FiiO SNOWSKY Anytime Review

The FiiO SNOWSKY Anytime is packaged in a sleek, glossy cardboard box adorned with artistic illustrations of the headphones on the front. Upon opening, you’ll find a tidy arrangement of minimal contents. I’ve included the headphones, a short USB-C charging cable, and a user manual.

At the heart of the SNOWSKY Anytime are its dual 40mm dynamic drivers, which have been meticulously tuned based on FiiO’s extensive experience in providing high-quality audio, while also catering to the tuning preferences of the average listener.

Like many wireless headphones and in-ear monitors, the Anytime features Bluetooth 5.4 support, which offers reduced power consumption and enhanced performance, albeit with limited compatibility for SBC and AAC codecs.

Featuring specialized game and music modes, this also offers the Anytime model with sufficiently low latency to accommodate gaming and video-watching scenarios.

In line with providing high-quality features at a reasonable cost, the Anytime headphones are equipped with both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes, enhancing their adaptability for use in bustling coffee shops or while strolling through city centers.

The design of the SNOWSKY Anytime strikes a balance between minimalist lifestyle aesthetics and understated retro charm. Our review unit in Matte Black showcases a stylish combination of materials and finishes.

The earcups are constructed from matte plastic, which provides a high-quality tactile experience. Although the mirror-finish ring enhances visual appeal, it is susceptible to fingerprints and has a somewhat hollow sensation. Each cup features the SNOWSKY logo subtly printed, adding to a sleek and uncomplicated aesthetic.

Visually, it does not shout audiophile. Instead, it integrates seamlessly with other understated, contemporary lifestyle electronics that are arguably fashionable.

The black plastic casing provides a striking contrast to the brown synthetic leather of the vented foam pads, which are both soft and breathable. Regrettably, the pads cannot be removed.

This design is well-considered, specifically aimed at younger or more casual users who appreciate both style and practicality. Although it may not be considered luxurious, it stands out in terms of construction quality and visual harmony at this price range.

Weighing only 155g, the SNOWSKY Anytime is remarkably lightweight, allowing for comfortable wear during long sessions without causing fatigue. The swiveling and tilting earcups effectively align with your ears, needing minimal adjustment to achieve a snug fit.

Nonetheless, the Anytime remains an on-ear headphone, which implies that you cannot avoid the feeling of the pads pressing directly against your ears. Thankfully, the cushioned foam and soft synthetic leather utilized in this design help prevent discomfort, particularly in cooler environments.

The passive isolation of the Anytime headphones meets expectations for on-ear models. Background sounds, such as conversations or air conditioning, can still be heard. Nevertheless, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature enhances its usability.

With ANC activated, I observed approximately a 70% decrease in ambient noise, which significantly enhanced my ability to concentrate or enjoy media in public environments. I frequently kept ANC on even when not listening to music, as it provided a degree of isolation similar to that of some closed-back over-ear headphones, without the added bulk and wires.

The SNOWSKY Anytime boasts a thoughtfully crafted physical button arrangement that is both user-friendly and responsive. The power button serves multiple functions: turning the device on and off, starting Bluetooth pairing, executing play/pause commands, and launching your voice assistant.

Every transition between modes is signaled by a female voice prompt, which helps verify your current setting without relying on visual indicators.

The buttons are designed to be tactile and clicky, featuring unique shapes and spacing that facilitate easy identification by touch. Their placement is intuitive, and within a few hours of usage, the layout feels instinctive. During regular use, I never accidentally activated the incorrect function.

The battery performance is a notable advantage of the SNOWSKY Anytime. It features a 500 mAh battery, which SNOWSKY claims can provide up to 58 hours of playback with ANC disabled, and approximately 35 hours with ANC enabled.

In real-world usage, these figures remain reliable. With Active Noise Cancellation switched on and off during the day, the Anytime consistently provided 5 days to 1 week of moderate usage before requiring a recharge. Although there is no promoted quick charge capability, the battery depletion occurs slowly and efficiently.

Bluetooth 5.4 provides robust wireless performance on the SNOWSKY Anytime. It allows for simultaneous connection with two devices, and switching between them is effortless. The range is impressive, as I encountered no dropouts even at a distance of 15 meters.

The latency in Normal Mode is already suitable for video playback; however, during my YouTube latency tests, I discovered that switching to Game Mode decreased the delay by approximately 0.1 to 0.2 seconds.

The SNOWSKY Anytime features a V-shaped tuning signature. The bass and treble frequencies are enhanced, whereas the vocals and mid-range string instruments are presented in a muffled and compressed manner.

Although it may not match the resolution and dynamics of more expensive headphones, it provides a pleasant and non-fatiguing audio experience for casual listening.

The SNOWSKY Anytime features an impressive sub-bass extension for a compact on-ear design. It offers a remarkable level of low-end reach, accompanied by a powerful sub-bass that resonates deeply. Fortunately, this bass remains clear and does not become bloated or overwhelming.

The mid-bass performance is lacking. Bass guitars and low-end rhythm sections present themselves with diminished authority, which can result in tracks sounding slightly hollow in genres such as funk or disco, lacking the warm, groovy weight that typically supports the rhythm section.

The midrange is arguably the weakest sonic aspect of the SNOWSKY Anytime. Although the overall tuning tends to favor a secure V-shape, the mids appear to be significantly recessed.

Vocals, particularly male voices, often sound flat and lacking weight or authority. There is a distinct hollowness in how Anytime reproduces string instruments, causing strums and plucks to merge instead of remaining distinct.

The harmonics and resolution in the midrange do not provide a distinct sense of space or separation, which allows each instrument to resonate. In more complex acoustic tracks or orchestral segments, this can result in a presentation that feels constricted and lacking in dynamism.

Nonetheless, a slight boost in the upper midrange enhances the energy and presence of instruments and female vocals. In this regard, the resolution shows a modest enhancement, providing a clearer perception of edge and detail. However, in general, the midrange falls short in terms of refinement, engagement, and natural tonality compared to what higher-quality headphones can offer.

The treble performance of the SNOWSKY Anytime strikes a delicate balance between clarity and sharpness. The cymbals exhibit a bright, airy quality, while the hi-hats deliver a pleasing sparkle, effectively countering the muted midrange and lighter bass response.

In general, although the treble presentation may lack refinement and smoothness, it possesses enough energy to prevent the sound from becoming overly veiled or dull, while also contributing a necessary sense of space to the overall mix.

The SNOWSKY Anytime does not meet expectations in terms of imaging accuracy. Its restricted resolution and absence of harmonic depth hinder the ability to distinguish individual instruments clearly.

In more concentrated mixes, components often merge, resulting in a distinct lack of layering throughout the sound field. Consequently, this creates a somewhat indistinct stereo image, making it challenging to identify the placement of individual instruments accurately.

Nevertheless, it possesses some redeeming features. The directional effects, such as sweeping movements, are executed effectively, giving the Snaowsky Anytime a dynamic quality that is suitable for casual gaming.

The soundstage is reasonably wide for on-ear headphones. It provides an open and spacious presentation that will feel expansive to those accustomed to the more intimate staging of standard IEMs.

For those who value convenience, contemporary features, and an elegant design more than critical listening, the SNOWSKY Anytime presents a compelling option at this price range. It’s loaded with features, providing reliable everyday performance at a compelling price of under $50. With Bluetooth 5.4, active noise cancellation, outstanding wireless range, and top-tier battery life, it presents remarkable value for those mindful of their budget.