Anker ring the changes with soundcore AeroClip design

Anker soundcore is a frequent feature of our guides to speakers and headphones here at What's The Best, so we're excited by the launch of the soundcore AeroClip.

The AeroClip earbuds aim to cater to music lovers who also prioritise comfort and the ability to listen to their favourite tracks while exercising. Ring-shaped with 12mm drivers, the AeroClips are secured around the outer ear. Clear, powerful sound is promised, as is the alleviation of ear discomfort due an ergonomic, light design and speakers which sit over, rather than inside, the ear.

We've previously discussed moves towards open-ear and bone-conduction audio technology, with companies like Shokz, Nothing and OneOdio all offering their own headphone options (as well as other products from Anker like the soundcore V20i). By incorporating ambient noise, this type of headphone is ideal for anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts, such as runners, cyclists and hikers.

The AeroClips each provide eight hours of playtime while the case offers a further 24 hours of charge. Other features include IPX4 water resistance and multipoint connection, allowing two devices to pair simultaneously. Users can control music and calls by tapping on the exterior band of the headphones.

Anker soundcore AeroClip come in Midnight, Champagne Mist and Smoky Brown at an RRP of £129.99.

Tried and tested

I've tested the soundcore AeroClip earbuds over several weeks and have found them to be a lightweight and reliable means of listening to music and podcasts. Like any open ear headphones they are designed to allow in a degree of ambient noise, so are not something to consider if you want to shut out sound in a loud cafe or train carriage.

Setup was straightforward, with additional control of the AeroClip coming via the soundcore app. Here I could adjust the EQ, with presets including Bass Booster and Classical. The app also keeps track of what the AeroClip is connected to, useful given that the earbuds offer multipoint Bluetooth. You can pair up two devices at once and toggle these to choose whether you want one or both linked at any one time.

The unconventional shape of the AeroClip meant it took some time to figure out how to fit them to my ears. However, they're the sort of thing that once you've got them on properly it all makes a lot more sense. Attaching them thereafter was instinctive and it became easy to forget I was wearing them. That said, I don't imagine they're going to be equally comfortable irrespective of the wearer. While the buds come with optional ear grips to improve fit, certain jewellery is still likely to get in the way.

The sound is very impressive. Despite not being in-ear or noise-cancelling I found that the AeroClip did justice to a variety of genres as well as the spoken word. Changing song by tapping on the band which links the speaker to the ear grip was less enjoyable. The price of a minimalist design is touch controls on a small surface area and I've sometimes struggled to quickly play and pause. However, with more frequent use this does improve.

Aimed at those on the move, the soundcore AeroClip presents an interesting headphone option for those who want to keep aware of their surroundings while listening to music. They're easy to grab and go, with a battery which excels and audio which one wouldn't expect from earbuds of this size. If you're in the market for a new set of headphones to use when walking, running or cycling they're worth checking out – not least because they're available at an extremely reasonable price.

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David Ker is a journalist with a decade's experience in print and digital publishing. He appreciates technology made with its environmental impact in mind and which presents him a further means to pursue his love of music, reading, games, TV and film. Above all, with so many options out there, he's interested in products that display something out of the ordinary and offer value for money. Hard to please, he assures What's The Best readers that he'll be a discerning critic on their behalf.