SOUNDPEATS UU2 (also known as POP Clip2) is the brand’s newest clip-on earbud. The marketing material focuses a lot on re-engineered bass so if you’ve tried an ear-cuff style earbud before and found the bass thin, SOUNDPEATS UU2 is the update to improve that aspect of it. SOUNDPEATS UU2 retails for ~S$__, and you can enjoy a 30% off launch discount code SPUU2810 (valid till August 31, 2359).
Build quality and battery life
SOUNDPEATS UU2 keeps the familiar U-shaped clip that loops around your outer ear rather than plugging into the canal. It uses a nickel-titanium alloy wire that’s noticeably flexible, which helps it grip a wider range of ear shapes without pinching. The design is almost the same as its predecessor POP Clip. Each earbud comes in at roughly 5g, so it disappears on your ear pretty quickly.
The earbud housing itself has a slightly plasticky feel in hand, which is expected at this price bracket. The charging case fares better, with a matte, textured finish that grips well and reads more premium than the usual glossy budget-earbud case. SOUNDPEATS also swapped out the touch panels from its earlier Clip1 for physical buttons on the UU2, which is a change I’m glad to see as touch controls on ear-cuff earbuds have a history of misfiring when you’re adjusting fit. It would have better if th buttons were a little bigger or not sit so flushed against the surface of the earbuds.
SOUNDPEATS rates the UU2 at 10 hours of playback per charge, with up to 42 hours total once you factor in the case. This is an improvement from the 8 hours / 30 hours on the outgoing Clip1. Fast charging is also on board, with roughly 2 hours of playback from just a 10-minute top-up, which is handy.
Fit and comfort
At 5g a side with a bendable wire arch, this is built for long wear rather than short bursts. The wire has enough room to accommodate glasses, masks, and most ear shapes by sliding the clip position.
The fit felt light but secure, and it was comfortable for the long periods of time wearing it in the office. With an IPX5 rating, it can handle sweat and splashes so this might serve well during your workouts as well.
Sound quality
SOUNDPEATS UU2 runs a 12mm dual-magnet dynamic driver which SOUNDPEATS claims produces up to 6.8dB more output than the outgoing Clip1. Volume wise, the Drum hits and basslines land with real presence, delivering thick bass presence that can sometimes feel a little too heavy-handed.
For more neutral listeners, the bass presence can at times creep into the midrange, but this is easily fixed with the adjustable EQ. As for midrange, instrument and vocal do come across clearly with warmth to it. Treble is decent, it doesn’t extend too bright but it is sufficient and present in the mix to give the overall sound some balance.
App Support
The companion SOUNDPEATS app offers the commonly found customisations such as custom EQ and controls. You also have some nifty features such as Drainage Function (to use after a workout to excrete water), and Privacy Mode (to cut down on sound leakage). There is also multipoint connection over Bluetooth 6.0, a step up from the Bluetooth 5.4 on the previous Clip1.
There is also a Spatial Audio feature that you can turn on and further select between Music mode or Movie mode, but I wouldn’t recommend either for music listening as the entire presentation just seems more laid back and bass presence is noticeably reduced. It might work for watching shows if you want a less direct sound into your ears.
Conclusion
If you’ve wanted an open-ear earbud but always felt the bass was too thin to bother, the SOUNDPEATS UU2 is worth watching for. It’s not going to out-bass a proper sealed earbud, and the treble isn’t its strong suit, but for a style of earbud built around staying aware of your surroundings, it punches above expectations.