Disclaimer: Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review
does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are
based on my personal preferences.
This unit is part of a review tour by the Mindanao Audio Club and was provided by HiFiGo. All opinions are my own and remain independent.
Introduction
AFUL is still one of those brand names that makes me pause every time I read it. Not exactly the most graceful name out there, but they’ve been getting more attention lately in the IEM space.
This is also my first time trying anything from the brand, so I went into the Explorer with no real expectations. Just wanted to see what they’re about and how they perform in day-to-day use.
Pros
✔️ Smooth, warm-balanced tuning that’s easy to listen to
✔️ Good bass weight without bleeding into the mids
✔️ Non-fatiguing treble for long listening sessions
✔️ Solid build with comfortable shell shape
✔️ Decent imaging and stage for casual gaming
Cons
❌ Plug jacket issue on review unit (see notes below)
❌ Slightly relaxed mids, not very forward
❌ Treble may be too safe for trebleheads
What’s in the box
- AFUL Explorer IEMs
- Detachable cable (3.5 mm or 4.4 mm depending on variant)
- Multiple pairs of silicone eartips
- Carry case
General Usage Impressions
The Explorer uses an ergonomic resin shell that sits comfortably in the ear. Fit should be easy for most people unless you have very small ears. I didn’t run into any sharp edges or pressure points, so longer listening sessions were not an issue.
Isolation is about average for a vented IEM, and the vents help prevent that clogged or pressurized feeling.
The included cable is perfectly usable. It’s not anything fancy, but it does the job without getting in the way.
During my time with the unit, the plug jacket slid off and exposed a yellowish inner material that looks like resin or adhesive. From what I understand, other reviewers in the tour also received the unit in a similar condition. It didn’t affect sound during my use, but it’s still worth noting.
Sound Impressions
- Tuning: Overall it leans warm and pretty smooth. Nothing really jumps out as aggressive. It’s more of a relaxed listen than something you’d use to pick apart every tiny detail.
- Bass: There’s a bit of sub-bass presence and some mid-bass punch that gives the sound some weight. Not a basshead set, but it doesn’t feel thin either.
- Mids: The mids sit a little behind the bass. Vocals are still clear enough, just not very forward.
- Treble: Treble plays it safe. I didn’t run into any harshness or sibilance, though it also doesn’t have a lot of extra sparkle.
- Technicalities: Decent for the price. Stage has some width and imaging is good enough to keep track of instruments.
- Gaming: Works fine for casual FPS and general gaming. Positional cues are easy enough to pick up.
Final Thoughts
The AFUL Explorer is a relaxed, easygoing set that focuses more on smoothness and comfort than raw detail or excitement. It’s the kind of IEM you can listen to for hours without fatigue.
It’s probably not the first choice if you’re chasing ultra-detailed or bright tuning, but if you want something warm, smooth, and easy to live with, it does the job well. The small plug issue on my unit is worth mentioning, though it may just be a one-off QC thing.
Technical Specifications
- Driver: Hybrid multi-driver configuration
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: ~108 dB/mW
- Distortion: <1%
- Shell Material: Resin
- Cable: Detachable braided cable
- Connector Type: 2-pin 0.78 mm
- Plug Type: 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm
Sources Used
- PC + FiiO K11 R2R
- Snowsky Echo Mini
- Xiaomi 13T + Letshuoer DT03
Songs Used
- オトノケ - Otonoke / Creepy Nuts
- bury a friend / Billie Eilish
- goosebumps / Travis Scott
- Giorgio by Moroder / Daft Punk
- Ain’t It Fun / Paramore
- Hello / Adele
- ピースサイン - Peace Sign / Kenshi Yonezu
- Ref:rain / Aimer
- 革命道中 - On The Way / AiNA THE END
- Love poem / IU
- Perfect Night / Le Sserafim
- SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK / Joji
- Sparkle - movie ver. / Radwimps