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Pioneer SE NC21m Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£25
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Pioneer SE NC21m review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.2

Sound

20.0%

4.7

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

9.1

Battery

4.0%

5.1

Calls & Controls

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 5.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.6

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 6.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.6

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £25

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Pioneer SE-NC21M is a lightweight, on-ear noise-cancelling headphone featuring 30mm driver units and a frequency response of 10Hz to 22,000Hz. These wired headphones are specifically designed for travel, offering an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours of active noise cancellation using a single AAA battery, while still functioning as standard headphones if the power is depleted. Key pros include its ultra-light 120g construction, a compact folding design that fits into an included hard carrying case, and the ability to reduce ambient noise by up to 90%. However, notable cons include an lack of a built-in microphone for calls, a non-detachable 1.5m cable, and reports of flat bass response or modest noise-cancellation performance compared to premium competitors.

Technical Specifications of Pioneer SE NC21m

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

7.2
Pioneer SE NC21m has a technical score of 7.17 points, which is higher than that of 85.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Pioneer SE NC21m has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.0
Pioneer SE NC21m has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 85.4% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pioneer SE NC21m supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

30 mm
Pioneer SE NC21m uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Pioneer SE NC21m uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Pioneer SE NC21m reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Pioneer SE NC21m is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Pioneer SE NC21m supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Pioneer SE NC21m supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Pioneer SE NC21m does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Pioneer SE NC21m does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

120 hours
Pioneer SE NC21m offers battery life with ANC of 120 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 99.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Pioneer
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

120 g
Pioneer SE NC21m weighs 120 g, lighter than 75.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more

Pioneer SE NC21m vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Pioneer SE NC21m supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pioneer SE NC21m supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 90 hours longer ANC battery life
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (120 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (120 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.120 hours vs 30 hours
  • 45% lower weight
    Pioneer SE NC21m is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Pioneer SE NC21m is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.120 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Pioneer SE NC21m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE NC21m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    Pioneer SE NC21m includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE NC21m includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Foldable design
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Pioneer SE NC21m is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    Pioneer SE NC21m is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 45% lower weight
    Pioneer SE NC21m is lighter than the average headphone (120 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Pioneer SE NC21m supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 90 hours longer ANC battery life
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (120 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Pioneer SE NC21m includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    Pioneer SE NC21m includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Pioneer SE NC21m uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Pioneer SE NC21m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 10 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15 dB lower max SPL
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Not headset-ready
    Pioneer SE NC21m is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Pioneer SE NC21m does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 years older release date
    Pioneer SE NC21m was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2012
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Pioneer SE NC21m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE NC21m has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Pioneer SE NC21m does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE NC21m does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 10 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.92 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    Pioneer SE NC21m is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pioneer SE NC21m is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 4.65x less popular
    Pioneer SE NC21m is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Pioneer SE NC21m is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Pioneer SE NC21m uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Pioneer SE NC21m uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 15 dB lower max SPL
    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Pioneer SE NC21m has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.95 dB vs 110 dB
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Pioneer SE NC21m and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pioneer SE NC21m?

  • Extremely long battery life of up to 120 hours on a single AAA battery
  • Lightweight and highly portable due to compact folding design
  • Comfortable for long-duration wear, such as long-haul flights
  • Functional as regular headphones even when the battery is dead
  • Comes with useful accessories including a hard carrying case and in-flight adapter
  • Affordable entry-level price point for active noise-cancelling technology

What customers dislike about Pioneer SE NC21m?

  • Noise cancellation effectiveness is limited, primarily targeting lower frequencies around 300Hz
  • Sound quality is average, with some users reporting flat bass and a lack of depth
  • Activating noise cancellation can noticeably reduce the bass output further
  • Lack of padding on the top of the headband can lead to discomfort for some users
  • Build quality feels somewhat plasticky and less durable than premium competitors
  • Not effective at blocking out sharp or high-pitched surrounding sounds

Expert reviews

K
kopfhoerer.de
24. März 2016
Pioneer SE-NC21M review on kopfhoerer.de

The Pioneer SE-NC21M is an exceptionally lightweight, budget-friendly on-ear headphone that delivers high-quality sound and remarkable comfort. Weighing just 144 grams with its cable, its flexible ear cups and adjustable headband exert very little pressure, making it comfortable for hours of fatigue-free listening. In terms of audio performance, the headphones shine brightest when...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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