The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 exhibits a clear design philosophy: to create a robust, secure-fitting, and motivating pair of headphones that remain lightweight. These earbuds deliver energetic and powerful sound while incorporating features commonly found in higher-end models. While some areas offer opportunities for refinement, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 is, in many respects, ideally suited for workout scenarios.
Overall Soundcore Sport X10
The headphones include five different sizes of ear tips, a significant advantage for achieving optimal fit and soundstage. The package also contains a USB-C cable, a charging case, and the earbuds themselves. The case boasts a sleek and compact design, attributable to the foldable ear hooks – a feature Anker emphasizes. Comparing it to the Skullcandy Push Active, the difference is apparent, as the latter’s case feels comparatively bulky. The impact of the rotation option on comfort is subjective, but it undeniably contributes to a streamlined design.
Each earbud weighs a mere 4.4 grams, contributing to a remarkably lightweight feel both in hand and in the ear. The 10mm drivers deliver excellent audio performance, which will be discussed in more detail below.
The charging case features a spring-loaded lid that opens effortlessly with a button press. The lid remains securely open, and the earbuds attach magnetically. Three integrated LEDs provide charging status information. The battery life is substantial, offering a total of 40 hours: eight hours from the earbuds themselves and an additional 32 from the case. Detailed information on the LED indicators can be found on Anker’s website.
Each earbud incorporates a physical button for controlling standard functions such as pausing, skipping tracks, toggling playback modes, and adjusting volume. These buttons are programmable, supporting single, double, and long presses. The inclusion of a triple-press option would have been beneficial, allowing for a dedicated function for each mode. Furthermore, slightly larger buttons would improve usability, especially when wearing gloves.
A notable inconvenience is the automatic resetting of playback mode settings to normal mode whenever an earbud is returned to the case. This necessitates re-selecting the desired playback mode via the mobile app, depending on the button configuration. While a minor issue, it is nonetheless an unnecessary annoyance.
Finally, the earbuds boast an IPX7 rating, providing reassurance during activities such as cycling in heavy rain or even showering with music (which has been tested successfully). This contributes to a worry-free user experience.
Functions and Playback Modes
The app
The Anker Soundcore Sport X10’s functionality is further enhanced by its companion app. This app offers features such as guided breathing exercises for warm-up and cool-down routines, an EQ library, and customizable control settings. Users can also create and save multiple EQ profiles for future use.
Noise Cancellation Mode
The noise cancellation effectively attenuates low, monotonous frequencies, allowing for clear audibility across the frequency spectrum, although it does not achieve complete silence. High-frequency sounds and sudden, loud noises are still audible, albeit dampened. The wind noise reduction feature exhibits limited effectiveness in strong winds or while cycling. In these situations, Normal mode is preferable.
Transparency Mode
Transparency mode is not the Soundcore Sport X10’s strongest attribute. While ambient sounds are audible, the overall sound quality is somewhat muffled and could benefit from amplification, particularly in the higher frequencies. More premium headphones often offer adjustable transparency levels, a feature absent in the Soundcore Sport X10.
Sound Quality of Soundcore Sport X10
Anker explicitly states that these earbuds possess an extra powerful bass, and this claim is accurate. The bass response is substantial, potentially overwhelming in certain scenarios. However, in environments such as the gym, while cycling, or running – where elevated heart rates can impact hearing – the pronounced bass comes into its own. It provides a driving force, motivation, and aids in pushing through challenging workouts, precisely what one expects from sports earbuds.
When listening to bass-heavy tracks such as Solar Fields – Sombrero, the bass can become excessive and muddy. Instead of delivering a powerful and impactful experience, it becomes overbearing and unpleasant. The built-in EQ lacks the necessary granularity to achieve a balanced sound profile suitable for general listening, such as during commutes on public transport.
The overall soundstage is commendable, particularly considering the price point. While it naturally lacks the spaciousness and detail of higher-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM4, the cost is only approximately one-third. However, when compared to the Skullcandy Push Active, another pair of sports headphones in the same price bracket, the Soundcore Sport X10 distinguishes itself and emerges as a leading contender.
Ultimately, the audio performance is more than adequate to satisfy listening requirements during workouts. Tracks like Hans Zimmer’s – Mombasa provide a powerfully energizing listening experience that can effectively enhance focus and endurance.
Conclusion – Anker Soundcore Sport X10
The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 quickly integrates into an active lifestyle. Their ease of use and compact design make them a convenient companion to carry in a pocket. The IPX7 rating provides peace of mind, allowing users to carry them without concern until needed. While they offer a range of desirable features, their strength lies in their ability to provide support during training, a task at which they excel. The soundstage is impressive given the price, and the battery life alleviates frequent charging concerns. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 represents an excellent choice for those prioritizing powerful audio playback during workouts.
Anker provided a test product for this review. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial process or testing methodology.
Playlist for testing:
⦁ Thomas Bergersen – Empire of Angels
⦁ Seven Lions – Freesol
⦁ Solar Fields – Sombrero
⦁ Hans Zimmer – Mombasa
⦁ Agnes Obel – Familiär
⦁ Alan Jackson – Drive
⦁ Dave Weckl – Dis´Place This
⦁ Von Dinkelmeyer – Countach 1988
⦁ Michael McCann – Watchtower
⦁ Armin van Buuren – Beautiful Life
⦁ Dawn Upshaw – Lorsque Vous N’Aurez Rien A Faire (ur Cherubin)
