TWS true wireless earphones - $50 to $100
FIVE STARS - The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ have some quirks, but these are hugely comfortable wireless earbuds that offer solid ANC and sound fantastic.
SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and LDAC codec
IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat proof)
4 / 6,5 / 8 hours playtime on a single charge (LDAC and ANC on / AAC and ANC on / ANC off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 5 times
Has: ANC, Transparency, app support, multipoint connection, gaming mode
Doesn't have: wireless charging, spatial audio
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$90 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
In and underneath this SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ review, you will find comparisons of the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ vs Earfun Air Pro 4, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, Realme Buds Air 6 Pro, and Nothing Ear (a).
Update November 3rd: The Capsule 3 Pro+ has been my top choice of earbuds during a holiday travel last month, and as I barely encountered some issues mentioned in my review, I upgraded the overall score from 4.5 to 5 stars - these sound fantastic!
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Design, comfort and battery life
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is the successor to the 2023's SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro and the SoundPEATS Air3 Pro that came before it in 2022.
The charging case is a continuation of the regular Capsule3 Pro, which means the case is a bit bigger than average and you can feel it sitting in a tighter jeans pocket.
The case has a sleeker matte finish than its predecessor. Scratches and finger prints are still visible, however. It can look smudgy with heavy use.
A single LED-light on the front indicates the remaining battery in the case. And you won't see it turning red anytime soon. The charging case can recharge the earbuds five times fully - two times more than most. That's great for travels!
The earbuds itself last around 6 hours on a single charge, with the AAC codec and Active Noise Cancelling on.
However, with the LDAC codec that's standard on newer Android phones, the battery depletes after around 4 hours. You can deactivate this codec by turning on ‘Dual-device connection’ in the app, see the next part of this review.
The SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ earbuds have the same stem-design as previous models from the brand - and pretty much all ANC earbuds on the market nowadays.
That's for a reason. Once again, the oval earpieces provide an easy and snug fit. As SoundPEATS mounts oval rubber ear tips which don't apply much pressure, the Capsule3 Pro+ is comfortable to wear for hours.
Despite the easy fit, they stay safely in your ears during runs and other movement. The IPX5 waterproof rating protects them against rain and sweat.
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ has plenty of battery life (with the AAC codec) and is comfortable to wear for all those hours in a row.
Controls, connectivity and app support
The SoundPEATS has connection features that can be expected of sub-$100 earphones in 2024.
The standard Bluetooth connection is great and stays stable a bit more than 10 meters away from your device(s).
You can connect the earbuds to two devices at the same time thanks to the multipoint connection. It then switches between those devices when you receive a call or when you pause on one device, and play on the other. It works seamless, although you have to activate multipoint manually in the app first.
Sadly, Android phones can forget the Bluetooth connection when you've turned that phone off or in flight mode - which makes you have to re-instate the entire multipoint connections on your devices.
That's a common issue on many earbuds that have Google Fast Pair. Apart from the older Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and OnePlus Buds 3, nearly all sub-$100 earbuds have this unfortunate function.
The Capsule3 Pro+ has the brands great control scheme, which is extensive and easy to learn:
Double-tap L or R to play/ pause
Tap R to increase volume
Tap L to decrease volume
Hold L to cycle between Transparency mode, ANC off and ANC on
Hold R to skip to the next track
Triple-tap R to activate the voice assistant
Triple-tap L to (de)activate the game mode
The touch panels respond well to your touch. There is a subtle dip in sound to let you know you've changed the volume or a track - but it's not very annoying.
Music doesn't automatically pause when you take an earbud out.
The PeatsAudio app on Android, when it works
But you may see this instead
The SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ is supported by SoundPEATS new PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android, and here, things take a turn for the worse.
The new Android app is terrible. It doesn't load the visuals and main functions of the Capsule 3 Pro+ well. Starting up the app can even take seconds before you see anything at all, and the first time I started it, it took several minutes to load.
The Android app can also lose the connection to the earbuds, requiring you to restart the app to find the earbuds again. Not a great combination if you also just had the mentioned multipoint issues. It can sometimes feel these earbuds just don't want to connect properly.
On both iPhone and Android, you can't use the PeatsAudio app without an internet connection and you need an account to use it.
The app does come with useful features:
Check the (vaguely depicted) battery indication per earbud
Change controls fully to your liking
(De)activate touch controls
(De)activate the dual-device connection / LDAC codec on Android
(De)activate the game mode
Update firmware of the earbuds
Equalizers can be found on a separate page, with also needs 1-2 seconds to load on both iPhone and Android. Here you can:
Choose from the standard sound or 8 alternative presets
Create your own equalizer
Apply the Adaptive EQ after you do a hearing test
Regular settings like the control scheme and EQ preset choices are saved on the earbuds.
Android-users get the LDAC audio-codec standard on phones that support it. The LAC codec can in theory give more details in music than the AAC codec, but the function can't be combined with the dual-device connection.
That's why the earbuds require a re-connect when you turn on dual-device connection; it has to change to the AAC codec.
Careful: when you switch a lot (for the gaming mode, for instance), it can happen the earbuds stay in AAC mode, and you have to retry to get them back to LDAC. Or the other way around, which means you can't connect to the earbuds on your other device anymore.
Unlike some earlier generation wireless earbuds, the Bluetooth connection stays stable with the LDAC codec.
The SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ is brought down by its Android app experience and several (re)connecting issues with the multipoint connection. These issues can stand in the way of enjoying these earbuds.
Happily, once you've setup the controls and chose your favourite equalizer, you don't really need the app support much more.
Phone and video calls
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ fares fair in phone calls and video conferences.
Your voice sounds clear and has enough volume. It does come across as a bit thin.
Background noise like chatter or laughter is audible in the background, but only on moments when you speak. The microphones do a good job of focusing on your voice, which sounds louder than noise around you.
Talking against some wind is less successful. Your voice becomes softer, a little inconsistent, and some wind noise is audible too.
Competitors like the Earfun Air Pro 4, Huawei Freebuds 6i, Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3 deliver clearer calls.
It's safe to take a phone or video call with the Capsule3 Pro+, but several competitors deliver a better performance.
Video and games playback
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ has no problems playing videos on iPhone or Android, regardless of the audio codec you choose on the latter.
It doesn't have the best gaming mode out there. In Call of Duty mobile, there's still a delay in sound effects compared to the action on your screen. It also doesn't reveal the most information of gunshots and explosions around you.
On Android, the gaming mode only has effects when you have the AAC codec (so Dual-device connection) activated. It works alright then.
There's a severe delay in sound effects with the LDAC-codec activated. This means you may have to deactivate the dual-device connection and enter the game mode for the app to have the best gaming performance. Not ideal.
ANC quality of the Capsule3 Pro+
The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ feels natural, but it doesn't filter as much sounds as some of the best competitors.
The Capsule 3 Pro+'s ANC does a good job of reducing constant darker and middle sounds. Distant traffic, background radio, and electronic hummings are either removed from your hearing, or reduced very well.
It doesn't handle higher sounds as well, both constant and sudden sounds. Birds chatter, kids laughter, wet tire noise, and even trees rustling in the wind still come through softly.
If you're not playing music, keyboard typing is the best example of this. While darker tones are reduced well, you can still hear the higher sound effects of typing.
As always in my reviews, this is the performance with music off. Play any music on top and your environments disappear entirely.
The Pro+'s ANC strength falls a tad short behind the Earfun Air Pro 4, Huawei Freebuds 6i, Nothing Ear (a) and QCY MeloBuds Pro.
But what's great about the Pro+'s ANC, is that it nearly doesn't apply any pressure on your ears. You don't hear any subtle white noise or ‘whoosh-ing’ when you use the function. It also doesn't ‘lock’ you so much from your environments that notice hear your own breathing overly strong.
The Transparency mode of the Capsule3 Pro+ isn't strong enough to let you hear traffic or follow a conversation when you play music - even on softer levels.
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro has solid ANC, and its pressure-free adaptation makes it a joy to use.
Sound quality of SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ separates itself from the masses with excellent treble, with lots of clarity on top of a comforting basis.
SoundPEATS has had some trouble nailing the treble in previous attempts. They were overexposed on the SoundPEATS Opera 03 and Opera 05, and more recently the Air4 and Air4 Lite as well. Even in the very engaging TruEngine 4, highs could be a little harsh.
In fact, its best sounding earbuds to date had smoother treble - like the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS and the regular SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro.
The Capsule3 Pro+'s has the brands best treble reproduction to date. Music has impressive clarity and great air - the sense that there's space in between the higher tones. It makes that music sounds very immersive.
Higher female and male vocals are prominent and crisp, and come with audible details as breaths in between lines in high quality recordings.
Higher instruments such as violins and trumpets come out lively and strong.
Loud active listening volume levels start around 80% on the Android volume bar - these earbuds can go loud. On these levels, highs can start to get peaky, like Björks's intentional attacking outbursts in It's Oh So Quiet!.
While cymbals aren't splashy, there's higher than average sibilance (sss-emphasis) and especially snare drums can be higher and more piercing than normal. Below 80% volume, these frequencies are still strong, but not piercing.
Underneath the treble, the Capsule3 Pro+ puts weight into the bass and lower mid-tones to provide a comfortable basis.
Not just any effort: the mid-bass produces deep, dark thumps. The mid-bass blooms a bit, too, giving it a full sensation.
The sub-bass is capable too - giving a dark, deep, full and controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.
Lower mid-tones like darker guitars, electronic tones, and lower male vocals are boosted and give the music enough warmth and body.
Amidst the boosted lows and treble, center-mid guitars and piano play are still well-represented and even sound fairly natural.
On lower and moderate volumes, the lows can appear full and music can feel a bit dark. On higher volumes, music feels detailed and immersive, with spaciousness in the sound revealing details subtly on your left and right.
You don't need the Android-only LDAC audio codec to enjoy the sound character of the Capsule3 Pro+; it sounds amazing with the AAC codec as well.
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ treats you with an amazing, rich, full and highly immersive sound.
—> These are the best sounding wireless earbuds from $25 to $100
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ comparisons
SoundPEATS Capsule 3 Pro+ vs Earfun Air Pro 4: Which to get?
The Earfun Air Pro 4 is a big contender to the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+, with a highly comparable feature set under 100 dollars.
The SoundPEATS has a more comfortable fit thanks to its oval instead of Earfuns round ear tips, but the Earfun wins on other aspects. It adds wireless charging, has 1,5 hours longer battery life on a single charge, a better game mode, smoother app support, and clearer calls both inside and with some wind outdoors. The Earfun's ANC is stronger too, blocking more lighter noises - although the SoundPEATS’ ANC is more pressure-free.
Both earbuds sounds fantastic. The Earfun has a warmer tonality with more emphasis on lower-mids and stronger mid-bass thumps. This part of the music is better defined on the Air Pro 4. The SoundPEATS lifts treble more; it gives more space to higher vocals and sounds airier. It sounds a tad splashier than the Earfun, but more naturally-balanced as well. The SoundPEATS is more articulated and detailed, the Earfun more comfortable. You can't go wrong with either of these.
Around $90 on Amazon US or your Amazon country
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is still one of the best sounding wireless earbuds under $100 - how does the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ stack up?
The SoundPEATS is more versatile with its features, with a higher waterproof rating, volume controls, half an hour longer battery life per charge, multipoint connection, and slightly stronger ANC.
The Capsule3 Pro+ has more treble emphasis and feels airier than the Galaxy Buds FE, with more forward higher vocals and more vibrant violins and cymbals. The Samsung rolls off the highs a tad earlier, giving it a more cave-like feeling when you switch between the two. Higher instruments and vocals reach the lower frequencies better on the Samsung, ultimately giving them around as much detail as the SoundPEATS - but in another way. The Samsung is more comfortable to listen to, the SoundPEATS can be more thrilling.
Around $80 on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ vs Realme Buds Air 6 Pro
A terrible product name and great treble: the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is a true competitor to the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+.
Not in the least because it offers an equally comfortable fit, comparable battery life, a similar waterproof rating and ANC strength that falls slightly behind the best in class - but is still very usable. The Realme does have clearer calls in more challenging situations, and a better game mode.
These earbuds are somewhat close to each other in their sound. This time, the Realme has more air and definition in the sound. Its highs reach further, giving the highest voices and instruments more dynamics. It also separates instruments and frequencies a bit more than the SoundPEATS, which instead fills up space with heavier boosted lower-mids. The Realme bass is tighter; the SoundPEATS fuller. All in all, the Realme executes its treble-heavy sound more articulated, the SoundPEATS more comfortable.
Around $100 on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ vs Nothing Ear (a)
If you prefer bass over a more engaging over a more natural presentation, the Nothing Ear (a) is a great alternative to the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+.
The Nothing has a warmer sound with more elevated lower-mids, a thicker mid-bass and slightly more bass depth and rumble. The SoundPeats has a better balanced-out sound, with clearer and more prominent center-mids and more nuanced vocals. More air too.
Feature-wise, the Nothing has a slight advantage. The Ear (a) has the better app, clearer calls, and it auto-pauses when you take an earbud out. The SoundPEATS controls easier by tapping the touch panels instead of Nothing's way of pinching the stems (hard). The Nothing's ANC is stronger, while the SoundPEATS’ variant applies less ear pressure.
Around $100 on Amazon US or your Amazon country
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
As it's still one of the most popular earbuds under $100, let's compare the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ with the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.
The Soundcore can't match the SoundPEATS’ sound. While everything's fine in quieter song parts, things can get congested and even messy in crowded tracks. The Soundcore bass then lacks the SoundPEATS’ authority, and there isn't as much space between instruments as on the Capsule3 Pro+. The Soundcore has a warmer undertone; the Pro+ is clearer and airier.
As the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC lacks Google Fast Pair, it connects easier to two devices at the same time, it plays up to 3 hours more on a single charge and the case supports wireless charging. Its ANC is a tad better, its Transparency a lot better. It's in the sound department where the SoundPEATS takes the cake.
Around $80 on Amazon US or your Amazon country
Verdict: SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+
A sub-standard Android app that regularly loses connection can stand in the way of your enjoyment of the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+… but if it's sound quality you're after, you can't look past these.
The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ treats you with lots of comfort, solid Active Noise Cancellation and a fantastic sound with an abundance of detail, clarity and immersion. It's hard to find a better sounding pair of earphones under 100 dollars.
FIVE STARS - Excellent
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I received the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ from the manufacturer to test and review. This doesn't influence my judgment. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
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