05 Jan
Blog

Shure Aonic 40: Sound This Good Should Be More Comfortable

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.

Shure Aonic 40 hands-on test: Sound this good should be more pleasant

RRP $ 250.00

"A better headband would make these headphones hard to beat."

benefits

  • Slim design

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Tons of EQ adjustments

  • USB-C digital audio input

disadvantage

  • Uncomfortable with prolonged use

  • No bluetooth multipoint

  • No wear sensors

Shure's latest wireless noise-canceling headphones, the $ 250 Aonic 40, debuted today at CES 2022, and Digital Trends was fortunate to have both hands-on (and audible) use of the new cans before their official unveiling. The judgment? Great sounding customizable headphones that are held back from receiving rave reviews due to an uncomfortable headband design and lack of bluetooth multipoint.

Heavy headphones

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Shure's stylists did a dazzling job of making the Aonic 40 look sleek. Whether in the black or white version, the shaped, one-sided auricle forks give this box a really elegant and slim profile. You will get people's attention. But despite their slim appearance, they're actually quite heavy at 11 ounces. To put that number in perspective, the Sony WH-1000XM4 weighs 8.9 ounces and the Bose QuietComfort 45 weighs just 8.4 ounces.

Just because a number of doses are on the heavy side doesn't mean they are necessarily uncomfortable. After all, Apple's AirPods Max are a whopping 13 ounces, but stay comfortable thanks to their innovative mesh headband and excellent clamping force.

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones (headband details).Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Aonic 40 should also be comfortable – it holds your head with just the right amount of pressure and the headband is wrapped in a soft but grippy silicone rubber. Unfortunately, the headband is narrower than most and the part that touches your head is even narrower. Under that layer of rubber is not enough of the padding Shure used.

This all comes together to create a pressure comb that I found passable for the first 30 minutes, but very uncomfortable afterwards. After two hours I couldn't take it anymore. I wondered if it was just me and asked my daughter to try them out. It wasn't 10 seconds before she yanked it off her head and said, "No!"

Another small point of criticism: Our test device had very loose swivel joints on the ear cups, which gave the headphones an inferior feeling.

Satisfactory sound

Man wearing Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The comfort issue may not be a problem for everyone and I hope when you buy them you won't mind because once you listen you won't want to take them off.

I was impressed with the level of accuracy and detail Shure put into their Aonic Free True Wireless earbuds, and the Aonic 40 are just as satisfactory. Right out of the box, you get very clear high frequencies and a warm but balanced midrange that reveals many details that fewer headphones can hide.

And unlike the Aonic Free, which might sound a bit cold or harsh at times, the Aonic 40 has a more resonant sound signature. But regardless of whether it is real wireless earbuds or full-size headphones, Shure's insider tip is the ShurePlus Play app. Inside you will find one of the most customizable EQ interfaces on the market. It has useful presets that can quickly change the Aonic 40's tonal character, like Bass Cut, Treble Boost, and Loudness, but it also has a manual mode that gives insane control to those who love to get under the hood.

Even better, if you really like one of the built-in presets but just want to tweak it a little, you can duplicate it, adjust it, and save it as a new preset. Absolutely brilliant.

The Aonic Free comes with an analog cable if you need to connect it or want to use your own digital to analog converter (DAC). You can also use the supplied USB-C cable as a direct digital interface for computers and smartphones, so that the headphones' integrated DAC can handle all difficult tasks. It even works while charging, which few headphones can claim. With support for AAC, aptX, and aptX HD bluetooth codecs, the Aonic 40 checks some of the most important boxes for wireless audio.

Delete calls

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Shure says calling the Aonic 40 is a strength, and I tend to agree. Even when walking on some very busy streets, the microphones managed to keep most of the unwanted noise at bay while my voice remained perfectly clear. Wind noise was noticeable at times, but never a deal breaker. They don't capture quite as much natural response as JBL's outstanding Tour One, but they're more than sufficient for phone calls or video meetings.

Speaking of video calls: The Aonic 40 lacks a very important function for anyone who has to jump back and forth between a computer and a phone: Bluetooth Multipoint, with which you can connect your sockets to two devices at the same time.

With Shure, you can activate a red indicator LED when you are on a call. It would be the perfect way to let others know that you shouldn't be bothered even when you're not speaking, except that it's hidden in the bottom of the left earcup where it's unlikely to be noticed unless you are take a good look at it.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Shure Aonic 40 ANC headphones in carrying case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

As a series of noise canceling cans, the Aonic 40 successfully takes away external noise. You get three ANC levels – easy, normal, and max – but I couldn't see much of a difference between them so I kept them at max the whole time. It's strong enough that you can hear callers or podcasts clearly even in fairly noisy situations, but they're not quite as magically quiet if you can't hear anything like the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 or the Apple AirPods Max, but on the other hand, you are significantly cheaper than these models.

The ambient mode (Shure's name for transparency) is excellent. Fully adjustable and accessible while on the phone, almost convincing yourself that you are not wearing headphones. A special button on the right earcup allows you to switch between the ANC modes. I found it a bit awkward to use, but I love the way it works: a single click takes you from the ANC to ambient mode and then back again, while a long press turns both modes off. It's a much better user interface than other ANC headphones – where you usually choose what that button does in an app rather than giving you all the options.

Controls

Speaking of controls, they're pretty standard: a single button on the left earcup serves as dual power / bluetooth pairing control, while a three-button cluster on the right earcup is used for play, volume, skip tracks, answer / end calls. A dedicated button on the right earcup takes over the ANC and microphone mute during the call.

They're easy to use as long as you're not wearing gloves – but the buttons are too small and too close together to be precise without bare fingers.

One feature we're seeing more and more in wireless headphones is the inclusion of wearing sensors, which automatically pause the music when you take them off your head. Sony's WH-1000XM4 has this, as does Apple's AirPods Max, but it's not limited to high-end models – Wyze & # 39; s excellent and affordable $ 70 Wyze headphones got it too, but Shure didn't add it to the Aonic 40.

Battery life

With 24 hours of playtime, the Aonic Free is pretty safe. This is more than the AirPods Max or Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (20 hours), less than the Sony WH-1000XM4 (30 hours) and about the same as the Bose QC45 (24 hours). .

We would have preferred Shure to have added more juice to these cans, but considering how heavy they already are, maybe it was the right decision.

Conclusion

When you consider the Aonic 40's competitive price of $ 250 and its many great features, they should be a slam dunk pick. But this uncomfortable headband makes us pause. However, if you have the chance to try them on and the narrow headband doesn't bother you, then you should seriously consider them.

Editor's recommendations



17 Dec
Blog

Shure Aonic Free Review: True Wireless Studio Monitors

Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.

Shure Aonic Free Trial: True Wireless Studio Monitors

RRP $ 199.00

"Big in size, comfort and precision are these buds for critical hearing."

benefits

  • Clear, precise and detailed sound

  • Very convenient

  • Very good transparency mode

  • Easy to use, customizable controls

  • Great EQ settings

  • Good call quality

disadvantage

  • Big buds, big charging case

  • No ANC or auto pause

  • No wireless charging

  • No watertightness

Shure is no stranger to high-performance audio. The company's in-ear monitors (IEMs) and microphones have been the first choice of musicians and audio professionals for decades. But when it comes to the true wireless earphone market, Shure has only just stepped into the ring with its $ 199 Shure Aonic Free. Was it worth the wait? And how do these new buds compare to products from more established brands like Sony, Jabra and Apple? Let's check them out.

A larger set of buds

Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Let's talk to the elephant in the room: The Shure Aonic Free are big. They use a very similar design to Sony's previous flagship, the WF-1000XM3, which places the electronics, battery, and other goodies in a diamond-shaped gondola that sits fairly prominently outside your ear.

Shure's design is even bigger than Sony's, making the Aonic Free one of the biggest buds we've ever tested. Fortunately, these nacelles look pretty sleek, with a relatively thin profile and a satin gunmetal finish that gives the plastic a high quality, sophisticated look. If you really want to get noticed, they are also available in red. But despite their size, they are also remarkably light and in fact weigh a gram less than the Sony XM3.

There's a lot of precision and detail, especially in the mids and higher frequencies.

And while there's no denying that these buds are really big, the design has two distinct advantages. First, with all of the bowels of the buds outside of your ear, the part that actually fits in your ear is tiny and extremely comfortable. Shure uses memory foam earplugs instead of silicone, which increases comfort by reducing pressure points.

Not everyone loves the sometimes squishy feel of memory foam, but I'm a huge fan. Once inserted, the fit is very secure, but it won't withstand vigorous activity, as well as buds designed for this purpose. Expect to need regular readjustments as you walk. In fact, you might want to avoid using the Aonic Free for exercise: they are some of the only earbuds on the market that do not offer official protection from water in relation to an IPX rating.

Second, the large outer gondolas make pressing the multifunction button located on the top edge very easy. Accidental presses are almost completely eliminated, and you probably won't accidentally remove an earbud while using these buttons.

The Aonic Free comes with an equally large charging case to match the large buds. It absolutely dwarfs the tiny package of the AirPods Pro case, and I doubt a lot of people will think of it as pocket money. It also lacks wireless charging, which is an unfortunate shortcoming at this price point. Nevertheless, it is robustly built, the lid can be easily opened and closed using a large study hinge and the Aonic Free is really easy to plug in and out of the charging sockets.

I like the sound

Man with Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

In keeping with Shure's reputation for stage and studio equipment, the Aonic Free has a neutral and very clear sound signature. There's a lot of precision and detail, especially in the mids and higher frequencies. A track like Dire Straits ’Six Blade Knife and Mark Knopfler's unmistakable Stratocaster work becomes a haptic experience – you can almost feel the strings under his experienced hand.

The bass reproduction is strictly controlled, is only displayed when necessary and never overwhelms the other frequencies. Such a conservative approach to bass can make the Aonic Free sound cold when you're used to headphones or earphones like the Sony WF-1000XM3 or XM4.

Shure Play app screenshot for iOS.This is how things sound right out of the box. But the Shure Play Companion app can completely change the personality of the Aonic Free with its EQ adjustments. Shure gives you seven presets to play with, including Bass Boost, Bass Cut, Vocal Boost, and Loudness, but if you really want to get the most out of the Aonic Free, you need to try the manual EQ option. Here you will find a graphic EQ that can be adjusted more precisely than I have ever seen it before. You get four control points on a frequency spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Each of them can be raised +/- 10 dB in 0.5 dB steps, and you can even adjust their bandwidth from 0.2 octaves to 4 octaves in 0.1 octave steps.

If all of this is Greek to you, suffice it to say that this is an unmatched level of EQ control for a set of true wireless earbuds, and those who love to mess around with the sonic weeds will love it.

It's worth noting that the Aonic Free doesn't generate as much volume as a percentage of some other well-respected earbuds. In other words, at 50% volume on my iPhone, the Aonic Free were significantly quieter than the Jabra Elite 7 Pro or the Technics EAH-AZ60. I don't see this as a problem – they can still get really loud – but you may find that you have to run these earbuds at a higher setting than you are used to.

It's also worth noting for Android users that Aonic Free supports the aptX codec, which can be helpful in situations where audio delay (latency) is an issue.

Total control

Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Aonic Free do not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but thanks to these foam earplugs they are excellent at blocking outside noise passively. There have been a couple of times when I felt like ANC was blocking a bit more, but not many. What they have is a very good transparency mode that you can set in the Shure Play app to let in little or a lot of the noise around you. In fact, at the maximum setting, it amplifies some of these sounds, so some careful adjustment is required.

I love that Shure has built in a feature called PausePlus that allows you to automatically turn on transparency mode when you pause your music. With too many earbuds, you'll have to pause first and then switch to transparency, which can be annoying when someone tries to talk to you.

Shure Play app screenshot for iOS.

Shure Play app screenshot for iOS.

The Shure Play app also gives you complete control over the multi-function buttons. You can assign up to three different commands per earbud, including play / pause, skip forward / backward, transparency on / off and access to the voice assistant. In addition, you can choose whether you want to control the volume with a fourth gesture. It's a bit awkward, admittedly – you have to press and then long press – but it's a handy option nonetheless. The only thing Shure left out is wear sensors, which can automatically pause if you remove one or both of the earbuds – another surprise considering how many other earbuds come standard with them at this price point.

Your phone call options include muting the microphone and switching between two calls, both of which are rare features. You can also use each earbud independently for music and calls.

Avoid the wind

Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Call quality on the Aonic Free can be excellent, but you need to avoid windy or very noisy situations. The microphone does a great job of capturing the full tone and resonance of your voice, with little to no distortion, but struggles to maintain that quality under adverse conditions. They're definitely not the earbuds you'd want to use on the phone while you bike through heavy traffic, but they will work admirably on Zoom calls or anywhere you find relatively calm conditions.

Speaking of Zoom calls, the Aonic Free are the first headphones I've come across that can automatically turn on a red LED light when you're on the phone to let others know that just because you're not speaking, you aren't yet to be interrupted. It's a look back at the early days of Bluetooth, but I think it's brilliant – all true wireless earbuds should have a similar option.

More performance please

Shure Aonic Free True Wireless Earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Shure claims that the Aonic Free can last for around seven hours on a single charge, and as far as I can tell, that's correct when you're listening at 50% volume. But as mentioned above, because these Buds run quieter than other models, you'll likely hear at 60% or more, which will reduce battery life a bit.

I agree – six to seven hours is still enough for most people. But what I can't understand, given their huge charging case, is why you can only charge the earbuds twice for a total of 21 hours of playtime? If the Aonic Free were really small – say, AirPods Pro small – I'd happily accept that (although even the AirPods Pro have a longer total time of up to 24 hours), but the Aonic Free have no such excuse.

Our opinion

Although the Aonic Free are larger than most true wireless earbuds, they are very comfortable and offer exceptionally clear and detailed sound. For the discerning listener, this may be worth the price of admission, but given the many features that are lacking at the price, most people will likely be happier with other models.

Are there any better alternatives?

When it comes to sheer clarity, attention to detail, and EQ control – that so-called studio sound – you will hardly find a better set of true wireless earbuds, even if you are spending well over the price of $ 199 on Aonic Free. But considering how many features Shure has left out, here are two options worth considering:

$ 200 Jabra Elite 7 Pro: At the same price as the Aonic Free, the Elite 7 Pro has it all: Great sound, great ANC, great transparency, tons of customization options, long battery life, wireless charging, and an IP57 rating that makes it effectively waterproof. Oh, and they're much smaller too. Audio purists will still prefer the incredibly precise sound of the Aonic Free, but I also think the Elite 7 Pro sounds pretty good.

230 $ Technology EAH-AZ60: For a slightly larger investment, the AZ60 offers fabulous ANC and sound quality that rivals the Aonic Free, but with a slightly warmer standard signature that will appeal to people who don't love the sometimes overly accurate Shure sound. The Technics also have Sony's LDAC codec for wireless hi-res audio and Bluetooth multipoint to connect two devices to your earbuds at the same time.

How long will they last?

Given their total lack of water protection, this very much depends on how careful you are with the Aonic Free. The build quality seems to be excellent, however, and Shure backs it with a two-year warranty, which is unusual in this product category. That might be a good sign that they'll be better off in the long run, but like all true wireless earbuds, it's likely that decreasing battery life is what is keeping them from still being in your audio arsenal 10 years from now.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you're looking for what Aonic Free has to offer – a highly detailed, precise, and customizable sound with very few other bells and whistles. For everyone else, you can find better options for the same price or less.

Editor's recommendations



13 Apr
Blog

Shure Aonic 50 Headphones Review: Uncompromising Audio

Shure Aonic 50 headphones

"Shures Aonic 50 are some of the better sounding headphones, but they're expensive."

  • Excellent sound

  • Effective noise cancellation

  • Comfortable

Shure has built a reputation for making studio headphones that stand out from the crowd. We have said this over the years based on our experience with products such as the SRH1540 and the SRH750DJ.

With the release of the $ 400 wireless Aonic 50 headphones, Shure has taken on a new challenge: Finding a solid footing in an area already populated by outstanding products. With the Aonic 50, Shure relied on what he knows best – incredible-sounding headphones – and is satisfied with other functions. The result is a product that may not distance itself completely from the competition, but it has certainly created some freedom.

Out of the box

I have been using these headphones for conference calls since many people around the world work from home. When it was time to check it out, I had to rummage through my home work area to find the box for the Aonic 50, as I couldn't remember what it looked like.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

What I found was a round package with the headphones and their carrying case that were stuck inside. The cans, which are available in black or brown bezels, include a 3.5mm audio cable, quick start guide and manual, and a USB-C charging cable. Standard accessories, clear, but still important.

In both cases, it's easy to connect (and stay connected). The included audio cable allows you to connect to a laptop or one of the remaining devices that still have a headphone jack and listen passively without turning on the headphones.

Bluetooth is similarly simple because the Aonic 50 automatically switches to pairing mode when you press the power button at the bottom of the right headphone cup. The Aonic 50 has Bluetooth 5 technology – with support for codecs like aptX, AAC and SBC – and I can guarantee that the connection was not a problem during the more than 30 hours of wireless listening that I spent with the audition .

design

Appearance. I don't have to tell you that earphones are often a better option when it comes to being easy to wear and travel-friendly. Headphones are objectively heavier, bigger and more difficult to transport.

Disclaimer out of the way, the Aonic 50 are a set of perfectly portable headphones. Shure has managed to find a cross between durable, flexible and comfortable in the design of these cans. Although they are not indestructible, they feel sturdy. Although they are not weightless, their size feels good across the entire fit. Although the cups are not fully foldable, they can be tilted 90 degrees to fit the headphones flat in their carry case.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

The ear cushions and memory foam with which they are outlined provide the comfort you hope for from a $ 400 headphone, and the controls on the right cup were easy to use once I got their exact positions along the cup had set in memory. I still don't know if I would pick them up over a set of earphones to take them for daily commuting, but they were very convenient for long walks with the dog and for weekend tasks.

characteristics

Even for a brand that is so highly praised for its audio quality, it is no longer enough today to rely on solid sound only. Unlike the Aonic 215, Shure's wireless headphones that were introduced alongside the Aonic 50, these headphones have features that justify the retail price. You can still get similar or better features for the money you would spend, but these headphones prove they belong to the table.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

Shure takes up to 20 hours of battery life, with the "up to" part of this sentence depending on how loud you adjust the volume and how much noise you eliminate. I had to charge it exactly once in the time I used it, and when I did that, an hour plugged in gave me an 88 percent battery life. This would take you through several working days or overland flights without hiccups.

As mentioned earlier, Shure has built most of the controls into the right headphone cup. Side buttons adjust the volume, and a middle button offers a variety of uses, including title mixing, answering calls, and activating a voice assistant. There's also a switch that allows you to navigate between Shure's environmental mode, neutral mode, and active noise cancellation. Everything is there and they are easy to use.

The problem Shure encounters – actually through no fault of my own – is that I am obliged to measure the Aonic 50 against our reigning champions in not one but three headphone categories. The Sony WH-1000XM3 are our preferred noise canceling sockets, wireless headphones and headphones in general. If you start putting the $ 400 Shure headphones next to the Sony, which was retailed for $ 350 but is currently available for $ 300, the Aonic 50 looks less like a bargain.

The Sony model offers a battery life of 30 hours on a single charge, which significantly disadvantages Shure despite the more expensive model. In addition, although I liked using Shure's included controls, Sony had several models to refine its commands, and it shows.

This is all to be said, if you look at the Shures, it is not because of their functions. Honestly, they're good, but for a price that should at least hit birdies, of course. When you pay for the Aonic 50, you pay for the sound quality.

Audio quality

I can talk about the battery life and control of the Aonic 50 until the cows come home, but at its core the sound is Shures bread and butter. Your cost will cause most to charge a lot for the audio quality of these cans, and rest assured they will deliver.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

I had the opportunity to test the Aonic 215 earphones before moving on to these headphones, and the biggest flaw I found in its sound was the lack of adequate bass. While it is at least partially a personal preference, it is difficult to replicate a track as it should sound without filling the entire range.

The Aonic 50 with its 50 mm drivers and a frequency range from 20,000 Hz to 22,000 Hz took care of that. The lower end doesn't overwhelm you. it hits the sweet spot where the bass makes its presence distortion-free. Rum from Brothers Osborne had the authority that I had previously missed. Heavier tracks like Post Malones Enemies never missed a beat.

Of course, it's not just about the bass. Songs like Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel showed masterful stereo images. And yes, I also can't hear this song without thinking about Reservoir Dogs.

Other selections, such as an acoustic version of Peter Frampton's baby, I Love Your Way, were an haunting journey that really sounded like Frampton strapping and plucking myself in my living room. If the picture is not clear enough, these things sound fantastic.

Noise canceling function

The active noise cancellation and features included in the Aonic 50 are solid, but may not be as effective as you would expect from premium headphones. With the corresponding switches of the switch on the right cup, you can choose between three modes. Ambient mode pipes in noise from your surroundings; The neutral mode represents the middle ground and is based on the natural noise isolation capabilities of the headphones. and active noise cancellation doesn't need much explanation.

Shure Aonic 50Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

I found the ANC effective. I was able to drown out barking dogs for the most part at work, and when I stepped into my garden to get some fresh air, the neighbor who was mowing the lawn next door was just a low growl in the background. There is an appearance of white noise when the ANC is on, although I only noticed it in quieter settings.

Shure's free ShurePlus Play app gives you the ability to customize both ambient mode and active noise cancellation, depending on what you're using. The app also has an equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound of the headphones. However, if you ask me, the Aonic 50 has an ideal sound signature as it is.
The only problem I can address with the Aonic 50's noise canceling features is that they are just nothing special. And if you want to compete against excellent noise canceling headphones like the Bose 700, you have to be special to stand out.

Our opinion

Shure's Aonic 50 headphones are some of the better sounding cans you can find, and there's nothing objectively to complain about the features on offer. But they're expensive, and even though they're fine noise-canceling units, they're not as good as a $ 400 price suggests.

Are there any better alternatives?

It would be difficult to find something in this price range that sounds much better. However, in terms of features and active noise cancellation, you can spend $ 100 less with the Sony WH-1000XM3 and not miss much. Or pay the same price and forego sound quality for an improved ANC with the Bose 700.

How long it will take?

The Aonic 50 feel quite durable and are backed by a brand that's been around for almost a century. These headphones will last a long time.

Should you buy it

If the sound quality is of the utmost importance to you and factors such as functions and noise suppression take a back seat, yes. Buy the Shure Aonic 50 – you won't regret it. When a cheaper, more rounded product approaches your cup of tea, buy the Sony WH-1000XM3 and don't look back.

Editor's recommendations




06 Apr
Blog

Shure AONIC 215 Review: Solid Sound in a Unique Package

Shure AONIC 215 headphones

"The Shure AONIC 215 are comfortable and have a soft sound, but only a few functions."

  • Clear, balanced sound

  • Comfortable, light design

  • Exceptional call quality

  • No volume or track controls

  • No active noise cancellation

If Shure's mission with his Aonic 215 headphones was to create something strikingly different from the popular rivals in his field … well, mission accomplished. The audio company's new $ 279 real wireless buds stand out from the crowd. This is evident in everything they find from their design and fit to the package they are delivered in. But is that a good thing?

I wish I could bluntly answer yes or no and storm the gates with an explanation of how much better or worse these headphones are due to their comparable uniqueness. But it's just not that easy with the Aonic 215.

Out of the box

I wouldn't go so far as to call it the industry standard, but there is some perception regarding the package in which a set of earphones comes in. Usually, but not always, it's small and square.

Shure AONIC 215 packagingNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Enter the Aonic 215 headphones, which come in a large, circular package, as if they were going to set the tone immediately. Lifting the lid reveals the headphones, which rest on a foam bed and whose charging case sits in the middle of the pair. Also included: a micro-USB-C charging cable, a selection of replacement earplugs (I replaced the foam tips supplied with the buds for a pair of smaller soft-flex tips) and a quick guide. circular in line with a growing trend here.

The Bluetooth pairing process was the only segment of the initial setup that reflected other earbuds. The Aonic 215 should automatically switch to pairing mode when switched on and should be easy to find in your phone's Bluetooth settings. If it doesn't, Shure includes a manual option to connect. I didn't need it to pair it with my smartphone, but it was nice to know that it is available as a failover.

design

The over-the-ear style of the Aonic 215 means that the headphones have a larger footprint than, for example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds +. However, they are pleasantly light and comfortable, at least after you have played around briefly to attach the stems of the buds behind your ear.

Shure AONIC 215 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The part of the headphones that actually sits in your ear – which to me was a teal blue, but is available in black, white, or clear variations – is so understated that you might forget that they were there, if not for the rest the headphones stick to the ears.

That brings me to the hot button problem here. The design of over-the-ear earphones is somewhat polarizing. Some people love them, others can't stand them. I had always considered myself connected to the latter because most of the ones I used were heavy and my ears felt cramped. The Aonic 215 are just the opposite.

Her style also suits a lifestyle on the go. I haven't seen a single shift when I walked through the park while jogging, while traditional earphones haven't stayed in place more than a handful of times.

The case is the outlier in terms of design. Most earbuds have taken on a compact, pills-like look for their charging cases, but the Aonic 215 is in a circular case that's closer to the size of a wallet. It's by no means an uncomfortable size, but not as pocket-friendly as other models available.

characteristics

Compared to other earphones in (and below) their price range, it's hard to overlook how little the Aonic 215 has in the functional department. To be clear, the features they have are solid. But it's 2020. For almost $ 300, it's a mistake to omit coveted capabilities like active noise cancellation.

Shure AONIC 215 headphone caseNick Woodard / Digital Trends

According to Shure, the Aonic215 is equipped with sound-insulating technology that blocks up to 37 dB of noise, as well as an environmental mode that introduces noise from your surroundings. In my experience, both worked well. However, active noise cancellation in products such as the Sony WF-1000XM3 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 is superior.

The Aonic 215 is said to last up to eight hours on a single charge, with three additional charges built into its carrying case. These specifications were checked during testing during my time. But unfortunately for Shure, the bar was raised. When the Samsung Galaxy Buds + can last up to 11 hours at a half price, I wanted more. Especially a pair without ANC, which shortens playback times, as is the case with both Sony and Sennheiser.

I had no connection problems thanks to the Bluetooth 5 technology built into Aonic 215, except a few times when my phone was connected to the headphones but did not play any media through them. However, I am using an older phone in a Google Pixel 2, so it may be more Google than Shure to blame.

My biggest problem with the functionality of the Aonic 215 is a very basic function. Or rather, it should have been. The buttons on the bottom of each headphone work well for what they are designed for. It takes a lot of pressure, but you can play and pause music effectively, answer and end calls, turn ambient mode on or off, or activate your voice assistant. What you can't do, which frankly confuses me about the price, is adjusting the volume or switching between tracks. They are two very simple commands that you won't really miss until you are forced to jog through an entire pit bull soundtrack.

Audio quality

Shure AONIC 215 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Shure has been in the audio business for almost a century and has a product line that ranges from budget options to price tags that only an audiophile can love – this is a company with a proven track record of producing great sounds, from microphones to headphones .

After listening extensively with the Aonic 215, I can say with certainty that these headphones do justice to the family tree of their brand. They are remarkably clear and some of the more balanced buds I've dealt with. Testing with a variety of genres was a lot of headache to the point where I looped songs like "Red Hot Chili Peppers" Under the Bridge just because it sounded so crisp.

In my view, these are not well equipped for a good low-end. They are useful, but for songs like Brothers Osborne's rum, where a low note is the backbone of the entire track, I found that the bass is not as critical as I am used to. The equalizer in the associated ShurePlus Play app helped, but was not a miracle worker.

The call quality was exceptional, although for some reason some conversations only had audio in my right bud. It is by no means a deal breaker, but it was a remarkable quirk.

Do these sound better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2? In a word, no. Is that a fair comparison? Usually it shouldn't be, but that's the type of weight class the Aonic 215 fights in thanks to its cost. Do they sound better than cheaper alternatives like the Galaxy Buds +? Absolutely, although I'm not sure if the average listener can say that it sounds twice as good.

Our opinion

With the Aonic 215, Shure has produced a pair of comfortable, soft-sounding headphones that are easy to grip and carry. Given what competitors with similar prices have to offer, they dropped the ball in the feature section.

Are there any better alternatives?

Yes. The Sony WF-100XM3 are regularly retailed for $ 229. Although they are a bit older, they offer better functions. The same goes for the $ 299 Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2, and they're our pick for the best-sounding real wireless earbuds. If you already want to spend money at the Shure headphones at the baseball stadium, it's worth spending the extra $ 20 on the Sennheiser.

How long will they last?

Shure is not approaching the 100-year mark by making products with a short shelf life. Expect these headphones to be durable and ready for the long haul.

Should you buy them

Only if you are specifically looking for over-the-ear headphones with great sound. Otherwise there are better buds, often at much better prices.

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