OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

SoundMAGIC ES20 Review | 93 Data compared

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

SoundMAGIC ES20 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 ES20
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 75% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

7.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 75% of headphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 73%
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 86% of models
Score components

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 86%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 61%
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
  • soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
soundmagic-es20
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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones SoundMAGIC ES20

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 86% of models
Score components:

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
7.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 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 70% of models
Popularity:
SoundMAGIC ES20 has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 70.1% of products in this category.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.0
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
13.5 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 13.5 mm, smaller driver size than 85% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
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
12 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 12 g, lighter than 92.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

SoundMAGIC ES20 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 94.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    12 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.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4.5x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC ES20 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
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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 ES20 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • 94.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    12 g vs 218 g
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • 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
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 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
  • 3.1% worse value for money
    SoundMAGIC ES20 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.05 vs 7.3).
    7.05 vs 7.27
  • 3.1% worse value for money
    SoundMAGIC ES20 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.05 vs 7.3).
    7.05 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.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

stuff.tv
11/12/2013
Hands-on review · Budget half-in-ear earphones
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC ES20 is a comfortable, well-built budget earphone with wide, balanced sound, though the E10s beat it on clarity and punch.
H
head-fi.org
10 de noviembre de 2014
Summary of the review
SoundMAGIC ES20 In-Ear Hi-Fi Review
(Translated)Show original
H
head-fi.org
10/11/2014
Summary of the review
SoundMAGIC ES20 In-Ear Hi-Fi Noise Isolating Stereo Headphones Reviews (versus.com) | N/A | SoundMagic ES20 review | 59 facts and highlights
(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 ES20

  • Exceptional value for money at an ultra-affordable price point
  • Well-balanced, tonally accurate sound signature suitable for various music genres
  • High-quality braided, tangle-free cable that is durable and rigid
  • Good build quality featuring a mix of aluminum and plastic construction
  • Comfortable fit for most users with a 'half-in-ear' design that stays in place
  • Impressive soundstage width for budget earphones
  • Deep, punchy, and fulfilling bass performance

What customers don't like about SoundMAGIC ES20

  • Lack of an in-line microphone or remote controls for mobile devices
  • Some users report a 'weird shape' that may not be comfortable for all ear types
  • Frequency imbalances or 'strange harmonics' reported by certain listeners
  • Passive noise isolation is good once music starts, but not total in loud environments
  • Straight jack connector rather than an L-shaped one, which may affect longevity

Verdict

The SoundMagic ES20 is a budget-friendly in-ear headphone featuring 13.5mm dynamic drivers, a wide frequency range of 15Hz to 22kHz, 16-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 107dB. Characterised by its durable part-aluminium construction and a 1.2m twisted tangle-free cable with a gold-plated 3.5mm jack, it delivers a balanced sound profile with powerful bass and detailed trebles. Main pros include its exceptional value for money, wide soundstage, and effective passive noise isolation. However, notable cons include the lack of an integrated microphone and remote, and some users may find the unique housing shape less comfortable for long-term wear.

Compare SoundMAGIC ES20 with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC ES20 and other products in the Headphones category

No results found