Anker Soundbuds Curve Wireless Headphones
Although Anker is known primarily for their computer and phone chargers, they’ve created many other gadgets that make everyday living easier. These include everything from data hubs and flashlights to different types of keyboards, yet they’ve been especially praised for their wide range of speakers and wireless headphones. One of their best-received headsets is their Soundbuds Curve, thanks to plenty of careful engineering on the brand’s part as well as a comfortable yet secure wear.
These earbuds are outfitted with three different features that keep them in place for several hours on end without causing any irritation or discomfort throughout the day. A large ear hook wraps around and attaches behind each of the buyer’s ears, and the set also includes three sizes of silicone ear wings and four sizes of memory foam ear tips for a truly comfortable, noise-canceling experience.
AptX high-resolution sound is enhanced further by the brand’s BassUp technology, providing a crisper and richer sound complete with much stronger bass. It also features a water-resistant shell and internal nano-coating for use in all different types of weather, from hot sunny days to heavy rain and snowstorms, which has earned it an IPX7 rating against water, sweat, and even dust. As an added bonus, a 90-minute charge is able to last as long as 18 hours for non-stop music-listening and plenty of call time throughout an average day.
-Affordable price tag
-Comfortable fit
-Great sound quality
-Terrific battery life
-Sweat-resistant
-Easy to travel with
-Weak microphone
-Lacks overall durability
-No power-saving features
Activities
The buds themselves are equipped with hooks, wings, and memory foam tips which help it stay in place during intense training sessions. Although a wire runs between both buds, a cinch and a shirt clip are included to manage it and ensure that it doesn't get caught on anything. And an IPX7 water and sweat rating, along with a protective coating, allows this set to hold up against sweaty workouts, harsh rain and snow, and the occasional swim.
Of course, as with all headsets, there are some limitations to its usage. Its noise-cancellation could potentially make it unsafe for high-traffic areas, and it's still not intended to be used during water sports or for frequent swimming.
Basic Features
A wire runs between each earbud, and a combined remote/microphone unit is attached to the right side. Three buttons are included for volume control, song-skipping, and for answering and ending phone calls.
Other features are including along with the headset for greater convenience. I cinch keeps the wire secure and snug behind the buyer's head, and a shirt clip to prevent it from getting caught on a passing object. It also comes with its own carrying case to keep it safe and ensure that it lasts longer.
Advanced Features
This set has been given an IPX7 rating against sweat, water, and dust, making it fit for all types of weather. A protective water-resistant shell and internal nano-coating is what truly keeps it safe from the elements.
Sound Quality
Anker equipped this set with aptX high-resolution sound for richer and clearer music-listening and phone calls. This has been enhanced even further by the brand's BassUp technology, which analyzes low frequencies and amplifies them. CVC noise-canceling technology is also present, working alongside the memory foam ear tips to help buyers completely tune the world out.
The only issue that buyers have encountered is that this set's microphone isn't quite up to par. They've claimed that they have to hold it up against their mouths in order for it to work properly.
Connectivity
This set is also very easy to connect with the buyer's phone since it's all ready to pair as soon as it's first charged up. They only have to go into their phone's Bluetooth settings and select its name in order for it to be in working condition.
Most reviewers appear to be quite satisfied with how well its overall connectivity holds up. Although some have pointed out that its cord's lack of sturdiness will gradually affect this feature over time.
Comfort
The hooks that fit behind the ears are successfully created to be secure yet non-irritating. The same goes for the soft ear wings, which fit behind the ear tips to help this set stay in place even during intense training sessions. And, of course, four different sizes of memory foam tips are provided to ensure that everyone has a comfortable fit and noise-canceling sound quality.
Even though the cord would potentially cause problems, Anker has offered buyers a few tools to ensure that it stays out of the way. A cinch is already attached for a better fit behind the head, and a shirt clip is also included to keep it from becoming caught on a passing object.
Style
This set is only available in all black, which doesn't seem to be an issue for reviewers. Although many headsets are now available in several different color options, black always seems to be the go-to choice for most buyers.
Durability
However, several reviewers have complained about the wire that runs between each earbud. They claim that it starts to tear after a very short period of time, causing issues with sound quality and connectivity. While this set's travel case might help to some extent, it's still bound to happen after some time.
Ease of Use
Any controls that the buyers will need are readily available on the remote control unit on the righthand side. Volume controls are on either end, which can also be used to skip songs, while the middle button can answer and end calls.
However, there are some qualities that make this set a little challenging for some. Several buyers claim that this set's microphone is surprisingly weak, which is inconvenient for calls and voice commands. And, of course, its overall lack of durability will only make things worse over time.
Power Source
Another incredible selling point for this set is its incredibly long battery life, even when compared to similar models that are more expensive. After charging for only 90 minutes, it provides 18 hours of playtime. Buyers can also charge for ten minutes to get a full hour of use.
The only downside that some have pointed out is that it doesn't come with any power-saving features.
Price
Based on ratings and reviews, it's clear that most buyers find this set to be an incredible bargain. It offers incredible sound quality, comfortable wear, a surprisingly long battery life, and it holds up surprisingly well against the elements. Its versatile usage means that buyers can get way more than what they paid for.
Of course, not everyone seems to share this opinion. Several reviewers are not happy with how this set's cord holds up, and others claim that its microphone is very weak. While they didn't spend as much as they would with other brands, they're still disappointed at the fact that they wasted money.
Key Features
-CVC Noise-Canceling Technology
-BassUp Technology
-IPX7 Water Rating
-Water-Resistant Shell
-Internal Nano-Coating
-Silicone EarWings and EarTips
-Speed Cinch and Shirt Clip
-18-Hour Battery Life
Bottom Line
The combination of hooks, ear wings, and ear tips in various sizes creates comfortable yet very secure wear even through some intense workouts. The cord and three-button remote make it an easy model to use, even for those who are still not used to Bluetooth headsets. A wide range of specialized technologies are packed into each earbud to ensure the best sound quality and connectivity possible, and its water-resistant coatings allow it to be fully functional in all types of weather.
As is the case with all headsets, there still are a few aspects that concern buyers, such as reports of a weak microphone or an overall lack of durability. Those who are more than a little concerned about these responses can easily perform additional research and find similar sets that are made by Anker or a few other comparable brands. Yet the majority of its reviews seem to speak for themselves, showing that most buyers are more than happy that they've chosen this model for their daily lives.