I recently purchased the SoundCore Arc wireless earbuds from my local Walmart. I purchased them at full MSRP of $39.99.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Wireless-Earphones-Resistant-Flexible/dp/B07BHLJ6BD
Fit:
These earbuds fit very well right out of the box. I was intimidated by all the different earpieces included in the box, so I left it as is. After using these headphones for a while, I noticed that the earpiece was just too big for me. Putting on a brave face, I looked in the instruction manual. What I saw was an arrow pointing away from the earpiece showing me how to replace it. So with basically no instruction I just ripped it off, ear wing and all. It came off perfectly with just enough resistance to ensure it doesnât come off in your ear. I put on slightly smaller ear pieces (included with product) and the fit was 100% perfect.
My biggest concern was the ear hook. I was concerned that it would bother me or be troublesome. Little did I know quite how adjustable they were. They flex with extreme ease, and can be twisted or turned anyway to ensure that they do not cause a problem. At first, the ear hook would rub up against the back of my ear and cause pressure, a simple push and that issue was completely resolved.
Sound:
I wouldnât call myself an audiophile, but I am pretty close. Various music sources sounded absolutely astonishing, although I have found these earbuds to be a bit loose on the bass. Then again, I do love Razor Kraken headphones for their extremely bass-heavy signature. The Arcâs signature may not be in my complete personal preference, but out of any headphone I have used to date I have found the Arcâs signature to be the most true in sound replication. Overall, for earbuds, 9/10 on sound.
Microphone:
Considering the price of this unit, I expected the microphone to be lackluster at best. I paired these to my computer and loaded up Audacity. They sounded good. Like really good. To give you a comparison, they were better than my in-build Beats Audio dual-microphone computer setup. Were they as good as a dedicated microphone? Of course not, but they outbeat the boom-style headset microphone with absolute ease. Overall, for the price, the inbuilt microphone is a solid 10/10, no static, no distortion, no electric noise. Clear and defined. Honestly, this was the most shocking point for me. Even multi-hundred dollar headphonesâ (that sound better than this) microphone does not compare. It was just THAT good.
Comfort:
These earbuds are extremely comfortable. You cannot sleep on your side with them on, because the earpiece would rub on your head. However, I OFTEN got up and walked away from what I was doing and completely forgot I was wearing these earbuds. I could wear these all day and not experience any pain or discomfort, granted everything is adjusted to my preference.
Range:
Range on these headphones is great. 30 feet is easy to pull off even with walls in-between.
Bluetooth Delay:
Being an audio enthusiast, Bluetooth delay has ALWAYS bothered me to the extreme. It has bothered me before these earbuds, and it will continue to bother me with these earbuds. As for delay however, these earbuds were very well performing compared to other wireless headphones, however the delay will always be there, and is very inconsistent. I have found Bluetooth Delay to be especially annoying when using the YouTube application on iOS, or using the dial pad on the phone application. Itâs not worse on these earbuds than it is on other Bluetooth devices, itâs better. I just needed to include this to make sure people are aware.
Battery:
10 hours playtime is about accurate. Give or take an hour (normally give).
Summary:
These are great earbuds for the price and they sound great. The included pouch is nice. The charging port is easy to open, but it is challenging to revolve with the attached spinning cable that goes back into the in-line controller. I spent lots of time trying to get it to cooperate easier. That may be a challenge, but it also might have to break in. I will update with how that turns out.
Overall, a solid 9.5/10.
