True Wireless (TWS) earbuds have achieved significant popularity, leading to a wide array of True Wireless headphones available. My initial experience with this technology was a few years ago when I reviewed the Epos GTW 270 Hybrid. These compact earbuds offered surprisingly clear and high-quality audio within a small, convenient case. Since then, I have evaluated several models from brands such as Skullcandy, which occupy a different price bracket but still deliver commendable performance… with one caveat: Bass.
Upon opening the box for the Creative Outlier PRO (the successors to the previously favored Creative Outlier Gold), several impressions are immediately apparent. The charging case, measuring 8 x 4.5cm, appears comparatively large when contrasted with many other TWS offerings. I immediately placed them on charge to prepare for thorough testing.
The Creative Outlier PRO supports wireless charging via a compatible charging pad (not included). However, I personally have not found significant advantages in this method; the marginal time saved by avoiding cable connection has not outweighed the investment and potential delays associated with qi-charging. A notable feature is the inclusion of charge level indicators for both the case and individual earbuds. This is a feature I have not encountered on other TWS headphones reviewed previously.
Once fully charged, opening the Creative Outlier PRO case requires a sliding action to expose the earbuds. Two minor design aspects warrant attention. Firstly, the case lacks a clear indication of the sliding direction. A small thumb indentation would improve usability. While the correct direction is quickly learned, initial attempts may be misdirected. Secondly, the extended portion of the case exhibits a degree of lateral movement, raising potential concerns regarding its long-term structural integrity.
Any reservations regarding the Creative Outlier PRO dissipate immediately upon inserting the earbuds and connecting them to my phone. The earpiece provides a comfortable and secure fit, effectively blocking ambient noise even without active noise cancellation (more details on ANC below). Upon removal from the case, the earbuds automatically enter pairing mode, facilitating quick detection within the Bluetooth device list. A voice prompt confirms successful connection. Initial testing involved music playback, commencing with Heart upon my Sleeve by Avicii.
This track is favored for its combination of clear treble passages and a prominent bassline, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the audio register. The sound emanating from the earbuds is exceptionally clear and powerful. As the bassline emerges, its depth and impact are immediately apparent. The bass performance from these compact earbuds is genuinely impressive. In my experience, no other TWS headphones tested thus far can match their bass response.
The headphones offer three noise cancellation modes: off, ambient, and active noise cancellation (ANC). During a recent trip to Hamburg to preview Hogwarts Legacy, I tested the ANC in the demanding environment of an airplane cabin. Activating ANC effectively eliminated almost all ambient noise, allowing me to comfortably play Inside on my Nintendo Switch. Some TWS headphones exhibit a degree of latency, potentially causing audio synchronization issues when gaming or watching videos. This can be mitigated by installing the Creative app on a phone or iPad (available for Android). While the app is unavailable for the Switch, I did not observe any synchronization problems during gameplay.
Battery life is remarkably long, offering a total of 60 hours without ANC enabled, which reduces to 45 hours with ANC active. The earbuds provide 15 hours of playtime with ANC disabled versus ten hours with it enabled. Extensive testing confirms these specifications.
Beyond entertainment, the Creative Outlier PRO also functions as a communication device. A test call was conducted from Hamburg airport. Audio clarity was excellent for both parties. Six integrated microphones continuously monitor the surrounding environment, reducing background noise and enhancing vocal clarity.
Each earbud incorporates touch controls for adjusting volume, answering calls, changing tracks, and modifying ANC settings. The responsiveness of these touch controls is somewhat inconsistent. In my experience, long hair can inadvertently interfere with the touch functionality. However, the touch interface avoids the need to physically depress the earpiece further into the ear during adjustments.
In summary, the Creative Outlier PRO impress with their exceptional audio quality, intelligent features, and competitive pricing. Their sweat resistance and secure fit, suitable for gym use or running, are further advantages. The only factor preventing an unqualified recommendation is their relatively large size. Despite the availability of alternative earbud sizes, both the earbuds and the case remain somewhat bulky.
Creative provided test samples for this review. Provision of material does not influence editorial objectivity.
