Soundcore Aeroclip Review vs Soundcore C40i

I previously reviewed the Soundcore C40i clip-on earbuds and found them to be superb. Additionally, my partner absolutely loved them and has continued to wear them since. She has always struggled with in-ear earbuds as they are not comfortable, and has her tragus pierced, which gets in the way of many earbuds. Then, of course, the added benefit of environmental awareness, which is sadly something that is important for women.

The Soundcore Aeroclip is an evolution of the C30i and C40i, featuring an updated design, superior bass, and improved microphones.

Buy from Soundcore

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	soundcore AeroClip by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds, Clip-On...	No ratings yet	£129.99	Buy on Amazon
	soundcore C40i by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds, Clip-On...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon

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• Soundcore c40i Review
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Soundcore Aeroclips vs C40i vs C30i Specification Comparison

Design

The Aeroclip adopts a distinctive clip-on design that I would say is more attractive than the C40i, the slimmer band makes them look even more like earrings than the predecessor. The open-ring design ensures compatibility with glasses, addressing a common complaint about over-ear sports headphones. The left and right identification features a coloured circle system.

The C40i has a chunkier, less refined-looking appearance. Both models feature flexible joints and ear grips to accommodate different ear shapes and sizes. The titanium-coated drivers in both models suggest durability and good overall build quality.

Weight distribution proves excellent across both models, with the Aeroclip weighing just 5.9g per earbud compared to the C40i’s 5.8g. This minimal difference ensures comfort during extended wear, though some users may experience pressure points after prolonged use, particularly with the Aeroclip’s tighter grip mechanism.

Both models carry an IPX4 water resistance rating, providing adequate protection against sweat and light rain. This rating falls short of some competitors that offer IPX5 or higher ratings, but remains sufficient for most exercise scenarios and daily use. I can’t think of any TWS earbuds that have died on me due to water ingress, whereas the older-fashioned wired Bluetooth earbuds would always break after a few months.

Fit and Comfort

For users who find traditional in-ear designs uncomfortable or those with ear piercings that interfere with standard earbuds, the clip-on approach offers genuine relief. The environmental awareness provided by the open design proves particularly valuable for runners, cyclists, and those who need to remain alert to their surroundings.

However, the fit experience varies considerably between individuals. The Aeroclip’s tighter grip mechanism could potentially be uncomfortable during extended listening sessions. The inability to adjust the carrying ring size limits customisation options, though Soundcore includes two sleeve sizes for the rear portion to accommodate smaller ears. That being said, during my time reviewing them, I had no complaints. Due to my active lifestyle, I prefer a slightly tighter fit as I don’t need to adjust them often. My partner has smaller ears and has had no complaints so far.

The C40i arguably provided a more comfortable long-term wearing experience due to its slightly looser grip and more flexible joint system. The physical button controls on the C40i also prove more reliable than the Aeroclip’s touch-sensitive surfaces, reducing accidental activations during adjustment.

Both models stay securely in place during physical activity, though the Aeroclip’s tighter grip provides marginally better security during high-intensity workouts. Neither my partner nor I had issues with either earbuds during exercise, even though I prefer the tighter fit of the Aeroclip.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is notably improved. The Aeroclip delivers a surprisingly impressive listening experience. I wouldn’t say they completely overcome the limitations of open-ear earbuds, but they do a very good job.

The 12mm custom drivers produce a surprisingly robust bass response whilst maintaining clarity in the mid and high frequencies. For me, this is the main selling point. With any open-ear style earbuds, the bass reproduction typically suffers due to the lack of ear canal seal.

As much as I liked the C40i, they sound much less impressive than the Aeroclip’s. The sound profile feels somewhat restrained, lacking the dynamic range and bass presence that makes the Aeroclip compelling for music listening. Vocal reproduction remains clear, making the C40i suitable for podcasts and calls, but music playback feels underwhelming compared to its more expensive sibling.

The Aeroclip’s superior driver tuning becomes particularly apparent when listening to bass-heavy genres such as electronic music or hip-hop, where the additional low-frequency response creates a more immersive experience.

Like all open-fit earbuds, the volume levels present a challenge for both models, though the Aeroclip performs better in noisy environments. The open design means external noise competes directly with audio playback, requiring higher volume levels in urban environments or during commutes. The Aeroclip maintains better sound quality at maximum volume, whilst the C40i can sound strained when pushed to its limits. The Aeroclip’s, seems to place the drive closer to the ear canal which is likely a big factor in the improved volume and overall sound quality.

The equaliser options in the Soundcore app provide extensive customisation for both models, with an 8-band EQ allowing precise tuning. Preset options include Bass, Treble, Volume Booster, Classical, and Podcast modes, though the Aeroclip benefits more from these adjustments due to its superior driver capabilities.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

The Aeroclip’s four beamforming microphones with AI noise suppression deliver superior call quality compared to the C40i’s dual microphone setup. Test calls reveal clearer voice transmission and better background noise rejection with the Aeroclip, making it more suitable for professional use or frequent phone calls.

Both models benefit from the open-ear design during calls, allowing users to hear their own voice naturally. This eliminates the hollow or muffled sensation common with sealed earbuds, creating a more natural conversation experience. The AI-enhanced noise suppression works effectively in moderately noisy environments, though extremely loud situations can still overwhelm the microphone systems.

Wind noise presents a challenge for both models during outdoor calls, though the Aeroclip’s additional microphones and processing power provide marginally better performance. The microphone quality, whilst functional, doesn’t reach the standards of dedicated headsets or premium earbuds, representing an area for improvement in future iterations.

Battery Life

Battery performance favours the Aeroclip, which delivers 8 hours of playback per charge compared to the C40i’s 7 hours. The charging case extends total listening time to 32 hours for the Aeroclip and 21 hours for the C40i. These figures were relatively accurate in real-world testing, with both models having consistent performance throughout their battery cycles.

Fast charging capabilities differ slightly between models. The Aeroclip provides 3 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, whilst the C40i offers 2 hours from the same charging duration.

Charging times remain reasonable for both models, with full charges taking approximately 2 hours for the Aeroclip and 1.5 hours for the C40i. The quick charge feature proves useful for users who forget to charge overnight, providing sufficient power for most commutes or workout sessions.

Price and Alternative Options

Buy from Soundcore

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	soundcore AeroClip by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds, Clip-On...	No ratings yet	£129.99	Buy on Amazon
	soundcore C40i by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds, Clip-On...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon

The Soundcore Aeroclip have an RRP of £130, which makes them quite a bit more expensive than the C30i/C40i.

The C40i are available for £100 and doesn’t appear to have had any discounts since launch. Then the C30i are £60, and at the time of writing, they have a discount of 30% available, taking them down to a bargain price of £42.

While I always take Amazon reviews with a pinch of salt, I couldn’t help but notice the ratings between the three models. The C30i had a relatively low review rating of 3.9, the C40i was 4.0, and the Aeroclips were much higher at 4.4. I think this gives an indication of Soundcore perfecting this style of earbud over time.

This style of earbud has also seen a large number of competing options launched the past couple of years at varying price points:

• SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro has an RRP of £60 and was available for £40 at the time of writing.
• Baseus Bowie MC1 has an RRP of £60
• Truefree B1 Wireless Earbuds have an RRP of £50
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have an RRP of £300 but are available for £250.

Overall

The choice between the Soundcore Aeroclip and C40i depends on individual priorities and budget constraints. The Aeroclip are a better overall product, with superior audio quality, enhanced battery life, and improved call capabilities, justifying its premium pricing for users who prioritise performance.

However, the C40i remains a solid choice for users seeking clip-on convenience without the premium cost. Its reliable physical controls and comfortable fit make it suitable for casual listening and basic phone calls, though the audio quality limitations become apparent when compared directly with the Aeroclip.

For users new to clip-on earbuds, the C40i provides an excellent middle ground for this style of earbud, with a good balance of performance and affordability.

The Aeroclip earns a strong recommendation for people who want open-fit earbuds but don’t want to sacrifice audio quality too much. Its bass response and overall sound quality genuinely challenge expectations for open-ear designs, making it suitable for serious music listening rather than just exercise or casual use.

For serious athletes, bone conduction headphones will likely provide superior outdoor performance as they are less prone to wind and environmental noise. noise, but the overall sound quality is never as good, and can create an unusual and uncomfortable sensation due to the bone conduction.

Overall, both the Soundcore Aeroclip and C40i are excellent open-ear earbuds, the clip-on format is by far my favourite way to approach this style. I much prefer the Aeroclip over the C40i, but that is somewhat expected due to the £30 price difference.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-06-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API