In-depth review of SOUNDPEATS Air 5 Pro wireless earbuds with comprehensive audio testing and frequency analysis. Evaluation of ANC, app features, sound quality, and value for music and podcasts.

SOUNDPEATS Air 5 Pro Earbuds Review: Premium Features at Affordable Pricing

The wireless earbud market has exploded with options ranging from budget models to premium offerings commanding hundreds of dollars. The SOUNDPEATS Air 5 Pro targets consumers seeking premium features and sound quality without flagship pricing. But do these earbuds deliver on their promise of high-end experience at accessible cost?

Feature Set and Positioning

The Air 5 Pro arrives with comprehensive features typically reserved for more expensive earbuds. Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, companion app with customizable EQ, and full touch controls provide functionality matching or exceeding many premium alternatives.

The companion app deserves particular attention, as it enables users to customize controls, adjust ANC and transparency settings, and tailor sound signature through multiband EQ. This customization capability addresses one common limitation of affordable earbuds—locked sound signatures that suit some listeners while disappointing others.

The inclusion of quality-of-life features at this price point positions the Air 5 Pro competitively against both budget alternatives lacking these capabilities and premium models where similar features command significant price premiums.

Comprehensive Audio Testing Methodology

Evaluating the Air 5 Pro requires objective measurement alongside subjective experience. Using binaural microphone recording techniques provides quantifiable data about frequency response and coloration across different content types.

All testing occurred with EQ set to flat in the app, with recordings made in normal mode without ANC engaged. This provides baseline understanding of the earbuds’ inherent sonic character before user customization. Extended real-world use across diverse environments confirmed that ANC mode doesn’t significantly alter frequency response—welcome finding that ensures consistent sound regardless of mode.

Sine Wave Frequency Analysis

Initial sine wave sweep testing reveals fundamental frequency characteristics through both linear and logarithmic analysis. The testing exposes deviations in low-midrange frequencies along with variances in upper frequencies, indicating the Air 5 Pro introduces coloration rather than perfectly flat reproduction.

The logarithmic analysis—more representative of human hearing perception—shows where and how much the frequency response deviates from neutral. These measurements predict that music reproduction will exhibit noticeable character even with flat EQ settings.

The linear analysis provides additional detail in upper frequency ranges, confirming the frequency shaping that creates the Air 5 Pro’s particular sonic signature. Understanding these characteristics helps potential buyers determine whether the inherent sound suits their preferences or whether EQ adjustment will be necessary.

Music Reproduction Assessment

Complex musical content provides more relevant evaluation than sine waves for understanding real-world performance. Music incorporates simultaneous frequencies across the spectrum, revealing how drivers handle interactions between different tones.

Testing across multiple genres reveals consistent coloration that confirms the frequency analysis predictions. The logarithmic graph shows deviations from flat response, with both under-stated and slightly over-stated frequency regions contributing to overall character.

When overlaying the frequency comparison graphs, the differences become clearer. The coloration remains within reasonable parameters for this price category—not egregiously colored but definitely introducing character that some users will enjoy while others might find less neutral than preferred.

The presence of multiband EQ in the companion app proves crucial here. Users finding the default tuning too colored or simply not matching their preferences can adjust response significantly. This flexibility transforms what might otherwise be a limitation into an opportunity for personalization.

Across various music genres, the Air 5 Pro performs consistently. The frequency response characteristics remain stable regardless of musical style, allowing users to understand and adapt to the earbuds’ sonic signature. For earbuds in this price range, this consistency represents solid performance rather than exceptional achievement.

Spoken Word Performance Excellence

For podcast listeners, audiobook enthusiasts, and voice content consumers, accurate voice reproduction takes priority over full-spectrum music accuracy. The Air 5 Pro demonstrates particular strength in spoken word applications.

Frequency analysis of voice reproduction reveals less deviation than observed with full-spectrum music. Speech intelligibility registers as quite good, with minimal coloration affecting voice timbre or clarity. The characteristics that introduce noticeable color in music prove less impactful in the more limited frequency range of human voice.

For users primarily consuming podcasts, audiobooks, or voice-focused content, the Air 5 Pro delivers genuinely good performance. The clarity and intelligibility support comfortable extended listening without fatigue or difficulty understanding content.

This spoken word competency expands the Air 5 Pro’s versatility significantly. Users splitting time between music and voice content get earbuds that handle both adequately rather than excelling at one while disappointing at the other.

Gaming Audio Limitations

Some users employ earbuds for mobile gaming, making gaming audio evaluation relevant despite earbuds not being purpose-designed for this application. The Air 5 Pro handles gaming audio with mixed results.

Audio clarity proves quite good—individual sounds register clearly and distinctly. However, the spatial presentation feels closed and confined. Everything seems positioned directly in the head rather than creating expansive virtual environment around the listener.

The sense of distance and directionality—crucial for immersive gaming and competitive advantage—doesn’t match dedicated gaming headphones or even some other earbuds. For casual mobile gaming this proves acceptable, but serious mobile gamers might find the spatial limitations frustrating.

The immersion factor remains present despite spatial confinement. The audio draws listeners into game worlds adequately for casual play. Users seeking earbuds primarily for music and podcasts who occasionally game will find acceptable performance, while dedicated mobile gamers might prioritize alternatives with better spatial reproduction.

Soundstage and Imaging Characteristics

The gaming evaluation highlights broader observations about soundstage and imaging performance. The Air 5 Pro presents audio in relatively closed fashion with average imaging precision at best.

For open-back headphones or even quality closed-back over-ear designs, the expansive soundstage and precise imaging prove attainable. However, the physical constraints of in-ear designs make this challenging. Some earbuds overcome these limitations better than others through acoustic engineering and tuning.

The Air 5 Pro’s soundstage and imaging characteristics represent neither exceptional achievement nor critical flaw—they perform averagely for in-ear designs. Users prioritizing spacious presentation should temper expectations or consider over-ear alternatives. Users comfortable with typical in-ear spatial characteristics will find nothing problematic here.

Build Quality and Physical Design

The Air 5 Pro demonstrates good build quality appropriate for its price point. The charging case features solid plastic construction with USB-C charging port and LED indicators. Magnetic retention holds earbuds securely in place during storage and transport.

The earbuds themselves employ smooth plastic construction with touch controls on both sides. The controls enable volume adjustment, playback control, and call management—all customizable through the companion app to match individual preferences.

Comfort proves adequate with multiple included ear tip sizes enabling proper fit for most users. The earbuds themselves feature ergonomic shaping that seats comfortably for extended wear without creating pressure points or fatigue.

The included USB-A to C charging cable handles charging duties, though the lack of C-to-C cable feels slightly dated given USB-C proliferation. Users with USB-C-only devices will need to provide their own cables or use wireless charging if the case supports it.

Connectivity and Battery Performance

The Air 5 Pro incorporates current Bluetooth technology ensuring reliable connectivity with modern devices. Connection stability proved consistent during testing across various environments and use cases.

Battery life delivers solid performance enabling extended use between charges. The charging case provides multiple recharge cycles, significantly extending total usable time. For commuting, travel, or daily use patterns with periodic charging opportunities, the battery performance proves more than adequate.

Fast charging capabilities minimize downtime when battery runs low, important for users who forget to charge until needed. The combination of good baseline battery life with fast charging creates practical versatility for diverse usage patterns.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency

The ANC functionality provides meaningful noise reduction in appropriate environments. For airplane travel, public transportation, or noisy offices, the ANC attenuates environmental sound significantly—not matching flagship ANC earbuds but providing real benefit over passive isolation alone.

The transparency mode enables environmental awareness when needed without removing earbuds. This proves useful for quick conversations, crossing streets, or any situation requiring temporary environmental connection. The implementation quality proves adequate without sounding particularly natural—acceptable for functional purposes.

Both ANC and transparency adjustments through the app allow users to tune performance for specific environments and preferences. This flexibility enhances practical usability across diverse daily scenarios.

Value Proposition and Competitive Positioning

At its price point, the Air 5 Pro delivers impressive overall value. The feature set matches or exceeds many significantly more expensive alternatives. The sound quality, while exhibiting coloration, remains within acceptable parameters for the price—particularly given the EQ adjustment capability.

Build quality proves appropriate for the cost without feeling cheap or fragile. The comfort, battery life, and connectivity all meet or exceed expectations for this product category.

Compared to premium flagship earbuds from Apple, Sony, or Bose commanding three to four times the price, the Air 5 Pro obviously makes compromises. However, these compromises prove reasonable rather than severe. For budget-conscious consumers seeking genuinely functional wireless earbuds with premium features, the value equation proves compelling.

Target User Recommendations

Ideal for:

• Budget-conscious listeners seeking premium features affordably
• Podcast and audiobook enthusiasts (excellent voice reproduction)
• Users wanting customization through app-based EQ and controls
• Travelers requiring decent ANC without flagship pricing
• Casual listeners prioritizing versatility over ultimate performance

Consider alternatives if:

• You require absolutely neutral frequency response (though EQ helps)
• Soundstage and imaging are top priorities (try open-back headphones)
• You demand flagship-level ANC performance
• You need earbuds specifically for competitive gaming

Professional Perspective

From a professional audio perspective—understanding how consumers actually use audio products for everyday content consumption—the Air 5 Pro succeeds admirably at its mission. When involved in mixing, mastering, or production, knowing what playback devices consumers actually use proves essential.

Earbuds like the Air 5 Pro represent mainstream listening reality. Millions of listeners consume content through similar devices. Understanding their characteristics helps producers make decisions ensuring content translates well to real-world playback scenarios.

Testing affordable earbuds isn’t about evaluating them as professional tools but about understanding the consumer audio landscape. From this perspective, the Air 5 Pro represents quality mainstream listening that producers should consider when making critical mixing decisions.

Final Verdict

The SOUNDPEATS Air 5 Pro delivers on its core promise—providing premium features and decent sound quality at affordable pricing accessible to broad consumer audiences. The comprehensive feature set, including ANC, transparency, app customization, and good battery life, creates value that competes effectively against more expensive alternatives.

The sound quality exhibits coloration that some users will enjoy while others might find less neutral than preferred. The crucial distinction is the multiband EQ enabling significant customization—transforming potential limitation into personalization opportunity.

For spoken word content, the Air 5 Pro genuinely excels relative to its price. Podcast listeners and audiobook enthusiasts will find excellent performance that justifies purchase on this strength alone.

The soundstage and imaging limitations prove inherent to in-ear designs rather than specific Air 5 Pro failures. Users understanding and accepting these characteristics will find these earbuds serve well across diverse applications.

At this price point, expecting perfection proves unrealistic. The Air 5 Pro makes intelligent compromises that preserve functionality and versatility while achieving accessibility. For consumers seeking their first quality wireless earbuds or upgrading from budget alternatives, these represent compelling options worth serious consideration.

The combination of features, sound quality, and pricing creates value proposition that makes the SOUNDPEATS Air 5 Pro easy to recommend for appropriate use cases and user expectations. They deliver affordable access to premium features that enhance daily listening experiences without requiring flagship investments.