While I skipped the Black Friday deals, I couldn’t resist picking up the soundcore AeroFit 2 headphones a few days later. Being home alone over the weekend gave me the perfect opportunity to spend more than 24 hours testing them thoroughly. Here are my first impressions of these open-ear headphones.

At work, I often use my Shokz OpenComm headset (formerly OpenShokz), which relies on bone conduction technology. This has been my go-to choice because it keeps my ears free – nothing presses on or in them. Plus, it allows me to stay aware of my surroundings, like hearing the doorbell. The AeroFit 2 headphones offer similar benefits, but instead of bone conduction, they transmit sound traditionally through the ear canal. This design results in noticeably clearer sound, which I appreciate.

So why did I decide to buy these headphones when I already have a large collection of headsets and headphones? The answer lies in safety and practicality. Traditional headphones typically block outside sounds, so I’ve avoided listening to music while walking or cycling. It’s too risky when you need to stay aware of traffic, especially near busy streets. The AeroFit 2, however, lets me enjoy music or podcasts while still being able to hear what’s happening around me.

The sound quality is excellent — at least as good as my soundcore Liberty 3 Pro, if not better. After a brief adjustment period, the ear hook no longer feels unusual. They don’t press on my ears, and they fit comfortably even with glasses. I’ve also worn them under a hat with no issues, and they stayed securely in place during sports activities. There was no wobbling or slipping, which is a big improvement over my other headphones. For context, I initially chose the Liberty 3 Pro and Liberty 2 Pro because their wing tips provided a more secure fit than traditional stick-style earbuds. But the AeroFit 2 performs even better in this regard.

The battery life is also great. Even after hours of use, the earbuds still had more than 80% charge left, and the case quickly refilled them when needed. According to the website, the headphones can last for a total of 42 hours on a single charge, which is incredibly convenient for daily use.

Pairing the AeroFit 2 with my devices was completely hassle-free. I tested them with my phone, laptop, and TV, and the connection was quick and reliable. They also support dual connection, allowing them to switch seamlessly between two devices, something I’ve come to expect from my soundcore headphones.

That said, I don’t see myself using them on train travels, where I prefer the noise cancellation of my Liberty 3 Pro or Life Q35. The AeroFit 2’s strength lies in situations where being aware of your surroundings is key, like walking, cycling, or casual use at home or work.

Overall, I’m very impressed so far. From sound quality to comfort and versatility, they have the potential to become one of my favorite pairs of headphones. They’re well-made, sound great, and meet my expectations. I was also able to buy them at a very reasonable price thanks to discounts and cashback offers. As a bonus, customer support was incredibly helpful – they’re even sending me the travel case for free, which unexpectedly became part of a promotion a day after my purchase.

Now, I just hope my fiancée and family won’t be upset with me for buying them myself instead of wishing for them as a Christmas gift. I guess I’ll have to come up with other ideas for my wish list!