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SoundMAGIC ES18s Review | 93 Data compared

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

SoundMAGIC ES18s review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

8.1

User score

Good
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.1

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(3200)
amazon
3.3
(259)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(3200)
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(259)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 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

  • 7.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Soundmagic ES18S is a budget-friendly in-ear headphone featuring 10mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 15Hz – 22kHz, and a sensitivity of 100dB, delivering a warm sound signature with punchy bass and clear mids. Key characteristics include an integrated microphone with a universal smart switch for compatibility across different smartphone OS platforms, a 1.2m tangle-resistant cable, and a lightweight 11g design that ensures comfortable, fatigue-free listening for long periods. Main pros are its impressive price-to-performance ratio, excellent passive noise isolation from its acoustic seal, and the inclusion of a travel pouch and multiple silicone ear tips. However, common cons include a plastic build that can feel somewhat cheap or fragile, a confined soundstage compared to higher-end models, and occasionally recessed mids that lack airiness.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC ES18s

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.6
SoundMAGIC ES18s has a technical score of 4.6 points, which is lower than that of 66% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(3200)
amazon
3.3
(259)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(3200)
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(259)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.1
SoundMAGIC ES18s has a user score of 8.14 points, which is higher than that of 66.2% of products in this category.
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.
10
SoundMAGIC ES18s has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.7
SoundMAGIC ES18s has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 45.2% of products in this category.
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

no
SoundMAGIC ES18s does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

10 mm
SoundMAGIC ES18s uses a driver size of 10 mm, smaller driver size than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
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

1
SoundMAGIC ES18s uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

15 Hz
SoundMAGIC ES18s reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.5% of headphones and equal to 5.7% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
SoundMAGIC ES18s does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
SoundMAGIC ES18s is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
SoundMAGIC ES18s has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
SoundMAGIC ES18s does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
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

wired
SoundMAGIC ES18s supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
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

no
SoundMAGIC ES18s does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

yes
SoundMAGIC ES18s supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
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

11 g
SoundMAGIC ES18s weighs 11 g, lighter than 94.2% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
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 ES18s vs the average headphone

  • 95% lower weight
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC ES18s is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
    SoundMAGIC ES18s is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 95% lower weight
    SoundMAGIC ES18s is lighter than the average headphone (11 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s 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 ES18s has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    SoundMAGIC ES18s 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 ES18s 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
Total
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC ES18s and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
3200 Reviews
amazon
3.3
259 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
3200 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
259 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC ES18s?

  • Excellent value for money, often described as punching above its weight class
  • Well-balanced sound signature with deep, punchy, and controlled bass that isn't overbearing
  • Impressive clarity and detail in the mid-range and vocals for its price range
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Good passive noise isolation due to a secure and effective ear tip seal
  • Included 'Smart Switch' and PC adapter provide wide compatibility across various devices
  • Comes with useful accessories such as a carrying pouch and multiple ear tip sizes

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC ES18s?

  • Build quality feels cheap and 'plasticky', often described as fragile or disposable
  • Poor long-term durability, with many users reporting one side failing after a few months
  • Cables are thin, prone to tangling, and can suffer from microphonics (rubbing noise against clothes)
  • Inline microphone sensitivity can be low, requiring it to be held close to the mouth for clarity
  • Lack of integrated volume controls on the inline remote
  • The 3.5mm jack design can be bulky and may not fit well with thicker smartphone cases
  • Small Left/Right indicators are difficult to read in low light

Expert reviews

T
teknogadyet.com
15/11/2014
SoundMAGIC ES18S Review, Compatibility and Versatility Combined

SoundMAGIC ES18S Review Summary The SoundMAGIC ES18S is an affordable, entry-level in-ear headphone featuring a durable plastic body that houses 10mm neodymium transducers. It features an integrated microphone and remote button, coupled with a rare "smart switch" compatibility toggle that allows the unit to work seamlessly across different mobile ecosystems like Android and iOS....Read more

O
ocfreaks.com
04/02/2017
SoundMagic ES18S Earphone Review - OCFreaks!

The SoundMagic ES18S is a budget-friendly, intraaural earphone that delivers exceptional value for money with outstanding bass and high-frequency performance for its price point. Equipped with 10mm dynamic neodymium drivers, a 1.2-meter silicone cable, and a gold-plated 3.5mm plug, it features a unique CTIA-OMTP compatibility switch, an inline microphone, and a single-button remote....Read more

T
techcenturion.com
11/02/2018
Soundmagic ES18s Review: The earphone we all deserve!

The Soundmagic ES18s is a highly underrated, budget-friendly pair of wired, in-ear headphones priced under $15 that offers an impressively balanced sound profile, powerful bass, and exceptional noise isolation. Weighing only 9.07 grams, it features a 1.2-meter cable, a built-in microphone, a playback button, and a unique CTIA/OMTP switch that ensures compatibility with older...Read more

H
head-fi.org
17/09/2015
Soundmagic ES18S - Reviews - Head-Fi

The SoundMAGIC ES18S is presented as a highly versatile budget IEM, featuring an in-line microphone and a compatibility switch for seamless use across various mobile devices and PCs. It offers a V-shaped sound signature that is easily driven by smartphones, with a 70-hour burn-in period helping to smooth out initial treble spikes for fatigue-free listening. However, the review notes...Read more

E
en.techreviewer.de
01/10/2024
SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Test (Includes comparison with the ES18S microphone version)

The SoundMAGIC ES18 in-ear headphones surprise reviewers with an impressive hi-fi performance that far exceeds their budget-friendly sub-20 € price tag. Equipped with 10mm neodymium drivers, they deliver an incredibly warm and dynamic acoustic experience featuring punchy, well-tuned bass, alongside highly precise mids and clear high frequencies. Vocals sound clear and centered,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
head-fi.org
17/09/2015
Soundmagic ES18S - Reviews - Head-Fi (Includes section in Spanish)

The SoundMAGIC ES18S is recognized as a versatile, ultra-budget earphone featuring a unique physical switch on the 3.5mm jack for universal compatibility with smartphones and computers. Key advantages include an impactful, air-moving bass, detailed midrange, a clear inline microphone, and high drivability from any source. Conversely, the earphones exhibit sonic limitations,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
head-fi.org
17/09/2015
Soundmagic ES18S - Reviews - Head-Fi (Dutch community contributions)

The SoundMAGIC ES18S is described as a budget-friendly earphone with a warm, V-shaped sound, delivering strong, impactful bass and clear instrument separation despite slight lower-midrange bass bleed. While the treble becomes smoother over time, the soundstage is considered narrow and the overall plastic build feels cheap. Reddit·r/ A key functional highlight is the unique CTIA/OMTP...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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