Soundcore V40i (A3878) Open-Ear Headphones: fit, sound and specs

The Soundcore V40i (model A3878) from Anker is a pair of wireless open-ear headphones. Rather than sealing the ear canal, they sit near it on an adjustable ear hook, so you hear music and your surroundings together. They are built for people who want comfort over long sessions and who still want to hear what's around them.

What open-ear means

Open-ear headphones play sound from a speaker positioned close to the ear canal, leaving the canal open. Soundcore says this removes in-ear pressure and clamping and keeps you aware of your surroundings through the day. The trade-off is that sound leaks more and bass is typically weaker than in sealed earbuds, and noise cancelling isn't part of the design.

Four-position ear hooks

The ear hooks adjust to four positions. Soundcore says this suits over 99% of ear shapes and sizes. The hook also moves the driver nearer the ear canal, and the brand says this adds up to 7.5dB of bass compared with non-adjustable hooks, a figure it attributes to its own lab. It's a reminder that fit affects sound as much as hardware does.

Drivers and sound

Each side has 16 x 13mm drivers with a high-elastic diaphragm and an hourglass-shaped chamber. Soundcore says this combination delivers loud volume and punchy bass, even in noisy places. Open-ear designs lose some low-end by nature, so the adjustable hook and driver shape are the brand's way of compensating. The app provides control and, typically, equaliser settings.

Calls

Four microphones and AI processing filter out background noise, which the brand says keeps your voice clear. Call quality depends heavily on wind and surroundings.

Connection, battery and durability

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.4. Soundcore lists 21 hours of playtime, though it doesn't say whether this is per charge or with the case, so check. They are listed as IP55, which indicates protection against dust and water jets, so they should handle sweat and rain, but they aren't designed for swimming.

The lidless case

The clear case has no lid. The headphones sit in it, held by magnets that Soundcore says prevent accidental loss, and a light bar shows status. The case measures about 2.4 x 1.3 x 2.3 inches (6 x 3.3 x 5.8 cm), and the set weighs about 0.2 lb (90 g).

Who it suits

It suits walkers, runners, commuters and desk workers who want to hear their surroundings or colleagues. It may not suit people who want isolation on a noisy train.

What to check before you buy

• Fit with glasses or hats: ear hooks share space with eyewear.
• Sound leakage: consider where you'll use them, such as quiet offices.
• Battery details: confirm playtime per charge and with the case.
• Phone compatibility: check the app and Bluetooth codecs for your device.
• Safety outdoors: local rules may restrict headphone use while cycling or driving.

The short version

• Open-ear Bluetooth 5.4 headphones with 4-position ear hooks.
• 16 x 13mm drivers; the hook position is said to add up to 7.5dB of bass.
• Four microphones with AI call filtering.
• 21 hours of playtime and IP55 protection.
• Clear lidless case with magnets and a light bar.

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