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Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most comfortable clip-on earbuds I’ve tested. The open-ear design has gained popularity among wireless headphone manufacturers, and SoundPEATS is no exception. Let’s see whether the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro is worth considering.
Main features
The first thing that stood out to me was the comfort. Compared to many similar models, the PearlClip Pro is so lightweight that I often found myself checking if they were still securely in place. They are barely noticeable during use. I’m not a fan of traditional in-ear wireless earbuds due to the pressure they create inside the ear, even with the smallest ear tips. After just 30 minutes, I usually have to take them out, and the discomfort lingers for a while. In contrast, the clip-on design of the PearlClip Pro turned out to be a much better fit for me.
The second key aspect is sound quality. For clip-on earbuds, the PearlClip Pro delivers surprisingly dynamic audio, especially when the Dynamic EQ feature is enabled in the app. This enhances the overall richness of the sound, though it still doesn’t match the depth of in-ear models. Another strong point is the build quality. Both the materials and assembly feel solid and well-made, which is a welcome bonus considering the price.
The earbuds come with an IPX5 rating, making them resistant to sweat and water splashes. This means they can be used confidently in the gym or even in light rain without worry.
SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro specifications
There aren’t too many technical details available for these earbuds. However, the official website and packaging list the following key specifications:
- Wireless connection: Bluetooth v5.4
- Bluetooth profiles: HFP/A2DP/AVRCP
- Chipset: BT8932D
- Codec support: AAC/ SBC
- Battery in the case: 350 mAh
- Battery in the headphones: 25 mAh
- Approximate battery life: headphones – 6 hours, full – 24 hours
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Maximum connection range: 10 m
- Frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz
- Weight of one headphone: 5,85 g
- Weight of the case with headphones: 46,8 g
- Protection against water: IPX5
Price and positioning of SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro
The official website and Amazon list the earbuds at $59.99. On AliExpress, they were available for a promotional price of $39.99 at the time of writing, with a regular price listed at $79.98. This pricing is fairly average for the market, and within their segment, the PearlClip Pro appears quite competitive, as many similar models are priced higher.
Let’s take a closer look at the features of these earbuds to help you decide whether they’re worth considering.
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What’s in the package
The headset comes in a minimalist, sturdy white box. Inside, the earbuds are placed in their case, secured within a plastic holder. Under the box lid, there’s an envelope containing a printed user manual, a quick guide for the companion app, and a small extra—a set of panda-themed stickers. We’ll discuss the app later, but the earbuds can be used without it. The printed manual, available in multiple languages, provides step-by-step instructions on pairing and basic operation.
A USB Type-C charging cable is also included in the package, tucked beneath the holder for the case. If you’re planning to discard the box, be sure to check under the holder first.
The packaging is standard, so there’s not much to add here. However, it’s worth noting that the printed manual is available in several widely spoken languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. This makes it easy to understand the earbud controls, especially with the help of Google Translate if needed.
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Design, materials, build quality
The PearlClip Pro looks premium considering its relatively affordable price. The case has a glossy finish and feels pleasant to the touch. Its build is sturdy, with no noticeable gaps or wobble. The lid is spring-loaded, opening and closing easily while securely locking into place. The manufacturer offers four color options: black, white, cream, and lilac. The review unit I received is black, but after watching promotional videos, I can say the other colors are beautiful and soft, with a pearlescent sheen, giving the earbuds a pearl-like appearance.
On the front of the case, you’ll find an LED indicator and a button that switches the earbuds into pairing mode and also serves to check the battery level. You can find the LED indicator guide in the printed manual included with the earbuds. On the back of the case, there is a Type-C port for charging the case itself.
Inside the case, there are two earbuds. Each one resembles two spheres (a larger and a smaller one) connected by a strip. The larger sphere sits in the ear, with the sensor area located above it, while the smaller sphere rests behind the ear. The smaller sphere also features charging contacts and soft ridges for a better fit and secure placement behind the ear.
The earbuds themselves are built with a steel wire featuring memory effect, which ensures the clip adapts to the shape of the ear without applying pressure. The connecting strip of the clip is covered in soft silicone, making it pleasant to the touch. The spheres are made of plastic. The earbuds feel comfortable in hand and do not cause discomfort in the ear, even after extended use.
That’s an interesting feature! The absence of the typical right (R) and left (L) markings on the earbuds might be a bit confusing at first. However, it’s convenient that the earbuds automatically determine which one is which based on their placement in the case. This process happens within 10 seconds after closing the case. While this system works most of the time, you might occasionally encounter issues, like I did, where the earbuds don’t always register correctly. It’s helpful to either use the mobile app or rely on trial and error, such as when switching tracks in the wrong direction.
Read also: OPPO Enco Air4 Pro TWS Headphones Review
Control
The only real discomfort, especially at first, comes from controlling the earbuds using the touch sensors. Track control, volume, calls, microphone functions, and sound mode switching are split between the right and left earbuds. The earbuds also distinguish between the number of touches or their duration. Rather than describing it in words, here’s a photo from the manual.
It takes some getting used to and a bit of practice to comfortably control the earbuds. The location of the touch sensor is not always obvious, especially while moving, and by the time you figure out where it is, you may have already skipped a track or changed the volume. If you install the app, you can turn the sensors on or off as needed.
Additionally, the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro do not automatically pause playback when removed. This surprised me a bit, as most previous models I’ve used would pause audio or video as soon as I took the earbuds out. This wouldn’t be a big issue if it weren’t for the fact that I kept missing important notifications. As long as the earbuds remained connected to the smartphone, all notifications would play through them, even if they were still in the case.
PeatsAudio mobile app
The earbuds are supported by the PeatsAudio app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. The app’s interface is fairly simple and intuitive. When you first connect the earbuds, you can choose their color.
On the home screen, you can see the battery level of each earbud separately, as well as the case. However, the battery percentage is not shown, which would have been more helpful in my opinion. The app also indicates which earbud has been removed from the case. When both earbuds are in the case, they are displayed in faded colors. Once you remove one, its color in the app becomes more vibrant.
There are also various switches on the home page to control headphone settings:
- activation/deactivation of headphone sensors;
- activation/deactivation of different sound playback modes: gaming or movie;
- activate/deactivate the Dynamic EQ;
- setting up touch controls.
On the next tab, you can adjust the earbuds’ equalizer settings, starting from adaptive mode and extending to nine different presets, plus manual control. With the manual control, you can customize and save your own presets.
The app also allows you to update the firmware, locate the earbuds on a map, or play audio separately on each earbud if you happen to lose them individually. The only issue I encountered was that I wasn’t able to locate the earbuds on the map. Additionally, there’s an option to contact online support, a link to the manufacturer’s Facebook page, and access to a catalog of manuals for all SoundPEATS wireless earbuds.
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PearlClip Pro sound quality
The distinctive feature of the PearlClip Pro’s form factor is its directional sound. The manufacturer claims that the innovative design ensures the sound will reach the ear, providing complete immersion during listening. In practice, how the sound is directed into the ear canal will depend on the size and shape of your ear. Full immersion won’t be achieved, as external noises may still seep through any gaps.
Out of the box, without additional adjustments in the app, the sound of the headphones is quite flat. The mid and high frequencies dominate, and if you press the earbud to direct the sound more into the ear canal, you can hear the bass. The PearlClip Pro performs best with female vocals, so if you enjoy a slight vocal emphasis in your audio, the default equalizer settings on these headphones will work well.
However, if you enable and adjust the Dynamic EQ in the app, the sound becomes much more interesting. In my opinion, the first recommendation the manufacturer should make in the app is to adjust the adaptive equalizer. It takes into account your hearing characteristics, how you perceive different frequencies at various dB levels based on the current positioning of the earbuds in your ears. With Dynamic EQ, the sound will be optimized to suit you best.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect WOW-level sound from earbuds of this form factor, but they exceeded my expectations, thanks to the ability to adjust the sound and the adaptive equalizer. As for the downsides, the sound quality at maximum volume isn’t great. Besides the fact that your surroundings will partially hear the music, it will also sound a bit rattling in your ears. I also encountered a “glitch” a few times while watching videos on Instagram at very low volume. In this case, the sound would crackle, and I had to either turn the volume up or reconnect the earbuds.
After an hour of testing the earbuds, I can say that the PearlClip Pro are comfortable for watching videos, listening to podcasts, making phone calls in quieter environments, and enjoying music when you need to focus. Thanks to the Dynamic EQ, they can rival more expensive earbuds in this segment.
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Microphones and headset feature
The PearlClip Pro feature mid-range quality microphones. During voice messages or calls, the mid frequencies dominate. The microphones perform well in quiet environments, but in noisy surroundings, background conversations can interfere with your communication, making it harder for the person on the other end to hear you clearly.
I can conclude that there is no active noise cancellation for calls in the headset. Additionally, your voice may sound somewhat distant. Another drawback is that both earbuds need to be inserted in your ears for a conversation, otherwise, the person on the other end will have trouble hearing you clearly.
Connectivity, communication and latency
The headset connects to the audio source through the standard method — via the Bluetooth menu on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Thanks to the use of the modern Bluetooth v5.4 standard, the connection quality between the headset and the smartphone is excellent in most typical situations. The connection remains stable within a single apartment, but difficulties and interruptions may occur when passing through two brick or concrete walls.
The PearlClip Pro supports multipoint connectivity, meaning you can connect the headphones to both your smartphone and computer, seamlessly switching between audio sources when receiving phone calls while listening to music or watching videos on your computer. This is highly convenient and saves significant time.
As for audio delay, it is minimal. In gaming mode, you can comfortably play dynamic shooters without noticeable audio lag.
Read also: Review of OneOdio SuperEQ S10 ANC: Excellent Budget TWS Earbuds for Everyday Use
Comfort of using PearlClip Pro
The case has a pleasant rounded shape, making it easy to hold and open with one hand. It fits securely in the palm, which was particularly important for me as a mom, constantly with my hands full with a child, toys, or packages during walks. The case is compact in size and can easily fit into a jacket pocket, pants pocket, or a small bag.
A major advantage of the PearlClip Pro is the automatic detection of the left and right earphones after placing them in the case. This means that in low light or complete darkness, you won’t need to search for the R/L markings on the earphones before placing them on charge. I also liked that the earphones seem to magnetically snap into their charging spots in the case, making it very easy to place them correctly.
Removing the earphones from the case is also effortless. They are positioned vertically in the case, and thanks to the protruding part of the neck, they are easy to grab, even with larger fingers.
This was my first time using clip-style earphones, so it felt a bit unusual at first. But I ended up liking them. Firstly, they are lightweight. Even after wearing them for a couple of hours, I didn’t feel any heaviness. Secondly, they don’t completely cover the ear canal, so there’s no sweating or discomfort. I’ve always had trouble wearing wireless earphones because of the pressure that builds up after about 30 minutes of listening to audio content, or because my ears would start itching. With the PearlClip Pro, I didn’t experience that issue at all. Of course, if you wear a hat over the earphones, they can press down a little, so the outer part of your ear might get sore. But in general, it takes some getting used to with this type of earphone.
The biggest discomfort for me came from the touch controls and the need to remember the sequence, number, and duration of touches required for each action.
Battery life
The battery here is quite durable. A single charge provides 6 hours of use without recharging, and the case adds another 18 hours. During active use throughout a workday, the battery didn’t last the entire day, but they recharged quickly—just 10 minutes of charging gives an additional 2 hours of autonomy. I consider this an excellent performance, especially when you need to stay connected without spending much time on recharging.
Read also: Sanag S5 Pro review: Open Ear TWS headset, MP3 player, audio speaker, recorder
Conclusions
The SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro are compact and stylish clip-on headphones. They are barely noticeable in the ears, even after several hours of use. The headphones are made of pleasant-to-the-touch materials, and thanks to the flexible steel wire in the base of the construction, they can fit various ear shapes. By default, the PearlClip Pro has a rather flat sound, but with the Dynamic EQ, which can be adjusted via the mobile app, the sound becomes much more interesting. The app also offers default presets that you can choose to change the sound profile.
If you’re an avid audiophile and particularly picky about sound quality, these headphones are unlikely to impress you. However, for everyday use at work, during workouts, or while doing household chores, the PearlClip Pro will be invaluable companions. It’s worth noting the convenience of the design, as losing a headphone accidentally while it’s in your ear is not that easy. Even if such an incident does occur, the app includes a search function for each individual earbud.
The SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro supports multi-device connection, making it easy and quick to pair with both a smartphone and a computer. You can work on your computer, join meetings, or listen to music, and at the same time, take calls on your smartphone without having to reconnect the earbuds.
Overall, for their price range, these earbuds are definitely worth considering, and I can recommend them. They offer great battery life and fast charging with just 10 minutes of charging. There are some downsides, like the touch controls and weaker deep bass, but overall, for the price, this is a very successful model.
Where to buy
