XROUND FORGE PRO

XROUND was founded in Taiwan in 2015 and, according to the maker, has grown to more than 1.2 million users worldwide across noise-cancelling, sports and gaming earbuds. With FORGE PRO, the company says it wants to end the need to switch between different earbuds for different situations.

Noise control that adapts

The maker describes a smart, environment-adaptive ANC system that analyses ambient noise in real time and adjusts cancellation strength automatically. It applies heavy reduction on a subway platform and eases off in a quiet office. XROUND quotes noise reduction of up to −50dB and says a control function prevents over-cancellation during long sessions. An AI-driven adaptive ambient mode is meant to pass through announcements, car horns and conversation while suppressing construction noise, wind and machinery.

For calls, XROUND's Voice Chamber™ uses AI to separate the wearer's voice from background noise. The maker says the algorithm was trained on more than 10 million real-world noise samples. A new 3-in-1 wind-noise countermeasure system targets headwinds and gusts during running and cycling.

Sound and connectivity

Audio comes from a titanium-coated dynamic driver. The earbuds carry Hi-Res Wireless certification and support Sony's LDAC codec at up to 990kbps/24bit/96kHz. XROUND's TurboBass™ Adaptive analyses playback and adjusts the low end according to genre and volume. The MyTune app offers 9 sound modes and stepless sliders for ANC and ambient levels. On the wireless side, the maker lists Bluetooth 5.3, LE Audio support, Class 1 connectivity and multipoint connection to two devices at once.

Built for training

• Dual cycle timer started by a tap on the earbud: a single timer for meditation or rest between sets, and a double timer that alternates work and rest periods for HIIT or running
• IP67 earbuds (the maker says they withstand 30 minutes at 1m depth); IP55 charging case
• Up to 11 hours per charge, up to 38 hours with the case; 5 minutes of fast charging gives about 1 hour of playback
• USB Type-C and Qi wireless charging
• 7 pairs of ear tips (4 comfort S/M/L/XL, 3 bass S/M/L) and 4 ear-hook options (S/M/L plus a hookless silicone cover)