On this evaluate, we’re taking the shiny new FiiO Snowsky Anytime for a spin, a light-weight noise-cancelling headphone offered for simply $39,99 USD.
Disclaimer: the FiiO Snowsky Anytime ANC was despatched to us freed from cost by the model, in alternate for our trustworthy opinion.
Snowsky (by FiiO)
All the time in movement, FiiO by no means appears to decelerate relating to increasing its lineup. From high-end streamer just like the S15, to turntable with the TT13, and even DAP with their new FiiO M21, the model retains on pushing hits after hits each month, elevating the value (and efficiency) bar on the similar time – however for good causes.
But, the staff additionally continues to discover extra reasonably priced choices, via numerous sub-brands although. Manufacturers like Jade Audio, and now Snowsky.
Formally launched in 2024, Snowsky is FiiO’s new lifestyle-oriented label, aiming to deliver modern, stylish, and accessible merchandise to a wider viewers. Whereas Jade Audio targeted on entry-level IEMs and dongles, Snowsky units its sights on a unique crowd, aiming at tremendous small, tremendous reasonably priced gadgets – even when these new merchandise seem to be spin-off of FiiO classical fashions.
And if the earlier Snowsky Retro Nano and Echo Mini left an excellent impression to the staff – the primary one even incomes a HFN suggestion – I used to be fairly curious to test that new line-up myself.
FiiO Snowsky Anytime
So when FiiO requested if we had been to attempt their new Snowsky Anytime, the model’s first critical try at capturing the mainstream Bluetooth headphone market with a compact, on-ear, ANC-equipped mannequin, I jumped on the event. And whereas it clearly targets informal listeners, the function set remained spectacular, in classical FiiO trend: Bluetooth 5.4, ANC, embedded recreation mode, and as much as 58 hours of battery life.
A fashion-forward Bluetooth headphone with stable roots in critical audio? Time to seek out out.
Design
Glamorous, this was my first impression after I unboxed the Snowsky Anytime. Poles aside from the FiiO FT1 Professional I reviewed a couple of time in the past, this tremendous transportable headset fully embraced retro design, just like the Wind earlier than him.
Small, shiny and pop, the brand new headphone clearly stands aside from the same old audiophile design cues. In reality, with its compact kind issue and glossy end, it feels extra like a contemporary tackle previous fashions just like the AKG K450 than anything, but cleaner, sturdier, and a completely wi-fi.
Weighing simply 157g, the Anytime remained featherlight on the top whereas nonetheless providing a reassuring construct, because of the steel-reinforced headband, properly built-in cup hinges, and flat rotating on-ear pads for simpler storage.
Surprisingly, the shiny end wasn’t as fingerprint-prone as I anticipated, and whereas I often want matte or textured surfaces, this one didn’t really feel slippery or plasticky. There’s even a refined rubberized layer inside the headscarf that helps with grip and provides to the general consolation, particularly throughout longer classes.
So yeah, not your typical audiophile aesthetic, however a refreshing change of tempo.
Construct High quality
I’ll be trustworthy, for the value, I didn’t have excessive hopes for this headphone. However, to my very own shock, the Snowsky Anytime didn’t give off that low-cost, airplane headset vibe, just like the Koss Porta Professional or the even flimsier EQ-001 from We Are Rewind.
Quite the opposite, the shiny shell, mixed with the metal headband, gave a stable impression in hand, with sufficient weight to be thought-about “a real headphone” and never just a few low-cost toy you’d eliminate after only one attempt. Certain, it’s form of shiny and the “Retro Y2K Type” won’t suit your regular audiophile aesthetic, however for youthful listeners or hipsters searching for a stable, handsome headset, this can be a stable possibility.
In reality, even after a couple of weeks of “tough” use – there’s no pouch for this one – buried in my bag, the Anytime didn’t appear to exhibit any indicators of abuse. Identical goes for the earpads, coated with a super-soft, skin-friendly layer of fake leather-based, which stored their plushiness even after being pressed by my pc on the backside of my bag for hours throughout my workdays.
Good work thus far.
Contained in the field
Marketed as an entry-level, Bluetooth ANC headphone, I didn’t count on a lot by way of bundle from the Snowsky Anytime – much more for $39 USD.
And, I used to be confirmed proper. Within the field you get:
- the Snowsky Anytime
- an USB-C to USB-A cable
- some primary documentation (fast begin information, Guarantee card)
- and… that’s it
So yeah, not probably the most expansive bundle, however frankly, you gained’t want extra.
Every day use – Consolation
Again to fundamentals! In an period the place circumaural headphones are the norm, going again to an on-ear headphone felt a bit unusual at first… till I received used to it.
Light-weight, well-balanced, and fitted with plush earpads, the Snowsky Anytime was straightforward to put on – even all day lengthy. Certain, I’d nonetheless want utilizing the FiiO FT1 or in-ears just like the AirPods Professional 2 each day, however for anybody on the lookout for a fast on/off Bluetooth headphone, this new mannequin could possibly be a intelligent possibility.
The scarf was straightforward to regulate, clamping pressure was spot on – neither too tight nor too free – and even with my glasses on, I by no means felt any discomfort or stress on the higher a part of my ears.
Bonus level for the buttons: spherical and straightforward to achieve, I by no means had the feeling that I needed to test which was what, because it typically happen on Bluetooth headphones.
Let’s take a look at the isolation now.
Isolation
Regardless of its entry-level positioning, the Snowsky Anytime nonetheless comes geared up with full-fledged Lively Noise Cancelling.
Three modes can be found: ANC Off, Transparency, and ANC On. As anticipated, the ANC On mode didn’t work miracles, nevertheless it did assist scale back low-end rumbles – particularly in transport – making the headphone extra nice to make use of each day. Excessive-frequency sounds, nonetheless, nonetheless made their manner via.
The Transparency mode didn’t supply a lot distinction in comparison with ANC Off, other than a slight enhance in higher mids and voices, which helped throughout fast conversations or when strolling on the street. However I wouldn’t depend on it for crystal-clear consciousness of your environment.
Passive isolation, then again, turned out to be pretty first rate. Whereas nowhere close to in-ear ranges, it nonetheless surpassed fashions just like the traditional FiiO FT1, which lack the Anytime’s comfortable match and on-ear seal.
All in all, contemplating the sub-$40 price ticket, it’s a fairly handy setup – particularly whenever you issue within the full wi-fi + ANC combo.
Battery life
As soon as once more, the Snowsky Anytime managed to shock me – this time with its battery life.
Formally rated for 58 hours with out ANC and 35 hours with noise cancelling turned on, the headphone simply lasted a full week of each day use without having a single recharge. For a $39 Bluetooth headset, that’s fairly spectacular.
Certain, there’s no fast-charging right here and a full cost takes about 2 hours, however contemplating the value and meant utilization, that’s completely acceptable. Extra importantly, because of its auto-standby function, I may go away the Anytime related to my cellphone all day lengthy with out killing the battery. That manner, the headset was at all times able to go once I wanted it.
Briefly? It gained’t change your fast-charging earbuds, however for city use or occasional listening, the Snowsky Anytime does the job – and does it effectively.
Specs
40mm driver + In-Home DSP
For this new mannequin, FiiO didn’t attempt to push boundaries or introduce fancy specs. As a substitute, the model went for a tried-and-true 40mm dynamic driver, with none unique supplies or uncommon design options. Easy, efficient, and tailor-made for this sort of product.
Upstream, nonetheless, you’ll discover a customized in-house DSP, tuned by the identical acoustic engineers chargeable for FiiO’s conventional lineup. And whereas this isn’t a headphone designed to wow purists, that tuning offers it a transparent edge over generic funds fashions, making certain a clear, balanced sound out of the field.
On paper, the Anytime ought to not less than match classics just like the Koss PortaPro – and with the additional advantage of DSP correction, wi-fi connectivity, and ANC assist, there’s purpose to consider it may do even higher in each day use
Bluetooth 5.4 with Recreation Mode
No surprises right here, the Snowsky Anytime comes geared up with a Bluetooth 5.4 chipset – an Axtech JL7006F, the newest commonplace accessible as of in the present day – providing higher energy effectivity, prolonged vary, and decrease latency in comparison with earlier variations. Sadly, neither aptX nor LDAC seems to be supported on the little headphones, solely SBC and AAC, however once more this could come as no shock for a sub $40 headphone.
On the nice aspect, for these utilizing the headphone with their smartphone or console, Snowsky gifted the Anytime a devoted Recreation Mode, designed to cut back audio lag throughout video playback or gaming classes. It’s not fairly aptX Adaptive or LC3 territory but, nevertheless it’s a welcome addition at this worth level, particularly for informal customers.
In real-life use, I didn’t encounter any main dropouts or sync points. Connection was fast, steady, and pairing with a number of gadgets labored as anticipated: nothing groundbreaking, however every thing you want is right here – and it really works.
Let’s breakdown the complete specs, earlier than attending to the listening session.
Full specs
- Mannequin: Snowsky Anytime
- Kind: Bluetooth headphone
- Type: ANC On-ear
- Drivers: 40mm dynamic driver
- Bluetooth chip: Axtech JL7006F
- Assist: Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC/AAC)
- Materials : TPE cups, metal headband, soft-touch TPE cowl, breathable pleather earpads
- Battery specs: 500mAh
- Battery life: 58h (ANC Off), 35h (ANC On), 50h (ANC On, no music), 300h (standby)
- Sound Isolation (as much as): -27dB
- I/O: USB-C (cost solely), quantity up/down, energy on/off, ANC On/Off/Transparency
- Weight: round 155g
- Dimension: 180 x 160 x 62mm
- Value: $39,99 USD
The article continues on Web page two, after the clicking right here, or after the soar
Web page 1: About FiiO, Design & Construct High quality, Consolation, Specs
Web page 2: Sound efficiency, Conclusion
