Soundpeats has become one of the most recognisable names in affordable wireless audio, building a reputation for comfort‑focused designs, Hi‑Res performance and a willingness to experiment with formats that many larger brands overlook. With the Air6 HS arriving as the company’s latest semi‑in‑ear release, Cubed3 spoke with the team about the research behind its ergonomics, the engineering challenges of open‑ear and semi‑in‑ear products, and the philosophy that drives its rapid product development. The conversation also explores user feedback, global tuning preferences, and the technologies shaping the next wave of Soundpeats devices.
Adam Riley, Director at Cubed3: Soundpeats has carved out a niche in open‑ear and semi‑in‑ear audio. What drives your commitment to these formats when many brands still prioritise sealed designs?
Icy Yang, Public Relations Specialist at Soundpeats: At Soundpeats, we recognise that many users find the “plugged-in” sensation of sealed designs uncomfortable for long-term wear. The Air6 HS was born from this need for all-day comfort. Based on 10,000+ ear canal data samples, we achieved a weight of just 4g per earbud. It strikes a natural balance: offering a more private listening experience than open-ear designs in quiet environments, while avoiding the ear fatigue common with traditional in-ear tips.
Adam Riley: The Air6 HS arrives as a fresh semi‑in‑ear design. What earlier Soundpeats models informed its tuning, ergonomics and feature priorities?
Icy Yang: The “soul” of the Air6 HS draws directly from our Air3 Deluxe HS, which launched in 2022 as the world’s first Hi-Res certified semi-in-ear earbud. With over 500,000 users worldwide and a “Best Value” recommendation from CNET, that model set the benchmark. The Air6 HS preserves that award-winning Hi-Res DNA while upgrading ergonomics and adding modern essentials like multipoint connectivity.
Adam Riley: Semi‑in‑ear designs face natural acoustic challenges. What engineering decisions helped you achieve fuller bass and clearer vocals in the Air6 HS without relying on a traditional seal?
Icy Yang: Semi-in-ear designs naturally face bass leak. To counter this, we utilised a 13mm large bio-composite diaphragm with a triple-magnetic structure, which is rare at the $40 price point. This provides the air-moving power needed for punchy lows. Additionally, our Dynamic EQ in the Soundpeats App intelligently optimises the bass output based on the user’s specific fit and seal.
Adam Riley: With LDAC, Hi‑Res certification and Dynamic EQ appearing across more of your line-up, how do you decide which technologies belong in which tier?
Icy Yang: Our philosophy is the “democratisation of high-end audio.” We don’t treat Hi-Res or LDAC as luxury features; they are our baseline for sound quality across all tiers. The difference lies in the application: the Pro Series (like the Air5 Pro+) introduces cutting-edge hardware such as xMEMS or advanced ANC.
Adam Riley: Open‑ear products like the Clip1 sit in a fast‑growing category. What makes Soundpeats’ approach to comfort, stability and usability distinct from other brands exploring similar designs?
Icy Yang: While many open-ear products are bulky, the Clip1 focuses on the “balance of movement and portability.” We’ve achieved extreme lightweight stability. It’s built for active users who need to stay aware of their surroundings during outdoor workouts without feeling the weight of the device on their ears.
Adam Riley: You’ve introduced multipoint, wear detection, AutoSense switching and spatial audio across recent releases. Which features have resonated most strongly with users, and why?
Icy Yang: AutoSense is our most praised innovations. AutoSense recognises which ear an earbud is on and adjusts channels automatically, while smart wear detection pauses music the instant you take it off. It’s about making technology adapt to human habits, creating a seamless “pick up and play” experience.
Adam Riley: The Air6 HS fit is based on extensive ear‑shape research. Can you share more about that process and how it influenced the final ergonomics?
Icy Yang: Our R&D isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s micro-adjustments driven by big data. By analysing 3D models of over 10,000 ears, we fine-tuned the contact points in the concha. For the Air6 HS, this meant distributing the 4g weight so evenly that it effectively disappears during extended listening sessions.
Adam Riley: Soundpeats products frequently win VGP awards for cost‑effectiveness and planning. How do those accolades influence your internal benchmarks for future releases?
Icy Yang: Frequent VGP awards are both an honour and a challenge. They validate our leadership in product planning and “cost-to-performance” value. Consequently, our internal benchmarks for every new release are set 10-15% higher than the previous generation. Whether it’s the overall feature performance or the acoustic curve, we must consistently live up to the title of “King of Value.”
Adam Riley: What’s your philosophy on app control and EQ tuning – how much flexibility should users have, and how do you balance that with a strong out‑of‑box sound?
Icy Yang: Our “Golden Standard” out-of-the-box tuning is designed to be the perfect baseline for most listeners. However, audio is deeply personal. We see the App as giving users “the last mile of control,” allowing them to fine-tune the signature for specific genres like podcasts or heavy metal via the Adaptive EQ.
Adam Riley: As LE Audio, LC3 and new chipset efficiencies mature, where do you see the next wave of wireless innovation coming from?
Icy Yang: Regarding the future of wireless innovation, we believe our upcoming releases will speak for themselves. We are very excited about the POP Clip2, a new ear-clip design featuring physical buttons for tactile reliability, and the Aura Nebula, our high-premium flagship model. These products represent our next step in blending advanced technology with intuitive user experiences.
Adam Riley: How do you gather and act on community feedback across different regions, especially when preferences for fit, sound and features vary so widely?
Icy Yang: We listen locally. We’ve updated firmware to provide specific EQ presets for Western markets that prefer heavier bass, for instance, while using feedback from Asian markets on fit size to influence our mould designs. Our global presence allows us to refine products in real-time based on diverse user needs.
Adam Riley: Soundpeats has collaborated with tuning engineers, certification bodies and regional partners. Are there any future collaborations – whether with artists, designers, audio engineers or tech partners – that you’re exploring or excited to pursue?
Icy Yang: We have long-standing partnerships with certification bodies like Hi-Res, and we are constantly exploring new horizons. Moving forward, you can expect more collaborations with professional acoustic engineers and lifestyle designers. Our goal remains to shatter the bias that “affordable” means “mediocre.”
