The SoundPEATS POP Clip are open-ear, air-conduction earbuds designed for users who need to remain aware of their surroundings. Priced at $40, they are an affordable option for active individuals or for use in an office environment.
Design
The POP Clip earbuds are made of hard plastic with a flexible memory alloy wire that adapts to different ear shapes. Each earbud weighs 4.73g, making them lightweight for extended wear.
Unlike over-ear earbuds, the POP Clip gently clips onto your ear, avoiding pressure on the outer ear. It took a while for me to get used to it, but eventually found it to be very convenient, especially since I wear glasses, which can become uncomfortable when they rub against the hook of over-ear earbuds.
The clip-on design provides a snug fit that stays in place during movement, though this secure grip may make you more aware of them on your ear compared to other models. Instead of touch controls, they have physical buttons, which provide a tactile response and reduce accidental presses. The charging case has a pleasant texture that resists fingerprints.
Features and connectivity
The earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.4 and support the PeatsAudio App. The app allows for extensive customization, including remapping button controls and adjusting the sound with an 8-band graphic equalizer or various presets. The app also has a “Find My Earbuds” function that helps you locate your POP Clips if they are out of the case and paired with your phone.
It also offers an “Adaptive EQ” function that tailors the sound to your specific hearing. The case features “Auto Channel Adaptation,” meaning you can place either earbud in either charging slot. For media, the earbuds have a “Game Mode” to reduce audio latency and a “Movie Mode” to enhance the soundstage for a more immersive experience.
Sound quality
The POP Clip uses a 10.8mm dual-magnet driver that delivers a balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs, making them well-suited for podcasts and vocal-heavy music. The open-ear design creates a wide, airy soundstage. Bass performance is highly dependent on achieving a perfect fit; when positioned correctly, the bass is punchy, but it can sound thin otherwise. Like other open-ear devices, don’t expect these earbuds to shut you off from environmental noise (which can be a nuisance when you want perfect sound but an important feature if you want to remain aware of your surroundings).
For calls, the earbuds are equipped with a C-shaped wind noise chamber that reduces wind interference by 25%, improving clarity in outdoor conditions. The supported audio codecs are SBC and AAC.
Battery life and pricing
A single charge provides up to eight hours of playtime, with the charging case holding an additional 22 hours for a total of 30 hours. The earbuds support fast charging, where a 15-minute charge delivers three hours of playback. The SoundPEATS POP Clip earbuds are available on Amazon and the official SoundPEATS website for $40. Their combination of comfort, situational awareness, and clear call quality makes them a strong option for their target audience of active and office-based users.