SoundPEATS Clip1 Review: Earbuds With LDAC & Dolby Audio?

Want earbuds that stay put, feel like nothing, and still let you hear traffic? The SoundPEATS Clip1 promises all of that for about $70. That is a fraction of what the big names charge.

I dug into the specs, hands on tests, and owner feedback to see if the claims hold up. Some parts impressed me. A few parts did not. This review covers the sound, comfort, battery, app, calls, and the flaws, so you can decide in about ten minutes.

In a Nutshell

Here is the short version if you are in a hurry. These points sum up what the SoundPEATS Clip1 does well and where it falls short.

• Price and value: The Clip1 launched on November 12, 2025, at $69.99. It often drops near $50 on sale. Very few clip on earbuds at this price offer LDAC, Dolby Audio, and a hearing test.
• Comfort: Each bud weighs about 5 grams. A soft, flexible bridge connects the speaker ball and the rear counterweight. Most people can wear them for hours and forget they are on.
• Sound: The 12mm driver gives warm, full sound with solid bass for an open ear design. Vocals come through clearly. But the max volume is low, so loud streets can drown out your music.
• Battery: You get 8 hours per charge and about 40 hours total with the case. LDAC cuts playtime to around 4 hours. A 10 minute charge adds about 2 hours.
• Features: You get multipoint pairing, game mode, automatic left and right detection, IPX5 water resistance, and a 10 band custom EQ in the PeatsAudio app.
• Weak spots: The touch controls can be finicky, the case feels cheap, and Bluetooth can hiccup in crowded areas.

What Is the SoundPEATS Clip1?

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The SoundPEATS Clip1 is a pair of open ear, clip on wireless earbuds. Nothing goes inside your ear canal. A small speaker ball rests near the opening of your ear, and a counterweight sits behind it.

This is the third clip on model from SoundPEATS. It follows the PearlClip Pro and the POP Clip. The Clip1 sits at the top of that lineup and costs about three times as much as the POP Clip.

SoundPEATS built it as a budget answer to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and the Shokz OpenDots One. Both of those cost much more. The Clip1 tries to give you most of the same experience for far less.

Here are the core specs. It uses Bluetooth 5.4 and a 12mm dynamic driver in each bud. It supports the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, along with Dolby Audio. The buds carry an IPX5 rating, so sweat and rain are fine.

Each bud holds a 45mAh battery, and the case holds 450mAh. The case charges over a Type C cable. There is no wireless charging.

One clever detail stands out. Both buds are identical. There is no marked left or right bud. The Clip1 senses which ear each bud sits on and assigns the channels for you.

TechRadar called it one of the best sub $100 open earbuds its tester had used. AudioReviews.org put it in its Gear of the Year 2025 list. Those are strong signs for a $70 product.

Design and Build Quality

The Clip1 looks more refined than most budget clip ons. Many cheap clip earbuds look like chunky toys. This one has a slim stem that joins a round speaker ball to a small oval counterweight.

SoundPEATS added metallic accents to the end of the bridge and around the oval. These small touches make the buds look more expensive than they are. The bridge is soft and rubbery, so it flexes to fit different ear shapes.

The buds feel solid. The IPX5 rating protects them from sweat and splashing water. You can run in light rain without worry. Just do not shower or swim with them. SoundPEATS says they are not made for that.

The charging case is the weak point. It is a fairly large, plastic shell that weighs about 55.5 grams. Reviewers describe it as cheap feeling. The notch you use to open the lid is shallow, so opening it takes a little more effort than it should.

The case is also bigger than most clip on cases. If you want something that slips into a small pocket, this may annoy you. On the bright side, the buds sit high in the case and lift out easily.

A small LED on the case shows battery level. When the lid is closed, it shows the case charge. When the lid is open with the buds inside, it shows the bud charge. There is also a button on the case for pairing and resets.

Overall, the buds look great and the case does its job. Just do not expect a premium case at this price.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is where the SoundPEATS Clip1 really shines. At about 5 grams per bud, it is one of the lighter clip ons out there. Many testers said they barely felt it.

The flexible stem avoids pressing on your earlobe. It lets you shift the bud to find the right spot. AudioReviews.org called the comfort class leading. APH Networks said it could stay clipped on for a full workday.

Some people do feel a little clamping behind the ear. This depends on ear size and shape. For most users, that pressure stays mild and does not turn into pain.

Fit stability is just as important for active use. TechRadar’s tester used the Clip1 at the gym, on runs, and while cycling. They reported zero drops during two weeks of testing. That is a great result for any open ear bud.

Because nothing seals your ear canal, you avoid the plugged up feeling of normal earbuds. There is no sweaty pressure and no ear fatigue after long sessions. This also helps people who find silicone tips uncomfortable.

Glasses wearers usually do well with clip ons, too. The bud sits on the middle of the ear, not on top where glasses rest. Most users can wear both without trouble.

If comfort is your number one priority, the Clip1 is easy to recommend. It feels like wearing nothing, and it stays put while you move.

Top 3 Alternative for SoundPEATS Clip1

The Clip1 is a great budget pick, but it is not the only choice. These three options suit different needs and budgets.

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Soundcore AeroClip by Anker is the closest rival. It uses a 12mm driver and Bluetooth 5.4, just like the Clip1. Many users praise its stronger bass and clear calls with four mics.

It costs a little more than the Clip1. Its case holds less total battery, so you get about 32 hours in all. Some reviewers found it louder, which matters if you walk near busy roads.

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shokz OpenDots ONE comes from a brand known for open ear audio. It weighs about 6.5 grams per bud and offers Dolby Audio, 40 hours of total listening, and six mics with AI noise reduction for calls.

It costs a lot more than the Clip1. In return you get better call quality, a premium build, and a smaller case. It is a strong pick for people who take many calls on the go.

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the premium choice. Bose uses its OpenAudio tech to aim sound at your ear and reduce leakage. It also offers Immersive Audio for a spatial effect.

These cost several times more than the Clip1. They sound fuller and louder, and the build quality is excellent. If your budget is open, Bose remains a top pick.

Sound Quality

How good can open ear audio sound for $70? The SoundPEATS Clip1 does better than you might expect. Most reviewers rate it among the best sounding budget clip ons.

The sound is warm and full. AudioReviews.org described the bass as “chocolatey” and fairly deep. The mid bass hits fast and solid. It is not a deep thump like sealed earbuds, but open ear designs rarely manage that.

The lower mids sound rich and full bodied. Deep voices have weight. Drums have nice impact. The treble rolls off before it turns harsh, so long sessions stay pleasant.

Detail is a strong point. TechRadar’s tester could pick out separate guitars in busy country tracks. Stereo panning also came through clearly. The Clip1 sounds less compressed than many rivals at this price.

There is one big catch. The maximum volume is low. Several reviewers struggled to hear music near traffic or in busy malls. Open ear buds already compete with outside noise, so low volume hurts more here.

Not everyone agrees, though. One AudioReviews.org tester found the volume perfectly fine. Your experience will depend on where you listen. Quiet offices, homes, and parks suit the Clip1 best.

My tip is simple. Leave Dynamic EQ on in the app. It adds bass and body. Turn on Dolby Audio too for extra fullness. Several testers said this combo gives the best results.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. Open ear audio has a ceiling. The Clip1 gets close to it, but sealed earbuds will always sound fuller.

LDAC and Dolby Audio Support

The Clip1 packs codec support you rarely see at this price. It supports LDAC, a high resolution codec, along with Dolby Audio. SoundPEATS calls it the first clip on earbud with both.

LDAC sends more audio data than standard Bluetooth. On good recordings, it can boost detail and clarity. AudioReviews.org said LDAC made an audible difference compared to the PearlClip Pro.

There are trade offs, though. LDAC only works on Android phones. iPhones do not support it. Turning LDAC on also disables Dynamic EQ, Dolby Audio, game mode, and multipoint pairing.

Battery life also drops. With LDAC on, playtime falls from 8 hours to around 4 hours per charge. That is a big hit for an all day earbud.

Is LDAC worth it on open ear buds? Many testers said probably not. Outside noise mixes into everything you hear. TechRadar joked that it is like a CD playing from your neighbor’s flat. Scarbir recommended leaving LDAC off and keeping Dynamic EQ on.

Dolby Audio is the more useful feature for most people. It offers Music and Movie modes in the app. It adds fullness rather than a huge sense of space. Some testers loved it, while others preferred it off.

My advice is to try both. Turn on LDAC for quiet home listening with lossless files. Switch back to Dynamic EQ and Dolby Audio for walks, work, and workouts. That way you get the best of each mode.

PeatsAudio App and Hearing Test

The free PeatsAudio app works on iPhone and Android. It unlocks most of the Clip1’s best features. The design is a bit plain, but it has improved with updates.

The home screen shows battery levels for each bud and the case. Below that, you get a list of toggles. You can switch on Dolby Audio, in ear detection, game mode, dual device connection, Dynamic EQ, and LDAC.

The equalizer is strong for the price. You get genre presets and a 10 band custom EQ. Scarbir noted that the presets barely change the sound, so the custom EQ matters more.

The star feature is the Adaptive EQ hearing test. You press a button whenever you hear a tone. The app cycles through frequencies and volumes, then builds a sound profile for your ears.

TechRadar loved it. The tester called it simple yet effective and said it greatly improved the default sound. Results vary, though. One AudioReviews.org tester did not get good results from it.

The app has some handy extras too. You can remap double and triple taps. You can disable all touch controls, which helps in the rain. A water drain feature pushes moisture out after a sweaty workout.

You can also adjust prompt volume and update firmware. Note that the app asks you to register with an email address. Some users may find that annoying, but it only takes a minute.

Overall, the app adds real value. Spend five minutes on the hearing test and EQ. It can change how the Clip1 sounds to you.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong point for the SoundPEATS Clip1. You get up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. That covers a full workday or a long day of travel.

The charging case adds roughly three more full charges. That brings the total to around 40 hours. SoundPEATS lists this figure, and it matches or beats most rivals at this price.

Real life numbers depend on how you listen. Higher volume uses more power. LDAC cuts playtime to roughly 4 hours per charge. If battery life matters most, keep LDAC off.

Quick charging helps in a pinch. A 10 minute charge gives you about 2 hours of listening. Scarbir called it not the quickest, but still useful before a commute or gym session.

The case charges with a Type C cable. SoundPEATS advises against fast chargers. Use a charger that delivers 1 amp or less. A full charge takes around one to two hours, depending on your setup.

There is no wireless charging. That is normal for this price range, though some users will miss it.

Here is a care tip from SoundPEATS. If you will not use the buds for a while, charge them at least every three months. Store them at around 50 percent charge in a cool, dry place. This helps the battery last longer.

The lack of noise cancelling also helps battery life. There is no ANC chip draining power, so most of the battery goes straight to your music.

Call Quality

Many people use open ear buds for calls during walks or work. The good news is that the Clip1 handles calls well in most places.

Scarbir reported that your voice comes through loud and clear. Callers could understand speech easily during indoor and outdoor calls. That is a solid result for a $70 earbud.

Wind is often a problem for open ear designs. The Clip1 handles it better than expected. Your voice stays stable even on breezy walks. This makes outdoor calls practical.

Background noise is a different story. The mics pick up a fair amount of noise around you. Door slams, clattering dishes, and street sounds can reach the other person. Sudden loud sounds can also make your voice dip for a moment.

Because the buds are open, you hear your own voice naturally. This feels more relaxed than sealed earbuds. You will not feel the urge to shout, which makes long calls easier.

Multipoint pairing helps too. You can connect your laptop and phone at once. When a call comes in, the Clip1 switches to your phone automatically. This works well for remote workers.

On a Windows PC, pick the right audio device for calls. SoundPEATS suggests choosing “Hands Free AG Audio” for calls and “Stereo” for music.

Overall, the Clip1 works well for quiet and moderately noisy places. For calls in loud spots, the Shokz OpenDots ONE with its six mics is a better choice.

Connectivity, Controls and Gaming

The Clip1 uses Bluetooth 5.4 for pairing. Setup is simple. Open the case, and the buds turn on. Then pick “SOUNDPEATS Clip1” from your phone’s Bluetooth list.

Multipoint connection lets you link two devices at once. You can switch between a phone and laptop without re-pairing. Just remember that multipoint and LDAC cannot run together.

Stability is mostly good, with a few hiccups. Scarbir noticed minor dropouts in areas crowded with wireless signals. Bending over or looking down sometimes caused brief cuts too. Most of the time, the connection held fine.

The touch controls are the biggest complaint. TechRadar’s tester had music pause or skip on its own. They turned touch controls off to fix it. Scarbir found the panels slow and less responsive with triple taps.

Here is a tip. If you map a command to triple tap, tap firmly and clearly. Otherwise, the buds may read it as a double tap. You can also disable touch controls fully in the app.

Automatic left and right detection is clever. It works most of the time, but sometimes it mixes up the control layout. A quick reseat usually fixes it.

Gaming works surprisingly well. With game mode on, Scarbir found Call of Duty Mobile synced wonderfully. Sound effects came clearly from the left and right.

Video playback is mixed. On iPhone, sync was fine. On Android, YouTube audio sometimes ran slightly out of sync. Switching game mode on or off sometimes made it worse. A firmware update may help, so keep the app updated.

Pros and Cons

Every product has strengths and weak spots. Here is a clear breakdown of both for the SoundPEATS Clip1. Use this list to see if the good outweighs the bad for your needs.

Pros

• Excellent comfort at about 5 grams per bud, with a soft and flexible bridge that suits many ear shapes.
• Secure fit that stays in place during runs, cycling, and gym workouts without falling out.
• Warm, detailed sound with solid bass for an open ear design, especially with Dynamic EQ on.
• LDAC and Dolby Audio support, which is very rare at this price.
• Fast, effective hearing test that builds a personal sound profile in minutes.
• Strong battery life with 8 hours per charge and around 40 hours total.
• Multipoint pairing for easy switching between a phone and a laptop.
• IPX5 water resistance that handles sweat and rain.
• Great value at $69.99, and often cheaper on sale.

Cons

• Low maximum volume, which makes busy streets and loud places hard to handle.
• Finicky touch controls that can trigger by accident or miss taps.
• Cheap feeling, bulky case that does not fit small pockets well.
• LDAC cuts battery life to about 4 hours and disables other features.
• Occasional Bluetooth hiccups in crowded signal areas.
• No wireless charging and no noise cancelling.

The pros clearly lead here. Most of the cons are common for budget clip ons. The low volume is the one issue you should think about most. If you listen near traffic often, consider a louder rival.

Who Should Buy the SoundPEATS Clip1?

The Clip1 is not perfect for everyone. But it fits certain people really well. Here is how to tell if you are one of them.

Buy it if you want all day comfort. The Clip1 feels like nothing on your ears. Office workers, students, and people who hate earbud pressure will love it.

Buy it if you work out. The fit stays secure during runs, gym sessions, and bike rides. IPX5 protection handles sweat. Open ear design lets you hear cars and people around you, which keeps you safer outdoors.

Buy it if you are on a budget. Most good open ear buds cost $100 or more. The Clip1 delivers similar features for about $70, often less.

Buy it if you like custom sound. The hearing test and 10 band EQ let you shape audio to your ears. Android users also get LDAC for quiet listening at home.

Skip it if you spend time in loud places. The low max volume struggles near traffic, in subways, and in crowded malls. There is no noise cancelling either.

Skip it if you want a tiny case. The Clip1 case is larger than most clip on cases.

Skip it if you take calls in noisy spots. The mics pick up a fair amount of background noise. A premium option with more mics will serve you better.

Skip it if you need perfect touch controls. They work, but they can be unreliable. If you rely on taps all the time, this may frustrate you.

Final Verdict: Is the SoundPEATS Clip1 Worth It?

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

So, is the SoundPEATS Clip1 worth your money? For most people, yes. It nails the basics that matter most for clip on earbuds: comfort, fit, and battery life.

It also goes further than its price suggests. LDAC, Dolby Audio, multipoint pairing, and a great hearing test are rare at $70. Reviewers at TechRadar, Scarbir, and AudioReviews.org all rated it highly for value.

The sound is warm and detailed for an open ear design. Bass has more body than most budget rivals. With Dynamic EQ and Dolby Audio on, it sounds among the best in its class.

The flaws are real but manageable. The low max volume is the biggest one. Touch controls can misbehave, and the case feels cheap. Bluetooth sometimes stutters in busy spots.

If you mostly listen at home, in the office, at the gym, or on quiet walks, these issues barely matter. If you commute through loud city streets, consider the Soundcore AeroClip or a premium Bose model.

My bottom line is simple. The Clip1 offers premium features at a budget price. It is one of the easiest open ear recommendations under $100 right now. Grab it on sale, and it becomes an even better deal.

FAQs

Is the SoundPEATS Clip1 good for running?

Yes. Each bud weighs about 5 grams and stays put during runs. Testers reported no drops. The IPX5 rating handles sweat and light rain.

Does the SoundPEATS Clip1 work with iPhone?

Yes, it works with iPhone through Bluetooth and the PeatsAudio app. However, LDAC is only available on Android. iPhone users get AAC instead.

How long does the SoundPEATS Clip1 battery last?

You get up to 8 hours per charge and about 40 hours total with the case. With LDAC on, playtime drops to around 4 hours per charge.

Does the SoundPEATS Clip1 have noise cancelling?

No. It is an open ear design, so it lets outside sound in on purpose. This keeps you aware of your surroundings.

Is the SoundPEATS Clip1 waterproof?

It has an IPX5 rating. It resists sweat and splashes. Do not wear it in the shower or while swimming.

Can I connect the SoundPEATS Clip1 to two devices?

Yes. Turn on Dual Device Connection in the app. Note that LDAC turns off while multipoint is active.

How do I reset the SoundPEATS Clip1?

Place both buds in the case with the lid open. Hold the case button for 10 seconds until the red light flashes three times. The buds then enter pairing mode.

Is the SoundPEATS Clip1 loud enough?

It works well in quiet and moderate spaces. Many reviewers found the max volume too low for busy streets or noisy commutes.

How much does the SoundPEATS Clip1 cost?

It launched at $69.99 in the US. It often goes on sale for around $50 on Amazon.