Soundpeats CC3 Pro brings dual-driver audio to $70 clip-on earbuds

The new Soundpeats CC3 Pro takes a slightly different approach to open-ear audio, pairing a 12 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver with a 9 mm ceramic piezoelectric driver. The former handles bass and lower frequencies, while the latter focuses on high-frequency detail.Unlike conventional in-ear models, the CC3 Pro clips around the ear without sealing the ear canal, allowing users to hear their surroundings. Each earbud weighs approximately 5.5 grams according to Soundpeats, with a flexible memory-steel core and soft silicone contact surfaces.

Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, physical buttons and IPX6 water resistance round out the specifications. The charging case supports wireless charging, while a 10-minute top-up reportedly provides three hours of playback.

Soundpeats advertises up to 10 hours of listening per charge and 44 hours with the case. However, independent testing found that enabling LDAC reduced playback to roughly 5.5 hours, while also disabling multipoint and some additional features.

The CC3 Pro is available through Amazon from October 28, priced at $69.99 in the US, £75.99 in the UK and €79.99 in Europe. Soundpeats is offering two separate launch promotions: customers who purchase the CC3 Pro between October 28 and November 4 can claim a free limited-edition panda protective case, while a separate Amazon promotion offers up to 30% off with the code PRCC3PRO until November 30.

The dual-driver setup sounds promising, but whether it can overcome the usual bass limitations of open-ear earbuds is another matter. Sometimes keeping the outside world audible comes at a price.