Anker Soundcore Life A1 Sports Earbuds Review

Fast charging and efficiency take a lead role. Ten minutes, in this case, equates to two hours of playback, which fits perfectly in your busy lifestyle. Use Bluetooth 5.0 for simple audio connectivity that automatically reconnects to your most recent device. Therefore, using earbuds for calls or music in individuals becomes synchronous with life’s rhythm.

Do that easily using on-ear buttons that help you play, pause, skip tracks, change volume, and even activate a voice assistant. Take your audio experiences higher through the Anker Life A1 True Wireless Earbuds, where functionality and innovation combine to go beyond the norm and elevate your audio adventure.

• For a powerful sound, 40% more bass, 100% more treble, and clear mids
• Three custom sound modes: Signature, Bass Booster, and Podcast
• Signature mode for a balanced sound across music genres
• Bass Booster mode intensifies low frequencies for workouts
• Podcast mode enhances midrange frequencies for immersive content
• Impressive 35-hour playtime with 9 hours per charge
• Additional three charges from the compact charging case
• There are two ways to charge: Anker USB-C cable or wireless charging pad
• Fast charging—10 minutes for 2 hours of playtime
• Bluetooth 5.0 for easy pairing and automatic reconnection
• Single earbud usage for calls or music with environmental awareness

• On-ear control with a built-in button for music playback and volume adjustments
• Effortless activation of voice assistant
• Seamless integration into an on-the-go lifestyle
• 20 million+ people love Sonic’s masterpiece
• Precision-crafted sound with customizable modes
• Sturdy construction and sleek design for a sophisticated aesthetic
• Ergonomic fit for long-lasting comfort during extended use
• Reliable connectivity for uninterrupted audio experiences
• Convenient and intuitive user interface
• The earbuds are a harmonious blend of innovation and functionality
• Transcends the ordinary, amplifying your auditory encounters
• They testify to Anker’s commitment to quality and user satisfaction

However, you will only know which EQ preset you have in many instances if you listen. When you press the button three times to change the EQ, you hear a little beep, and the bud does not name it (it would be annoying if it did). Hence, you will guess whether you are in a particular setting. The Bass Booster is the most apparent equalizer because it’s out of control and, therefore, more straightforward to recognize the other two.

Luckily, the A1 has a mono listening feature on either earbud that is good for accessibility. You, however, cannot adjust the volume in mono mode using the earbuds, but press twice to play/pause or answer a call. Change from stereo to mono by simply swapping one of the buds in the box like Soundcore Life P3i.

Believe it or not, the instruction manual for the A1 is handy and detailed in case you need a reminder once in a while. Indeed, most of the manuals take their cue from Apple’s position that you should be able to understand without very few instructions. It is praiseworthy that Anker has illustrations and simple directions for getting into functions.

The Bluetooth range and connection stability of Life A1 are both above average. Nonetheless, they do not possess the multipoint function, and there is some audio lag depending on the EQ preset you set. It is okay to wear them through all the house areas. The audio begins to beep with intermitted sound at 60 feet of distance with two brick walls in between (Bluetooth 5.0 is strong).

Whether traveling through my apartment, behind multiple doors, or down the building hallway, the buds never drop the Bluetooth 5.0 connection once. This device has been placed about nine meters or so offline. If you own an iPhone, the Life A1 will only provide low-latency performance using AAC or SBC Bluetooth codes. Android may achieve more consistent performance using SBC instead of AAC for codecs. If you want to watch videos on Android, you may need something with aptX or LDAC with low latency. This was discovered from our latency tests, over two hundred and sixty milliseconds, rendering it impossible for speech to sync with visuals. For example, this headset is tolerable for YouTube on my Android phone. However, it doesn’t meet high requirements.

As for the Bluetooth codecs available are only limited to SBC and AAC, which is just okay for the price. In some instances, these earbuds incorporate an aptX codec. It does not make any real difference but increases the whole exercise’s cost. We recommend Jabra Elite 3 for Android users looking to watch YouTube videos without latency because they are aptX compatible.

• Press R once to increase the volume
• Press L once to decrease the volume
• Hold R or L to activate the voice assistant

• Press L twice to skip to the next song
• Press R or L three times to switch between the sound signature
• Press R twice to play/ pause music

The Anker Soundcore Life A1 continues in the tradition of the Soundcore Spirit Dot 2 and Soundcore Life Dot in terms of size and shape of earpieces. It is round and medium-sized, having a sports wing in three dimensions. They keep the earphones attached firmly to the top of your ears while exercising or running, guaranteeing that you will probably not lose them. Here, the IPX7 waterproof rating is helpful – you can even carry the headphones under the shower after your workout.

Anker’s Soundcore Life A1 is smaller, more ergonomic, and in-ear design. They are great for long daily listening hours. And thanks to the ear fins, they do not fall out. Many true wireless earbuds, including those for ear fitting like FiiO FW3, can be found. For instance, the Soundcore Life A1 rests comfortably on your pinna without any sharp edges that could cause pain. They are also tiny and do not get pressed against your ear once inserted. The ear fins are also crucial because they increase stability during movements.

However, the Life A1 could be more comfortable. The large wings of the sport put a little pressure on the top part of your ear, and since the wings seal your ear totally, you will get a light thud with each step you make. Also, it is a hassle to maintain the sports wings, and once you remove them for cleaning or other sizes, you find re-positioning hard. Moreover, the LED light flashes white even while you’re listening to music, which may impede the use of this lamp for bedroom purposes.

The selling point for the Soundcore Life A1 is the ability to switch between the three equalizers from the buds. The ‘Soundcore Sound signature’ is provided at the onset each time you turn on the earphones. The usual sound quality resembles other Soundcore earbuds like Liberty 2 Pro, Liberty Air 2, and Spirit Dot 2.

However, press one of the earbuds three times; you will turn to a dedicated bass mode that takes things to overdrive. The bass is boosted further, and then each mid-bass slam and sub-bass tone rumble (and bloat). In this setting, the bass isn’t tighter or faster; it is just punchier, with much more aftermath following each bass tone. The bass setting gives a bass that is really “heavy and boomy.”

Click three times, and you will switch to the classical mode, which lowers the bass in the other two modes, allowing higher mids and voices to come through. However, that appears just as much a volume trick as low and down the bass, increasing the impression of high. Vocals lose out in terms of dynamics, and high-pitched instruments do not give more information—they sound more powerful, making them brighter and shallower.

The Life A1 earbuds boast an IPX7 rating, implying that they will survive your routine other than leaving them at the bottom of a pool for hours (make sure you dry them up first and then put them back on their charger case). It is such a workout it will even survive a run in the rain. Both buds are plastic, including gloss and heavily textured black features with IPX7 waterproof rating, except for the drivers’ metal outer covering, which is also malleable. The logo is almost similar to a specific Apple-owned property on the side.

The vital aspect assures that this earbud will take the beatings of your hectic schedule, be it running amidst torrential downpours or sweating with unexpected moisture during your exercises.

However, they cannot accompany you to the bottom of the lake for hours as they do in aquatic adventures; hence, remember to dry them before putting them back into their charging case to serve you longer. The metal cover of the drivers and the matte plastic case create a sense of elegance. However, the logo is noticeable and almost like a specific Apple property.

Battery life is fantastic as Life A1 boasts up to 9 hours of playing time per charge – one of the best scores for a model released early in 2021, but now you can get 10 hours of playtime in Sleep A10 in its sleep mode. The case can charge the buds thrice, meaning you can enjoy up to 35 hours of total playtime per the company’s claim. Wireless charging and USB-C – and 10-minute fast recharge for 1.5 hours of playtime. This time, a matte black charging case is more significant than the Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo. The A1 battery lid offers a pleasant feeling with slightly more flexibility than the rigid A1 buds.

The magnetic clasp also provides some assurance but breaks after falling on the other side (wrong floor). The three LEDs indicate the charging process of the earphones. Specifically, when earphones are less than 30% charged, only one of the lights shows green, while for 30-70% charging, two of the lights glow green; when earphones are fully charged, Anker is inscribed on the back, whereas a USB-C port is fitted at the rear of this product. The Life A1, however, does not have a wireless charging pad, as when placed on a charging mat, the case will be set.

Amidst the numerous feature-filled alternatives in the market, the Anker Soundcore Life A1 offers a basic set of features. This conscious decision is meant for people whose primary concern when selecting an audio companion is reliability rather than unnecessary adornments. The earphone manifests how Anker values the essence of simplicity and function as far as true wireless earbuds are concerned. For a person expending his time in the gym for exercise with additional noise cancellation, he needs to consider JLab Epic Air Sport.

• Anker Soundcore A1 Earbuds
• Charging Case
• Five Pairs of Silicon Ear Tips (XS, S, M, L, XL)

• Three Pairs of Ear Fins
• USB-C Charging Cable
• User Guides