Today, I am examining a pair of true wireless earbuds generating significant buzz: the SOUNDPEATS Air5 Pro+. The Air5 Pro+ enters the competitive TWS market at a price point of $120 USD.
What makes the Air5 Pro+ noteworthy is that it combines a 10mm dynamic driver with an xMEMS Cowell solid-state driver. This hybrid system, coupled with full support for aptX Lossless and LDAC high-resolution audio codecs, shows a lot of potential. Does the xMEMS integration genuinely elevate the sound, and is the overall performance worthy of its asking price? I will break it down for you. Let’s begin.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Soundpeats for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Soundpeats Air5 Pro+
Features
The Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ comes packed with a modern feature set, though it does omit a few staples typically found at this price point.
Internal Hardware and Connectivity
The most notable inclusion is the hybrid driver configuration, which combines a 10mm dynamic driver with a MEMS Cowell driver. This setup aims for a high-resolution sound with a fast response speed. In terms of connectivity, the earbuds support a wide array of high-quality codecs, including:
- LDAC
- aptX Lossless
- LC3
- Snapdragon Sound (for compatible devices)
Additionally, the Air5 Pro+ supports multi-point connectivity, allowing you to stay connected to two devices—such as a phone and a laptop—simultaneously.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC system features three modes: ANC On, ANC Off, and Transparent/Ambient mode. It performs admirably for an entry-level set, particularly with low-frequency, droning sounds like air conditioners or engines, though sharper, high-pitched noises may still peek through.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is respectable but not groundbreaking. You get roughly 6 hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. They do support fast charging, where a 10-minute top-up provides about 2 hours of playback.
Additional Functions
- Gaming Mode: Provides low-latency audio for a more responsive gaming experience.
- Call Quality: True to the Soundpeats reputation, the call quality is excellent, remaining clear even in varied environments.
- Peats Audio App: Offers a customizable EQ and various presets to tweak the sound signature to your liking.
Note: It is worth mentioning that these earbuds do not include in-ear sensors for auto-pause/play, nor do they support wireless charging, which are common omissions at this specific price tier.
Sound
The Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ features an interesting hybrid driver configuration, pairing a 10mm dynamic driver with a MEMS Cowell driver. While MEMS drivers are known for their incredibly fast response times and low distortion, Soundpeats has opted for a warm, consumer-oriented tuning here that prioritises richness and power.
Bass
The low end is handled by the dynamic driver and is undeniably the focal point of the tuning. It is an elevated, powerful bass with excellent sub-bass extension that provides a satisfying rumble. While the resolution remains good even at higher volumes, I found the default tuning a little too “thick” for my personal preference. Fortunately, using the Bass Reduction preset in the app helped clean things up, retaining a full-bodied feel without being quite so overwhelming.
Midrange
The midrange carries a warm undertone from the bass, making for a rich and “velvety” presentation. It is slightly thicker than neutral, which gives male vocals plenty of authority and makes female vocals sound smooth and sultry. Despite that warmer tonality, the resolution is pretty impressive; the sound remains silky throughout with no noticeable grain.
Treble
The MEMS driver appears to be responsible for the higher frequencies, and it performs beautifully. It offers a crisp, fast, and precise response. While the treble isn’t particularly forward in the mix—keeping the overall signature on the warmer side—it has good extension and trails off nicely into the air. This precision allows for better detail retrieval than you might usually expect from such a warm signature.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage isn’t exceptionally wide, but it offers good depth. Imaging is a highlight for a wireless earbud; it’s easy to pinpoint the position of instruments and vocals. This also makes them quite effective for gaming, as you can clearly hear the direction of footsteps and gunfire.
Verdict
The Soundpeats Air5 Pro+ is a solid contender in the sub-$150 bracket, offering a classy design and a very comfortable, secure fit. While the out-of-the-box tuning is a bit thick for my personal taste, the inclusion of that MEMS driver ensures the technicalities—especially treble precision and imaging—remain impressive for a wireless set.
At $129, it faces stiff competition, and I was a little disappointed by the lack of in-ear sensors and the limited number of included eartips. These are features many users expect once you cross that $100 threshold. However, if you are looking for a pair of earbuds with a smooth, velvety sound and effective ANC, the Air5 Pro+ is an option worth considering.