The higher weight and larger dimensions are also due to the hybrid concept. Classic open-ears are noticeably more compact and lighter.
The 180 euros are not a small amount of money, and the AeroFit 2 Pro are definitely a niche product. But it is a successful niche product that shows that soundcore is prepared to break new ground. This willingness to experiment deserves recognition. And for the right users, this could be exactly the solution they are looking for.
- Successful mix of open-ear and in-ear
- Good sound
- Multipoint
- Individual EQs
- Powerful app
- Wearing comfort VERY individual
- ANC quite ineffective
- Expensive
soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
ANC
Features
Value For Money
84/100
With the AeroFit 2 Pro, soundcore impressively proves that innovation can work. The headphones uniquely combine two device categories with good sound, modern features and coherent equipment. The ANC is rather useless and the wearing comfort can also vary greatly.
