Ultra-popular consumer electronics brand Anker is fast becoming our go-to recommendation for so-called “cheap workout headphones” — not because they’re “cheap”, but because of their high value-for-dollar. In the past few years, Anker has expanded its offering of Bluetooth IEMs to include virtually every configuration of shape and size imaginable. This week, we’re trying out the Soundbuds Curve. They’re larger than the Anker Bluetooth buds we’ve tried in the past, but they make up for that size in battery life.
In our experience, Anker has always been generous with the accessories it includes with its wireless earbuds. The Curve, however, takes this to the next level: six sets of ear tips are included in varying shapes and sizes, along with three sets of silicone wings, a shirt clip, cable shortener, USB charging cable, and zippered semi-rigid storage case. These may be the most secure-fitting Anker Bluetooth buds ever; in addition to the wide range of ear tip sizes, the included wings and integrated over-ear guides ensure that the Curve never fall out of the ear.
The housings of the Curve are larger and sit further outboard than Anker’s other Bluetooth IEMs, but this seems to have given Anker room for a bigger battery (over 12 hours’ worth!); they might be slightly heavier, but with all this extra security, we never felt it. One criticism, however — the Curve’s cable is unnecessarily long, which can be somewhat annoying, especially given how grippy its exterior can be on clothes and skin.
The SoundBuds Curve sound is what we’re coming to recognize as a ‘house’ sound for Anker: generally clean, with a heavy bass boost. This sound is ideal for the music many people listen to when working out, though we’d prefer something slightly more balanced for general music listening. We’re impressed by Anker’s consistency in delivering quality wireless IEMs for such a low price. We would have happily paid an extra dollar for a better cable, but we find that the Curve is comfortable with a secure fit, sounds good, and has excellent battery life. At $20, we recommend giving these a try for your next workout headphone.
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Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Anker
Model: SoundBuds Curve
Price: $19.49