AKSONIC AKPODS Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Update on Oct. 19, 2024, 4:48 p.m.
The AKSONIC AKPODS are a pair of Bluetooth earbuds that feature active noise cancellation, a long battery life, and a stylish design. With premium sound quality, easy touch controls, and a comfortable fit, these earbuds aim to provide an immersive listening experience whether you’re commuting, exercising, or enjoying music at home. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the key features and performance of the AKPODS to see if they live up to the claims.
Overview
The AKSONIC AKPODS are true wireless earbuds designed to deliver a premium audio experience at an affordable price. They boast active noise cancellation to block out distractions, a long-lasting battery that provides up to 40 hours of playtime, and a comfortable, secure fit. With features like a gaming mode for low-latency audio, touch controls for easy operation, and IPX5 water resistance for durability, the AKPODS aim to cater to a wide range of users, from casual listeners to avid gamers and fitness enthusiasts.
Design
The AKPODS have an elegant and minimalist design. The earbuds themselves are small, lightweight, and designed to sit comfortably and securely in the ear. They come with three sizes of soft silicone ear tips to help get a good fit. The matte plastic charging case is compact and sturdy, with an LED battery indicator on the front. It’s small enough to easily slip into a pocket or bag. The earbuds and case come in several stylish color options like pink, navy, and white.
Sound Quality
With 12mm drivers, the AKPODS deliver surprisingly powerful and balanced sound for the price point. The audio has clear treble and smooth mids, along with punchy bass that adds vibrancy without muddiness. The soundstage and instrument separation are quite impressive for true wireless earbuds. Overall, the sound quality rivals more expensive options.
Microphone Quality
The AKSONIC AKPODS are equipped with dual microphones on each earbud, designed to deliver clear call quality and accurate voice commands. While not specifically marketed as earbuds for calls, the microphone performance is generally considered decent for everyday use.
Users have reported that the AKPODS microphones effectively pick up their voice during calls, even in moderately noisy environments. However, some users have noted that the microphones may struggle to isolate the voice in very loud or windy conditions. Overall, the microphone quality is suitable for casual calls and voice commands, but may not be ideal for professional or high-quality audio recording.
Active Noise Cancellation
The AKPODS utilize feedforward microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise. While not industry-leading, the noise cancellation is effective at blocking out sounds like traffic or office chatter. The tight earbud seal also passively blocks noise. This makes the AKPODS great for commuting or noisy environments when you want to focus on your audio.
Mono Mode
One convenient feature of the AKSONIC AKPODS is the mono mode, which allows you to use either earbud independently for calls or music. This can be useful in situations where you want to stay aware of your surroundings or conserve battery life by using only one earbud at a time.
To activate mono mode, simply remove one earbud from the charging case and leave the other in the case. The earbud you remove will automatically connect to your device, and you can use it as you normally would. When you’re finished, simply place the earbud back in the case to disconnect it.
Gaming Mode
Switching to low latency gaming mode cuts audio delay down to under 60ms for a more synchronized gaming or video experience.
Controls and Connectivity
The AKPODS have an intuitive touch control system. Taps and holds on the side of the earbuds allow you to control music playback, accept calls, and switch between transparency mode and active noise cancellation. Bluetooth 5.1 provides a stable wireless connection to your device up to 30 feet away. Pairing is quick and easy.
Auto Pairing
The AKSONIC AKPODS feature auto pairing, a convenient function that streamlines the connection process. When you take the earbuds out of the charging case, they automatically power on and enter pairing mode. This eliminates the need to manually turn on the earbuds and initiate pairing each time you use them.
To pair the AKPODS for the first time, simply open the charging case and select them from your device’s Bluetooth menu. Once paired, the earbuds will automatically connect to your device whenever they are taken out of the case. This seamless connection process saves time and hassle, making it easier to enjoy your music or podcasts on the go.
Voice Assistant Compatibility
The AKSONIC AKPODS are compatible with popular voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. This allows you to control your music, make calls, send messages, and access other features using voice commands.
To activate your voice assistant, simply press and hold the touch sensor on either earbud for a few seconds. You can then use voice commands to control your device without having to take it out of your pocket or bag. This hands-free functionality adds convenience and accessibility to your listening experience.
LED Battery Indicator
The AKSONIC AKPODS charging case features an LED battery indicator that provides a quick and easy way to check the remaining battery life. The indicator light changes color to indicate different levels of charge:
- Green: High battery level
- Yellow: Medium battery level
- Red: Low battery level
This visual indicator allows you to easily monitor the battery status of your earbuds and charging case, ensuring that you’re never caught off guard with a dead battery.
Battery Life
You get around 6 hours of listening per charge, with the charging case providing an additional 34 hours of battery, for approximately 40 hours total. This is an impressive battery life that reduces the need to constantly recharge. The case can be charged wirelessly or via the included USB-C cable. A quick 1.5 hour charge gives you a full case.
Water Resistance
With an IPX5 rating, the AKSONIC AKPODS are designed to withstand sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your earbuds are protected from moisture damage.
Other Features
In addition to the key features highlighted above, the AKSONIC AKPODS offer several other functionalities that enhance the overall user experience:
- Dual Microphones: Each earbud is equipped with two microphones for clear calls and voice commands.
- Mono Mode: Use either earbud independently for calls or music.
- Auto Pairing: The earbuds automatically connect to your device when taken out of the case.
- LED Battery Indicator: Easily check the remaining battery life of the charging case.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant.
Value
When you consider the complete feature set - active noise cancelling, sweatproof rating, gaming mode, long battery, stable Bluetooth 5.1, and customizable fit, the AKPODS deliver outstanding value at their affordable price point. While the noise cancellation and connectivity could see improvement, overall these wireless earbuds punch far above their weight given the sub $100 pricing. For shoppers looking for an immersive listening experience without breaking the bank, the AKPODS should absolutely be on your radar. They provide great bang for your buck that outperforms many competitors at this price range.
Verdict
For the affordable price, the AKSONIC AKPODS punch well above their weight when it comes to features, sound quality, and design. The active noise cancellation, long battery life, and customizable fit make them suitable for everyday use. While not perfect, at this price point the AKPODS are an excellent value for wireless earbuds with noise cancellation. They make a great choice for commuters, casual listeners, and gamers looking for an immersive audio experience.