Build quality and features

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 comes in five colourways – Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Copper, and Denim. The unit I have is the Denim variant, which is a deep and nice shade of navy. The biggest change you’d notice on the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is the design of the earbuds. The whole shell has been shrunk and reshaped to sit lower and more snug in the ear, a departure from the chunkier stems on the last two generations. The earbuds have a matte finish to them and the material also feels rather premium as well. Being more rounded in shape means the earbuds can be slightly slippery to get it out of the case if your hands are wet.

The charging case has also been slimmed down, and it genuinely makes a difference. It is able to slip into pockets in jeans and shorts here without creating a discomforting bulge. The case also sports a matte finish and has a unique sparkle-like texture to it. Build quality is top notch here – the case snaps satisfyingly and the mechanism feels sturdy and well made.

User replaceable batteries & Battery life

What’s new this edition is the ability to swap out batteries of both the case and earbuds yourself with a small screwdriver, a tool that’s included in the box. It was easy to access the battery of the case, but it was a little tricky doing the same for the earbuds due it the small size of it. I usually get a new pair of earbuds because the battery life got unsustainable for long-use so having the ability to revive your earbuds from a dead battery rather than binning the whole set in few years is a genuinely rare and understated feature.

As for battery life, Sennheiser rates the buds for 12 hours with ANC off, or 6 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours total with the case, a solid jump from the last generation. In my own use with ANC on most of the day, I comfortably made it through a full working day without needing a top-up, only reaching for the case overnight. Quick charging is handy too as 8 minutes in the case buys you about an hour of playback, enough to save you on a morning you forgot to charge overnight.

Fit and comfort

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 offers a contoured glove-like fit in your ears that is not typically seen in earbuds these days. Most earbuds rely most on the ear tips and the angle of the nozzle to create a secure fit in your ears. The contoured shape of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 allows the earbuds to rest naturally along the curvatures of my ears with the ear tips creating a gentle yet secure fit.

Comfort of wearing the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is generally great. But the earbuds are still considered large-sized compare to other stem-styled earbuds. So if you have smaller ears, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 may be slightly bulky and given its intention to rest along your ear shape, there might be some contact with your ears. Always try on the earbuds if you have the chance before making a purchase.

Sound quality

Sennheiser’s 7mm TrueResponse dynamic driver produces a warm and full-bodied sound signature which is reminiscent of their headphone sibling the Momentum 5. Bass delivers an impactful amount of weight and does give that gratifying rumble when the song calls for it. Midrange offers a clean presentation with plenty of detail and texture from instruments. Treble has great clarity and does have some pop at the upper-end which some might find a tad sibilant, but I found a quick EQ adjustment helped to smoothen out the highs.

Overall, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 still offers a subjectively neutral sound and if you will slight emphasis at both ends to keep the sound more exciting out of the box. It still gives a good to base for your to adjust the EQ to your liking. Soundstage and imaging are also very capable on the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5, giving an immersive audio experience. While there is Dolby Atmos support, I didn’t really find much of a difference in the overall sound – perhaps the default soundstage was already good to begin with.

ANC performance

The ANC on the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 does knock down a good chunk of ambient noise, and as long they are constant low-end hums like bus engines or aircon fan, the ANC handles it effectively. High pitched noises such think MRT train announcements or sound alerts will still leak through. Having said that, the ANC is very capable and I don’t see much instances where the ANC struggles. In fact, I do find them very comparable to my AirPods Pro 3.

Microphone quality

In a controlled environment, the microphones do a pretty good job of picking up voice and keeping it forward in the output. My voice sounds natural, though clarity and warmth could be better. Once background noise is introduced, the microphones filter it out well, isolating voice as the main output almost entirely. But that isolation comes at a cost: my voice breaks up at certain points, which makes the output slightly less desirable overall. Overall, still a decent option to use for meetings at most places as long as the background noise isn’t too loud.

Controls and App

MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 uses touch controls and the round touch surface does offer enough surface area to register my inputs. You get light sound as well as haptic feedback from the earbuds to let you know that the earbuds have registered an input. The double and triple taps also work well. If single taps aren’t really your preference due to odds of mistouches, the app allows you to customize it however you like.

The Smart Control Plus app is where most of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5‘s extra features live: touch control remapping, customizable EQ and Sound Personalization. I generally use touch control remapping and customisable EQ to be most useful features to me. It’s a genuinely useful and well-designed app rather than a box-ticking one.

Conclusion

At S$479, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is playing at the flagship leagues, and what you’re paying for is excellent and detailed sound, with a more refined fit. The strong battery life, and its repairability angle is something to note given this is one that no other brands are currently matching.

What’s new in Sonos 27

• Sonos 27 aims to give listeners the option to control their system using any AI they prefer.
• AI control via Sonos 27voice or third-party assistants via Sonos27mcp (e.g. ChatGPT)
• You can also create Sonos Custom Agents through the system
• Headphone linking – push audio from a nearby Sonos speaker straight to Ace Ultra with one press (Early Access)
• Portable surrounds – compatible portable speakers can turn into rear surrounds just by moving them into position
• A redesigned app, which makes it easier and more intuitive to navigate. New app is rolling out from 8 September

Sonos Beam Ultra – S$1,299

The Sonos Beam Ultra is has the same compact size as the old Beam, but now with nine drivers (including two up-firing ones) for genuine 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos instead of simulated surround. There’s a redesigned center channel for clearer dialogue, four levels of AI speech enhancement, and a Night Sound mode for late-night viewing. It plays nice with a Sub or rear surrounds when you want to build out a full home theatre setup.

Sonos Ace Ultra – S$699

Sonos Ace Ultra is the brand’s new flagship headphones, with a 40mm driver, Adaptive ANC powered by ten microphones, and up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC on. Comes in Black, White, Agave and Sand. The standout feature is a direct link to your Sonos system (Early Access) – one press sends whatever’s playing on your speakers straight to your headphones, no phone needed.

Where to buy

Pre-orders open 2 September 2026 at TC webstore (tcacoustic.asia), Sonos Flagship Store @ Wheelock Place, and TC Flagship Store @ The Adelphi. Beam Ultra lands on Lazada Singapore from 15 September, and Ace Ultra (select colours) on Shopee and Lazada from the same date. Both hit physical stores on 29 September 2026. If you’ve been eyeing an Atmos soundbar upgrade or a new pair of ANC headphones, this is a solid double launch to keep on your radar.

Build quality and battery life

The ACCENTUM Clip is designed with each earbud accompanied by a rounded rear section that hooks behind your ear, and a front piece with a metal grille that aims the driver at your ear canal. In hand, the glossy plastic housings are connected by silicone bridge has has a reassuring flex to it rather than a stiff snap, which allows it to hug different ear shapes without pinching. Design wise, the black or cream colourways are understated, and the stainless-steel speaker grille adds a nice little detail.

The charging case measures a compact 65.5 x 48.0 x 31.2mm and weighs 57 grams with the earbuds. It’s rather slim so it should slip into your jeans pocket without any real bulk, 57 grams total. The earbuds carry an IP54 rating, so sweat and light drizzle on your commute won’t be an issue. They charge over USB-C, no wireless charging offered.

Sennheiser claims up to 9 hours of use per charge, with three top-ups from the case for 36 hours total. For my usage, I never hd them run of our battery during any day of use, even with using it for to and fro commutes and listening to music in office.

Fit and comfort

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Clip is is lightweight at just 6.8 grams, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The clip design means none of “plugged” feeling you get with in-ears as well. I didn’t experience any soreness behind my ears during extended use. The clip grip itself felt secure enough for walking and light movement. The lack of rubber contact against my ears means I wouldn’t typically use it for a run, but your preference may vary.

The “band” used on the ACCENTUM Clip is also on the flat and thicker side compared to other brands’ thinner wire-like design. So while the overall feel is still lightweight, there is a subtle feeling of wearing the earbuds.

Sound quality

ACCENTUM Clip is powered by a 12mm dynamic driver and from my listening, this is one of the more competent-sounding open-ear buds. There’s actually a reasonable amount of bass weight for a design with zero seal. While there is decent bass presence, don’t expect it to reach into sub-bass territory. Vocals stay clear and there is a nice bit of texture and warmth in the presentation. Treble retains clarity but do note that bass can overpower it in lower volumes (listening in office), but once the overall volume is louder (during commute) then it is more forward.

It is worth noting the sound that you get also depends on the fit you get. The silver-mesh grille that outputs the audio is the main source of the sound. While it’s design to rest naturally near your ear canal, the angle and distance could differ from person to person. The closer the speaker grille is to your ear canal, the more warm and impactful bass gets.

App Support

The companion Smart Control Plus app is straightforward and well-designed. On the main page, you get a quick glimpse of the remaining battery percentage of the case and earbuds, so it serve as a friendly reminder to charge.

As with most companion apps, you also customisations such as a five-band EQ, or one-tap presets, and control customisation (or ability to disable them completely).

Conclusion

At S$269, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Clip is a premium priced pair of clip-on true wireless earbuds. If you want a genuinely well-tuned open-ear earbud for commuting and general listening, and you don’t mind the lack of noise cancelling then this is a solid pick.

Build Quality & Design

viaim RecDot follows the design language of AirPods Pro which utilizes a stem shape, and comes in Black or Silver colourways. Each bud weighs 4.8g, which is really lightweight. Build wise, the RecDot has a plastic construction that feels well-made, and the case features largely matte plastic, while the earbuds have a glossy finish.

The case itself skips the usual flip-top lid for a sliding mechanism (you slide your thumb across the top to reveal the earbuds). This is actually a thoughtful design choice as it allows you open the case with one hand – something you’d need to have to kickstart a fast recording.

Charging is via USB-C or Qi wireless, and the case supports fast charging which is handy if you’ve forgotten to top up before a meeting. Battery life is pretty robust too, you can expect between 7-9 hours of using depending on your usage. Viaim says you should get 36 hours total on a full charge, which is comfortably enough for a full work week of calls and meetings without needing to top up daily.

AI Recording & Transcription

I know viaim RecDot is ultimately a pair of wireless earbuds, but I feel the core feature is its AI recording feature. I see it as a AI note-taking tool first, then wireless earbuds as a secondary feature. There is only one requisite required for recording – you need the viaim RecDot with you, that’s all. You don’t even need your phone. All you need is to slide open the case to reveal the RecDot.

There are three channels to initiate a recoding:

1. Using the viaim app on your smartphone –Multi-mode Record
2. Pressing the record button on the charging case – FlashRecord
3. Long-press the earbuds if you’re wearing them – FlashRecord

Multi-Mode Record

This isn’t an official term from viaim, but I’m just going to call it Multi-mode Record as starting a recording from the viaim app offers you four modes of recording (see below): (1) Call Mode, (2) Audio & Video Mode, (3) Meeting Mode, and (4) Translate Mode.

Call Mode is the most useful if you take a lot of meetings on your device. While your meeting is ongoing on Zoom on Teams, simply head to the viaim app and choose ‘Call Mode’ when you hit record. The RecDot will be smart enough to record the audio coming through the meeting app.

Audio & Video Mode will come in handy if you are watching a lecture, panel discussion, or podcast online and want to record the content. The viaim app will only start a recording if there is a media playing in the background of the connected device,

Meeting Mode and Translate Mode will be most applicable for an in-person setting. You don’t even need to wear the viaim RecDot earbuds, all you need is slide open the case so that the earbuds’ microphone are exposed. Transcription covers 78 languages, with live translation running alongside it.

FlashRecord

FlashRecord allows you record any calls or meetings in the fastest possible way, either through your earbuds or from the case (by pressing the red button). There’s 4 hours of local audio storage split across both earbuds, so audio will be stored directly in the earbuds. You don’t even need your phone to be connected to the earbuds at all. There is a haptic feedback to let you know the recording has started if you start it on the earbuds, and you get a visual cue on the case (either L or R logo will light up) if you start the recording on the case. Once you are reconnected to the viaim app, the RecDot will download the stored files from the earbuds to the app.

The recordings that come from FlashRecord will require you to take an extra step to transcribe the audio before it can be used further for any AI features. It does take some time for the app to transcribe the recorded audio, especially if the audio duration is long – something to take note of.

General Performance

viaim RecDot is generally accurate when transcribing conversations during my tests of an interview, a panel discussion, and a work meeting. They were able to accurately discern what my colleagues were saying especially since the Singapore accent can sometimes be quite tricky to pick up. It’s worth noting that the transcription retains the original language which makes it flexible to translate to other languages later. The transcription runs with a lag of a few seconds, so if you’re trying to follow a fast-moving group conversation live on-screen, it won’t quite keep pace. Everything’s also processed in the cloud rather than on-device, which is worth flagging if you’re recording anything sensitive.

The output still requires some cleanup, but the high-level points in the transcript is more or less actionable. The full recorded audio is saved and can be played back again, and even be exported as a file. Translation was also pretty accurate given my only test case of Mandarin since that is the only language I can validate the context.

App & Software

Speaking of transcribing, you get 600 minutes of transcription free every month, no subscription needed, with paid tiers (Pro, Ultra) going at S$13.98/month and S$27.98/month. 600 minutes is quite sufficient for an average user, especially compared to rivals such as the Soundcore’s Liberty 5 Pro Max that only includes 120 minutes a month.

The viaim app is where recordings get processed into summaries, action items, and searchable transcripts. It even has a mindmap output that could be useful for those using the RecDot for lectures. The app also supports voice command control for playback and calls, and auto-pauses playback when you take a bud out, resuming when you put it back in. You can also access Viaim’s onboard AI called Vitana, where you can choose between different AI models (free plan as of July 2026: GPT-5.4 Nano, Claude Haiku 4.5, and Gemini 3 Flash) to answer questions across your stored recordings. Premium plans will unlock stronger AI models.

The app also offers the typical features of customisable controls as well as a custom EQ with presets to choose from. You can also further dial in settings on AI and recording permissions.

Sound Quality

Given its heavy AI recording focus, I wasn’t expecting much here, but the RecDot offers better than average sound quality. It uses an 11mm titanium-plated diaphragm. The default tuning leans on the bass-heavy side and can sound little muddy out of the box, though dialling in the EQ in the app does help to clean it up a little.

Midrange isn’t the strongest suit as it sounds a little too laid back for my liking. Vocals and instruments can sound thin and hollow at times, especially when there is presence of constant bass weight. Treble is quite well-tuned, with enough brightness to provide shine and pop without feeling too harsh.

ANC and Transparency

ANC has decent performance, but isn’t anything class-leading. It’s a nice-to-have feature when you’re caught in noisy surroundings and just want to block out some of the noise to enjoy your music. Low engine rumble are removed to a large extent, while crowd chatter can be a slight hit or miss. I found the ‘Adaptive’ setting of the ANC to be a little inconsistent, so setting it to ‘Deep’ by default is better. Transparency paints a better story for me when using the ‘Full Transparency’ mode as it is sounds a pretty natural sounding experience without too much processing artefacts.

Comfort & Fit

You get four eartip sizes from XS to L, plus an in-app ear fit test that plays a tone to check your seal. viaim RecDot is generally a comfortable wear for me, and the size is quite compact so people with smaller ears should be find them comfortable as well.

Due to light weight of the earbuds, I find them comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.

Conclusion

If you often sit through meetings, lectures and want an assistant to help with note-taking so you can better focus on the call, the viaim RecDot genuinely solves a real problem. The free 600-minute allowance means you can properly test that before paying a cent more. The viaim RecDot is more AI-note taker than an audio-focused pair of wireless earbuds. I think as long as you keep your expectations aligned, the RecDot can be a useful tool to own. I see AI-note taking to be a growing space in the earbuds scene, and the viaim RecDot offers a compelling all-in-one solution that makes it one to be considered.

Build Quality & Design

The case is quite a unique piece here. It’s finished in a well-textured leather that feels great in your hand, and it’s actually quite compact and pocketable than other open earbuds type of cases. It also has an LED indicator that lets you check charge status. The overall design feels quite premium as you don’t see leather used much, but it’s done well here and gives off a professional look to it.

The earbuds themselves also feature the same leather as its main surface material, and they are relatively lightweight 10.5g per bud. viaim OpenNote is built around a titanium memory wire frame with silicone contact points, which is what lets them hold their shape around your ear without digging in. Water resistance is rated at IP55, so sweat, rain, and light jets of water aren’t going to trouble it – but I don’t think these are earbuds designed for such function.

Charging is via USB-C, so no dongles or proprietary cables to keep track of. Battery life is rated at 19 hours for the earbuds alone, stretching to 53 hours total once you factor in the case. Fast charging is available with a 10-minute charge giving you 3 hours of use, so even a quick top-up between calls is enough to get you through the next one. Do note that recording and live transcription are more power-hungry than plain music playback, so if you’re using FlashRecord constantly through the day, overall battery life is likely below 19-hours, but even landing at 12 hours is very impressive.

AI Recording & Transcription

viaim OpenNote is marketing as an AI voice recorder built into a pair of wireless earbuds, and it is rightly so. The core feature is its AI recording feature – I see it as a AI note-taking tool first, then wireless earbuds as a secondary feature. The viaim OpenNote does need to be connected to your phone for you to be able to leverage the AI recording features offered by viaim.

There are two channels to initiate a recoding:

1. Using the viaim app on your smartphone –Multi-mode Record
2. Press and hold the earbuds when you’re wearing them – FlashRecord

Multi-Mode Record

This isn’t an official term from viaim, but I’m just going to call it Multi-mode Record as starting a recording from the viaim app offers you four modes of recording (see below): (1) Call Mode, (2) Audio & Video Mode, (3) Meeting Mode, and (4) Translate Mode.

Call Mode works best if you’re frequently in meetings on your device. When your Zoom or Teams call is running, just open the viaim app and select ‘Call Mode’ at the point of hitting record. The OpenNote is capable of picking up the audio streaming from the meeting app itself.

Audio & Video Mode is useful when you’re watching something like a lecture, panel, or podcast online and want to capture it. The viaim app only begins recording once it detects media playing from the connected device.

Meeting Mode and Translate Mode suit in-person situations best. Since the OpenNote has to stay paired with your phone, the earbuds must be taken out of their case. It can transcribe across 78 languages, with live translation happening at the same time.

FlashRecord

FlashRecord lets you capture any call or meeting as quickly as possible, using either the earbuds themselves or the case. Between both earbuds, there’s 4 hours of onboard audio storage, meaning recordings are saved directly onto the earbuds. To start, just press and hold on either earbud, and haptic feedback confirms the recording has begun. Once you reconnect to the viaim app, the OpenNote pulls the saved files off the earbuds and into the app.

With FlashRecord, an additional step is needed to transcribe the audio before any AI features can be applied to it. Worth noting: transcribing can take a while, particularly for longer recordings.

General Performance

The viaim OpenNote performed well overall when I tested it transcribing an interview, a panel discussion, and a work meeting. It picked up what my colleagues were saying with good accuracy, which is notable given how tricky the Singapore accent can be to catch. While the output isn’t perfectly clean and needs some editing, the main points in the transcript come through clearly enough to act on.

The complete audio recording gets saved too, letting you play it back or export it as a file. As for translation, it held up well in my one testable case of Mandarin since that’s the only language I’m able to judge for accuracy.

App & Software

On the topic of transcribing, you get 600 free minutes of transcription each month with no subscription required, while the paid tiers (Pro and Ultra) cost S$13.98/month and S$27.98/month respectively. For most users, 600 minutes should be more than enough, especially when stacked against competitors like Soundcore’s Liberty 5 Pro Max, which caps out at just 120 minutes monthly.

Recordings get turned into summaries, action items, and searchable transcripts within the viaim app. There’s also a mindmap feature, which could be handy for anyone using the OpenNote to capture lectures. Beyond that, the app allows voice commands for controlling playback and calls, and it automatically pauses playback when a bud is removed, resuming once it’s back in. There’s also access to Viaim’s built-in AI assistant, Vitana, which lets you pick from several AI models (as of August 2026, the free plan includes GPT-5.4 Nano, Claude Haiku 4.5, and Gemini 3 Flash) to query your saved recordings – with premium plans unlocking access to more powerful models.

Rounding out the feature set, the app includes customisable controls and a custom EQ with selectable presets, plus finer settings for managing AI and recording permissions.

Sound Quality

I want to be fair here rather than harsh: as music earbuds, the OpenNote is fine, not great. Bass depth is limited even when compared to other open ear designs. There is a decent punch but nothing too textured. It’s enough to give some of that low end but not ideal for music enjoyment.

Mids and vocals come through cleanly, which makes it decent for podcasts and audiobooks, and the default EQ preset does have a treble peak that’s worth dialling down through the app’s 8-band custom EQ if you find it a bit sharp. If your main goal is critical music listening, there are better-sounding open-ear options out there for less money.

Comfort & Fit

The hook-style, over-ear design rests outside the ear canal entirely rather than sitting just at its opening, and once it’s on, it stays put.

For my ear size they do it pretty snug, though I think they might be a little tight for anyone with larger ears as the titanium memory wire frame does try to keep its shape.

Conclusion

At around S$359, you’re paying for the AI layer, not the driver. If you’re someone who spends real hours in meetings and hates losing track of what was said, the OpenNote earns its price back fast – the FlashRecord workflow and transcription accuracy are the kind of thing you don’t realise you needed until you’ve used it once on a real meeting. viaim OpenNote is designed for productivity in mind, not musical enjoyment.

Comfort First

Unlike in-ear or ANC earbuds, OpenNote uses an open-ear hook design that keeps the ear canal clear, so wearers stay comfortable through back-to-back calls and meetings while remaining aware of their surroundings.

The earbuds are built around a 0.8 mm titanium memory wire that adapts to different ear shapes and stays secure during walking or light exercise, soft hooks designed to sit comfortably behind the ear alongside glasses, and a liquid silicone housing weighing about 10 grams per earbud.

Record First, Ask Questions Later

OpenNote‘s signature feature is FlashRecord: pressing and holding an earbud starts recording instantly, storing audio directly on the earbuds without needing a phone, app or network connection. Once reconnected to the viaim app, recordings transfer automatically and are processed into transcripts, summaries, tasks and mind maps.

Beyond FlashRecord, OpenNote supports three capture modes:

• Call recording: captures both sides of phone calls and meeting-app audio
• Audio/video recording: captures meetings, videos, podcasts and courses playing on a connected device
• In-person recording: for meetings, interviews, classes and in-the-moment ideas

From Conversation to Knowledge

viaim OpenNote‘s AI processing follows conversations through four stages: capturing original audio, transcribing it into searchable text, summarizing highlights and decisions, and helping users act on that information through export and sharing. Transcription and translation support 78 languages and 145 accents and variants.

During live conversations, viaim OpenNote offers live transcription, live translation, and the ability to share a live text link so others can follow along in a browser. After a conversation, users can replay recordings at 0.25x–2x speed, identify and rename speakers, generate AI summaries and deep insights, extract action items automatically, compare original and translated transcripts side by side, and export structured mind maps.

Audio Quality and Everyday Usability

viaim OpenNote is built around an 18 x 11 mm polymer racetrack driver tuned for voice and midrange detail, with support for Hi-Res Audio and LHDC codecs alongside standard SBC and AAC. Four microphones with AI-driven call noise reduction are designed to keep calls clear in offices, cafés and while commuting, and users can choose among three sound profiles or fine-tune an 8-band custom EQ.

Connectivity is built on Bluetooth 5.3 with simultaneous phone-and-computer pairing, one-tap device switching, and voice control support on the global version. Pinch-based gesture controls reduce accidental touches, and a Find Nearby Earbuds feature helps locate misplaced earbuds via audio cues.

Battery Built for a Full Day

viaim OpenNote earbuds deliver up to 19 hours of single-charge playback and up to 53 hours total with the charging case. A 10-minute quick charge provides roughly 3 hours of playback. The earbuds carry an IP55 dust and water resistance rating (the charging case is not water-resistant).

Where to Buy

viaim OpenNote comes in Black and White, with two earbuds, a charging case, USB-C cable and quick guide in the box. Works with iOS 15.0+ and Android 8.0+. viaim OpenNote retails for S$369 in Singapore, but launch pricing has gone down to around S$296 on Shopee or Lazada.

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.

Build quality and design

The ear cups and headband are wrapped in fabric rather than the usual PU leather, which is a small but sensible choice for Singapore’s climate. I personally prefer fabric anyway as it tends to breathe better and doesn’t peel or crack the way faux leather does after a few humid months. Fantech Studio Pro V2‘s headband has a unique spring-loaded mechanism, so it self-adjusts to your head size and retracts when you take it off. There’s a foldable boom mic that tucks into the ear cup when you don’t need it, which adds convenience if you’re switching between gaming and just listening to music.

Fantech had designed a two-in-one dongle, where you can plug into either USB-A or USB-C. While that’s convenient on a phone or console, the USB-C dongle’s wide shape when inserted into a laptop means it tends take up space of the port next to it. Build quality is quite good for a pair headphones that’s incredibly lightweight, and there is no creaking observed. In terms of colour options, it only comes in grey.

Battery Life

Fantech rates the Studio Pro V2 for 40 hours of playback, powered by a 500mAh battery. In real-world testing, I received a low-battery warning when I was around the 30-hour mark, which is around 2 weeks of use for me. It is still respectable, though if you used a headphones such as the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless with 300 hours of battery life – you’ll start to feel the difference. It is worth noting that the Fantech Studio Pro V2 doesn’t auto power-off while connected, even without audio playing, so it’s worth switching it off manually if you’re stepping away for a while.

Comfort

At 185 grams, this is the lightest pair of gaming headphones I’ve used so far. It’s light enough to forget you’re wearing it, and the fabric padding keeps my ears from getting too warm during longer sessions. That light weight, combined with the gentle clamping pressure, is the main reason the Fantech Studio Pro V2 is so comfortable to wear.

Since fabric is the main material used on the ear cups, it’s worth nothing that you don’t get a fully sealed-off listening experience – you’ll still hear some ambient sound when nothing’s playing. But all good when there is audio. Think of it as similar to wearing an open-back headphone.

Sound Quality

This is where experience differs based on the connectivity mode. I’d think most people will use this headphones wirelessly. Over the 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, the tuning leans V-shaped so you get a decent bass punch, sparkly highs, but the midrange takes a back seat. Bluetooth mode does feel like the audio resolution is being compressed more especially in the treble where it tends to sound more rolled off. The 2.4GHz mode is the one I generally use the Fantech Studio Pro V2 with given my main use case of gaming. And while playing Valorant, the Fantech Studio Pro V2 is good enough at picking up footsteps, abilities usage, and other audio cues. You also get good stereo imaging with discernable spatial depth.

In the rare case that you want to use the Fantech Studio Pro V2 on a wired basis (perhaps on low battery), it would most ideal to plug in via wired USB connection. USB wired lends you a cleaner treble detail and tighter bass, and it gives you the ability to use the Fantech software to adjust the EQ.

App & Software Experience

Fantech’s Studio 7.1 software gives you customisations to volume settings, EQ, virtual 7.1 surround, and mic effects. You can only customise sch settings when the headset is connected via the USB dongle or USB cable.

Again, I’d much prefer if the software was a web-based one but it’s optional for you to install.

Microphone quality

The boom mic is actually quite far from my mouth and there is no way to adjust it to be near. Having said that, the microphone pickup is actually reliable and pick ups my voice well. My voice comes through clearly enough and sits forward in the mix even if there is some background noise.

Conclusion

If your key priority is lightweight comfort at a reasonable price then at S$64, the Fantech Studio Pro V2 is an easy recommendation. Additional bonus includes to be foldable for better portability and multi-mode connection to allow you to hop between your PC, console, phone, and work laptop without fuss.

MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 – S$479

Key Highlights:

• All-new design – Improved comfort, stability, and portability
• User-replaceable batteries – Easily refresh your run-time even years from now
• Optimized for Dolby Atmos – Head-tracking unlocks immersive entertainment
• Improved voice calls & ANC – Voice accelerometer, expanded mic array, and AI speech enhancement
• Bluetooth 6.0 – Prioritizes fast and stable connections
• Smart Control Plus – a new 8-band EQ highlights an assortment of customizable features in the free app

The standout feature here is the sound powered by Sennheiser’s 7mm driver and support for aptX Lossless hi-res audio via Bluetooth 6.0, but we also have to note the user-replaceable batteries. Both the earbuds and the charging case let you swap in fresh battery cells with just a small screwdriver, meaning the earbuds don’t have to die when the battery degrades. On top of that, you get adaptive ANC, Dolby Atmos head-tracking, and up to 40 hours of total playback with the case. It ships in five colourways – Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender. Preorders open today, with shipping starting September 3.

ACCENTUM Clip – S$269

Key Highlights:

• Open-ear clip-on design for natural awareness of surroundings
• 12mm dynamic driver tuned for impressive bass and detailed sound
• Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity with multipoint support and Google Fast Pair™
• LDAC support for high-resolution wireless streaming on compatible devices
• Ultralight 6.8g design with secure flexible silicone clip construction
• IP54-rated protection against dust and sweat
• Up to 36 hours of total battery life
• AI-enhanced dual-microphone system for clearer voice calls

This one’s for commuters and multitaskers who don’t want to feel cut off. It clips onto your ear rather than sealing it, so you stay aware of traffic, announcements, or conversations while still getting a proper 12mm driver and LDAC hi-res streaming on supported devices. At 6.8g per earbud, it’s genuinely light, and the 36-hour total battery life (9 hours per charge, three top-ups from the case) should cover a full week of commutes without a recharge. It comes in Black and Cream, in zero-plastic packaging, and is available now.

Where to Buy

Both earbuds are available at sg.sennheiser-hearing.com and Sennheiser retailers islandwide. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 (S$479) starts shipping September 3; the ACCENTUM Clip (S$269) is available immediately.

The 60th Anniversary Perks

• Discount: Up to 25% off selected Sonos and Bowers & Wilkins products
• Promo period: Now through 30 August 2026
• Shop online: tcacoustic.asia
• Pop-up store: Wheelock Place, running 15 to 23 August – worth a visit if you want to actually hear the gear before buying

Standout products to look out for: The Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar and Bowers & Wilkins’ Px8 S2 headphones are among the brand’s current flagship picks, though it’s worth checking which exact models fall under the 25% bracket since not everything in the range is included

Story of TC Acoustic

What started as a local audio shop has grown into the exclusive regional distributor for Sonos, Marshall, and Bowers & Wilkins, with TC Acoustic now running around 500 distribution points across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. They’ve also been expanding fast in the region – opening Malaysia’s first Sonos Concept Store at The Starhill KL back in 2022, and Thailand’s first Sonos store at EMSPHERE Bangkok earlier this year. Closer to home, they’ve built up more than 10,000 five-star Google reviews across their stores, so the service reputation isn’t just marketing talk.

Where to buy

Head to tcacoustic.asia for the full online promo, or swing by the Wheelock Place pop-up before it closes on 23 August. Either way, the discount runs until 30 August.