Anker’s Soundcore Sleep A30: The Next Level in Sleep Buds
Anker has stepped up its game with the release of its latest sleep buds, the Soundcore Sleep A30. These cutting-edge earbuds build upon the foundation laid by their predecessor, the A20, promising one notable improvement: they can effectively mask snoring. The A30 employs Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to achieve this, thanks to a microphone nestled within the charging case that dynamically adjusts the masking audio to counteract those unwanted sounds of snoring, or as some might say, “sawing logs.”
Upon first discovering these features, it’s hard not to feel a rush of excitement, particularly for those of us whose sleep routines can be disrupted by external noise. The slightly smaller design may also provide added comfort, especially for side sleepers. However, after testing the A30s nightly for a month, my initial enthusiasm has been tempered, particularly as my bedtime companion isn’t prone to snoring.
The Good and the Bad
Price point: at $230, the A30s have seamlessly integrated features, making them worthy contenders in the sleep-aid technology market. Here’s a brief overview of the positives and negatives:
- Masks light to moderate snoring.
- Designed for side sleepers.
- Smaller size than the previous generation for enhanced comfort.
- Active Noise Cancellation can drain small batteries quickly.
- Higher price compared to earlier models.
For context, the reviewer’s experience with sleep has been far from ideal, often battling a busy mind by listening to podcasts via Apple’s AirPods Pro in a quest for undisturbed slumber. Switching earbuds throughout the night became a tedious ritual, especially for a side sleeper.
Anker asserts a battery life of up to 9 hours per charge with ANC activated, supplemented by a total of 45 hours when using the charging case. However, this statistic largely holds true when utilizing the earbuds for local white noise sounds. When streaming audio over Bluetooth, reality sets in with a playback cap closer to 6.5 hours. This became a repeated frustration, where the reviewer would often wake up to find their earbuds depleted, especially during late-night scrolling sessions.
While the buds can treat snoring noise, their utility is challenged by battery performance. My experience involved frequently waking up confused, trying to restart a podcast only to find the buds had died. Contrast this with the performance of the passive A20 sleep buds, which never left me in the lurch.
Performance Evaluation
The Soundcore A30 can emit a variety of environmental sounds including white noise or calm soundscapes to assist in relaxation. To test the effectiveness of its snore-masking abilities, I set up an Amazon Echo speaker a meter away from my bed to play varying volumes of snoring sounds. At lower volume levels, the buds performed exceptionally well, blocking out the sound almost entirely. However, as volume levels increased, the effectiveness diminished.
One interesting feature of the A30s is a sleep tracking function that provides feedback on sleep quality, albeit sometimes overconfidently. On one restless night, I was praised for achieving an “87 sleep score,” despite feeling far from refreshed. This cast doubt on how reliable the tracking truly is.
Touch controls on the A30 also proved to be somewhat inconsistent, requiring multiple attempts before registering commands. This kind of hassle can be frustrating when seeking a peaceful return to sleep.
For those using sleep aids for white noise, the Soundcore app provides options for sound customization, yet it might not replace traditional phone alarms or reminders. Despite being equipped with a USB-C charging port, the lack of wireless charging could be a downside for some users.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30s are a strong contender for those looking to improve their sleep conditions, especially for light to moderate snoring. They bring innovative features that are quite appealing, especially for side sleepers. However, potential users must weigh the premium price against features that may or may not meet individual needs.
For those who want to save some money, the Soundcore Sleep A20 buds remain an excellent option at a lower price. The true value of the A30 comes into play for those who share a bed with a snorer, but can they maintain charge through the night?
For more detailed information on the Soundcore Sleep A30, visit Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
