Soundcore by Anker Life P2

The Soundcore Life P2 come with ear tips in five different sizes, allowing for easy customisation. At the same time, their low weight of 5.5 grams per side favours a comfortable fit that offers enough stability to wear while jogging. The fact that the earpieces are water-resistant in accordance with IPX7 also makes them seem robust, simplifies cleaning and protects the system from weather-related moisture during outdoor activities. The slim design only protrudes slightly if you want to wear a hat or cap.

Running times

When we tested the endurance of the batteries, these wireless headphones offered a runtime of more than seven hours at raised volume, which is a remarkable result, especially since the in-ears in the transport case, which serves as a charging station, can be fully charged four times and then once to 80 per cent, resulting in a total runtime of about 40 hours. One charge cycle of the headphones takes just under 90 minutes, for spontaneous use the quick charge function can also be used, which provides battery capacity for 75 minutes after a ten-minute power up. The case can be recharged in 2 hours and 15 minutes via the USB-C port, and levels are clearly indicated by an LED. An appropriate USB-C to USB-A charging cable is also included in the package.

Device control

Pairing the headphones, which support Bluetooth standard 5.0 and have an above-average range of a good twelve metres when used in conjunction with various Android and iOS devices, can be done with removal from the case. This switches the system on and automatically puts it into pairing mode, while returning the in-ears to the case switches them off. Alternatively, it is also possible to switch the system on and off manually by holding down the buttons recessed into the surface for a long press, and both sides can also be used individually in single mode. Once a wireless connection has been established, a simple press controls playback, and this can be done on both sides, it is also used to answer and end telephone calls. A short press and hold allows you to reject calls and call voice assistants, while a double-press allows you to select a track, moving backwards on the left and forwards with the right headphone. There is no volume control, which could be seen as a shortcoming. Nevertheless, the remote reacts reliably and directly, especially as the Soundcore Life P2 offer excellent voice quality during phone calls.

Sound

The tuning of these wireless headphones seems coherent and harmonious in itself, has a clear, clean sound image, but does not seem cold or sterile, as there is a perceived rounding off. While the proprietary BassUp technology analyses playback in real-time and automatically boosts low frequencies, according to the manufacturer, the powerful bass reproduction benefits from the pleasingly precise reproduction of these in-ears. Although the bass foundation is not extremely lush or massive, it does have a certain richness, reaches down quite deep and appears balanced, so that a well-defined sound is created, which makes for pleasurable listening with bass-oriented productions. Since the low frequency range is not overloaded, vocals and lead instruments are given enough space to develop expressively and are smoothly rounded. The trebles also have presence, appear clear and do not fall off. While at low and medium volume there is no perception of sharpness or harshness, there is a slight tendency towards peaks at high levels. Otherwise, however, the high frequency range appears attractive, open and unobtrusive, which contributes to the fact that these headphones can be used in a variety of ways and that overall, in view of their quite reasonable price, they offer remarkable sound quality.