Anker has introduced the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, designed specifically to help mask snoring. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and include a microphone in the charging case that adjusts the masking audio to counteract snoring sounds effectively.
The A30 earbuds are smaller and reportedly more comfortable for side sleepers compared to previous models. Testing these earbuds raised questions about their performance, particularly as their battery life tends to be shorter when streaming audio over Bluetooth. While Anker claims a 9-hour battery life with ANC enabled, the reality may be closer to 6.5 hours for Bluetooth audio. This could leave users with dead earbuds when attempting to restart a podcast in the morning.
The earbuds offer adaptive snore masking capabilities with varying success at different volume levels, but the included sleep tracking feature may overstate sleep quality. Users have noted discrepancies between their own experiences of restlessness and the earbuds’ reported scores. Furthermore, the touch controls for switching modes and adjusting audio seem inconsistent, potentially complicating nighttime usage.
The A30 model includes various features such as multiple soundscapes for relaxation and a “Find Device” function, which is useful if accidentally misplaced. However, some aspects, such as the lack of wireless charging and the need to control volume through the companion app rather than directly, raise further questions regarding usability.
For users looking for a more economical option, Anker still offers the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds, which may be suitable for individuals who do not require advanced noise cancellation features. The new A30s retail at $229.90, raising the question of whether the enhanced features justify the price difference for users primarily interested in combating snoring.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/reviews/781970/earbuds-that-block-snoring-soundcore-a30