Soundcore AeroFit 2 review: the top open-ear earbuds for the majority of users.

      **Soundcore AeroFit 2**

      **MSRP**: $100.00

      "The Soundcore AeroFit 2 strike an ideal balance between performance and cost."

      **Pros**

      - Comfortable and secure fit

      - Impressive sound quality

      - Excellent call performance

      - Supports wireless charging

      - Bluetooth multipoint connectivity

      **Cons**

      - Lacks LE Audio and Auracast support

      - Microphones can pick up wind noise

      Soundcore is known for producing audio devices that deliver around 90% of the performance found in major brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple, at approximately half the cost. Their latest open-ear model, the $100 AeroFit 2, upholds this reputation — offering exceptional open-ear earbuds for the price.

      Despite its designation as a second-generation device, the AeroFit 2 feels like a fresh start for Soundcore with a completely reimagined design compared to the original AeroFit.

      **What’s different?**

      - Completely new shape with adjustable speaker modules

      - Larger drivers for enhanced bass

      - Added wireless charging capability

      - Hi-res audio support using Sony’s LDAC codec

      - Slightly reduced battery life

      - Improved dust protection, but less water resistance

      **Soundcore AeroFit 2 Specifications**

      - **Price**: $100

      - **Weight**: 10 grams (each earbud), 65 grams (charging case)

      - **Form Factor**: Open earbuds

      - **Noise Cancellation**: None

      - **Battery Life**: 10 hours per charge, 42 hours total with charging case

      - **Charging**: USB-C, wireless

      - **Voice Assistant**: Native smartphone access

      - **Multipoint**: Yes

      - **Water/Dust Resistance**: IP55 (earbuds only)

      - **Hi-res Audio**: Yes

      - **Fast Pairing**: No

      - **Bluetooth/Codecs**: BT 5.4 with AAC, SBC, LDAC

      - **Auracast**: No

      **Design and Comfort**

      For those unfamiliar, open-ear earbuds differ from traditional semi-open and closed styles by not providing insulation from external sounds. Depending on user preference, this can be either advantageous or a drawback. However, most users agree that open-ear designs excel in comfort.

      This area has seen the most improvement in the AeroFit 2. The silicone-covered wire linking the battery module to the speaker module is slightly thicker than its predecessor, yet it remains flexible and features a broader, oval arc. The real advancement lies in the four-position concealed hinge within the speaker module. This enhances the fit customization. While the first generation suited smaller ears best, the second-gen accommodates a wider variety of sizes. Importantly, it allows for optimal speaker placement to enhance sound quality, which is critical for open-ear designs.

      Compared to earhook models, comfort and sound quality can be at odds, but Soundcore’s design increases the likelihood of achieving both. I found them comfortable enough for all-day wear, even while wearing glasses. Though they may not be as secure as the Shokz OpenFit 2, they remained in place during workouts, including when lying on my back.

      With an IP55 rating, the earbuds can manage casual exposure to water or sweat, but full immersion should be avoided, and they should be dried before returning to the case. The charging case is designed to hold the AeroFit 2 in any of the four positions, and the addition of wireless charging is a nice touch. While it's slightly larger than the original AeroFit case, it's comparable in size to rivals like the Shokz OpenFit 2 and Earfun OpenJump.

      **Controls and Connections**

      The AeroFit 2 does not support Google Fast Pair, but they connect to smartphones easily — just open the case lid and find the earbuds in your Bluetooth settings. Additional devices can be paired using the pairing button on the back of the case or through the Soundcore app, which allows for managing multiple connected devices. Both Shokz and Soundcore provide similar interfaces, which work effectively.

      Unfortunately, both brands lack support for LE Audio and Auracast, which are expected to gain importance soon. The AeroFit 2 utilizes touch controls rather than physical buttons, providing a clean design (likely aiding water resistance), though they can be less precise. Most of the time, I could tap the correct area designated by the Soundcore “d” logos, but some accidental taps occurred, especially when placing the earbuds back in their case. A helpful tip is to hold them by the earhook wire instead of the speaker modules.

      The Soundcore app offers extensive control customization, allowing for four gestures per side: single, double, and triple-tap, as well as tap-and-hold. Playback functions, call management, track skipping, volume control, and voice assistant activation are all available, although a mute function for calls would be beneficial.

      **Sound Quality**

      Open-ear