The Aarkstore group launched in 2017 the AQL (Audio Quality Lab) brand, a product line dedicated to the world of music, which seeks to interpret and meet the needs of all fans: people of all ages, genders and economic possibilities.
Composed of more than 90 references between headphones, headphones and speakers that combine technological innovation and distinctive design, each product in this range has unique features to satisfy all types of users. Among the new products are the ESCAPE True Wireless Headphones.
It is a product that promises clear audio without background noise (Environment Noise Cancelling), allowing both the user and the person with whom he/she is on duty to clearly perceive the voice without distortion or annoying metallic effects.
But is it really like that? Find out in our review!
Sales package
The sales package is pretty neat. It is a solid cardboard box with a rather sturdy look. Once the outer box is opened, we find ourselves in front of the product protected by a very normal plastic lid.
To open it, it is necessary to use a cutter, as it does not have the classic closing seal (which can be easily opened) but a notched trapdoor to follow (with precision) to access the product. An unusual choice in this type of packaging. In our opinion it would have been better to place the seals on the outside of the box, since once cut the plastic blist is practically unusable. In addition, there is a small box inside with the (rather short) USB Type-C cable and instructions.
Having said that (which naturally doesn't affect the usability and functionality of the product), what we're interested in is for you to find out whether the ESCAPE headphones can do for you or not.
Technical features
As far as technological equipment is concerned, ESCAPE headphones are not cutting corners, on the contrary.
Specifically, they feature the following:
- Ambient noise cancellation technology: reduces ambient noise during calls for high audio quality;
- True wireless technology: to connect both Bluetooth headsets at the same time without wires;
- Dual master: answer and initiate a call with either the right or left earpiece;
- Automatic pairing: once you remove the headphones from the case, they automatically connect to each other;
- Charging case x6: the charging case allows you to charge both earphones up to 6 times for 30 hours of playback time;
- Qualcomm aptX: technology designed to improve Bluetooth sound quality;
- Touch controls: touch controls to better manage music and calls.
- Frequency response 20Hz - 20,000Hz
- Range 10mt
So, this is quite an interesting set of features.
Connectivity
The True Wireless ESCAPE headphones, once removed from the case (small, light and very handy, you can keep the headphones steady even if you have to leave the flap open) are ready for action. By activating Bluetooth on your device (we tested them with a Samsung Galaxy Note 9) pairing is almost immediate. You can use the right earbud, left earbud or in pairs. The Bluetooth version is 5.0.
If you arelistening to music, for example, with Spotify, and for whatever reason you have to pause the song, simply put the two headphones back in the case and playback will stop automatically. It's not an ultra-fast function (it takes a couple of seconds) but we really appreciate it, as it avoids having to turn the smartphone screen back on. In the case of receiving a call, what to do is to remove one or both earphones from the box, they will hook to the device, allowing the user to answer in an instant.
The range of 10 meters is correct. We have walked away from the cell phone several times and have not encountered hesitation or uncertainty of any kind.
Sound performance
Not being in-ear headphones (here the Cellularline Blink Bluetooth in-ear headphones review) but with the classic "stick" shape, the results are a bit subjective. It depends on how they are placed on the ears, the size of the ears, and whether or not the design of the earbuds may be annoying to each particular person. However, the dimensions are very small and, in fact, in our test we did not experience any pain nor did we have to remove the headphones during playback. Moreover, they remain stable in the case of making sudden movements or during training sessions.
The AQL headphones with True Wireless ESCAPE promise deep and very powerful bass, which is true but with certain reservations. Let us explain better. The product sounds good, but considering the frequency response and Qualcomm aptX technology, not as you would expect. The sound is clean and crystal clear, but to make it immersive, it is necessary to play a bit with the positioning and, above all, as it is not possible to adjust the volume of the headphones, it is mandatory to increase the volume of your smartphone. This forced us to increase it a bit above the "red threshold" or beyond the "safe" blue line that indicates to the user that the volume is too high.
That said, the overall quality is good. We tested the product with different genres of music including: Rock, Metal, Rap, Rap, Classical, Dance, Electronic music and so on and overall we were satisfied with it. Paradoxically, the bass is less "boomy" than advertised by the manufacturer, while the treble and mids are quite balanced, allowing you to hear almost all facets of the sound.
Standalone performance
When it comesto calls, the ESCAPE headphones are perfect. Whether you're at home or on the go, the other party can hear your voice clearly and without background noise. Apparently, the ambient noise cancellation technology does its job. Even the caller can easily hear who is on the other end of the handset.
Tactile functionality
The ESCAPE is also equipped with touch controls. Specifically, during music playback it is possible, by pressing and holding down the right earpiece, to move to the next song, and vice versa, by pressing and holding down the left one, to go back to the previous song; to pause, instead, it is necessary to press the touch control twice (left or right). On the other hand, to accept a call, simply press the touch key twice (the same for hanging up) or reject it by holding down the touch key for about 2 seconds. Finally, to access the voice assistant, simply press the touch control on one of the two earpieces three times.
In short, functions that we can find on several headsets with touch functionality and that we find comfortable and responsive on the ESCAPE. Caution, if you lie on the edge of the bed you run the risk (as happened to the writer) of turning up the volume without realizing it and hurting your eardrum.
Finalconclusion
The AQL True ESCAPE wireless headphones are priced at 69,95 €, in line with the market. The manufacturer has spared no expense to offer a functional device capable of adapting to both those who seek headphones for the pure pleasure of listening to music and those who need them for calls. They are comfortable and lightweight, the touch controls work well and the battery life is really good. It's a pity that for bass we encounter a lower performance than expected, but ultimately, the audio quality is convincing. Let it be clear that you should not expect a device for music lovers, but, for those who listen to music during business trips or for pleasure and for those who make many calls, they are fine.
