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SoundMAGIC MP21 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

SoundMAGIC MP21 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 MP21
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

80%

6.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 61% of headphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 61%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 68%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • soundmagic-mp21
soundmagic-mp21
Where to buy
    N/A~ £25
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones SoundMAGIC MP21

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components:

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

6.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
SoundMAGIC MP21 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
9 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% 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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
?
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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
N/A
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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
8 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 8 g, lighter than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

SoundMAGIC MP21 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 96.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones 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
    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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 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
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones 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).
    £25 vs £90
  • 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
  • 3.6x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC MP21 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 96.3% lower weight
    This pair of headphones 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
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones 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
    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.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones 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
    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.
  • 5.87x less popular
    SoundMAGIC MP21 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 1.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    2009 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    SoundMAGIC MP21 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 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.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 1.5 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 13 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones 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.
    97 dB vs 110 dB
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones 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.
    97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 7 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    2009 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Hands-on review · In-ear earphones
Verdict
The SoundMAGIC MP21 is a lively, bass-forward budget earphone that is very light and comfortable, though its bass can get boomy and the top end could extend further.
T
techenclave.com
04/04/2010
Summary of the review
REVIEW: SoundMagic PL-21/MP-21Go to product viewer dialogue for this item.
R
reference-audio-analyzer.pro
N/A
Summary of the review
List of reports for SoundMAGIC MP21 - Reference Audio Analyzer

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 don't like 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

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC MP21 is a lightweight, noise-isolating in-ear headphone featuring 9mm neodymium drivers, a frequency response of 15Hz to 22kHz, and a low impedance of 12 Ohms for easy driving by mobile devices. Key characteristics include its wired 3.5mm connectivity, tangle-free 1.2m cable, and an integrated in-line microphone with call control buttons. Main pros include its impressive bass depth, crisp high-end clarity, and exceptionally light 8g build that offers high comfort for long sessions. However, some users note potential cons such as a lack of dedicated volume rockers on the remote and a build quality that can feel somewhat fragile due to its plastic enclosure.

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