Name: SoundMAGIC MP21
Brand: SoundMAGIC

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones SoundMAGIC MP21

Overall score

6.4

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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

7.7

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

Calls & Controls

6.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

Connectivity

4.6

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

Features

4.4

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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

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

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: HIGH

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

Battery

4.0

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Design

7.2

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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: LOW

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: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

N/A

SoundMAGIC MP21 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is SoundMAGIC MP21 better than the average pair of headphones?

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Active noise cancellation
SoundMAGIC MP21 supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
SoundMAGIC MP21 supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
96.3% lower weight
SoundMAGIC MP21 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
SoundMAGIC MP21 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.8 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
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: LOW
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC MP21 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% 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 MP21 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
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 MP21 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
Water resistance
SoundMAGIC MP21 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC MP21 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
3.6x cheaper
SoundMAGIC MP21 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
SoundMAGIC MP21 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=24000 Hz
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
96.3% lower weight
SoundMAGIC MP21 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
SoundMAGIC MP21 is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Active noise cancellation
SoundMAGIC MP21 supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
3 Hz lower bass extension
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
SoundMAGIC MP21 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.
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC MP21 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Why is SoundMAGIC MP21 worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Non-replaceable earpads
SoundMAGIC MP21 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
31 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC MP21 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1.5 dB looser channel balance
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
13 dB lower max SPL
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (97 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No battery indicator
SoundMAGIC MP21 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
7 older release date
SoundMAGIC MP21 was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
31 mm smaller driver size
SoundMAGIC MP21 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 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: HIGH
SoundMAGIC MP21 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
Non-replaceable earpads
SoundMAGIC MP21 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC MP21 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 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 MP21 has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
No battery indicator
SoundMAGIC MP21 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC MP21 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
5.87x less popular
SoundMAGIC MP21 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
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 MP21 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
1.5 dB looser channel balance
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
What it is: Tolerance between left and right channel volume balance
When it matters: When stereo precision and left-right consistency matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=0.5 dB
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.2 dB vs 0.5 dB
7 older release date
SoundMAGIC MP21 was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
SoundMAGIC MP21 was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.2009 vs 2016

Third-party reviews

What customers like about SoundMAGIC MP21?

Excellent value for money and a budget-friendly price point
Balanced and clear sound quality for the cost
Lightweight and comfortable design for long listening sessions
Included microphone and in-line controls for mobile phone use
Good passive noise isolation and secure in-ear fit
Comes with helpful accessories like a travel pouch and shirt clip
Tangle-resistant cable design

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC MP21?

Build quality can feel cheap or weak due to plastic construction
Prone to microphonics (cable noise) when worn straight down
Bass may be insufficient for those who prefer a more powerful low-end
Reported durability issues, with some units failing after short-term use
Lack of integrated volume rocker on the in-line remote
May require a 'burn-in' period to reach optimal sound clarity

Expert reviews

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

Summary of the review

List of reports for SoundMAGIC MP21 - Reference Audio Analyzer

The technical breakdown by Roman Kuznetsov on Reference Audio Analyzer outlines comprehensive benchmark data for the entry-level SoundMAGIC MP21 earphones. Operating as a strict "black box" laboratory evaluation, the review focuses purely on acoustic measurements and source compatibility without being influenced by brand prestige or retail pricing. The primary pros highlighted through this quantitative mapping are the detailed equalizer configuration profiles (MultyTarget settings) and a deeply analyzed compatibility matrix with different amplifier sources, ensuring budget-conscious consumers can optimize their hardware setup. Furthermore, the platform provides tailored summary paths for both newcomers and professionals looking to evaluate sensitivity, electrical phase, and impedance behavior. Conversely, the measurement report reveals several explicit cons related to the earphone’s raw acoustic delivery and platform limitations. The underlying frequency response data signals a notable lack of high-treble sparkle and an occasionally boomy, unconstrained bass response that lacks absolute clinical restraint. Additionally, the review notes a somewhat narrow, less airy soundstage compared to higher-end audiophile alternatives. A minor structural drawback is that while the site offers individual headphone calibration features, some of its interactive services and translated...

techenclave.com

04/04/2010

REVIEW: SoundMagic PL-21/MP-21Go to product viewer dialogue for this item.

about buying a pair of budget earphones, let me know: Your preferred music genres (e.g., electronic, rock, classical)?Your maximum spending budget?Whether you strictly need an inline microphone? I can suggest newer alternatives that match current audio standards! Copy

theheadphonelist.com

05/06/2013

Soundmagic PL21 / MP21 Review - The Headphone List

The Soundmagic PL21 and MP21 are highly rated, budget-friendly dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEMs) priced around $20 to $23. Reviewed by ljokerl on The Headphone List, these entry-level earphones offer an aggressive, dark, and bass-heavy audio profile that departs from the neutral presentation of sister models like the PL30 and PL50. The build quality features well-machined aluminum shells and rubberized cables with functional strain reliefs. Furthermore, they are exceptionally lightweight, comfortable, and come packaged with an impressive assortment of accessories, including multiple foam and silicone ear tips, a pleather pouch, a shirt clip, and rubber cable guides.

SoundMAGIC MP21 Review | 93 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones SoundMAGIC MP21

SoundMAGIC MP21 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is SoundMAGIC MP21 better than the average pair of headphones?

Why is SoundMAGIC MP21 worse than the average pair of headphones?

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC MP21 and other products in the Headphones category

Third-party reviews

What customers like about SoundMAGIC MP21?

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC MP21?

Expert reviews

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