OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Pioneer SE NC31c K Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Pioneer SE NC31c K Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

5.8

User score

â–²Better than 69% of headphones
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

52%

8.0

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

7.6

Battery

4%

5.2

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 75% of headphones
5.8

User score

User score
5.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 98% of headphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Pioneer SE NC31c K

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

52%

8.0

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

7.6

Battery

4%

5.2

Calls & Controls

6.9
User score
User score
5.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
5.8
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Popularity:
Pioneer SE NC31c K has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 54.1% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
14.2 mm
Driver size
14.2 mm
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 14.2 mm, smaller driver size than 83.9% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
Can be used as a headset
no
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
120 hours
Battery life with ANC
120 hours
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 120 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 99.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Pioneer
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
28 g
Weight
28 g
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 28 g, lighter than 83% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Pioneer SE NC31c K vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 87.2% lower weight
    Weight
    28 g
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    28 g vs 218 g
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    5 Hz
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    Battery life with ANC
    120 hours
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (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
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Pioneer SE NC31c K is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 87.2% lower weight
    Weight
    28 g
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (28 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    28 g vs 218 g
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    5 Hz
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    105 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 90 hours longer ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    120 hours
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (120 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    120 hours vs 30 hours
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 25.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    14.2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    14.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 37.4% lower user score
    User score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pioneer SE NC31c K
    the average pair of headphones
    Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.82 vs 8.000).
    5.82 vs 8
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    March 2011
    2011 vs 2016
  • 37.4% lower user score
    User score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pioneer SE NC31c K
    the average pair of headphones
    Pioneer SE NC31c K has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.82 vs 8.000).
    5.82 vs 8
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 25.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    14.2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    14.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • Not headset-ready
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    March 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

B
bestearphonesguide.co.uk
01/01/2024
Summary of the review
Best Noise Cancelling Earphones: Pioneer SE-NC31C
C
connect.de
07/03/2014
Summary of the review
The best noise-cancelling headphones reviewed - connect
(Translated)Show original
H
hardwarejournal.de
09/03/2011
Summary of the review
Pioneer SE-NC31C In-Ear Headphones Review at Hardware Journal
(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
15/09/2016
Summary of the review
Pioneer SE-NC31C review on kopfhoerer.de
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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

Verdict

The Pioneer SE-NC31C-K is a compact, wired in-ear headphone featuring active noise cancellation that reduces ambient sound by up to 90%. Key technical specifications include large 14.2mm driver units, an expansive frequency range of 5Hz to 16kHz, and an impedance of 18.5 Ohms when noise canceling is off (increasing to 34.5 Ohms when active). Main advantages include its impressive battery life of up to 120 hours on a single AAA battery, an integrated 'Monitor' button for quick awareness of surroundings, and the inclusion of four eartip sizes and a dual-prong airplane adapter for travel versatility. However, notable drawbacks include reported comfort issues during long-term use and a slightly bulky external battery/control pod design.

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