Name: Pioneer SE NC31c K
Brand: Pioneer

Technical Specifications of Pioneer SE NC31c K

Overall score

6.8

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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.

Sound

8.1

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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

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

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

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

Calls & Controls

4.7

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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

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

Connectivity

6.2

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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

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

Features

4.7

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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

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

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

Battery

9.1

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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

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

Design

8.1

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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

in-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

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

N/A

Pioneer SE NC31c K vs the average headphone

Why is Pioneer SE NC31c K better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
87.2% lower weight
Pioneer SE NC31c K is lighter than the average headphone (28 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 NC31c K is lighter than the average headphone (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.28 g vs 218 g
13 Hz lower bass extension
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 NC31c K has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
90 hours longer ANC battery life
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K 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
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Pioneer SE NC31c K includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Pioneer SE NC31c K includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
1 more microphones
Pioneer SE NC31c K has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Pioneer SE NC31c K has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 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 NC31c K has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
87.2% lower weight
Pioneer SE NC31c K is lighter than the average headphone (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Active noise cancellation
Pioneer SE NC31c K supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
90 hours longer ANC battery life
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Pioneer SE NC31c K includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Pioneer SE NC31c K includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
1 more microphones
Pioneer SE NC31c K has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.

Why is Pioneer SE NC31c K worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
25.8 mm smaller driver size
Pioneer SE NC31c K has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
Not headset-ready
Pioneer SE NC31c K is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Pioneer SE NC31c K does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 older release date
Pioneer SE NC31c K was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2011
25.8 mm smaller driver size
Pioneer SE NC31c K has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 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 NC31c K has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.14.2 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
Pioneer SE NC31c K 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 NC31c K is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
49.6% lower user score
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.35 vs 8.000).
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.
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.35 vs 8.000).5.35 vs 8
6 older release date
Pioneer SE NC31c K was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
March 2011
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Pioneer SE NC31c K was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

3.0

73 Reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Pioneer SE NC31c K?

Effective noise cancellation for low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and train rumbles
Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 120 hours on a single AAA battery
Strong value for money, often cited as a significantly cheaper alternative to premium brands like Bose
Excellent sound quality with rich bass and clear high/mid tones for its price point
Compact and lightweight design, making them highly portable for travel
Useful 'monitor' button that mutes music and disables noise cancelling to hear surroundings

What customers dislike about Pioneer SE NC31c K?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) struggle with higher frequencies such as human voices
Bulky in-line battery compartment can be difficult to clip to clothing without pockets
Comfort issues for some users due to large plastic housing that may cause ear fatigue during long sessions
Noticeable 'hiss' or white noise when ANC is enabled in quiet environments
Variable build quality reported, with some users experiencing early mechanical or wiring failures

Expert reviews

bestearphonesguide.co.uk

01/01/2024

Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones: Pioneer SE-NC31C

The Bose Quiet Comfort 20 earphones are the top-rated selection for noise cancellation on the market, featuring a stunning, detailed design and an unrivaled active circuitry system. Pros include its exceptional noise cancellation capabilities, a control block with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 16 hours, and a dedicated smartphone compatibility setup split into two distinct...Read more

connect.de

07/03/2014

The best noise-cancelling headphones reviewed - connect

This 2014 review by connect ranks the top ten active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones, evaluating their noise suppression, comfort, battery life, and sound quality. The top spots belong to Audio-Technica and Sony, with the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC1 taking first place due to its highly efficient QuietPoint ANC technology, practical folding design, and fine, spacious spatial audio...Read more

hardwarejournal.de

09/03/2011

Pioneer SE-NC31C In-Ear Headphones Review at Hardware Journal

The Pioneer SE-NC31C is a closed-back, active noise-canceling (ANC) in-ear headphone designed to block up to 90% of ambient sounds, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers and commuters. Its standout features are its incredible battery efficiency and robust audio components, including large 14.2mm drivers that deliver strong bass and clear audio across a wide 5 Hz to 16,000...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

15/09/2016

Pioneer SE-NC31C review on kopfhoerer.de

The Pioneer SE-NC31C is an affordable, wired in-ear headphone designed for travel and commuting, offering a generally balanced sound profile for its price tier. Its audio output features warm, well-rounded bass that does not overpower the mix, clean mid-range clarity, and smooth highs. A notable positive feature is the "Monitor" button on the cable box, which allows users to...Read more

Pioneer SE NC31c K Review | 93 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Pioneer SE NC31c K

Pioneer SE NC31c K vs the average headphone

Why is Pioneer SE NC31c K better than the average headphone?

Why is Pioneer SE NC31c K worse than the average headphone?

Graphic comparison of Pioneer SE NC31c K and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pioneer SE NC31c K?

What customers dislike about Pioneer SE NC31c K?

Expert reviews

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