When it comes to Belkin‘s SoundForm earbuds lineup, there’s a clear choice for everyone, whether you’re looking to tune in to your music or stay connected on calls. Lets take a dive into the SoundForm ClearFit Open-Ear Wireless earbuds and the SoundForm Bolt 2 True Wireless earbuds, comparing their sound quality, fit and feel, call quality, and battery life. Turn up the volume on this review and see which one resonates with your needs!
Two great Belkin products
What’s in the box?
SoundForm ClearFit Open-Ear Wireless: wireless earbuds, USB-C charging case, and USB-C to USB-A charging cable. They come in two colours – black and sand. They are IPX5-rated sweat and splash resistance and come with a 2 year warranty. Sounds good!
SoundForm Bolt 2 True Wireless: wireless earbuds, silicone ear tips, USB-C charging case, and USB-C to USB-A charging cable. The buds come in a wider range of colours than the ClearFit. You can choose from black, lavender, teal or white. They are also IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance and also have a 2 year warranty.
The set up for both products is super simple and relies on Bluetooth connectivity. Using both of the Belkin earbud products is elegantly intuitive. They both have wire-free, button-free touch controls letting you simply tap to adjust volume, skip tracks, pick up and end calls. Music to my ears!
Sound Quality: Which hits the right notes?
The SoundForm ClearFit Open-Ear Wireless earbuds have a unique open-ear design that lets sound in while keeping your surroundings audible. If you’re someone who likes to hear everything, whether it’s the hustle of the city or the whirr of a treadmill, the ClearFit is your go-to. The sound is clear and crisp, but the trade-off is that the bass doesn’t have the thump that some users might crave. The open design means that while you can enjoy your audio, it’s not as immersive—ideal for those who want to stay aware of their environment.
SoundForm ClearFit
On the other hand, the SoundForm Bolt 2 True Wireless earbuds provide a more closed-off experience with deeper, more punchy bass. These earbuds seal the sound in, allowing for a richer and fuller audio experience. If you’re a bass lover or need something that’ll really pop when you’re working out or getting lost in music, the Bolt 2 will certainly strike a chord with you. The mids and highs are well-defined, though not as expansive as those of higher-end models (I’ve been using the Jabra Elite 8 Active for the past year and noticed the difference), but they deliver more robust overall sound compared to the ClearFit.
SoundForm Bolt 2
Fit & Feel: Comfort or Confidence?
When it comes to fit, the SoundForm ClearFit opts for the open-ear design. This allows the earbuds to rest securely in your ears without inserting deeply, which is perfect for users who dislike the plugged-up feeling of traditional earbuds. The ClearFit offers flexibility with ear hooks conforming to my ear shape for a more customizable fit. I found that while running the ClearFit stayed put without blocking out too much ambient sound. However, since they’re not snug in the ear canal, they might not work well in noisy environments where isolation is key. Being someone who isn’t shy of making a spectacle whilst wearing spectacles, I do find the over ear hooks of the ClearFit sit a little awkward with my glasses, making for a crowded feel behind my ears. Its not a deal breaker, just something to note.
In contrast, the SoundForm Bolt 2 features a more traditional true wireless design that snugly fits in the ear canal. These are great for those who want a secure fit for long periods, whether you’re listening to music for hours on end whilst choreographing, bingeing Netflix when you should be writing report cards, or avoiding responsibilities and working out at the gym! The silicone ear tips come in various sizes, ensuring a solid seal that helps block out external noise. This design might not be for everyone, especially if you dislike the plugged-in feeling (I personally love that feeling, and they don’t interfere with my spectacles!), but it’s perfect for anyone looking for a more immersive, uninterrupted listening experience.
Call Quality: Loud and Clear?
For call quality, both sets aim to keep you sounding your best, but according to people who I regularly annoy with ‘just a quick chat’ phone calls, there’s a noticeable difference in how they pick up your voice.
The ClearFit Open-Ear earbuds are ideal for casual calls or hands-free chatting, thanks to their open design, but don’t expect crystal-clear voice quality in noisy environments. They’re built for light use, so if you need to chat while walking outside in a quiet park, they’ll work fine. During commutes on public transport, walking alongside heavily trafficked roads, or in crowded spaces, they might struggle to capture your voice clearly. The external noise you’re meant to hear when using these earbuds also affects the call clarity.
The Bolt 2 True Wireless, however, feature a more traditional in-ear design that helps with both passive noise isolation and the precision of voice capture. Their built-in microphones are equipped to filter out ambient sounds, allowing for sharper and clearer voice calls, even if you’re on a busy street or in a crowded office. If you’re someone who makes a lot of calls during the day, these are the earbuds you’d want to speak your mind with!
Battery Life: Lasting Power or Short Burst?
Battery life is another area where the Bolt 2 truly shines. According to Belkin you can listen for up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge (or a total of 28 hours with the charging case). If you want earbuds that keep going like a dance teacher on caffeine during concert season, the Bolt 2 will be a lasting companion.
The ClearFit earbuds are no slouch in the battery department either. They offer up to 8 hours of playtime per charge, with 18 hours total using the charging case. While they have less endurance than the Bolt 2, this should still get you through your procrastination anxiety AND your daily responsibilities once you get around to them! If you’re not planning on using them for extended listening sessions, this might sound like a perfect fit.
Which One is Right for You? Can’t choose? Why not both!
- SoundForm ClearFit Open-Ear: If you value staying aware of your surroundings while still enjoying music or calls, the ClearFit is the way to go. It’s perfect for running/walking, gym sessions, or if you need a little space from the typical in-ear feeling. Those who prefer a lighter, more open sound, and don’t mind the slight trade-off in bass, will find these earbuds a clear winner. I liked being able to go for a run in these and knowing that the over ear hook meant they weren’t going to fall out of my ears.
- SoundForm Bolt 2 True Wireless: For those who want a more sealed-off, immersive audio experience, with clear calls and thumping bass, the Bolt 2 is perfect. These are ideal for people who are always on the go, making calls, working out, or just looking for a better way to block out the world while enjoying their favourite tunes. The big difference for me was the feel while wearing them, as they sit in the ear and don’t interfere with my spectacles.
Why not both?!
Let’s get specific (find specifications here):
Thanks for listening!
You can wrap your ears around both these great devices here for the ClearFit $89.95, or here for the Bolt 2 $49.95. With thanks to Belkin (its always a pleasure reviewing your products!)
Like hard and soft tacos … why choose? Get both!
