The Soundpeats Air6 HS earbuds sell for £46.99 in the UK and $39.99 in the US. This model features LDAC support, a capability generally uncommon in devices at this price point.
The wireless specification includes Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint connectivity, and the AAC and SBC codecs. The physical design of the earbuds draws heavily from Apple, presenting a stem-style form that rests in the ear rather than locking into the canal. Compared to previous Air HS models, Soundpeats implemented a slightly grippier surface.
Battery endurance is a core strength of the Air6 HS. The manufacturer rates the buds for nine hours on a single charge, with the case providing up to 45 hours total runtime. A ten-minute top-up is reported to deliver approximately three hours of continued playback.
Connecting to devices is straightforward. Bluetooth 6.0 enhances range and lowers latency. Furthermore, Google Fast Pair speeds up setup on supported Android devices, making the buds instantly recognized when the case opens. The inclusion of multipoint connectivity allows two devices to remain connected simultaneously.
For high-resolution audio, users can activate LDAC, which is accessible through a companion app. This app, while requiring an email sign-in, allows users to manage settings, toggle spatial audio and LDAC, monitor battery levels, and adjust EQ settings. The app is described as more complete than the price suggests.
In terms of sound quality, performance is partly dependent on how deeply the buds sit. A fuller low end is produced when the buds are pushed deeper into the ear. The bass extension is decent on tracks like Rush’s YYZ, though it lacks texture and detailed definition, sometimes reading as a thump rather than a defined note.
The mid-range holds up better, with acoustic guitar and vocals on tracks by Jack Johnson and James Taylor coming through clearly. Conversely, male vocals occasionally sound dry and cold, preventing the overall listening experience from feeling warm.
The treble response is noted as the strongest element of the tuning. The percussion intro to Steely Dan’s Do It Again is described as bright, sharp, and clean, showing no signs of sibilance. The more open fit contributes to a sense of space, evident in a live performance of George Benson’s Affirmation.
Design and build quality present some compromises. The charging case, while functional with a smooth hinge and secure magnets, is considered the weakest hardware element. Its plastics feel cheap when compared to coated finishes found on rival products.
Other features include an IPX5 rating, confirming the buds’ ability to survive sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts. The lack of active noise cancellation is a significant omission, limiting isolation to passive dulling of mid-range noise and voices.
Soundpeats positioned the Air6 HS against competitors like the Final Audio ZE300 and Sony WF-C510. While the ZE300 includes ANC and the Sony offers a balanced sound, the Air6 HS provides double the endurance of the Final Audio model alongside its companion app and LDAC support. The Air6 HS are presented as a solid budget option for those prioritizing battery life and LDAC connectivity, though buyers needing ANC or richer bass texture should consider alternatives.
