Find your SoundMate with Belkin | TechManPat

Belkin’s SoundMate product guide

Belkin sent TechManPat a box containing four products from its expanding audio range. The products were selected through a SoundMate decision guide, which directs users towards different headphones based on their lifestyle and listening preferences.

The comparison covers open-ear wireless earbuds, conventional wireless earbuds, USB-C wired earbuds and wireless over-ear headphones. The testing focused on fit, comfort, sound quality, battery claims shown on the products and the situations each model may suit.

ClearFit open-ear wireless earbuds

The ClearFit earbuds sit outside the ear rather than entering the ear canal. This design allows the wearer to hear surrounding sounds, which may be useful when walking, running or cycling. During the test, they stayed in place during movement and felt light, without needing to be pushed back into the ears.

The open design produced clear audio, with bass still audible, although it did not provide the same level of power or dynamics as the in-ear models. The music remained relatively flat as the test track built up, despite the notes and vocals staying clear. The product was described as offering 26 hours of battery life.

The ClearFit was not selected as the best overall match, but its light fit and awareness of surrounding sounds were considered useful for runners and other outdoor users.

Motion 2 wireless earbuds

The Motion 2 uses an in-ear design and provided a stronger seal than the ClearFit. Although the earbuds appeared relatively large when removed from the case, they did not protrude noticeably once fitted and felt comfortable during the test.

Music sounded fuller, with clearer ambience, whispers and changes in volume as the song developed. Compared with the open-ear ClearFit, the Motion 2 delivered a more complete sound stage and a more convincing build-up in the music.

The case and earbuds were reported to provide 35 hours of total battery life, consisting of nine hours from the earbuds and a further 24 hours from the case. The price seen during the video was $79, which led to a positive assessment of the value and overall performance.

USB-C wired earbuds

The USB-C wired earbuds are aimed at users who prefer a wired connection or do not want to risk losing wireless earbuds. They include several ear tip sizes, an in-line volume control and a built-in microphone. The flat cable was described as easier to untangle than a conventional round cable, although wired earbuds are less convenient to carry around than wireless alternatives.

The earbuds produced clear sound and felt very light. They were also described as sounding slightly better to Pat than the Motion 2 earbuds, although the difference was presented as a personal impression rather than a measured result. The model has an IPX5 rating and connects through USB-C.

The price shown in the video was $29 in Australia, placing this model in the lower-cost part of the comparison.

SoundForm Adapt wireless over-ear headphones

The SoundForm Adapt is a wireless over-ear model with noise-cancelling and clear-call features, along with multipoint connection for two devices. The video also mentions 45 hours of total play time, USB-C charging and a 3.5 mm connection for wired listening. It includes a boom microphone for calls.

The headphones paired quickly, and the microphone was considered suitable for phone calls. However, the ear cups did not feel as comfortable as expected during the test, with the cups seeming small and not fully surrounding the ears.

Music was less impressive than on the other products, particularly in the quieter and more detailed parts of the test track. Voice playback sounded better, leading to the assessment that the Adapt is more suited to office calls than music listening.