If you like the classic stem-style earbud design that Apple popularized with the first-gen AirPods, the SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 will probably catch your eye right away. These are budget true wireless earbuds that clearly lean into that same overall shape, but they come in at a much more affordable price.
The big question is whether they actually deliver where it counts. After spending time with them, I’d put them in the “solid for the money” category. They are not trying to compete with premium earbuds on every front, but for the price, there’s a lot here that makes sense.
What comes in the box
The package is pretty straightforward. Inside, you get:
- The charging case
- The SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 earbuds
- A USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- A quick start guide
That quick start guide is worth keeping around, especially at first. These earbuds use touch gestures instead of physical buttons, so it helps to have the control layout nearby until the taps become second nature.
Design and first impressions
The TrueAir 2 comes in two color options: white and matte black. The pair I’m looking at here is the white version, and visually it is very close to the first-generation AirPods style.
You get that slim stem hanging down from the ear rather than the rounded, stemless look you see on earbuds like the Pixel Buds. If that design works well for your ears or you just prefer the look, that is a point in the SoundPEATS’ favor.
Build-wise, these are mostly plastic from top to bottom. That is not surprising at this price, but it does affect how premium they feel in the hand. Apple’s earbuds tend to have a glossier, cleaner finish, while these go with a matte white coating. One nice little detail is the silver SoundPEATS logo on the earbud itself. It adds a bit of style and keeps them from looking too plain.
The earbuds attach magnetically inside the case, which is exactly what you want. They snap into place easily, and that makes charging feel simple and reliable.
The case is compact, but not especially premium
The charging case is one of the more practical parts of this setup. It is very small, very light, and easy to throw into a pocket with your keys or wallet without feeling bulky. If portability is a priority, the TrueAir 2 definitely scores points here.
That said, the same lightweight design also makes the case feel a little fragile. Since it is fully plastic, it does not have that dense, reassuring feel that some more expensive earbud cases have. Compared to something like the Pixel Buds case, this one feels less premium and a bit flimsier.
I would be a little cautious about dropping it. It may hold up fine in normal use, but first impressions do not exactly scream “tank-like durability.”
On the back, there is an LED indicator light that shows charging status. It is a small feature, but it is useful. Charging happens over USB-C using the included cable, which is always nice to see on budget earbuds.
Battery life
Battery performance is respectable for a pair of earbuds in this price range.
- Up to 5 hours of listening time from the earbuds themselves
- Up to 20 additional hours from the charging case
- 25 hours total when everything is fully charged
That should be enough for daily commuting, workouts, casual listening, and phone calls without needing to constantly reach for the charger.
The product listing also highlights features like Bluetooth 5.2 support and a Qualcomm chipset, which are both strong specs on paper for a value-focused pair of true wireless earbuds.
Touch controls instead of physical buttons
One thing I do like here is the control system. The TrueAir 2 uses touch gestures rather than physical click buttons.
That matters more than it sounds. With some earbuds, pressing a physical button means jamming the earbud deeper into your ear every time you want to pause music or skip a song. Touch controls avoid that, and they generally feel more comfortable in daily use.
The earbuds support the usual set of media functions, including:
- Play and pause
- Skip tracks
- Adjust volume
- Answer calls
If you tend to forget tap combinations, keeping the manual nearby for the first day or two is a good idea.
Sound quality: good bass, average mids and highs
Audio quality is always the big one, and the SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 lands somewhere in the middle.
These are not high-end earbuds, but they also do not sound like throwaway bargain-bin junk. For around the $30 range, the performance is fair and pretty easy to live with as long as your expectations match the price.
Where they do well
The standout here is the bass. It is the strongest part of the sound signature. Bass comes through with decent richness, and it has that slight vibration and fullness that makes music feel more lively. It is not sloppy or completely overpowering. It is just the most convincing part of the mix.
Where they fall short
The mids and highs are more average. Vocals and mids can sound a little distant or echoey, and the highs have a slightly tinny edge. They are not painfully sharp, but they also are not especially refined.
That means your experience will depend a lot on what you are used to.
- If you are upgrading from very cheap earbuds, these will probably sound like a solid improvement.
- If you are coming from something more premium, you are definitely going to notice the drop in clarity and balance.
For casual listening, podcasts, YouTube audio, and everyday music playback, they are perfectly usable. They just are not the pair to buy if top-tier sound is the goal.
If audio quality matters more than the stem-style design, it may be worth checking out other options in the same general category. I’ve covered other audio gear before, and if clear communication is part of your setup priorities too, my SteelSeries Alias microphone review is a good place to look for more serious voice-focused hardware.
Microphone quality for calls and meetings
The microphone quality is usable, but it is not a strength.
For things like regular phone calls, online meetings, or quick voice chats, most people probably will not have a major issue. Your voice comes through well enough for basic communication.
But if you are hoping to use these for streaming, content creation, or anything where microphone quality really matters, this is not the pair I’d recommend. The mic does the job, but only at a basic level.
That lines up with the overall theme of these earbuds. They are built around value, convenience, and everyday functionality rather than premium performance.
If your main concern is having gear that works well for remote meetings, another useful comparison point is this Logitech Brio 100 webcam review, especially if you are putting together a simple work-from-home setup.
Bluetooth performance and connection stability
Wireless performance is one area where the TrueAir 2 does a good job. Connection happens over Bluetooth, and in real use the earbuds feel responsive.
I did not run into obvious lag problems, and playback actions like pausing music responded quickly. I also did not hear distracting static during quieter audio, which is something that can ruin the experience on cheaper wireless earbuds.
The product page specifically calls out Qualcomm QCC3040, Bluetooth 5.2, and improved connection stability over the previous generation. Those are all encouraging signs, and the real-world experience here backs that up well enough. If you want a general reference on what features newer Bluetooth versions can improve, Qualcomm’s QCC3040 overview gives some extra context.
Who these earbuds are for
The SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 makes the most sense for a specific type of buyer.
These are a good fit if you want:
- A budget pair of true wireless earbuds
- The AirPods-style stem design
- Decent bass and acceptable overall sound
- A lightweight, pocket-friendly case
- Reliable Bluetooth performance for everyday use
They are less ideal if you need:
- Premium materials and build quality
- High-end sound with strong mids and detailed highs
- A microphone for professional recording or streaming
Final verdict
The SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 is a pretty easy pair of earbuds to understand. They are not trying to be the best-sounding or best-built wireless earbuds on the market. They are trying to give you a familiar design, good portability, decent bass, and reliable everyday performance at a low price.
And honestly, they do that well enough.
If you are not super picky about audio quality and just want something affordable that gets the job done, these are a solid option. They also make sense as a gift, especially if you want something practical without spending premium-earbud money.
If that sounds like what you’re after, you can check out the SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 listing for current pricing and availability.
For the money, the biggest takeaway is simple: average in the right places, good where it needs to be, and easy to recommend for budget-conscious buyers.
