Acefast Acefit Pro Open-Ear Headphones: A Comprehensive Review
The burgeoning market for open-ear headphones continues to expand, offering consumers a comfortable alternative to traditional in-ear earbuds. Acefast’s latest offering, the Acefit Pro, enters this arena with a unique blend of design, features, and affordability, aiming to carve its niche among competitors like the Soundcore C40i. Launching on Kickstarter in January 2025 with an early bird price of $119, the Acefit Pro promises a compelling listening experience without the occlusion and potential discomfort of in-ear designs. This review delves into the various facets of the Acefit Pro, from its design and setup to its sound quality and battery life, providing a thorough assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
The Acefit Pro inherits a design language reminiscent of its predecessor, the Acefast Crystal T8, with a transparent aesthetic available in a range of colors – grey, green, violet, and pink. A standout feature is the transparent case lid, revealing a large digital display that indicates the battery percentage of both the case and the earbuds when inside. While undeniably practical, the retro digital font might not appeal to all tastes. The case itself is wide and flat, facilitating easy pocket storage, but the unconventional placement of the USB-C charging port on the bottom edge presents a minor inconvenience. The earbuds themselves sport LED lights beneath a transparent section showcasing the Acefast logo, offering customizable lighting effects for a touch of personalization. However, the logo’s aesthetic might be a point of contention for some.
Setting up the Acefit Pro is a breeze, with a straightforward Bluetooth pairing process. Unlike traditional earbuds, the Acefit Pro employs a titanium wire hook design that rests over the ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The "supermolecular liquid silicon" earbud material adds to the comfort factor, providing a soft and gentle contact point. Though slightly heavier than the Soundcore C40i, the Acefit Pro’s weight distribution over the ear makes them feel remarkably lightweight, even when worn with glasses. The hook design minimizes the sensation of wearing earbuds, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
Navigating the Acefit Pro’s functionality is facilitated by the accompanying app. While the app’s visual design could benefit from refinement, its core features are accessible and user-friendly. Users can customize the LED lighting effects, select colors for the case’s LCD display, and personalize the touch controls on the earbuds. The inclusion of a custom EQ is a welcome addition, allowing users to fine-tune the sound profile to their preferences. This level of customization enhances the user experience and allows for a more personalized sound signature.
The Acefit Pro’s sound quality is characterized by clarity and brightness, with a pleasing timbre to voices. Notably, its volume output surpasses that of the Soundcore C40i, proving advantageous in noisy environments. However, the inherent nature of open-ear designs means that external sounds will inevitably impact the listening experience. While the default sound profile might sound slightly flat, the custom EQ allows for significant improvements, boosting bass, enriching the mid-range, and tempering the overly bright high-end. Despite these adjustments, a subtle brittleness remains, particularly noticeable in comparison to the warmer, more musical sound of the Soundcore C40i. While the Acefit Pro boasts Hi-Res Audio Support, its overall sound quality might not fully capitalize on this feature. Call quality, on the other hand, is commendable, with no reported issues during testing.
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any wireless audio device. The Acefit Pro claims a six-hour battery life per charge. Initial testing indicates favorable performance in this regard, with the earbuds retaining 55% battery after three hours of listening. A full assessment of battery life will require further testing, but early indications suggest that the Acefit Pro can hold its own against competitors. The inclusion of the battery level indicator on the case provides convenient monitoring of remaining charge.
In conclusion, the Acefast Acefit Pro presents a compelling option for those seeking open-ear headphones without breaking the bank. Its distinctive design, highlighted by the transparent case and customizable LEDs, will likely appeal to a younger demographic. The comfortable fit, provided by the titanium ear hooks and soft silicon material, makes them suitable for extended wear. While the sound quality might not match the warmth and musicality of some competitors, the customizable EQ allows for significant improvements. The practical features, such as the on-case battery indicator and user-friendly app, further enhance the overall user experience. For consumers prioritizing comfort, convenience, and a unique aesthetic, the Acefast Acefit Pro is undoubtedly worth considering. However, audiophiles prioritizing sound quality above all else might find alternative options more appealing. The Acefit Pro offers a blend of style, functionality, and affordability, carving its place in the evolving landscape of open-ear audio technology.
