The SoundPEATS TrueAir2 is the 2nd generation of the TrueAir earbuds series and the successor to the well-reviewed TrueAir. It comes with a smaller form factor and a lower battery capacity compared to its predecessor. However, does it carry or offer a better sound quality and microphone performance that we have seen so far with the 1st generation? Well, let's find out in this review.
In this article
Pros and cons
These are the advantages and disadvantages of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2. So you can see immediately whether the earphones are suitable for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔️ Sound quality ✔️ Comfortably fits well |
❌ Battery capacity |
Specifications Edifier x3
- Price: $35.99
- Chipset: QCC3040
- Colors: White & Black
- Codec: Apt-X AAC SBC
- Bluetooth: 5.2
- Range: 10m
- Form Factor: Semi-in-ear
- Earbuds case: 300 mAh
- Earbud battery: 30 mAh
- Cable: USB Type-C
- Waterproof: IPX4
- Wireless Charging: No
Sound quality of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2
The sound quality of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 is by far better than its predecessor, the TrueAir. You can learn more on our SoundPEATS TrueAir 1st generation review.
The decision to equip the TrueAir2 with a better performing chipset, the QCC3040, gave this earbud a resounding audio performance. Furthermore, the brands decision to retain the 14.2mm bio-compound diaphragm speaker driver enables the earbuds to produce outstanding sound quality. For a half-in-ears (semi-in-ears) design, it's an amazing performance that you won't easily find in these type of form factor.
Sound quality score: 7.5/10
The overall sound quality of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 is surprisingly good. It's capable of producing a detailed yet crisp sound that we find unusual for a half-in-ear earbud. Commonly, half-in-ear earbuds are those that doesn't come with a silicone ear tip. They also commonly suffer from difficulties in producing sound quality that are, at least, equal to those of in-ear models. Apple's AirPods are of no exception from such issue
The speakers are able to produce a well mix of high tones, mid tones, and low tones no matter what music you listen to. However, it's still far from perfect despite how good the sound quality of the TrueAir2 is.
Listening to it carefully and using it as our daily driver over the past week, we started to notice its weaknesses. High tones tend to become over powering at some point. Further optimizing the drivers should give the earbuds a more well rounded range of sound that doesn't overpower the others.
Microphone: using SoundPEATS TrueAir2 for calls
When it comes to the built-in microphone, we first need to understand that Qualcomm's QCC3040 chipset greatly affects the performance of it. Despite being an entry level low power Bluetooth SoC, the QCC3040 is optimized to elevate the wireless performance of the TrueAir2 earbuds.
Now moving the to recording or input quality of the TrueAir2's microphone, it's considerably clear but it's not what we were expecting it to be. High or heavy tones are under powered which is difficult not to take noticed of. On the brighter side, it's better than most cheap earbuds as well as the ones on the same price range.
Of course, it's our tradition to provide you a recording sample to let you understand the microphone quality of the earbuds. Below is a recording sample using the microphone of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2.
As a general rule, the sound quality you hear from our recording is how you would sound like when using the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 as your microphone when making or taking calls. This, of course, includes online calls and video conferences.
Microphone score: 7/10
If you listened to our recording, our voice is sound and clear. That shows a decent performance and is a good sign. However, it's far from perfect.
As a good comparison, we made another recording sample using the Eardopes B6 Pro. For our readers, this will be a good benchmarking comparison of how a microphone quality should be in every earbuds.
Curious about the earbuds with the best microphone? We made an article to see which earbuds with best microphone based on sound clip recordings.
Fit: is the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 comfortable to wear?
The SoundPEATS TrueAir2 is surprisingly comfortable to wear and fits well on most ears. Compared to its predecessor, the TrueAir2 seems to have a slightly different design with its slightly off angled ear piece section.
Another worth mentioning is the use of matte plastic material compared to the glossy type found on the TrueAir. It goes to show that SoundPEATS do listen to its customers woes.
Fit score: 7.5/10
We would like to consider that we also made a huge impact on how the TrueAir2 design came to materialization. It seems that the brand might have read our hands-on review of the TrueAir that made an impact on how they designed the TrueAir2.
Functions and controls of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2
The SoundPEATS TrueAir2 uses a touch panel control to navigate and control its function. It's nice to see that the brand still carries it out with a touch panel. It's a horrible experience for us to navigate the controls using a physical button on an earbud.
The controls work smoothly and there are no hitches or delays. Tapping lightly already registers a command which shows the responsiveness of the earbuds.
Controls score: 8/10How does the touch control of the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 work ?
| Left | Right | |
| 1x | Volume down | Volume up |
| 2x |
Music: pause / play Calling: record / hang up |
Music: pause / play Calling: record / hang up |
| 3x | Voice assist / Siri | Voice assist / Siri |
| 1.5 sec. | Previous song / movie | Next song / movie |
|
4+ sec. |
Disable / enable | Disable / enable |
One of the noticeable changes and advantage implemented with the TrueAir2's touch controls is the personal recognition of where to press the control. There are 2 pegs present on the piece with a Superman-like SoundPEATS logo on it. It also lets the user find the touch panel easily with their fingers and that makes operation a lot easier.
Battery: how long does the SoundPEATS TrueAir2 last?
Another noticeable changed that we get for the TrueAir2 from TrueAir is the battery capacity. This comes to a no surprise. SoundPEATs wanted to offer the TrueAir2 in a generally smaller dimension. For them to achieve that, they had to cut the battery capacity for both the earbuds and its respective case.
The built-un battery for both earbud piece now comes in with 30 mAh while the case got cut in half from 600 mAh, for the TrueAir, now down to 300 mAh.
To compensate the lower battery capacity, the earbuds are now equipped with a much more power friendly chipset, which is the QCC3040.
Conclusion: are the SoundPEATs TrueAir2 any good?
| Review | |
| Sound | 7.5 |
| Microphone | 7 |
| Fit | 7.5 |
| Battery | 6 |
| Service | 8 |
| Stability | 8 |
Overall, the sound quality of the SoundPEATs TrueAir2 is excellent. It's a kind of quality that you will not easily find on any other half-in-ear earbuds. We still find the SoundPEATs Truengine 3SE a better performing earbuds compared to the TrueAir2.
In regards to its fit, the odd degree adjustment made to the ear piece truly gave this earbud a new found comfort to wear. The change in design and the use of matte plastic gave the earbuds a much more premium feeling overall. Additionally, the changes implemented for the touch panel control has drastically improved the ease of use for an earbud.
On the other hand, it's a shame that they had to cut the battery capacity to achieve a smaller dimension in general. The after sale service though is still excellent and the decision to use a more power friendly chipset compensates for the losses.
Total score: 7.5/10
Lastly, after testing and using the SoundPEATs TrueAir2 for almost a month, we are convinced that this earbud performance as good as the Apple AirPods for a fraction of the price.
Alternatives
SoundPEATs TrueAir vs TrueAir2
Comparing the TrueAir2 against its predecessor, the TrueAir, is like comparing apples and oranges. They are both earbuds but the intended audience and target customers are different. The TrueAir is, of course, cheaper than the TrueAir 2. It also packs a bigger battery capacity and it's a good alternative to Apple AirPods if the aesthetics and design matters to you. On the other hand, the TrueAir2 performs better in every department.
The following articles might be of an interest to you:
- SoundPEATS TrueShift 2 Review
- Review: SoundPEATS Truengine 3 SE
- SoundPEATS Truengine 2 Review: the power is in the bass
- SoundPEATS TrueWings review: Good earbuds for running and sports?
- SoundPEATS TrueFree 2 Review: Perfect earbuds for the active
- SoundPEATS TrueAir Review: better than other half in ears?
