Review: Soundcore by Anker, Soundcore Sport X10 True Wireless Workout Headphones – Excellent fit, engaging sound with impressive battery life.

In-depth review of Sport X10 Earbuds’ design, sound, fit, and performance for your active lifestyle... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Soundcore
Model Name	A3961
Color	Black
Form Factor	In Ear
Connectivity Technology	Wireless

First Impressions

Opening a new product is always an exciting moment, an amalgamation of anticipation and curiosity, and unpacking the Sport X10 Earbuds from Soundcore was no different.

The Sport X10 Earbuds Unboxing Experience

The package arrived in good condition, along with detailed images and product details. Sliding open the box was an effortless affair setting the tone for user-friendly experience ahead. Inside, it was neatly packed, securing the earbuds and accompanying accessories.

1 Box Content and Impressions

Upon unboxing, the matte finish of the charging case struck me as particularly attractive – balanced between sophistication and practicality. The box contained the Sport X10 earbuds, an assortment of ear tips, a quick start guide, and to my delight, a USB A to C cable. The inclusion of multiple ear tips to ensure optimal fit was a thoughtful addition.

2 Unveiling the Sport X10 Earbuds

Once the charging case was opened, the Sport X10 Earbuds made their first appearance. Designed to sit snugly in the ears, their unique design featuring hooks and rotating mechanism came across as refreshing, hinting towards a secure and comfortable fit crucial for a sporting scenario.

Getting Familiar with the Sport X10 Earbud Case

A precious component of any wireless earbuds is the charging case. Considering the size of the earbuds, the carrying case hit the right balance between compact and practical.

1 Design and Build of the Earbud Case

The matte black finish and subtle branding added a layer of sleek elegance to the case. However, while the connectivity is addressed with a widely accepted USB-C port, I did miss the convenience of wireless charging.

2 Practicality of the Earbud Case in Everyday Life

At the outset, the carrying case seemed portable and sturdy. The magnetic lids with LED indicators ensured smooth and informative interactions for the battery status. The button to release the lid was particularly handy and seemed like a boon for those sweaty workout sessions when fiddling with the case is the last thing you want to do.

Overall, the unboxing and initial contact with the Sport X10 Earbuds was a blend of satisfactory user experience, appreciation for the design, and curiosity towards the promised feature deliverables.

A Thorough Examination: Components and Functionality

• Sport X10 Earbuds have unique and efficient design
• Features dedicated hardware button on each earbud
• Design incorporates several mics and multiple contact points

An Intimate Look at the Sport X10 Earbuds

Let’s delve deeper into the Sport X10 Earbuds. On first glance, I couldn’t help but notice the unique design. Unlike other generic models on the market, the Sport X10 sets itself apart with a robust and efficient design. The rubberized hook is particularly notable, offering a promising foresight into the stability they may provide during strenuous workouts.

The earbuds boast an identical matte finish to the charging case, complete with subtle yet attractive red accents. Perhaps one of the standout features is the dedicated hardware button on each earbud. This immediately sparked interest as it diverges from touch controls that more common wireless earbuds possess. This was a surefire sign that button accessibility would be reliable and straightforward.

Another feature worth highlighting was the incorporation of several mics into the design. These are no doubt intended to serve both call functionality and the touted Hybrid ANC. A brief look certainly leaves an impression of deliberate design and anticipated performance.

Secure Fit: Wearing the Sport X10 Earbuds

It was time for the real test, putting the Sport X10 Earbuds into action. Inserting the earbud into the ear followed by a simple lock-down motion firmly secures the earplug. The rubberized hook wraps neatly around and behind the ear to maximize stability, a feature that seems particularly essential for rigorous movement during workouts.

The glasses test: As an individual who sports glasses, there was some initial apprehension. However, I was pleasantly surprised to note that the Sport X10 Earbuds are indeed glasses-friendly. They don’t interfere with the frames, resting snugly next to them instead.

Size doesn’t always matter: The X10s come with different ear tips; personally finding the medium tips to be supremely comfortable. They create an adequate seal, eliminating pressure while maximising comfort.

Distributing weight and pressure: One detail that stood out was how the pressure and weight of the earbuds were distributed, thanks to the design integrating multiple contact points. Even after extended periods, comfort was not compromised – a crucial factor for any in-ear earbuds.

Performance Review: Sound & Comfort

• Sport X10 earbuds deliver strong, clear bass
• Features user-friendly, onboard controls
• Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature

Sound Quality Test & Analysis: Bass, Highs, & Mids

Now, let’s dive headfirst into arguably the most vital factor of any set of earbuds: the sound quality. Remember, these are sports earbuds, thus their sound profile should ideally reflect the needs of an average joe during a workout. Is it satisfying that need?

The sport X10 prides itself on championing a non-flat sound profile with an added focus on giving a buzzing bass experience. Is that the case? Absolutely. If you hold a soft spot for bass in sound performance, the Sport X10 will not disappoint you. The bass delivered by the tiny earbuds is powerful, clear, and free of distortion even at higher volumes. In contrast, the highs could do with a bit of enhancement. They are present and detailed but can be overshadowed by the potent bass. However, they are comfortable on the ears and don’t come off as harsh or piercing. The mids held their own decently, making the vocals and most instruments audible and clear.

On-board Control Assessment: Efficient or Cumbersome?

The Sport X10 earbuds come equipped with an onboard control feature. A hardware button opposed to touch controls makes it easier to control media during your workout. In sweaty workout sessions or when your focus should be on your weight lifting and not adjusting your media, these user-friendly controls come in pretty handily.

The buttons are easy to locate and operate reliably. Besides, they offer quite a wide range of control options from the usual play, pause and call-answer functions to volume control and toggling the hybrid ANC.

The Hybrid ANC: Is it as Effective as Promised?

The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature boasts an impressive sound-blocking capability, especially of consistent, low-frequency noises like an AC or road hum. Of course, it won’t silence your environment entirely , but it does a commendable job filtering out a considerable amount of noise. When turned off, there’s no transparency mode; instead, the natural seal of the earbuds blocks out a fair amount of sound on it’s own.

While some might find this off-putting, if you want to stay cognizant of your environment—like hearing ongoing traffic while out for a run—you’d appreciate this switch-off. On another note, your bass experience might soften a bit with the ANC on. So depending on your preference, it’s a feature you may end up toggling now and then.

Workout Usability: Single Earbud Support and IPX7 Waterproof Rating

In terms of workout functionality, the X10’s deliver. As an added functionality, these earbuds support single earbud use. This one-earbud mode not only allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when biking or running outdoors, but also effectively doubles your battery life. Handy, isn’t it?

Are you paranoid about sweat or rain damaging your precious buds? No worries, the X10’s come with an IPX7 water resistance rating. So, rain, sweat, or a sporadic splash of water won’t be an issue here, ensuring your workouts are uninterrupted whatever the weather.

Final Verdict

Wrapping up our hands-on testing and analysis of the Sport X10 Earbuds, it’s time to make a conclusive assessment. We’ve checked out the design, construction, fit, user experience, and most importantly, the sound performance. The big question is, are they worth your hard-earned money?

Who Should Consider the Sport X10 Earbuds?

Rooted in my experience, the Sport X10 Earbuds appear to be crafted mainly for workout enthusiasts who need a hard-wearing pair of earbuds that not only provide excellent sound but also count on a secure, comfortable fit. The earbuds stay in place even during intense workout sessions, quite vital for the target group.

Moreover, with its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Sport X10 Earbuds hold their own against sweat and rain, something outdoor active lifestyle folks would value.

My Experience & Recommendation: Are They Worth the Price?

After an in-depth examination, I believe that the Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds deliver good value for the price point. Their sound profile leans heavily towards the bass lovers, which makes them excellent workout companions, pumping up your adrenaline when you need it. However, it’s worth mentioning that those seeking a flat or neutral sound may find the bass overpowering at times.

The earbuds’ robust build and secure fit are commendable, ensuring they can handle a fair bit of rough use in the gym or outdoors. Now, let’s talk about the hybrid ANC – it effectively blocks out consistent lower-frequency sounds, but don’t count on it to shut out high-frequency noises such as people chattering.

Also, the lack of a full-fledged transparency mode can be a shortcoming for some users who like to stay aware of their surroundings while immersing in their audio. Nevertheless, even without those features, the ear tip options offer a decent seal against environmental noise, which might be enough for most situations.

Closing Remarks: The Place of the Sport X10 in the Earbud Market

Considering their features, comfort, and user-friendly controls, Soundcore’s Sport X10 Earbuds offer a compelling package for people who want reliable, quality earbuds for their active lifestyle. They deliver an above-average battery life and a nice selection of options for customizing the fit. Yes, they have their areas for improvement, like the absence of wireless charging and detailed highs, but the positives shine brighter.

Ultimately, the Sport X10 earbuds have carved out a solid position for themselves in the competitive audio market, especially for active users. Each individual’s preferences and needs vary, so it’s always good to know what you want before making a purchase decision. Hopefully, this detailed review has made that decision a bit easier.

Should you buy the Soundcore by Anker, Soundcore Sport X10 True Wireless Workout Headphones?

Buy it if…

You Need Reliable Workout Earbuds

These earbuds are designed specifically for intense activities with secure fit, waterproof structure and diverse ear-tip choices.

You Want Great Sound While You Exercise

Sport X10 Earbuds deliver strong and clean bass that will make your workouts even more energizing.

You Value Battery Life

The earbuds boast eight hours of battery life along with an additional 32 hours from the charging case.

Don’t buy it if…

You Prefer Balanced Sound

Though the earbuds provide powerful bass, the high frequencies are not as pronounced.

You Need Wireless Charging Capability

Unfortunately, the charging case does not support wireless charging.

You Prefer Touch Controls

Sport X10 Earbuds feature hardware buttons for control, which may not suit everyone’s preference.

FAQ

What does the Sport X10 Earbud box include?

The box includes the earbud case containing Sport X10 Earbuds, a short USB-A to C cable for charging, a wide range of eartips of different sizes, a quick start guide, and a document on how to wear the earbuds.

What is the earbud’s battery life?

The earbuds have a battery life of eight hours while the charging case has an additional 32 hours of battery life.

Do the earbuds support wireless charging?

No, the Sports X10 earbuds do not support wireless charging.

How is the sound quality of the X10s?

The X10s have a powerful and clean bass output, deliver solid mids, and high frequencies are present and detailed. The audio output, on the whole, is dynamic and robust.

What makes the fit of X10s unique?

The earbuds make multiple contact points with the ears to distribute weight and pressure evenly. They have a rubberized hook that wraps around the ears to secure the fit.

Are the X10s comfortable for people who wear glasses?

Yes, the X10s are designed to comfortably sit behind the glasses’ frame, providing no interference or pressure at all.

Are these earbuds suitable for workouts?

Absolutely, the X10s are designed with a secure fit that ensures they stay in place even during rigorous movements. Besides, they have an IPX7 waterproof rating that makes them sweat and rain resistant.

What are the onboard controls included on the X10s?

Onboard controls include play, pause, take calls, volume control, and the ability to turn the hybrid ANC on and off.

Do the earbuds allow you to use just one at a time during workouts?

Yes, the Sport X10 Earbuds allow for single earbud use, which is especially useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings during outdoor workouts.