Oh SOUNDPEATS, we meet again! This time the RunFree Lite2 and I’ll be honest straight out of the gate, these have been ideal all summer.
Sunshine means being out more, right? Particularly when filming drone footage for video reviews! So biking around with the RunFree Lite2 headset has been perfect.
SOUNDPEATS have always impressed me with their gear, and I had the pleasure of trying out their GoFree2 not too long ago. There are some marked differences between the two, but it feels very much like the core use case is the same.
The RunFree Lite2 has the core use in its name. Running. If you’re wondering if they’re suitable, yes. Yes, they are. Exercise has become a bit thing both here and at ninjarefinery.com recently, so we’re definitely all-in on units like this!
Build
The thing about SOUNDPEATS gear is that whilst they keep the price point relatively low, the build is always a higher standard than you’d expect.
With the RunFree Lite2, there’s no exception. With the memory wire neckband, you can bend and fit the unit around your head, then the earpieces hook over with ease.
Light and sturdy, but properly attached to you so you never worry about losing them. We all love earbuds, but the amount that I’ve dropped and damaged over the years can’t be understated.
The RunFree Lite2 are built to stay on throughout your run and they do just that. Luckily, they’re comfy, to boot! So you can wear them for extended periods, no dramas!
Audio
The star of the show, as usual. The RunFree Lite2 is no slouch in the audio department. Built to conduct sound through air, allowing you to hear what’s going on around you when you’re out running or cycling, you might expect the audio to fall short.
Coupled with the SOUNDPEATS app, managing the equaliser settings is a breeze, but there’s no need. The design of the headphones means there’s a bigger 16.2mm driver in there that’s been given a “Bass Boost Algorithm”.
I can’t confirm that there’s an algorithm at play. However, I can confirm that there’s plenty of room for Bass and Treble despite the design and air conduction.
It certainly is not the best audio experience on the planet, but way better than I’d expected, particularly on busier roads.
I’ve played through my usual playlist of songs to get to the tones I’m looking for in songs I know inside out. Everything is present here with the RunFree Lite2. Even those mid-tones often get lost when people push too hard to deliver bass.
Functionality
My only real gripe with the RunFree Lite2 has been the need to manually connect them via Bluetooth each time I power them on. I’ve updated the firmware and never had this issue with other sets. Hardly the end of the world, but an annoyance.
The dual microphones mean taking/making calls is decent enough. I’m not one to be talking on a run, but things sometimes need a quick chat on the go, and it works great.
The buttons on the right ear are easy to reach and use. Standard, on/off, skip, pause etc. All are present and correct and as straightforward as you need them to be.
Noise cancellation on the RunFree Lite2 is obviously redundant on these as the entire point is that you can hear everything going on around you. So no need to ask for it here.
Overall thoughts on the SOUNDPEATS RunFree Lite2
The RunFree Lite2 are a solid option for going out and being active. Well-built, clear audio, good price point and they stay on your head.
I can’t really give you any more than that. What more do you need?
The battery life has been great, too. I’ve had 12-13 hours of playtime with ease, hitting nearly 15 as advertised.
If you’re looking for something to keep with you without fail on a run, these are the ones!
You can purchase these earbuds right now on the official website, or over on Amazon UK. While you wait for yours to arrive, or to see our reviews of some other wireless earbuds, check out our hardware review section.
