ANKER Soundcore R50i

This speaker is absolutely amazing! For a modest price, you get:

• exceptional sound
• a well-crafted casing made of quality materials
  I was truly impressed by this brand, Anker, which I wasn’t familiar with before. I highly recommend it!

I recently got my hands on the Anker Soundcore Earbuds, and I am genuinely impressed. These earbuds have surpassed my expectations in sound quality, comfort, and overall performance.

Sound Quality (5/5):
The sound quality is exceptional. The bass is rich and powerful, the mids are clear and distinct, and the highs are sharp without being harsh. Whether I’m enjoying music, watching movies, or making calls, the audio experience is superb. The soundstage is impressively wide for earbuds in this price range, creating an immersive experience that draws me into the music.

Comfort and Fit (5/5):
Anker has done a fantastic job with the design of these earbuds. With multiple ear tip sizes included, they ensure a snug and comfortable fit for all ear shapes. I can wear them for hours without any discomfort. Their lightweight design further enhances the comfort level.

Battery Life (5/5):
I was pleasantly surprised by how long these earbuds last on a single charge. They provide hours of use, and the charging case offers extra power for extended sessions. I can easily get through a full day without worrying about the battery dying. The quick charge feature is a lifesaver when I’m in a rush.

Build Quality (4/5):
The build quality is robust, and the earbuds feel well-made. However, I wish they had an IP rating for water and sweat resistance to make them more versatile for workouts and outdoor activities.

Connectivity (5/5):
Connecting these earbuds to my devices is effortless, thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. The connection is stable, with no dropouts. Additionally, the touch controls are responsive and user-friendly.

Value for Money (5/5):
Given the outstanding sound quality, comfort, and battery life, these earbuds are a fantastic value for the price. They hold their own against pricier competitors without breaking the bank.

In summary, the Anker Soundcore Earbuds are an excellent addition to my audio setup. They offer impressive sound quality, comfort, and battery life, making them a top choice for music lovers and anyone seeking reliable wireless earbuds. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, high-quality audio solution.

The sound quality is great. The size is just right. It charges fairly quickly. The only downside is the on/off button; turning it on is easy, but turning it off is a bit more challenging.

This review focuses on using two speakers in stereo mode, which is the primary reason I purchased them. If you’re considering this option, here’s what you need to know: the sound quality improves DRAMATICALLY when using two speakers in stereo mode compared to just one. If your budget allows, I highly recommend getting a pair, as they deliver about five times the quality of a single unit.

That said, even as a standalone speaker, it’s a fantastic value. Anker consistently demonstrates its commitment to producing high-quality products. I’ve been a customer for years and have never been let down. The sound quality is impressive for the price (I got mine for $49.99 USD). I can’t imagine anyone being dissatisfied with its build quality and overall performance.

For fun, I compared it to my single $299 Bose Mini SoundLink II speaker. While the Bose offers richer and clearer sound, considering that the Soundcore Boost is only 1/6th the price, it performs remarkably well! I would highly recommend the Soundcore.

In terms of battery life, I’ve owned these speakers for a month now, and I’m very impressed. Great job, Anker!

STEREO MODE FUNCTION: Key Points
Several reviewers have mentioned that the stereo mode can be unreliable and difficult to use. I initially agreed, but once I figured out how to set it up correctly, it became much easier. Here are my insights:

First, keep in mind that these are $100 speakers and this technology is relatively new, so expectations should be realistic. The performance can vary based on the hardware they’re paired with and placement. STEREO MODE MAY NOT WORK WELL WITH ALL DEVICES—BE AWARE OF THIS. Here’s what I found:

• The speakers work almost perfectly in stereo mode with my iPhone XR and my girlfriend’s iMac Pro, but they struggle with my HP PC running Windows 10, so I’ve stopped trying to use them with that. It’s a bit disappointing, but again, for $100, it’s understandable.
• There are occasional audio dropouts (0.2-0.5 seconds) even on Apple devices, which can be annoying, but they don’t happen often. I can sometimes play music for hours without any issues. The dropouts seem to be worse with streaming movies, while they perform excellently with Apple Music.
• Initially, syncing the speakers in stereo mode was a bit tricky, and Anker’s setup instructions are less than helpful. It takes some trial and error to get it right. The device pairs with one speaker first, which then connects to the second speaker to create the stereo setup. Avoid trying to connect your device to both speakers simultaneously if you want to use stereo mode. Here’s what works for me:

1. Label one speaker as “1” and the other as “2” (or “A” and “B”) so you can easily differentiate them, especially in low light.
2. Always connect your device to Speaker 1 only. If by chance you connect to Speaker 2, delete that pairing.
3. Power on only Speaker 1 and pair it with your device.
4. Once paired, turn on Speaker 2 and use the TWS buttons to connect the speakers in stereo mode. This can be tricky, as Anker’s instructions are not clear. I experimented with different button combinations until they paired, indicated by a sound from both speakers. Then you’re all set!
5. When you’re done, press either power button to turn off both speakers—easy!
6. The next time you use the speakers, always turn on Speaker 1 first, wait for the sound, then turn on Speaker 2. They should auto-pair, and you’ll be ready to play music in stereo.
7. To add another device, turn off Speaker 2, pair the new device to Speaker 1, and it should work just like before.

Since mastering this process, the speakers have worked flawlessly. It’s baffling that Anker didn’t provide clearer instructions; the tiny leaflet with confusing diagrams is not helpful. Nevertheless, these speakers are an excellent value, and I highly recommend them—just be aware of their limitations.