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SoundMAGIC E11d Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$50
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC E11d review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.3

Good

7.2

Very good

3.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
7.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC E11D is a high-resolution USB-C in-ear headphone featuring 10mm neodymium dynamic drivers and a built-in DAC that supports digital audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. It is characterized by its precision-machined aluminum housing, a 1.2m silver-plated copper cable with a tangle-resistant design, and an L-shaped USB-C connector for better durability. Key pros include a well-balanced, accurate sound profile with warm bass and clear mids, excellent passive noise isolation, and a fully featured 3-button remote with a high-quality microphone. Available cons include a slightly thin upper-midrange tone compared to high-end models, frustratingly small inline control buttons, and potential microphone compatibility issues with certain older smartphone models.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC E11d

Overall score

5.7

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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

5.1

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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

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Calls & Controls

6.9

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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

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

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

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Connectivity

2.9

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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

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Features

4.1

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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

N/A

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

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Battery

8.5

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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

N/A

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

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Design

8.3

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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

SoundMAGIC

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

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SoundMAGIC E11d vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC E11d better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
SoundMAGIC E11d has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC E11d has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
93.1% lower weight
SoundMAGIC E11d is lighter than the average headphone (15 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
SoundMAGIC E11d is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
0.3 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.0004 % vs 0.3 %
Clear call microphone
SoundMAGIC E11d offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
SoundMAGIC E11d offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC E11d 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
SoundMAGIC E11d includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
USB-C charging
SoundMAGIC E11d uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC E11d uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Water resistance
SoundMAGIC E11d is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
SoundMAGIC E11d is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Boom microphone included
SoundMAGIC E11d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
SoundMAGIC E11d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
93.1% lower weight
SoundMAGIC E11d is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
SoundMAGIC E11d is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Hi-Res Audio certification
SoundMAGIC E11d has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
0.3 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC E11d 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.
0.47 dB tighter channel balance
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (0 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
USB-C charging
SoundMAGIC E11d uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Play while charging
SoundMAGIC E11d can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
Clear call microphone
SoundMAGIC E11d offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC E11d includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
SoundMAGIC E11d includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
20 dB higher microphone SNR
SoundMAGIC E11d has a higher microphone SNR than the average headphone (95 dB vs 75 dB). The average headphones have a microphone SNR of 75 dB.

Calls & Controls

Why is SoundMAGIC E11d worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC E11d has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC E11d has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC E11d has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 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
SoundMAGIC E11d has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 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
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC E11d 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
SoundMAGIC E11d has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
11.9% lower user score
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.15 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.
SoundMAGIC E11d has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.15 vs 8.000).7.15 vs 8

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC E11d and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC E11d?

Excellent sound quality with clear audio, detailed mids, and crisp treble assisted by the built-in DAC
Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions
Sturdy machined aluminum housing that feels premium for a budget product
Effective passive noise isolation when a good seal is achieved
Direct USB-C plug-and-play convenience without requiring external adapters

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC E11d?

The thin cable has a tendency to tangle easily and feels less durable to some users
Inline button controls are small and can be frustrating to operate accurately on the go
Bass profile may feel too light or flat for dedicated bassheads
Some users reported connection issues and loose fittings with the USB-C plug on certain phone models
The lack of colored indicators makes distinguishing between the left and right earbud difficult at a glance

Expert reviews

whatmobile.net

06/02/2019

Review: SoundMagic E11D USB-C Headphones - What Mobile

The SoundMagic E11D is a lightweight, wired pair of headphones featuring an all-black design with aluminum earbuds, remote control, and a USB-C connector. Designed exclusively for Android devices, it bypasses the traditional 3.5mm jack to match the shift toward modern phone ports. The headphones feature 10mm dynamic drivers that deliver a solid bass performance, which enhances the...Read more

expertreviews.co.uk

04/01/2019

SoundMagic E11 (E11C & E11D) review: The king of budget earphones

SoundMagic E11 Review Summary The SoundMagic E11 is a highly recommended, award-winning upgrade to the iconic E10 budget earbuds, offering an elegant silver aluminium housing and a tangle-resistant, silver-plated copper cable. Priced between £40 and £60 depending on the model—including the standard E11, the E11C with a three-button mic remote, and the USB-C compatible E11D—these...Read more

trustedreviews.com

28/01/2019

SoundMagic E11D Review

The SoundMagic E11D is a budget-friendly pair of wired in-ear headphones featuring a built-in DAC within its USB-C connector for improved compatibility with modern smartphones. According to Trusted Reviews, these earbuds offer a reliable, well-balanced, and engaging audio performance similar to the 3.5mm E11C model, housed in durable aluminum earpieces. However, the review notes...Read more

techradar.com

22/06/2024

SoundMagic E11D review: impressive hi-res USB-C wired earbuds

SoundMagic E11D Earbuds Review Summary The SoundMagic E11D is an affordable pair of wired USB-C earbuds that launched in November 2018 for $44 / £39.99 / AU$65. A major highlight is the built-in digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) that handles hi-res audio up to 24bit/96kHz, delivering clear, well-weighted, and full-bodied sound that easily beats cheaper competitors. The earbuds are...Read more

headfonics.com

09/03/2019

SoundMAGIC E11D Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review of the SoundMAGIC E11D highlights these USB-C IEMs as a practical, durable aluminum daily driver featuring a 10mm driver and an integrated DAC. The E11D is praised for its fun, energetic sound tuning that boosts clarity, alongside excellent passive noise isolation and an automatic smart remote for device switching. Pros include deep, impactful dynamics, strong...Read more

whathifi.com

22/01/2019

SoundMagic E11D review - What Hi-Fi?

SoundMagic E11D Review Summary The SoundMagic E11D is a budget-friendly pair of USB-C in-ear headphones priced at £60 / $60, serving as the digital counterpart to the five-star wired E11C. It retains the same three-button remote, drivers, and housing as its sibling but introduces a dedicated DAC and amplifier capable of handling audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz. Designed primarily for...Read more

gear4music.it

N/D

SoundMAGIC E11D In-Ear noise-isolating USB-C earphones with mic, black - Overview

The SoundMAGIC E11D USB-C earphones, featuring an integrated 24-bit/96kHz DAC and 10mm drivers, deliver high-fidelity, detailed sound directly from modern devices via a robust, machined aluminum housing. Designed for comfort and effective noise isolation with ergonomic angled tubes, they include a 3-button, universal microphone that auto-switches between Apple and Android, though...Read more

afdigitale.it

23/01/2019

SoundMagic E11D: the USB-C earphones with an extra edge

The SoundMagic E11D is a budget-friendly pair of wired, in-ear earphones priced around €70 to €79, designed specifically as a digital upgrade for Android and iPad Pro users lacking a traditional headphone jack. Based heavily on the brand's analog E11C model, the E11D distinguishes itself by incorporating a Type-C connector and a built-in DAC capable of handling high-resolution audio...Read more

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