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SoundMAGIC ES19s Review | 93 Data compared

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

SoundMAGIC ES19s review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Good

4.7

Poor

6.6

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
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

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC ES19S is a budget-friendly in-ear headphone featuring 10mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a wide frequency response of 15Hz – 22kHz, an impedance of 49Ω, and a sensitivity of 95dB. It is characterised by a lightweight plastic design (11–15g) and a unique compatibility switch on the 1.2m cable that allows it to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android smartphones. Main pros include its exceptional sound clarity, balanced bass, and comfortable fit for the price, alongside an in-line microphone for calls. However, some users note its build quality feels slightly cheap and have mentioned cons such as the lack of a provided storage case and potential cable noise (microphonics).

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC ES19s

Overall score

5.1

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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

4.5

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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

5.0

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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

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 ES19s vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC ES19s better than the average headphone?

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93.1% lower weight
SoundMAGIC ES19s 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 ES19s is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
4.5x cheaper
SoundMAGIC ES19s is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
SoundMAGIC ES19s is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s 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
93.1% lower weight
SoundMAGIC ES19s is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is SoundMAGIC ES19s worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No travel bag
SoundMAGIC ES19s does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC ES19s has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
30 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s 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 ES19s has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 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 ES19s has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
No travel bag
SoundMAGIC ES19s does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC ES19s does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
20.9% lower user score
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.62 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 ES19s has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.62 vs 8.000).6.62 vs 8
8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC ES19s has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 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 ES19s has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC ES19s and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC ES19s?

Excellent value for money at its budget price point
Balanced sound quality with surprising clarity and detail
Deep, tight, and natural bass response that isn't overpowering
Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Unique A/B switch on the cable ensures compatibility with most smartphones
Low microphonics with minimal cable noise during movement

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC ES19s?

Questionable long-term durability; multiple reports of earpieces coming apart
The straight 3.5mm jack is prone to strain compared to L-shaped designs
Narrow soundstage can make the audio feel slightly 'squeezed'
The one-button in-line remote can be stiff or difficult to press
Lack of included accessories, specifically a protective storage case
Thin cable is prone to tangling easily

Expert reviews

totallydubbed.net

20/09/2015

Review of the SoundMAGIC ES19S Earphones – A fantastic budget earphone!

The Totally Dubbed review highlights the SoundMAGIC ES19S as an exceptional budget option priced at £20, scoring an overall final rating of 9.5/10. The reviewer notes several prominent pros, including its extreme affordability, lightweight and highly comfortable plastic design, and surprisingly minimal cable noise (microphonics). A standout physical design feature is the integrated...Read more

bestearphonesguide.co.uk

24/09/2015

SoundMAGIC ES19S Review - Best Earphones Guide

The SoundMAGIC ES19S earphones are a highly recommended, budget-friendly smartphone upgrade under £20, earning a 4/5 review score for their sleek, understated design and exceptionally lightweight, comfortable fit. Built with high-quality materials, the earphones feature a smooth, tangle-resistant silicone cable, a fully clickable microphone/button control unit, and a switch at the...Read more

Video reviews

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