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SoundMAGIC ES18 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£20Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

SoundMAGIC ES18 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

SoundMAGIC ES18
5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 87%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 75%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 SoundMAGIC ES18

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Popularity:
SoundMAGIC ES18 has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than that of 84% of products in this category.
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 10 mm, smaller driver size than 87.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
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
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
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
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
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
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
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
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
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
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
SoundMAGIC
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
11 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 11 g, lighter than 94.3% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

SoundMAGIC ES18 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 95% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    11 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    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.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 50.4% more popular
    SoundMAGIC ES18 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.82 vs 5.9).
    8.82 vs 5.87
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 4.5x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC ES18 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • 50.4% more popular
    SoundMAGIC ES18 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.82 vs 5.9).
    8.82 vs 5.87
  • 95% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    11 g vs 218 g
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    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.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    10 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    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
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    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
    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 battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    SoundMAGIC ES18 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 7.3).
    7.06 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    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
    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.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    10 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    February 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Elite Sim
≈ estimated
22/03/2015
Hands-on review · design, fit, sound and noise isolation
Verdict
SoundMAGIC ES18 has great sound for the money, but the lack of an inline remote rules it out for daily use.
8.0
GeekOut EVERYTHING -
≈ estimated
08/05/2016
Unboxing and short review · sound and build
Verdict
SoundMAGIC ES18 gives good sound for a budget price, though the cable is weak and there is no microphone.
9.0
Techstremely Good
≈ estimated
20/12/2014
Short review · sound, comfort and budget value
Verdict
SoundMAGIC ES18 is a comfortable, clear-sounding pair with real value on a budget, though not perfect.
9.0
Techricity
≈ estimated
02/11/2014
Unboxing and first impressions · sound, build and packaging
Verdict
SoundMAGIC ES18 is well built and comfortable, with strong sound for a very low price.
Not graded
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
13/12/2018
Listening review · Bass-heavy earphones
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC ES18 is a warm, bass-heavy in-ear that suits pop, hip-hop and rock, though its plain plastic look lets it down.
en.techreviewer.de
01/10/2024
Hands-on test · Budget in-ears
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC ES18 sounds warm, dynamic and well-tuned for its price, though its cheap-looking body and thin cable hold it back.
phonecloset.blogspot.com
01/09/2012
Personal listening review · Budget earphones
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC ES18 is a well-balanced earphone whose strong mids and punchy bass outperform pricier rivals, though its wires and housing feel cheap.
H
hifi-forum.de
12/10/2024
Summary of the review
SoundMAGIC: Review & Experiences in the HIFI-FORUM
(Translated)Show original
ru.techreviewer.de
20/03/2016
Hands-on test · Budget in-ears
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC ES18 sounds warm, dynamic and well-tuned for its price, though its cheap-looking body and thin cable hold it back.
fr.techreviewer.de
01/10/2024
Detailed test · Budget wired in-ears
Verdict
The SoundMagic ES18 is a warm, dynamic budget in-ear with well-tuned, strong bass, though its plastic body looks cheap.
T
tweakers.net
26/02/2014
Summary of the review
Compare Soundmagic earphones - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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