Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

The Anker Soundcore Life A2 NC Truly Wireless are noise-cancelling truly wireless in-ears. They feature a broad range of customizability via their companion app, including a three-mode ANC system as well as a graphic EQ and 20 EQ presets to let you fine-tune their sound profile. They block out a good amount of background noise, have a comfortable, stable fit, and provide almost 11 hours of playback time on a single charge. Unfortunately, their integrated mic delivers sub-par recording quality, and their Bluetooth latency on some devices is quite high. The Life A2 NC is not the most sonically balanced model in Anker’s current true wireless lineup. However, its low end will outperform most of the competition in the under-$100 category. Don’t expect stellar mid- and high-ranges out of these buds, but you can personalize audio to your liking by toying around with the different EQs in the companion app (more on that in the next section). Anker’s 11mm bio-composite driver ramps up the bass levels to deliver boom-filled sonics that are most enjoyable with contemporary music genres. Bangers like NaS’ “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” knocked ridiculously hard with the hammering drums and pounding synths leading the way; the head-nodding mode was initiated right from the start of the track. Clarity did take a hit, as the rapper’s vocals weren’t as crisp as I would have liked, but I could hear every verse well enough to recite along. The Liberty Air 2 Pro not only clears up his raspy rhymes but reproduces signature elements like the “Human Nature” string sample much better so that you can actually hear it. I experienced much of the same when rocking out to Green Day’s “Revolution Radio.” The screeching guitar riffs and clashing hi-hats were surprisingly clear and dominated the soundscape. At the same time, Billy Joe Armstrong’s vocals, which already had an angsty distorted effect to them, were veiled behind the instruments. Reproduction took a nosedive on melodic tunes like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” The tune was practically inaudible. I noticed the soundstage overemphasized background static more than Holiday’s soulful singing. There was also some hissing that occurred when listening to certain records; Method Man & Redman’s “A-YO” was a prime example. Anker rates battery life at 7 hours, though the company doesn’t state whether this applies to having ANC on or off. A rep confirmed it was the latter. You get 4.5 hours when factoring in listening modes and high volume. This is fine for 3 days of moderate listening (1.5 hours daily). Still, to see any pair of buds, let alone noise-cancelling buds, share the same battery life as the AirPods Pro (also 4.5 hours) is always disappointing.

Feature

• Incredible Sound Loved By 20 Million+ People
• Industry-Leading Playtime: Get up to 11 hours of playtime from a single charge and a total of 55 hours with the charging case. When the noise cancelling wireless earbuds are out of battery, charge for 10 minutes to get 4 hours of playtime.
• Multi-Mode Active Noise Cancelling: Life A2 NC+ noise cancelling wireless earbuds can reduce ambient sounds by up to 90%. Toggle between Indoor, Outdoor, and Transport modes to tailor the noise cancelling to your surroundings.
• Bold Beats, Big Bass: Life A2 NC+ noise cancelling wireless earbuds have 11mm bio-cellulose drivers which fuel sound with 50% more bass, accurate treble, and pure clarity.
• AI-Enhanced Calls: Your voice is picked up and background noises are filtered out by 6 beamforming microphones and an AI algorithm to ensure you'll be heard in superior clarity.