Anker Soundcore unveils open earbuds that can adapt to be ear-sealing ANC buds too — is this the best of both audio worlds?

• Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds launch for $179.99, initially US-only
• Adjustable ear hooks turn open-ears into in-ears with noise cancellation
• Sensors recalibrate the EQ in real-time

Choosing earbuds for a specific purpose can mean compromising: the best open earbuds can't do totally effective noise canceling because they don't sit in your ear canals, and the best noise-cancelling earbuds' transparency mode doesn't feel quite as real as the actual ambient sound you experience with open-ears.

Some people also find it a bit uncomfortable having earbuds in your ears for long periods. But a new pair of buds from Soundcore – Anker's audio and visual brand – may offer a no-compromise solution.

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds are open-ears, but they have a five-level adjustable-angle ear hook that enables you to reposition the nozzle of the earbuds and bring it closer to the entrance of your ear. That delivers passive noise cancellation from the newly snug fit, and it means the earbuds can then use active noise cancellation more effectively to get rid of unwanted ambient audio.

Soundcore AeroFit Pro 2: key features

When you adjust the positioning of the earbuds, twin sensors in each earbud detect the change and recalibrate the EQ to suit the mode you're using – and according to Anker, that means a consistent sonic experience. And they're good for gym and outdoor use thanks to IP55 water and sweat resistance.

Anker describes the in-ear option as "semi-in-ear", a shallow open-ear design that sits close to your ear without shoving the earbud deep into your ear canal. The earbuds have version 3.0 of Soundcore's Adaptive ANC, which samples at up to 380,000 times per second and makes up to 180 dynamic adjustments per minute as the sound around you changes.

There are six microphones in total, designed to capture what's happening from multiple directions, and four voice mics to keep your voice clear in calls.

These earbuds should sound pretty good with decent low-end thump: they have 11.8mm custom drivers, support spatial audio with head tracking, and high-resolution audio via LDAC.

There are multiple color options – matte black, gloss white, matte purple and gloss blue – but only the black model will be available on the US launch on 6 January; the white and purple will be available later in the month and the blue model will be available shortly afterwards.

All four models have a US list price of $179.99 (about £134 / AU$269). International pricing and availability will be announced later.

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