OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

SoundMAGIC ES18 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£20
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC ES18 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

4.2

Poor

8.6

Excellent

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
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
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
4.0
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%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC ES18 is a budget-friendly in-ear headphone featuring 10mm Neodymium dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 15Hz to 22kHz, an impedance of 16 ohms, and a sensitivity of 100dB. Its main characteristics include a lightweight 11g design with a 1.2m tangle-free cable and a gold-plated 3.5mm L-shaped jack. The primary pros are its impressive sound quality for the price—offering punchy, well-tuned bass and clear mids—along with excellent passive noise isolation and a comfortable, secure fit. However, common cons include a somewhat cheap plastic build feel, the absence of an inline microphone or remote on the standard model, and reported long-term durability issues with the cable and driver housing.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC ES18

Overall score

5.1

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

1.1

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Design

8.3

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

SoundMAGIC ES18 vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC ES18 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

95% lower weight
SoundMAGIC ES18 is lighter than the average headphone (11 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 ES18 is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.11 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
0.2 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % 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 ES18 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
4.5x cheaper
SoundMAGIC ES18 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
SoundMAGIC ES18 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 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
10x higher input power handling
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 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
2.15x more popular
SoundMAGIC ES18 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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.
SoundMAGIC ES18 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
95% lower weight
SoundMAGIC ES18 is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
0.2 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10x higher input power handling
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is SoundMAGIC ES18 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
SoundMAGIC ES18 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
SoundMAGIC ES18 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
SoundMAGIC ES18 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
SoundMAGIC ES18 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
February 2012
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 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
No voice assistant support
SoundMAGIC ES18 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
SoundMAGIC ES18 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC ES18 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 ES18 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Not headset-ready
SoundMAGIC ES18 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
SoundMAGIC ES18 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
SoundMAGIC ES18 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 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
SoundMAGIC ES18 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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 ES18 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
5 years older release date
SoundMAGIC ES18 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
February 2012
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
SoundMAGIC ES18 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC ES18 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC ES18?

Exceptional sound quality for the budget price range
Deep, punchy, and well-controlled bass performance
Clear and natural vocal reproduction (mids)
Strong passive noise isolation with a secure ear seal
Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening periods
Easy to drive with standard smartphones without an amp
Comes with a useful carrying pouch and multiple ear tip sizes

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC ES18?

Cheap, plastic build quality that can feel fragile
Lacks an inline microphone and remote controls (standard ES18 model)
Cable can feel thin and is prone to tangling
High frequencies (treble) can sometimes sound slightly shrill or lack extension
Microphonics (cable noise) can be annoying during movement
L-shaped connector may not fit easily with some thick smartphone cases

Expert reviews

en.techreviewer.de

01/10/2024

SoundMAGIC ES18 in-ear test

The SoundMAGIC ES18 is an affordable in-ear headphone option from a relatively niche Chinese manufacturer, priced at under €20. The primary strength (pros) highlighted in this review is its exceptional, warm, and dynamic hi-fi sound quality. It boasts well-tuned, strong bass alongside exceptionally clear mids and vocals that outperform major budget competitors like the Xiaomi Piston...Read more

head-fi.org

17/05/2012

SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Headphones (Black/Red) - Reviews

The SoundMAGIC ES18 in-ear monitors are lauded by Head-Fi users as budget-friendly, high-performance earbuds that utilize the same drivers as the higher-end SoundMAGIC E10, delivering excellent bass extension, a dark sound signature, and good passive noise isolation. Despite the low price point, reviewers highlight a deep, non-bleeding bass and "velvety" vocals that offer strong...Read more

majorhifi.com

13/12/2018

SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Headphones Review

The SoundMAGIC ES18 in-ear headphones deliver exceptional, high-fidelity sound performance that far outclasses their budget-friendly price tag. Reviewer Gabby Bloch highlights the audio profile as fast, weighty, and warm, featuring huge, forward-sitting lows that do not compromise the clarity of high frequencies. The earphones offer excellent genre versatility; they provide a...Read more

en.techreviewer.de

01/10/2024

SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Review", "SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Headphones Review

The techreviewer review gives the SoundMAGIC ES18 in-ear headphones a score of 8.4 out of 10 because they offer amazing hi-fi sound for under €20. At first glance, the reviewer was not impressed because the plastic body looks like a cheap toy, the cable is very thin, and the left and right ear markings are hard to read. However, the earbuds are incredibly light and small, which...Read more

no.techreviewer.de

01/10/2024

SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Test and Review

Summary of the SoundMAGIC ES18 Review The SoundMAGIC ES18 is a budget-friendly, lesser-known pair of Chinese in-ear headphones that offers surprisingly excellent high-frequency sound, exceptional warmth, and dynamic range for its price point of under €20. While initial physical impressions were underwhelming due to a cheap-looking plastic housing that resembles a toy, the earbuds...Read more

hifi-forum.de

12/10/2024

SoundMAGIC: Review & Experiences in the HIFI-FORUM

The SoundMAGIC manufacturer hub on HIFI-FORUM highlights the brand’s budget-friendly IEMs,, such as the E10, E11Go to product viewer dialog for this item., and PL50, for their high price-to-performance ratio and comfortable fit. These models are frequently praised for an entertaining, full-bodied sound signature with punchy bass and clear treble, making them suitable for daily use....Read more

fr.techreviewer.de

01/10/2024

SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Review - techreviewer

The techreviewer review of the SoundMAGIC ES18 intra-auricular earphones highlights a massive contrast between their underwhelming physical presentation and their spectacular audio performance. Priced under €20, the earphones initially left a poor impression on the reviewer due to a cheap plastic housing that feels like a toy and a very thin 1.2-meter rubber-coated cable....Read more

tweakers.net

26/02/2014

Compare Soundmagic earphones - Tweakers

SoundMagic in-ear headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item., as featured on Tweakers, are highlighted for offering high price-to-performance value with a sound signature known for deep, controlled bass and clear vocals. These budget-friendly, lightweight models frequently provide robust passive noise isolation and, in some cases, modern USB-C integration, making them a...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare SoundMAGIC ES18 with

Compare