OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

SoundMAGIC HP150 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£150
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC HP150 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

5.3

Good

5.6

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
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.5
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
3.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
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

Best rankings

Verdict

The SoundMagic HP150 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone featuring large 53mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a 32-ohm impedance, and a broad frequency response of 10Hz to 30kHz with 95dB sensitivity. It is defined by its balanced, neutral sound signature that offers an expansive soundstage and excellent instrument separation for a closed design, complemented by a foldable frame and high-quality PU leather earpads for long-term comfort. Main pros include its pristine audio clarity, deep sub-bass extension without bloat, and highly portable nature aided by an included hard shell case. However, its primary cons are the use of a proprietary recessed locking cable mechanism that limits third-party replacements, a light clamping force that may impact the acoustic seal for some users, and reported fragility in the plastic rotational hinges.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC HP150

Overall score

5.4

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

6.2

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

3.0

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

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

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

4.1

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

6.4

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

over-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

?

Show more

SoundMAGIC HP150 vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC HP150 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

13 mm larger driver size
SoundMAGIC HP150 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 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 HP150 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.53 mm vs 40 mm
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 HP150 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 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 HP150 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
0.2 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 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 %
Foldable design
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
SoundMAGIC HP150 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC HP150 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
Boom microphone included
SoundMAGIC HP150 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
SoundMAGIC HP150 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Foldable design
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
SoundMAGIC HP150 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
13 mm larger driver size
SoundMAGIC HP150 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (53 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 %.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC HP150 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Boom microphone included
SoundMAGIC HP150 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is SoundMAGIC HP150 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

32.1% higher weight
SoundMAGIC HP150 is heavier than the average headphone (288 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
10 mm tighter earcup height
SoundMAGIC HP150 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 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.
1 fewer microphones
SoundMAGIC HP150 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
32.1% higher weight
SoundMAGIC HP150 is heavier than the average headphone (288 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 HP150 is heavier than the average headphone (288 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.288 g vs 218 g
7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 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
10 mm tighter earcup height
SoundMAGIC HP150 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
SoundMAGIC HP150 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (50 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.50 mm vs 60 mm
44.1% lower user score
SoundMAGIC HP150 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.55 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 HP150 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.55 vs 8.000).5.55 vs 8
1 fewer microphones
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC HP150 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 HP150 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
66.7% more expensive
SoundMAGIC HP150 is more expensive than the average headphone (£150 vs £90).
SoundMAGIC HP150 is more expensive than the average headphone (£150 vs £90).£150 vs £90

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC HP150 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC HP150?

Impressive soundstage and imaging for a closed-back headphone
Balanced, neutral sound signature with deep, well-controlled sub-bass
Excellent value for the price, often compared to more expensive audiophile models
High level of comfort with soft pleather earpads and a lightweight design
Foldable design and includes a high-quality semi-rigid carrying case
Comes with various accessories, including multiple cables and adapters

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC HP150?

Proprietary recessed 3.5mm locking mechanism makes finding third-party cables difficult
Build quality concerns, specifically regarding potential weak points in the plastic hinges/yokes
Standard cable is reported as stiff and short by some users
Light clamping force can lead to sound leakage and reduced bass impact if a proper seal isn't achieved
The 180-degree rotating earcup hinge can be annoying or feel loose to some users
Shallow earcups may cause ears to touch the inner driver padding

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

02/08/2014

SoundMAGIC HP150 Premium Full Size Folding Headphones - Head-Fi

Head-Fi community reviews describe the SoundMAGIC HP150 as a versatile, closed-back headphone featuring an expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and an energetic, slightly V-shaped sound signature with deep, controlled sub-bass and detailed treble. While praised for performance, some users report the treble can be peaky or sibilant on certain tracks. Regarding design, the...Read more

whathifi.com

11/11/2015

SoundMagic HP150 review - What Hi-Fi?

The SoundMagic HP150 over-ear headphones deliver a clear, balanced, and animated sound that successfully avoids a cramped feeling despite their closed-back design. They are highly versatile and portable, featuring a chunky, well-cushioned headband and collapsible earcups with cushy pleather pads that make them lightweight and comfortable for daily commutes or long flights. The...Read more

forum.tellementnomade.org

29/04/2015

Oppo PM-3: The portable Planar Magnetic headphone!

The Oppo PM-3 is a premium, closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed specifically for portable use. Weighing 320 grams with a mobile-friendly 28-ohm impedance, it features exceptional build quality utilizing dense plastics, leather, and anodized metal, creating a highly durable feel. Out of the box, it provides a firm but secure fit with highly breathable, soft ear pads that...Read more

head-fi.org

28/06/2012

SoundMAGIC HP100/HP150 Review and Impressions Thread (Dutch discussion entries)

Users on the Head-Fi forum report that SoundMagic HP100 headphones display durable, long-term construction despite online concerns, noting that the sound profile is best optimized through external amplification or EQ rather than break-in. Key pros include the HP100's unique aesthetics and compact, portable carrying case, while cons involve slightly less bass quantity compared to the...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 HP150 with

Compare