SoundCore Spirit X by Anker
Trying to write something that covers all the things we want to know soon turns into an essay
For the last few years I’ve been mainly and in ear earbuds kinda guy and will be mostly for commuting and chilling, but a recent increase in exercise has led me to search for some good sporty earphones which will deliver the tunes and keep me moving.
A few years ago I did the Cardiff Half Marathon and I used a set of Ur Beats. Sadly they didn’t make it around the course They got all sweaty and flooded I guess.
So there were a few things I need from these new buds.
Great Sounds (Don’t we all)
Great Battery Life
Comfort (No ear ache)
Sweat Proof (Breaking down in the middle of a workout)
So I got myself a set of [Anker Sound Core Spirit X Bluetooth Earphones] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B9R67WR/?tag=cm-deal-uk-2018-21) because I’ve had a few products from them and they always deliver high quality tech at affordable prices. These are around £25 and will do the same job as any £130 set.
They come with some standout features like
- A submarine-inspired structure and hydrophobic nano-coating for unbeatable protection from sweat
- 10mm drivers to deliver big tunes with big bass
- 12 hours battery life so you could get at least a weeks workouts from 1 charge. Charge time is only 1.5 hours too
- Soft & Flexible rubber coated ear hooks for comfort. You forget they’re in.
In the box
The Spirit X come with Bluetooth v5.0:
A smart carry case with a hook for your bag or belt.
Lots of different size ear buds and wings to get the perfect fit.
2 cable management pucks.
A clip to catch them on your shirt.
A Micro USB for charging.
User manual, Safety booklet and Happy/Not Happy warranty card. (No mention of the warranty period on the product or Amazon but it is usually 18 months). I would assume the same and Anker have superb customer service so don’t hesitate to contact them with any issues.
Comparison
I’ve been switching between my Wireless SoundBuds Surge, the SoundCore Spirit X and wired iBeats to see how they stack up.
Sound Quality
I’m no audiophile so as a consumer just want to hear my music loud and clear. The Spirit X are louder than the Surge and as loud as the iBeats
Controls
The inline remote on then Surge wins this one. The bigger buttons on the Spirit X makes it a little more difficult to pick the right button at times.
Cable Length
The iBeats are obviously longer being a wired set and the Surge and Spirit X are the same length.
Performance
These are all made for different purposes so can’t really compare. You can’t charge your iPhone and user iBeats so a wireless set is definitely the way ahead.
I love my Surge, they are fab but there’s a new kid on the block.
The Spirit X ticks all the boxes.
Long battery life
Great sound
Great for working out
Great for chilling
Great for commuting
Ive been using these for a week. I’ve been running, mountain biking, walking, on the bus and chilling; while listening to music, watching youtube, taking phone calls, chatting to siri. The Spirit X are great for all of these things. I could even hear and talk to my wife while flying down a hill on my mountain bike
I also paired them up with my Apple Watch and they were equally as loud and proud.
I don’t have a Bluetooth 5.0 compatible device to test the distance out but I could walk around my house and I never lost connection at all. You’ve got to ask yourself too. Where are you gonna go without your phone lol?
Couple of things to consider
They are loud and the kids can hear my music when on loud. No probs at all when you are running around a track or mountain biking up them hills but think about the person next to you on the bus
The cable management
I’ve only tried the 1 puck option and you end up with a nice bow on the back of your neck plus the weight of the inline remote and the flat form factor of the cable meant the cable kept sticking to my sweaty neck and pulling to one side. I’m going to give the 2 puck set up a try and will update. I’m sure with the right config it will be fine.