This is one of the new sounds of the moment in the world of audio: “open” or “air conduction” headphones. With its AeroFit Pro, the Soundcore brand is launching into the race for these new headphones that hang above the ears and simply sit at the entrance to the ear canal. Thanks to them, you can listen to your music, while remaining 100% attentive to surrounding noises. Secure. While with the return of sunny days, many are returning to outdoor sport, 20 minutes tested these new kind of headphones, particularly suitable for running.
The alternative to other types of headphones?
Resumption of physical activity with the return of the sun? Continuation of his weekly training sessions? And why not Paris Marathon (April 7)? Running to music is obvious for many. Even a necessity. If, for the running, headphones are too bulky; whether in-ear headphones are invasive; If bone conduction models only offer modest audio quality, air conduction headphones stand out as a credible alternative. “Air conduction”?
What is air conduction?
The principle is that of headphones which hang above the ear and whose speaker is positioned at the entrance to the ear canal. Like the classic True Wireless (or 100% wireless) headphones, they are Bluetooth, incorporate their own battery and are recharged in their storage box, which is itself weighted with a battery. For its AeroFit Pro, Soundcore promises 14 hours of battery life per charge and up to 46 hours with the case. Like the headphones it contains, this one is a bit opulent.
To the eye, it is twice as bulky as an Apple AirPods Pro case, and a quarter more than a Bose Earbuds II headphone case. The AeroFit Pro headphones are also more massive than traditional wireless headphones. Weighing 13 grams each, they are supplied with a titanium neck strap. If its use is optional, this small accessory whose ends fit into the base of each earphone, allows them to be joined together and further increases their hold in place. The whole thing then weighs 33 grams. A weight that is quickly forgotten.
Flawless support
When tested, we found that the Soundcore AeroFit Pro held well in place, even if we made sudden movements. You should not hesitate to try it several times to perfectly install the headphones on your ears in order to obtain the best possible support and an optimal feeling of comfort before entering the starting airlock.
But during our tests, the jolts of running did not dislodge the AeroFit Pro from their location. At the back of the lobule of each ear (the small part of soft skin at the bottom of each earbud!) the counterweight of each earphone is gradually forgotten, even if sweat can accumulate in this place after a few strides. With the IPX5 standard, the headphones can simply be rinsed after exercise.
Little bass, but decent sound
Surprise on the sound side. Unlike bone conduction headphones whose listening quality remains very succinct (not to say approximate), that of Soundcore’s air conduction headphones is correct. Almost good. This is the observation that we also made during our test of the OpenFit headphones, from Shokz, also with air conduction.
Right away, we notice that the bass is a little lacking. The sound reproduction remains generally very anchored in the mids. But a certain form of tonal balance is respected. Each earpiece incorporates a 16.2 mm diaphragm, which is rather unusual (and which also explains the bulk of each appendage).
Welcome and well-equipped, an application allows you to refine the settings using an eight-band equalizer, but also presets (Treble amplification, volume, Podcast, spatial audio). Special mention for spatial audio which can be applied to any audio content, not necessarily in Dolby Atmos, and which gives quite convincing results in terms of spatialization. The application also allows you to customize the functions of the small physical button on the top of each earphone (but not very practical to use) for some basic functions, such as Volume, switching to the next or previous song, calling up your sound personal assistant…
The sound level, set to maximum on our smartphone, was sufficient even if, at times, we wanted to amplify it further. Obviously, we should not expect as much power here as with in-ear headphones which are housed in the ear canal and which, de facto, do not suffer loss. Finally, we did not detect too many “sound leaks”. Understand that people nearby were not “taking advantage” of our playlists during our various listenings…
Safety advantage
There remains, of course, the advantage of the absence of insulation when you want to run in town, for example. Once on the head, the Soundcore AeroFit Pro allows you to hear the slightest surrounding noise, even when the music is playing at high volume. It is even possible to follow a conversation with headphones on (even if it’s not very polite!).
This is an undeniable asset for the runner’s safety of course, which allows him to also maintain his attention on his environment and not only on his race.
It is also, during a competition like a marathon, the possibility of sharing the atmosphere, the fervor of the meeting, the encouragement of your teammates or the crowd. Elements which, when we run out of juice, can also provide a precious boost of energy…