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SoundMAGIC E80s Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£35
Avg. price in US: ~$40
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC E80s review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

4.6

Poor

6.7

Good

2.1
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%
1.0
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
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
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
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
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

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Soundmagic E80S is a neutral, audiophile-grade in-ear monitor featuring custom-tuned 10mm neodymium dynamic drivers with high-purity copper winding for a balanced sound signature across a 15Hz–22kHz frequency range. Constructed with a robust aluminium housing and a 1.2m tangle-resistant twisted core cable, it is designed for durability and comfort, weighing only 13g and utilizing a gold-plated 3.5mm 60-degree angled jack. Main pros include its refined high-fidelity audio, exceptional passive noise isolation with multiple tip options (including Comply foam), and suitability for high-resolution DAPs due to its higher 64Ω impedance and 102dB sensitivity. However, notable cons include its relatively high power requirements for optimal performance, potentially fatiguing or sibilant treble on certain tracks, and a sliding cable cinch that some users find difficult to operate.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC E80s

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.3

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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

4.9

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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

N/A

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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

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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

1.0

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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 E80s vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC E80s better than the average headphone?

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94% lower weight
SoundMAGIC E80s is lighter than the average headphone (13 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 E80s is lighter than the average headphone (13 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.13 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC E80s 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
SoundMAGIC E80s 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
SoundMAGIC E80s 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 E80s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
SoundMAGIC E80s includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC E80s includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC E80s has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 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
SoundMAGIC E80s has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.15 Hz vs 18 Hz
2.57x cheaper
SoundMAGIC E80s is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).
SoundMAGIC E80s is cheaper than the average headphone (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC E80s 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.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
SoundMAGIC E80s 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.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
94% lower weight
SoundMAGIC E80s is lighter than the average headphone (13 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC E80s 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 E80s 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC E80s 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
SoundMAGIC E80s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
SoundMAGIC E80s includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is SoundMAGIC E80s worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC E80s 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 E80s has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC E80s 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 E80s 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
Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC E80s 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 E80s has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
19.5% lower user score
SoundMAGIC E80s has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.70 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 E80s has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.70 vs 8.000).6.7 vs 8
3.1% worse value for money
SoundMAGIC E80s has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 vs 6.736).
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.
SoundMAGIC E80s has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 vs 6.736).6.53 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC E80s and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC E80s?

Balanced, neutral sound signature that is often described as high-fidelity or studio-quality for its price point.
Excellent clarity and instrument separation, revealing subtle details in music and gaming.
Premium build quality with durable metal (aluminum) housings and a tangle-resistant twisted cable.
Very comfortable for long-term use, especially when paired with the included Comply memory foam tips.
Includes a generous variety of accessories, such as multiple silicone and foam ear tips, a hard carrying case, and a cable clip.
Strong passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out ambient environment sounds.
Added convenience of an inline microphone and basic playback controls specifically on the E80s model.

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC E80s?

Higher impedance (64 Ohms) can make them harder to drive, often requiring a higher volume setting or a dedicated amplifier for best performance.
High frequencies can sometimes sound bright, clinical, or 'fizzy,' which may lead to ear fatigue for some listeners.
Sub-bass extension is relatively lean, which might not satisfy 'bassheads' looking for a heavy low-end punch.
The cable cinch is reported to be stiff and difficult to adjust along the Y-split.
Mixed feedback on microphone quality, with some users reporting low clarity during phone calls.
The plastic cable sheath has been noted by some users to split or wear down over time with regular use.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

09/06/2015

Soundmagic E80 in-ear monitor headphone

The SoundMAGIC E80 in-ear monitor features a robust metal housing, a durable, tangle-free cable, and delivers a balanced sound signature with a detailed, organic midrange and tight, controlled bass. The package offers high value through excellent passive noise isolation, comfortable fit, and a wide array of accessories, including premium Comply foam tips. On the downside, the 64-ohm...Read more

head-fi.org

13/08/2015

SoundMAGIC E80 Review by mark2410

The SoundMAGIC E80Go to product viewer dialog for this item., as reviewed on Head-Fi, is described as a mid-centric, maturely tuned in-ear monitor that excels in vocal performance with smooth, clear mids and a polite, non-fatiguing treble. Its strengths lie in a nuanced, articulated bass and high-quality sound for genres requiring clarity. YouTube· Conversely, the E80's polite...Read more

expertreviews.co.uk

24/08/2016

Soundmagic E80 review: Excellent, all-round headphones

This review highlights the Soundmagic E80Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as an excellent pair of budget-friendly, aluminum in-ear headphones. A major strength is their superb, precise, and balanced sound which beats out cheaper models like the E10 and E50. The headphones deliver rich bass and clear vocals without losing depth or detail in the music. Users also get a large...Read more

bestearphonesguide.co.uk

20/05/2016

SoundMAGIC E80 Review - Best Earphones Guide

The Best Earphones Guide review awards the SoundMAGIC E80 earphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. an exceptional score of 4.9 out of 5 stars, praising them as a fantastic choice for everyday music and gaming. Priced at £64.99, this model represents SoundMAGIC’s venture into a more premium bracket, introducing a smaller, lighter, and more refined aluminum design compared...Read more

totallydubbed.net

02/08/2015

Review of the SoundMAGIC E80 Earphones - An incremental upgrade over the E10

The Totally Dubbed review evaluates the SoundMAGIC E80 earphones, priced at £65, as an incremental, rather than fundamental, upgrade over the cheaper E10 model. The pros highlighted in the review include their premium metallic looks with a brushed aluminium finish, exceptional comfort despite being slightly heavier, and a generous package content that stands out due to the inclusion...Read more

trustedreviews.com

12/08/2015

SoundMagic E80 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the £70 SoundMagic E80Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights an ambitious, ultra-bright sound signature that diverges from typical bass-heavy trends. Key pros include a highly capable single dynamic driver that delivers detailed, cohesive, and impressive high-frequency performance, offering a level of clarity rarely found at this...Read more

head-fi.org

09/06/2015

Soundmagic E80 in-ear monitor headphone - Reviews

The SoundMAGIC E80Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is recognized on Head-Fi for exceptional value, delivering a natural, forward midrange and controlled, deep sub-bass that competes with higher-end alternatives. Key advantages include durable aluminum housing, an anti-tangle cable, and a comprehensive accessory package featuring premium Comply foam tips. Drawbacks include...Read more

fairaudio.de

23/03/2017

Review: Soundmagic E50C and E80C | In-Ear Headphones

This Fairaudio Review evaluates the Soundmagic E50C and E80C wired in-ear monitors, priced between 70 to 100 Euros at the time of testing. Defying the trend of wireless alternatives, both aluminum-built models utilize a 10mm dynamic driver powered by a neodymium magnet and feature a lightweight 13-gram design. They offer a broad frequency response of 15 Hz to 22 kHz, a sensitivity...Read more

fairaudio.de

04/04/2016

Review Verdict: Soundmagic E50C and E80C In-Ear Headphones

The Soundmagic E50C is a highly balanced, detailed, and budget-friendly in-ear headphone that performs well above its price point. Its main strengths (pros) include an exceptionally flat, error-free midrange, a tight and controlled bass response, and surprisingly clear, transparent high frequencies. Additionally, it offers sharp spatial imaging, great detail resolution, generous...Read more

hifi-forum.de

16/11/2017

SoundMAGIC E80S In-Ear Headset Review

SoundMAGIC is regarded by audio communities as a leader in budget in-ear monitors, noted for delivering an energetic, balanced sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and durable build quality. Key advantages include an excellent price-to-performance ratio and generous accessory packages, including robust cases and multiple ear tip options. What Hi-Fi? Conversely, user discussions...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

04/07/2016

Wired In-Ear Headphones - SoundMAGIC E80", "Wired Earphones - SoundMAGIC E80

The SoundMAGIC E80 is a budget-friendly, wired in-ear headphone priced around €90 that offers an impressive entry into Hi-Fi audio with a largely linear and balanced sound signature. The reviewer notes that the earphones feature excellent build quality, utilizing a sleek, matte-glance aluminum housing available in a gold/rosé finish. A major standout feature is the inclusion of...Read more

hifitest.de

14/10/2016

SoundMAGIC E80 (S/C) In-Ear Headphones Review

The SoundMAGIC E80 (S/C) is an upper-class, budget-friendly in-ear headphone retailing for around 84 Euros, offering an overall neutral tone with audiophile qualities. According to the HifiTest Review, its major pros include a highly precise and balanced sound signature that completely avoids the artificial, over-exaggerated bass and mid-tone boost common in this price segment....Read more

xtremehardware.com

16/05/2015

SoundMAGIC E50 and E80: A Blend of Performance and Design

The review on XtremeHardware covers the SoundMAGIC E50 and E80Go to product viewer dialog for this item. in-ear headphones, highlighting them as a fusion of performance and design. Both models are aimed at audiophiles seeking powerful, clean sound without a high price tag. Pros of these models include their high-quality audio reproduction, an aggressive price point, and innovative...Read more

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