After testing Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds, I’ve found them to be a fascinating glimpse into the future of portable audio technology — albeit with some growing pains at this early stage. The $149.99 buds — often discounted — represent one of the first consumer implementations of xMEMS solid-state driver technology. But the impressive audio quality doesn’t make these earbuds as great as they could be because of other shortcomings.
Aurvana Ace 2 came out about a year ago, but this marks my first time experiencing xMEMS Labs micro speakers I’ve written about several times, so I was happy to try them out.
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Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds review
These lightweight in-ear earbuds feature an xMEMS micro speaker combined with a dynamic driver. They feature Bluetooth LE Audio, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, adaptive ANC, Ambient Mode, up to 24 hours battery life and built-in mics.
- Great high-register sound
- Comfortable fit
- Average noise cancellation
- Iffy tap controls
- So-so app
Creative Labs’ Aurvana Ace 2 noise-canceling earbuds feature a striking aesthetic with transparent black plastic adorned with copper-gold accents, including the gleaming interior of the transparent black wireless charging case. They might be a little flashy or even a bit cheesy for some people. The headline with these, though, is they pack an xMEMS Labs solid-state micro speaker as a driver for higher-register sound, along with a custom dynamic driver for the lower end. Not many earbuds have xMEMS speakers yet, but the list is likely to grow, and headphones and other audio gear may gain other xMEMS Labs micro speakers and other solid-state technology like micro fans soon, too. But aside from impressive sound quality, these buds are average, at best.
Table of contents: Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds review
- Sound quality: xMEMS gets 5 stars
- Controls, app experience and comfort
- OK noise cancellation
- Ho-hum battery life and decent connectivity
- Value and verdict
Sound quality: xMEMS gets 5 stars
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
Here’s where things get interesting. The dual-driver system, combining a 10mm dynamic driver with an xMEMS Cowell solid-state micro speaker that serves as a tweeter, delivers some of the most impressive audio I’ve heard in this price range. The xMEMS technology, which uses the same manufacturing process as computer chips, provides exceptional clarity and detail in the high frequencies.
So here’s an example. When I listened to a 2019 remaster of The Beatles’ Abbey Road with these buds, the percussive snap of the high-hat cymbal chasing a drum run on “Come Together” surprised me with its clarity. That’s mainly because I can’t get that detail as clearly in other earbuds, headphones and speakers in my house. That detailed percussion tends to blend in more. That said, I wouldn’t claim Aurvana Ace 2 blow away AirPods Pro 2, but they seem commensurate, and Creative Labs’ product costs a lot less. I also compared Ace 2 to Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, which might appeal more to fans of heavier bass and overall volume, somewhat at the expense of articulation.
EQ and presets help dial in good sound
Ace 2’s soundstage is spacious for earbuds, offering precise instrument separation and positioning that rivals more expensive hardware. When listening to complex arrangements, I could clearly distinguish individual instruments and their placement in the mix — something that can be challenging for wireless earbuds.
The frequency response reveals robust bass, though you may have to adjust the EQ to get it where you like it. The midrange remains clear and natural, while the treble showcases the xMEMS driver’s capabilities with exceptional detail and air. This creates an engaging listening experience.
One interesting quirk of the xMEMS technology is how it can reveal recording quality, where poorly mixed tracks can sound harsh. You could say the driver’s precision leaves nowhere for imperfections to hide. However, with high-quality source material, the results are remarkable for wireless earbuds in this price range.
Controls, app experience and comfort
The touch controls proved frustrating at times in my testing, sometimes seeming unresponsive or difficult to activate reliably. And the Creative app, while functional, is relatively basic compared to those of competitors. You can use it to customize touch controls, tweak EQ settings and choose from three ANC settings, but it lacks more advanced features found in similarly priced earbuds. An app that skimps on the details and goes really basic with user interface tends to bug me, because I prefer playing in an app to tapping bits of hardware in my ears.
The good news about the buds themselves is they fit comfortably, at least for me. At 4.7g per earbud, they’re notably lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The IPX5 water resistance rating means they can handle sweat and rain without issue.
And one quibble about the charging case: The lid snaps down too easily. I kept accidentally shutting it. One instance where that’s annoying is when I open the case top to pair the buds, then cut off the pairing without meaning to when it snaps shut when jostled slightly.
Ho-hum battery life and decent connectivity
Photo: xMEMS Labs
Battery performance is only OK. I got around 6 hours of playback with ANC off (about 4 hours with ANC on), while the case provides three additional full charges for a total of somewhere around 24 hours. This seems below average for the price point as these features quickly improve in competing products.
On the connectivity front, the earbuds do well with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for numerous codecs, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC. Users with Android devices with the right codec support are certainly covered. And for all, Bluetooth multipoint allows seamless switching between devices, two at once.
OK noise cancellation
The buds’ ANC performance, powered by Qualcomm’s technology, is serviceable but not exceptional. It handles low-frequency sounds like airplane engine noise pretty well — I live a couple miles from a small municipal airport — providing decent sound reduction. It’s simple, though. You get three settings: Adaptive ANC, transparency or off.
However, I experienced some unusual issues with feedback in certain situations, including an occasional high-pitched squeal, just briefly. The transparency mode can sometimes over-amplify environmental sounds.
Value and verdict
At $149.99 when not discounted, Creative Aurvana Ace 2 positions itself as a mid-range option with premium sound quality. While it outperforms many similarly priced competitors in pure audio quality, it falls short in areas like battery life and ANC performance compared to options like AirPods or Sony WF-1000XM4.
Because of the xMEMS driver, Creative Aurvana Ace 2 represents an exciting step forward in portable sound quality. xMEMS Labs delivers on its promise of enhanced detail and clarity, making these earbuds a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality over features. However, the middling battery life, inconsistent controls and basic ANC performance prevent them from being a complete package. They’re best suited for listeners who value audio quality above all else and are willing to accept some compromises in everyday usability.
★★★☆☆
Buy from: Amazon (currently 40% off at $149.99 $89.99)
These lightweight in-ear earbuds feature an xMEMS micro speaker combined with a dynamic driver. They feature Bluetooth LE Audio, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, adaptive ANC, Ambient Mode, up to 24 hours battery life and built-in mics.
- Great high-register sound
- Comfortable fit
- Average noise cancellation
- Iffy tap controls
- So-so app
Creative Labs provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
