Review: Belkin SoundForm PAC001btBK Wireless Earbuds
Published on June 26, 2023, 7:28 p.m.
The Belkin SoundForm PAC001btBK are a pair of true wireless Bluetooth earbuds that aim to provide quality sound, comfort, and convenience at an affordable price point. In this review, I will assess the key features and performance of these wireless earbuds based on appearance, functionality, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and value for money.
Overview
The Belkin SoundForm earbuds have a simple and minimalist design available in black or white color options. The charging case is compact with an integrated USB cable for charging. Key features include Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, IPX5 sweat resistance rating, and up to 24 hours of total battery life including the case.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Touch controls on each earbud
- IPX5 sweat and water resistance
- Up to 24 hours total battery life
Design and Comfort
The earbuds have an in-ear design with silicone eartips in 3 sizes for a secure and comfortable fit. The ergonomic shape allows them to sit flush in the ear canal. At just 3.5g each, the earbuds are lightweight and hardly noticeable during wear. The matte texture prevents them from slipping out during activity.
Sound Quality
With 12mm drivers, the SoundForm earbuds produce clear sound with emphasized bass and lively treble. The sound has good detail in the mids and highs. Volume levels are sufficiently loud. The audio quality is very good for the price, making these suitable for pop, hip-hop, and podcast listening.
Features and Controls
The touch controls on each earbud are responsive, allowing playback control, call management, and volume adjustment. Bluetooth pairing is quick and stable within the 30ft wireless range. Battery life delivers around 4-5 hours per charge, with an additional 3 charges from the case. The IPX5 rating means the earbuds can withstand sweat and light splashes.
Noise Isolation:
The in-ear design provides passive noise isolation to reduce ambient sounds. However, there is no active noise cancellation feature. Some environmental noise can be still be heard.
Use Cases:
- Working out at the gym
- Running and outdoor activities
- Daily commute and travel
- Office use and remote work
User Feedback Analysis
The Belkin SoundForm earbuds have received largely positive feedback from users. Based on reviews, common pros mentioned include the comfortable and secure fit, easy controls, good sound quality for the price, and decent battery life.
However, some issues raised in user reviews include:
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Battery life not reaching the full stated duration, with some users getting only around 3-4 hours per charge rather than the advertised 5 hours.
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Occasional Bluetooth pairing drops or instability. Some users faced problems with the earbuds disconnecting briefly when in use.
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Call quality and volume is lower than expected. The microphone performance results in quieter speech on calls making it harder for recipients to hear clearly.
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Lack of active noise cancellation limits isolation from ambient sounds. The passive noise isolation from the in-ear seal helps but is not as effective as ANC.
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Rare reports of one earbud failing earlier than expected, likely due to hardware defect.
Overall, when considering the very reasonable price point below $50, most customers agree the SoundForm earbuds deliver good value. The minor shortcomings are reasonable tradeoffs given the cost. Satisfied users praise the combination of solid sound, resilience, easy controls, and compact charging case at this wallet-friendly price.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Decent sound for the price
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Battery life could be longer
- Bluetooth connectivity issues for some
- Volume low on calls
Value
Given the typical $50 retail price point, the Belkin SoundForm PAC001btBK earbuds offer excellent value:
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Audio performance matches or exceeds competitors at this price range. The sound has clear mids/highs and punchy bass that outperforms expectations.
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Battery life up to 24 hours total is decent compared to similar budget models. Fully wireless models at this price often have comparable battery performance.
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IPX5 water resistance also exceeds the IPX4 rating of many budget competitors, making these suitable for exercise.
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The intuitive touch controls, Bluetooth 5.0, and compact charging case align with typical features in this segment.
Overall, those seeking an affordable pair of basic true wireless earbuds will be pleased with the Belkin SoundForm model. While more expensive options add extras like wireless charging, ANC and longer battery life, these provide a solid experience and signature Belkin reliability at a very appealing entry-level price point.
Specifications:
- Driver: 12mm
- Battery: Up to 5 hrs (earbuds), 19 hrs (case)
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Wireless range: Up to 30ft (10m)
- Weight: 3.5g x 2 earbuds
- Charging case dimensions: 69 x 49 x 33mm
- Microphone: MEMS microphone in each earbud
What’s in the Box:
- SoundForm earbuds (left and right)
- Charging case
- 3 sizes of silicone tips (S/M/L)
- Micro USB charging cable
- Quick start guide
How to Use:
- Charge the earbuds and case fully before first use
- Select the right eartip size for a secure fit
- Enable Bluetooth on your device to pair the earbuds
- Use the touch controls to play, pause, switch tracks, adjust volume, answer calls etc.
- Place earbuds back in the charging case when not in use
