Soul X-TRA Review - The best wireless headphones for running (2023)

did you googleBest wireless headphones for runningHoping to find over-the-ear headphones for running instead of the around-the-neck or in-ear varieties?

I have good news my friend... You've hit the jackpot! That's oneRealpractical assessment of aActuallySet of over-the-ear bluetooth headphonesspecialfor running and sports activities.

Pros and cons

+

High quality sound, very secure fit, long battery life, washable earcups, good manual controls

–

No memory function of the LED backlight when switching on the headphones again.

Where to buy?

Unboxing the Soul X-TRA Headphones

The Soul X-TRA headphones are well presented in eye catching retail packaging. It has a magnetically held lid that opens to reveal a premium shell-shaped hard case. Along with the case, there is a user manual, a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable.

Soul X-TRA Headphones - Design and build quality

Since they are specially designed for sports, they are mostly made of plastic, with the exception of the headband adjustment. This makes them quite light at just under 200g - not bad for over-the-ear headphones with a battery life of 24 hours.

Most lightweight wireless running headphones are usually designed to be wornby the earswith leatherette ear cushions. This usually leads to ear fatigue over time and slipping when the cups get sweaty. The X-TRAs are different! The padding is covered with a soft, breathable material that contacts around the ears, not on top.

what is the flavor

Another factor to consider when using wireless headphones for running is that sweat damages the surface of the cups. It usually leaves salty stains that disappear over time and can eventually start to smell like an old pair of socks as well. This is especially true if you leave them damp in your gym bag.

The Soul X-TRAs offer a unique solution to this problem. The padded ear cups are removable. This gives the opportunity to wash them thoroughly without fear of damaging the speaker drivers.

Comfort?

For me, the Soul X-TRAs are exceptionally comfortable. I always gravitate toward over-the-ear headphones, especially if I plan on wearing them for more than a few hours. I've worn them most of the day and they feel great. So if you're into sports and don't like wearing earbuds or on-ear headphones, these could be ideal.

Do you run at night?

If you are one of those people who likes to run at night, you will really love these headphones. Personally, I avoid this activity, not because I'm afraid of the dark, but because I just don't like having to scrape dog poop off my running shoes when I get home.

Technical details and specifications

• Bluetooth 4.0 / Profiel: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
• Battery Life - Up to 24 hours (with LED lights off)
• Standby time - 20 days
• Charging time: 2-3 hours for full charge / 15 minutes quick charge for 2.5 hours
• Bluetooth-bereik - 10 m (33 ft)
• Frequency range: 20-20 kHz
• Speaker Diameter: 40mm

Soul X-TRA Headphones - Controls and Features

All controls and ports are located on the right earbud. At the bottom is a well-protected charging port, LED status light, 3.5mm aux input and microphone for hands-free calling.

The "+" and "-" buttons are spaced far apart along the chamfered edge of the ear cup. They even extend all the way to the front and back, making them very easy to use while running. A short press adjusts the volume and a longer press skips tracks.

With the round multi-function button you can play and pause music or make hands-free calls. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to control Siri or the Google Assistant, which is a bit of a shame as I've come to really like them.

Pairing the Soul X-TRA headphones

When switched on, they automatically switch to pairing mode. All you have to do is search for "SOUL X-TRA" on your device. Reconnecting is super fast and the Bluetooth range and signal quality are impeccable.

sound quality and performance

Normally, the sound of wireless running headphones tends to be bass-heavy. The X-TRAs are not. The bass range is there, but it's certainly not in the foreground. In any case, I would say that this area is quite positive. Of course, you can adjust your EQ settings if it's not to your liking. I find it quite refreshing to hear music the way it is meant to be heard.

Low-end tends to drown out outside noise, which can sometimes be a blessing, especially in a busy gym. However, if you're running outside, I think a more natural sound signature will help you be more aware of your surroundings. These do a good job when it comes to passive noise cancellation. The filling is just breathable enough to let some ambient noise through. Hopefully this will prevent you from running in front of a bus.My advice: stop, watch and listen 😉

Pronunciation

The Soul X-TRA are the best over-the-ear wireless headphones for running in my opinion. You've got really impressive battery life, the large controls are super easy to use on the go, and the LEDs on the back make sure you're visible even in low light. If I had been picky I would have added a memory function to keep the taillights in the position they were in when the headphones were last on. Alternatively, I had the light turned off by default. I'd also add Google Assistant/Siri functionality otherwise these cans are great and I highly recommend you try them out.