Soundcore AeroFit 2 and C40i Earbuds Review

A few years ago, a trend started in earbuds to an “open-ear” design, which has fundamentally shifted how we experience sound. This new segment in the market creates somewhat of a hybrid approach to personal audio, merging the need for immersive listening with the awareness of our surroundings.

These innovative earbuds allow for outside environment sounds to still make it into your ears while still enjoying the audio that you love, enhancing your ability to stay connected with the world around you.

Soundcore has been active in this new area, consistently pushing the boundaries of audio technology, and is now back with two impressive models: the AeroFit 2, designed for those seeking a robust sound experience during physical activities, and the budget-friendly C40i earbuds, ideal for casual listeners who want great quality without breaking the bank. Both of these models offer unique features that cater to diverse preferences, making them worthy contenders in the evolving landscape of personal audio devices.

Design and Daily Wear

Let’s start with the AeroFit 2. I was a big fan of the previous generation of these earbuds. It takes the looped design you see in many sports buds and adds the additional design points of open-ear. This makes for a secure, comfortable fit that still allows you some feedback from things around you.

The AeroFit 2 have a capacitive area for some basic playback controls on the outside of each pill-shaped earpiece. This earpiece also has a pivoting mechanism that allows for multiple options of placement inside the ear. This “hinge” has a satisfying click as you move through the angles to find the one you prefer.

Next, we have the Soundcore C40i earbuds. These are a little more polarizing in design. They look like tiny, plastic earmuffs to me. It’s not a bad thing, but I just don’t have much else that strikes a resemblance. These “clamp” on each side of your earlobe, with the speaker resting just inside the ear canal for audio.

This positioning can be awkward. I struggled to find myself having to really consider the correct orientation of these to get the speaker facing my ear, even after several weeks of testing. Maybe it’s just, me, but it really mind-freaked me with how it should go every time.

There are basic controls on the outside of the C40i buds, but this time you have a dedicate button versus a touch are. The button has a slight divot that makes it easily recognizable when you reach for it which is nice. The clamp styling also makes these surprisingly secure while being out and active.

Sound

You have to take both of the Soundcore open ear buds with some context of the actual purpose when it comes to sound. If you are used to the numbing effect of active noise cancellation, then you will be surprised on how much outside feedback you get with the AeroFit 2 and C40i. But this doesn’t take away from the quality in my mind. Both of these provide a rich sound into my ears while staying true to the design. The AeroFit 2 is definitely designed with the outdoor fitness enthusiast in mind and allows a great balance of playing your favorite tunes while keeping up with your surrounds.

The same is true with the C40i earbuds. As I mentioned earlier, even on a pretty intense run, the earpieces never felt like they were struggling to give me easy listening to my playlists. At the same time, I was much more aware of the traffic around my neighborhood sidewalks than I would have been with a traditional earbud.

I’d argue my favorite environment has been cubicle life. I struggle with being fully present or fully removed from my workplace when wearing other options. Both the AeroFit 2 and C40i have been fantastic as call devices with a dual duty of playing my music in the office.

I love that I have full range of what I’m listening to in the earbuds, but if someone mentions me in the office, I’m not completely oblivious. I hate having someone tap you on the shoulder because they’ve been talking to you for 30 seconds, and I was unaware. The AeroFit 2 and C40i have allowed me to balance this and also have exceptional microphones for taking Teams calls as well.

Battery Life

Endurance of both the AeroFit 2 and C40i has been great. The AeroFit 2 have a slightly longer playtime, with around ten hours from each charge. The case extends it to a total of 42 hours away from an outlet during normal usage. Thankfully, you have both USB-C quick charge and Qi wireless charging when you do need to top off the batteries.

The Soundcore C40i drops the wireless charging case, but still holds some good times with seven hours of playback with the case extending this to 21 total hours. Fast charge is onboard with these earbuds as well via USB-C.

Final Thoughts

Awarded to products with an average rating of 3.75 stars or higher, the AndroidGuys Smart Pick recognizes a balance of quality, performance, and value.

Products with this distinction deserve to be on your short list of purchase candidates.

Soundcore has always been on the edge of the audio world since its creation a few years back. Adding two fantastic open-ear devices into the lineup continues this tradition. The Soundcore AeroFit 2 and C40i are exceptional at walking the line of immersive sound and environmental awareness.

Thankfully, neither will break the bank. At $99 for each, you have options with the AeroFit 2 and C40i. The AeroFit 2 is available in four color variants: black, white, green, and navy. The Soundcore C40i are slightly more boring in just a black colorway. Hit our links below to snag yours now.