SoundPEATS Air4 Earbuds With Support For Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound

Previously, I’ve featured SoundPEATS, the affordable audio brand that produces some excellent earbuds at sensible prices, providing a budget alternative to Apple’s AirPods. Today Soundpeats is launching its new SoundPEATS Air4. These new true wireless earbuds support Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound and aptX lossless audio codec.

The Air4 earbuds have an AirPod-style design, so they don’t come with silicone ear tips. If you have the kind of ears that work well with AirPods (mine don’t), then the fit of these new earbuds will suit you just fine and they are available in a choice of black and white finishes. The SoundPEATS Air4 weigh in at just 4g per earbud.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform uses the aptX Lossless audio codec and can deliver CD-quality audio up to 16-bit/44.1kHz. The technology can even top out at an impressive 24-bit/96kHz when using the aptX Adaptive codec on a phone that supports Snapdragon Sound. The system dynamically adjusts the bitrate used depending on the audio content playing. The sound quality is optimized based on the audio being played and the latency required, especially when playing games or watching videos.

The SoundPEATS Air4 are powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3071 chipset, which supports Snapdragon Sound. However, Apple iPhones and iPads can’t work with Snapdragon or any of the aptX family of codecs. Fortunately, the Air4 earbuds also support the AAC codec used by Apple, so that’s reassuring.

In addition to supporting Snapdragon Sound, the SoundPEATS Air4 also support Adaptive ANC (Active Noise Canceling) with up to a maximum noise reduction of 45dB and a latency as low as 88ms. The Air4’s ANC function works efficiently and effectively blocks out continuous sounds like road noise or the hum of an aircraft’s engines. There’s also a transparency mode that feeds through some external sounds so you can listen out for travel announcements or hear someone talking to you.

Thanks to support for Bluetooth Version 5.3, the Air4 support Dual Connection, which enables the user to connect two devices to the earbuds simultaneously. Dual Connect is a handy feature for anyone with a business and a personal phone, enabling you to answer calls or listen to music from either device.

Each of the Air4 earbuds has touch controls. While this is convenient, it does make it far too easy to trigger the pause command or switch ANC mode every time you push the earbuds further into your ear. I have a problem wearing AirPod-style earbuds and if you do too, bear in mind that you might end up triggering the controls when all you want to do is get a more comfortable fit.

The Air4 earbuds are fitted with large 13mm dynamic drivers in each earpiece, producing a powerful and rich sound with excellent bass levels, a forward midrange, plus a treble that is neither harsh nor distorted. As mentioned, I’m not a fan of the AirPod-style fit, but even in my odd-shaped ears, the Air4 functioned well and sounded great playing most genres of music. The SoundPEATS app enables the user to customize the sound and control of the earbuds and update the firmware in the future.

Battery life is important when using true wireless earbuds; the SoundPEATS Air4 don’t disappoint on that score. With plenty of reserve power in the charging case, the Air4 earbuds can play for up to 26 hours before they need a complete recharge using the supplied USB cable. The long battery life makes them ideal for regular commuting or gym sessions. There’s no option for wireless charging.

The Air4 earbuds include three built-in microphones with a noise-canceling function for reducing unwanted background sounds when making phone calls or taking part in video meetings. The microphones also work when giving commands to audio assistants like Siri and are used for the ANC function.

Verdict: The SoundPEATS Air4 is a superbly affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that support Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound. They are ideal for the latest Android phones, the new audio platform. The sound quality of the Air4 is very pleasing, thanks to the large 13mm drivers. If you want to leverage the power of Snapdragon Sound and its hi-res codecs, the SoundPEATS Air4 offer a lot of bang for your buck. Recommended.

Pricing and availability: The SoundPEATS Air4 aptX Lossless Wireless Earbuds are available in Black and White. During the first sale event on US Amazon from August 22nd to September 30th, the Air4 will be available for just $43.20 using the extra 21% code: SPAIR4PR with the $20 coupon. The regular price is $79.99.

More info: soundpeats.com

Tech Specs:

• Fit: AirPod-style.
• Driver: 13mm dynamic.
• Snapdragon Sound support: Yes
• Audio codecs: aptX Lossless / aptX adaptive / aptX / AAC / SBC.
• Bluetooth version: 5.3.
• Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3071.
• ANC: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation Up to 43dB.
• Latency: 88ms in gaming mode.
• Microphones: 3 with noise reduction.
• Dual connection: Yes.
• App: SoundPEATS
• Battery: 35mAh (per earbud); 330mAh (case).
• Battery life: Up to 26hrs.
• Charging: USB Type-C.
• Weight: 4g (per earbud).
• Colors: Black and White.