I ordered these earbuds in early June this year (writing this review as of 9/6/18) so I've had the earbuds for around 3 months now and I would just like to share my experience with these earbuds.
The first thing I would like to touch on are the materials and build quality. This actually starts back at the unboxing experience where the earbuds were presented in a nice box that had a great feeling of quality. I know that the box doesn't really matter in the end game of whether or not the earbuds are nice but it is cool to see that Anker is paying attention to all of the little details. After opening the box you quickly get to see the great build quality of the earbuds themselves. The earpieces have a nice metal jacket, the control module is made from what seems to be pretty durable plastic, and the cable connecting them all has a really nice feeling to them. Overall, I am very impressed with the earbuds and especially with how low profile they seem to be because it's hard to tell where they even hide the battery. Well done Anker. Another thing I would like to mention is the fit of the earbuds. My ears are pretty weird because they're super small but fitting these earbuds was super easy and with the wings that they have, even while running, the earbuds never fall out.
Going along with the initial setup would be the bluetooth pairing which was about as simple as can be with bluetooth products. After the initial pairing, every time I turn on the earbuds, they connect to my phone within a second or two if not instantly. The range is also great although I do admit I have not truly tested these to the limit just because most of the time my phone is in my pocket anyways but the few times where I did set it down for basketball or something, they've worked seamlessly.
Next up is sound quality and this is easily probably the easiest part of the review because they sound good... if your expectations are right. If you're the type of person who's a self proclaimed "audiophile" and you only listen to uncompressed flacs on your 2000 dollar DAC and amp, then no, you probably won't be super impressed by the audio quality, but for us mere mortals that just want to listen to Spotify on earbuds that sound better than the ones they provide you on airplanes, then yes, these sound a million times better than airplane earbuds. I'm not a very picky listener and switching between my Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones and these, I honestly couldn't care less. This is exemplified when you realize that the true intent of these earbuds are not to compete with M50x's or anything even close to that, they're meant for running and everyday life and for that, these sound just fine.
Battery life is another important part of wireless earbuds and again, I am not the most scientific tester and you can probably find a review that has exact measurements but using these on runs pretty much every day and walking in between classes in college, these last multiple days. It helps that there's a battery indicator whenever they're connected but overall, great battery life as well. Nothing to really complain about.
Now overall, this has been a SUPER positive review and that's because these have been super great earbuds to use. But, about 2 or so weeks ago, my pair suddenly just stopped working. I tried plugging them in, not even a red light to show charging... I left them in to charge and after a day, still nothing. Yikes. I can pretty much attribute this to only one reason, death by sweat. I sweat a ton and especially with the humid heat of the Texas summer, I must have just killed the earbuds but I don't know for sure. Luckily (and this is why I didn't take off a star) Anker customer support is SUPERB. They responded quickly asking me to just confirm the issue and once it was confirmed a new pair was shipped within days. Excellent customer service IMO and I think this goes to show how good Anker is as a company because their dedication to quality and backing their own products is great to see. This is not the first Anker accessory that I've purchased either. I had a SoundCore Sport XL as well and that thing was also great quality. Either way, I am going to keep on supporting Anker and buying their products because they've shown to me that they care about our experiences. If only Anker had customer service for stolen products because a couple months ago, my speaker got nicked and I'm not really in a place to buy another one.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a good pair of wireless earbuds, look no further, these are great quality and at a great price
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This Item  Anker Soundbuds Slim+ Bluetooth Headphones, Bluetooth 5 Lightweight Stereo Earbuds with Customizable Accessories, 10-Hour Playtime, IPX7 Waterproof Magnetic Wireless Earbuds for Workout, Sports, Gym |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -31% $19.99 List: $28.99 | -13% $25.99 List: $29.99 | $39.99 | -13% $34.99 List: $39.99 | -41% $59.00 List: $99.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Xinhai Tech | TANGMAI | Litaier | AnkerDirect | AnkerDirect |
| connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Wireless | Wireless |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | Over Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | usb,wireless | USB Type C | usb-c,wireless | wireless | usb-c,wireless | USB Type C |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | sound isolation | sound isolation | sound isolation | sound isolation | active noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | USB | — | USB | — | USB | — |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Detachable | Tangle Free | Tangle Free | Without Cable | Cable |
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Customer Review: (Not so) Great Wireless Headphones
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Product Description
Reviews with images
Slim vs Slim+
I had tried a few wireless earbuds and original Slims were my favorite. It had a strong connection and the sound quality was really good. There's a lot I want to say about the original Slim but I'll save that for the appropriate review.Anyhow, when the Slim+ launched, I got curious about what was upgraded and had to try it out. To be honest, if you already have and like the Slim, there isn't much of an upgrade. Here are the differences I see after a few weeks of use:1. As others have stated, the cord is longer. Slim is 21" from bud to bud while the Slim+ is 24". The distance from the right bud to the controller is identical on both. This extra length would definitely come in handy for some people with thicker necks2. The little tab that covers the micro USB charge port can actually be pulled out and rotated on the Slim+. On the Slim, the tab could not be pulled out nor rotated so my charge cord would actually fold the tab backward causing it to crease a little. This made me worry about it's waterproofing although I've not had any problems yet. Also, on the Slim+ the tab that covers the port actually is longer and appears to further cover the exposed micro USB contacts. Not sure if this really helps but it's sure a welcome attention to detail!3. On the Slim+, there's a "Slim+" printed or engraved just above the charge port whereas the Slim has no markings.4. Sound quality is about the same on both buds. I can't tell them apart. I'm using a Note Edge, 2 different HP ENVY laptops, and an Acer S7 and the sound is generally identical to my non-audiophile ears. Actually, I don't know how to check if I'm using aptX or not so if someone can give me some pointers, that'd help. The reason I put this as a "difference" is because it feels to me like the Slim+ actually LOWERS the volume when ambient noise is high. I work in a place where they have a LOT of ambient noise (trucks, forklifts, etc). While the design of both the Slim and the Slim+ do identical jobs at blocking out ambient sound, when I turn on the music the Slim just feels louder than the Slim+. However, when I'm at home, both sound the same regardless of what volume I have at the source. Not sure if this is even a function of these earbuds but it's something I definitely notice!5. Aside from sound "quality" on the Slim+ there is a little blipping sound every minute or so. It kind of reminds me of those pulse-dial phones from back in the day or if there's some dust of a scratch on your vinyl record. This does not happen on the Slim at all and it's not that big of a deal when I'm at work or when I'm listening to my tunes LOUD but it's something I should note when comparing these 2 models.6. The Slim comes with a little cloth sleeve to store your earbuds while the Slim+ comes with a nice zippered case.So all in all, I'm rating this a 2 star because while its a good product with some noticeable upgrades from the previous model, I still feel the original Slim might be a better choice for the money.Update 12-20-2017I have been contacted by Anker and they offered a refund for my unit. To be honest, I'm not dissatisfied enough to want a refund as even with the blipping/skipping I mentioned, the Slim/Slim+ blows away the TaoTronics earbuds in sound quality and has a much stronger connection than the TaoTronics and the Phaisers. While the Phaisers (especially the 760) pumps out richer sound than the Slims, they have a pretty short range to them so I tend to reach for the Slim for most activities. I asked them to verify if my unit is a defect before I decide anything and will update this as things develop.Update 1/4/18I got the replacement unit a week or so ago and this new Slim+ definitely "skips" less than the first Slim+. Major kudos to Anker for helping me through this! I still feel the volume is a shade lower than the Slim and hence not a notable "upgrade" but I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has never had bluetooth earbuds before. Upping to 4 stars.Update 11/11/18Ok, it has been almost a year and I've been wearing these to work every day. Today, they somehow came off my neck, fell to the floor, and I ended up running over them with my forklift! The left bud was caved in, the ear piece was dangling just by the speaker wires, and the battery within looked distorted. After I got home, I used some pliers to bend the bud back to a circular shape, snapped the ear piece back in and viola! It still works!Now, I know about lithium batteries and I'm not about to try to charge a smashed battery. I just wanted to say that these were a great pair of earbuds. By now I've come to realize that the blipping/skipping I mentioned above is actually interference from other wireless devices around me. There is nothing Anker can do to fix that.Anyhow, I just came back to update the info and change the score to the 5 stars the Anker Slim+ deserves!
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
I had tried a few wireless earbuds and original Slims were my favorite. It had a strong connection and the sound quality was really good. There's a lot I want to say about the original Slim but I'll save that for the appropriate review.
Anyhow, when the Slim+ launched, I got curious about what was upgraded and had to try it out. To be honest, if you already have and like the Slim, there isn't much of an upgrade. Here are the differences I see after a few weeks of use:
1. As others have stated, the cord is longer. Slim is 21" from bud to bud while the Slim+ is 24". The distance from the right bud to the controller is identical on both. This extra length would definitely come in handy for some people with thicker necks
2. The little tab that covers the micro USB charge port can actually be pulled out and rotated on the Slim+. On the Slim, the tab could not be pulled out nor rotated so my charge cord would actually fold the tab backward causing it to crease a little. This made me worry about it's waterproofing although I've not had any problems yet. Also, on the Slim+ the tab that covers the port actually is longer and appears to further cover the exposed micro USB contacts. Not sure if this really helps but it's sure a welcome attention to detail!
3. On the Slim+, there's a "Slim+" printed or engraved just above the charge port whereas the Slim has no markings.
4. Sound quality is about the same on both buds. I can't tell them apart. I'm using a Note Edge, 2 different HP ENVY laptops, and an Acer S7 and the sound is generally identical to my non-audiophile ears. Actually, I don't know how to check if I'm using aptX or not so if someone can give me some pointers, that'd help. The reason I put this as a "difference" is because it feels to me like the Slim+ actually LOWERS the volume when ambient noise is high. I work in a place where they have a LOT of ambient noise (trucks, forklifts, etc). While the design of both the Slim and the Slim+ do identical jobs at blocking out ambient sound, when I turn on the music the Slim just feels louder than the Slim+. However, when I'm at home, both sound the same regardless of what volume I have at the source. Not sure if this is even a function of these earbuds but it's something I definitely notice!
5. Aside from sound "quality" on the Slim+ there is a little blipping sound every minute or so. It kind of reminds me of those pulse-dial phones from back in the day or if there's some dust of a scratch on your vinyl record. This does not happen on the Slim at all and it's not that big of a deal when I'm at work or when I'm listening to my tunes LOUD but it's something I should note when comparing these 2 models.
6. The Slim comes with a little cloth sleeve to store your earbuds while the Slim+ comes with a nice zippered case.
So all in all, I'm rating this a 2 star because while its a good product with some noticeable upgrades from the previous model, I still feel the original Slim might be a better choice for the money.
Update 12-20-2017
I have been contacted by Anker and they offered a refund for my unit. To be honest, I'm not dissatisfied enough to want a refund as even with the blipping/skipping I mentioned, the Slim/Slim+ blows away the TaoTronics earbuds in sound quality and has a much stronger connection than the TaoTronics and the Phaisers. While the Phaisers (especially the 760) pumps out richer sound than the Slims, they have a pretty short range to them so I tend to reach for the Slim for most activities. I asked them to verify if my unit is a defect before I decide anything and will update this as things develop.
Update 1/4/18
I got the replacement unit a week or so ago and this new Slim+ definitely "skips" less than the first Slim+. Major kudos to Anker for helping me through this! I still feel the volume is a shade lower than the Slim and hence not a notable "upgrade" but I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has never had bluetooth earbuds before. Upping to 4 stars.
Update 11/11/18
Ok, it has been almost a year and I've been wearing these to work every day. Today, they somehow came off my neck, fell to the floor, and I ended up running over them with my forklift! The left bud was caved in, the ear piece was dangling just by the speaker wires, and the battery within looked distorted. After I got home, I used some pliers to bend the bud back to a circular shape, snapped the ear piece back in and viola! It still works!
Now, I know about lithium batteries and I'm not about to try to charge a smashed battery. I just wanted to say that these were a great pair of earbuds. By now I've come to realize that the blipping/skipping I mentioned above is actually interference from other wireless devices around me. There is nothing Anker can do to fix that.
Anyhow, I just came back to update the info and change the score to the 5 stars the Anker Slim+ deserves!
Anyhow, when the Slim+ launched, I got curious about what was upgraded and had to try it out. To be honest, if you already have and like the Slim, there isn't much of an upgrade. Here are the differences I see after a few weeks of use:
1. As others have stated, the cord is longer. Slim is 21" from bud to bud while the Slim+ is 24". The distance from the right bud to the controller is identical on both. This extra length would definitely come in handy for some people with thicker necks
2. The little tab that covers the micro USB charge port can actually be pulled out and rotated on the Slim+. On the Slim, the tab could not be pulled out nor rotated so my charge cord would actually fold the tab backward causing it to crease a little. This made me worry about it's waterproofing although I've not had any problems yet. Also, on the Slim+ the tab that covers the port actually is longer and appears to further cover the exposed micro USB contacts. Not sure if this really helps but it's sure a welcome attention to detail!
3. On the Slim+, there's a "Slim+" printed or engraved just above the charge port whereas the Slim has no markings.
4. Sound quality is about the same on both buds. I can't tell them apart. I'm using a Note Edge, 2 different HP ENVY laptops, and an Acer S7 and the sound is generally identical to my non-audiophile ears. Actually, I don't know how to check if I'm using aptX or not so if someone can give me some pointers, that'd help. The reason I put this as a "difference" is because it feels to me like the Slim+ actually LOWERS the volume when ambient noise is high. I work in a place where they have a LOT of ambient noise (trucks, forklifts, etc). While the design of both the Slim and the Slim+ do identical jobs at blocking out ambient sound, when I turn on the music the Slim just feels louder than the Slim+. However, when I'm at home, both sound the same regardless of what volume I have at the source. Not sure if this is even a function of these earbuds but it's something I definitely notice!
5. Aside from sound "quality" on the Slim+ there is a little blipping sound every minute or so. It kind of reminds me of those pulse-dial phones from back in the day or if there's some dust of a scratch on your vinyl record. This does not happen on the Slim at all and it's not that big of a deal when I'm at work or when I'm listening to my tunes LOUD but it's something I should note when comparing these 2 models.
6. The Slim comes with a little cloth sleeve to store your earbuds while the Slim+ comes with a nice zippered case.
So all in all, I'm rating this a 2 star because while its a good product with some noticeable upgrades from the previous model, I still feel the original Slim might be a better choice for the money.
Update 12-20-2017
I have been contacted by Anker and they offered a refund for my unit. To be honest, I'm not dissatisfied enough to want a refund as even with the blipping/skipping I mentioned, the Slim/Slim+ blows away the TaoTronics earbuds in sound quality and has a much stronger connection than the TaoTronics and the Phaisers. While the Phaisers (especially the 760) pumps out richer sound than the Slims, they have a pretty short range to them so I tend to reach for the Slim for most activities. I asked them to verify if my unit is a defect before I decide anything and will update this as things develop.
Update 1/4/18
I got the replacement unit a week or so ago and this new Slim+ definitely "skips" less than the first Slim+. Major kudos to Anker for helping me through this! I still feel the volume is a shade lower than the Slim and hence not a notable "upgrade" but I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has never had bluetooth earbuds before. Upping to 4 stars.
Update 11/11/18
Ok, it has been almost a year and I've been wearing these to work every day. Today, they somehow came off my neck, fell to the floor, and I ended up running over them with my forklift! The left bud was caved in, the ear piece was dangling just by the speaker wires, and the battery within looked distorted. After I got home, I used some pliers to bend the bud back to a circular shape, snapped the ear piece back in and viola! It still works!
Now, I know about lithium batteries and I'm not about to try to charge a smashed battery. I just wanted to say that these were a great pair of earbuds. By now I've come to realize that the blipping/skipping I mentioned above is actually interference from other wireless devices around me. There is nothing Anker can do to fix that.
Anyhow, I just came back to update the info and change the score to the 5 stars the Anker Slim+ deserves!
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Top reviews from other countries
TechReview
Alla fine tutto bene, ottima qualità/prezzo!
Reviewed in Italy on May 18, 2018
TechReview
Reviewed in Italy on May 18, 2018
SPEDIZIONE, IMBALLAGGIO E CONFEZIONE
Poco da dire: le cuffie mi sono state spedite in un classico pacco Amazon. Il pacco ha protetto perfettamente il prodotto da eventuali deformazioni durante il trasporto.
MATERIALI E REALIZZAZIONE
Le cuffie sono in materiale plastico, discrete nell'attutire urti e cadute. Presente come dotazione 3 tipi di gommini di grandezza diversa come 3 tipi di archetti diversi. I materiali non sono ovviamente da prodotto di alta fascia, tuttavia il rapporto qualità/prezzo è ottimo. Presente un telecomando con 3 tasti: volume +, risposta/fine chiamata, volume - e un led rosso-blu che indica la carica (rosso fisso) e l'accensione/accoppiamento delle cuffie con i dispositivi bluetooth. Sulla stessa pulsantiera è presente lo sportellino gommato con ingresso USB per la ricarica.
Il retro dei padiglioni è magnetico quindi molto difficile perderle.
UTILIZZO
Le cuffie nel complesso hanno un audio buono. Funzionano perfettamente con PC, Mac, Androide iOS e si adattano perfettamente sia nell'uso quotidiano sia per l'attività fisica. L'ergonomia è ottima, soprattutto grazie al peso di soli 15 grammi (cavo e telecomandino inclusi, che ovviamente poggiano sulle spalle e non sul padiglione auricolare). Inoltre, le diverse taglie di archetti e gommini permettono veramente di adattare le cuffie a qualsiasi orecchio (provato con diverse persone). Inizialmente ho avuto problemi con la qualità della chiamate: era pessima, la mia voce risultava lontana e ovattata. Inoltre, capitava spesso che la riproduzione musicale si stoppasse. La Anker ha provveduto celermente alla sostituzione ed il problema è stato risolto.
CONCLUSIONI
Le cuffie come audio sono buone, la connessione sembra stabile e ottimale. Se doveste avere problemi simili a quelli riportati sopra (lontananza del microfono in chiamata e interruzione della riproduzione musicale) tenete presente che è probabile sia solo un difetto del prodotto. Insomma, Anker non delude: rapporto qualità/prezzo innegabile!
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