The wireless headphone market has become increasingly competitive, with affordable models now offering features that were once reserved for more expensive options. The SonicGear AuraClear 5 is a good example of this, packing active noise cancellation (ANC), LDAC support and Bluetooth 6.0 into a pair of over-ear headphones priced at just RM259.
At this price point, the AuraClear 5 is clearly aimed at users looking for a practical everyday headphone without spending too much. After spending time with it, the combination of features, comfort and audio performance makes it an interesting option for budget-conscious users.
Design
The SonicGear AuraClear 5 takes a straightforward approach to its design. It features a minimalist matte plastic construction that keeps the headphones lightweight while giving them a clean, understated appearance.
The headphones also feature a foldable structure, making them easier to store or carry around when travelling. The clamping force is well balanced, providing enough pressure to keep the headphones secure without feeling overly tight.
Comfort is another strong point. The ear cushions are soft and provide sufficient padding around the ears, making the AuraClear 5 suitable for extended listening sessions. Whether it is used while working, watching videos or listening to music, the headphones remain comfortable without creating excessive pressure. However, I do hope that its ear cups can be bigger since I have big ears.
Audio Performance
For its price, the AuraClear 5 offers a surprisingly enjoyable listening experience. Its sound signature is lively, though the bass is slightly lacking, which also means it doesn’t completely overwhelm the vocals.
Vocals remain clear and easy to follow, while the treble is clean enough to provide additional detail. This makes the headphones versatile for different types of content, from music and podcasts to videos and games.
One of the biggest highlights is support for LDAC Hi-Res Audio. When paired with a compatible Android device, LDAC can provide higher-quality wireless audio with greater detail compared to standard Bluetooth codecs. In certain scenarios, I do find that listening via wired has better audio quality than wireless.
It is worth noting that the benefits of LDAC depend on the source device and content, but having the option at this price is certainly a welcome addition.
The AuraClear 5 also comes with active noise cancellation rated at up to -38dB. In everyday use, the ANC performs well against consistent low-frequency sounds such as air-conditioning units, fans and general office background noise.
This makes the headphones useful for working in an office, studying or simply creating a quieter environment while listening to music.
However, like many headphones in this price range, the ANC is less effective against sudden or higher-frequency sounds. It should therefore be viewed as a useful feature for reducing background noise rather than completely blocking out everything around you.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the AuraClear 5 delivers reasonable endurance. With ANC enabled, the headphones can provide around 20 to 24 hours of playback, while switching ANC off increases battery life to up to 30 hours.
Charging is handled through USB-C, making it convenient if you already carry a USB-C cable for your other devices.
Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0, which provides a stable wireless connection while also supporting low-latency performance. This makes the headphones suitable not only for music but also for watching videos and other everyday applications where a responsive connection is useful.
Final Words
At RM259, the SonicGear AuraClear 5 offers a compelling combination of features for its price. LDAC support, ANC, Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C charging, and up to 30 hours of battery life give it specifications that would have been difficult to find at this price point a few years ago.
Its lightweight design and comfortable ear cushions also make it a practical choice for long listening sessions, while the lively sound signature should appeal to users who enjoy energetic bass and clear vocals.
The ANC is not perfect, particularly with sudden high-frequency sounds, but it performs well enough against the constant background noise commonly encountered in offices and other environments.
Overall, the SonicGear AuraClear 5 is a feature-packed pair of wireless headphones that focuses on delivering as much functionality as possible without pushing the price beyond RM259. For users looking for an affordable over-ear wireless headphone with ANC and LDAC support, it is certainly worth considering.
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