iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 Review: Ambitious AI, Mixed Execution
The iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 are among the most ambitious true wireless earbuds released in 2024, featuring a hybrid design that blends traditional earbuds with a touchscreen charging case powered by Android OS. Marketed as AI-enhanced and voice assistant–driven, these buds go far beyond standard audio—offering translation, fitness tracking, voice messaging, and more, all controlled from the case.
On paper, it sounds revolutionary. In practice, the AB02 earbuds deliver a mix of innovation and rough edges. Their sound quality and ANC are good, not great. The touchscreen case is unique, but it adds complexity and bulk. Voice assistant features are powerful when they work, but reliability varies based on environment and connectivity.
For tech enthusiasts willing to experiment with bleeding-edge features, the AB02 are fascinating. But they’re not for everyone. Audiophiles and users seeking a plug-and-play experience may be better off with simpler alternatives.
MSRP (when available or best estimate): $329
Price: Check Price on Amazon
✅ iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 Pros
✅ Truly Unique Smart Case
Runs Android OS with touchscreen, apps, and LTE SIM support.
✅ Advanced AI Assistant Features
Voice messaging, translation, scheduling, and fitness prompts.
✅ Good Hybrid ANC
Blocks most ambient sound in real-world environments.
✅ Decent Audio Quality
Balanced sound with punchy low end and clear mids.
✅ On-Device Translation
Works without phone connection using LTE.
✅ Wireless Charging Support
Qi-compatible with USB-C fallback.
✅ Multipoint Connectivity
Switch between devices fairly smoothly.
✅ Voice Wake and Commands
Trigger assistant hands-free in multiple languages.
❌ iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 Cons
❌ Bulky Charging Case
Too large for pockets and adds weight.
❌ Inconsistent Voice Assistant Performance
Lags and misfires in noisy or low-signal conditions.
❌ Average Battery Life
About 5 hours per charge with ANC.
❌ Fit May Not Be Universal
Bulky buds can be uncomfortable in small ears.
❌ Software Bugs and Glitches
Case UI occasionally lags or crashes.
❌ Sound Quality Lacks Refinement
Clear but less dynamic than premium rivals.
❌ Touchscreen Adds Complexity
Not everyone wants Android in their pocket.
❌ Learning Curve
Steeper setup and customization process than traditional earbuds.
Key AI-Powered Features
iKKO ActiveBuds AB02
- Smart Assistant Built into Case - Android-powered assistant for scheduling, weather, messages.
- Real-Time Translation - Supports multiple languages through on-device processing or app.
- Fitness Prompts and Health Data - AI offers walking reminders and light health coaching.
- Voice Control Integration - Multilingual voice recognition for app access and controls.
- Adaptive ANC Tuning - Learns your environment to modify ANC strength.
- Custom Sound Profiles - AI analyzes hearing and adapts EQ accordingly.
How Smart is the AI?
iKKO ActiveBuds AB02
The iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 AI ambition is unmatched in the current earbud market. Rather than rely on your phone’s assistant, these earbuds use a dedicated Android OS running inside the case to handle voice queries, apps, and translations independently. This makes them feel more like a wearable computer than just headphones.
Real-time translation is a standout feature, working even without a connected smartphone when the case has an LTE SIM inserted. While latency is slightly higher than with Google or Apple integrations, it’s still impressive for travelers or multilingual users. Voice queries work well in quiet spaces but can struggle with recognition in crowded environments.
The AI’s fitness coaching and smart prompts feel more like a novelty, offering reminders to stretch, walk, or drink water. It’s a clever idea but lacks the personalization or depth seen in dedicated health apps. Custom ANC and sound profiles are solid—learning from usage patterns and adjusting dynamically over time. Still, there’s a sense that iKKO is ahead of the curve but still refining the formula.
Performance & User Experience
iKKO ActiveBuds AB02
Sound Quality & AI Enhancement
The sound profile is slightly V-shaped, with boosted bass and sharp highs. Mids are slightly recessed, but vocals come through clearly. There’s good stereo separation, though not much depth in the soundstage. Casual listeners will likely enjoy the tuning, but it’s not detailed enough for critical listening.
Custom EQ via AI tuning works decently. The earbuds analyze your hearing sensitivity and offer preset profiles, but changes are subtle. Bass response is solid, especially in EDM and hip-hop, though high frequencies can become a bit harsh at high volume.
Spatial audio effects are absent, which limits immersion for movies or games. However, for music streaming and podcasts, the AB02s deliver clean, enjoyable playback with minimal distortion.
ANC Performance & Transparency Mode
ANC performance is good, thanks to hybrid feedforward and feedback microphones. The earbuds handle low-end hums and consistent background noise well, making them useful in planes, offices, or commutes. Adaptive tuning responds to environmental changes, although with a slight delay.
Transparency mode is functional but feels artificial. Voices come through clearly enough for brief conversations, but there’s a faint electronic hiss and a touch of latency. You can toggle ANC modes via the earbuds or the touchscreen, though switching modes takes a second or two.
Battery Life & Comfort
The iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 Battery life is average: about 5 hours with ANC and 6.5 without. The case adds roughly 20 additional hours, depending on usage. However, powering the Android OS also draws energy, and if used heavily, the touchscreen may need charging more often than expected.
Comfort is decent but not universal. The earbuds are relatively large, and users with smaller ears may feel pressure after an hour or two. The included tips help with fit, but isolation depends on getting the right seal. The bulk and weight may not suit athletes or those needing all-day comfort.
Microphone & Call Quality
Call quality is solid indoors but weakens outdoors. In quiet rooms, voice pickup is clear, and AI filtering removes most ambient noise. Outdoors, wind and traffic pose more of a challenge, and the voice assistant can struggle with accuracy.
You can initiate calls or messages via voice alone, which is convenient when walking or multitasking. The case's UI lets you review missed calls and notifications—a novel feature, but not something most users will rely on heavily.
Final Verdict
iKKO ActiveBuds AB02
The iKKO ActiveBuds AB02 are one of the most unique audio products released in recent memory. With a fully functional Android touchscreen case and voice-first AI approach, they attempt to redefine what earbuds can do.
For early adopters and tech tinkerers, there’s plenty to enjoy: real-time translation, smart assistant features, customizable sound, and solid ANC. But for everyday users, the extra features might feel like too much. The earbuds themselves are good—not great—but wrapped in a shell of innovation that hints at where the market could go.
These are earbuds for the curious, not the cautious. If you're okay with some rough edges and crave something new, they’re worth a try.
Additional Information
This review is based on research, expert analysis, and user feedback. AI Reviews HQ does not conduct hands-on product testing. We may earn a commission from the links in this review. We do our best to provide accurate product details, however AI is not perfect and may make some mistakes in research. Please double-check with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing. Check out the product page