Apple’s AirPods loom large in any discussion of true wireless earphones for two reasons. On the first count is the ecosystem hardware Cupertino is expert at creating. It’s not enough to have a good set of AirPods, it’s about how well they integrate. Earpods play well with iOS, macOS, Apple Watch, and air tags. I could go on but you get the idea. Following suit are its main competition Samsung, then Google, Sony and Motorola. The promise of convenience through integration gets you so far before you have to compete on product. AirPods set the standard, Samsung holds its own while Google works away putting out solid products that won’t overshadow Android as the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
This brings us to New York-based Status and its Pro X. You won’t get a watch or tracking tag or watch with the Status brand, so how does it, and or rather the Pro X differentiate on product? The simple answer is by appealing to audiophiles who won’t mind having an additional set of true wireless earbuds if the quality is there.
The Pro X has a distinctive rectangular design, much like a stereo speaker. I opted for the small tips, which created a comfortable seal. The buds are also lighter than I expected and sat well for extended periods of listening. Speaking of extended periods, each bud carries eight hours of battery life with an additional 16 in the case for a total of 24 hours. This puts them a little behind the AirPods 4’s five hours on board and 25 in the case for a total listening experience of 30 hours. The Pro X is also IP55 certified for water and dust resistance and connects to your device of choice via Bluetooth 5.3, Android Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, SBC, AAC or LDAC.
There are touch controls on the side of each bud and a physical control on the bottom. These can be configured through the app, which is busy, and full of extra features but easily navigable. Sonically you get five presets and an eight-band equaliser but the ‘find my buds’ feature is almost as useful.
The microphone performs well on calls in controlled conditions. It loses clarity in tests in louder settings but not so much that you won’t be able to keep up if you’re on the move from a park to a noisy street to a bar. Speaking of noise, the noise cancelling here is average, enough to make sure you don’t get distracted in the office, but nothing exceptional in the real world.
Finally for the sound quality itself, it’s fair to say Status has learned from previous iterations like the 3ANC and delivered a carefully balanced listening experience. If you’re not given to playing with the app, the default settings are clear and balanced. If you do want more bass a quick tap on the EQ will make sure your needs are met.
The Status Pro X are comfortable, resilient and if you’re listening indoors they’re a perfect listening companion, and have become my preferred option. You might balk at the €299 price tag for general use, but if you’re looking for premium, you’ll get it here.
Niall Kitson
Ltd
