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SoundMAGIC P21 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC P21 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

5.6

User score

Poor
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
5.6

User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(68)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(68)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 1.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P21 is a lightweight on-ear headphone weighing just 110g, featuring 40mm neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz–22kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 103dB. It is characterized by a portable, foldable design with a 1.2m tangle-free flat cable and soft PU leather ear pads that provide effective passive noise isolation. Main pros include its comfortable fit for long sessions, balanced sound profile with punchy bass and detailed treble, and excellent value for money at its price point. However, cons include a predominantly plastic build that can feel cheap and may be prone to snapping under pressure, and a non-detachable cable that cannot be replaced if damaged.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC P21

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

4.2

Calls & Controls

4.8
SoundMAGIC P21 has a technical score of 4.77 points, which is lower than that of 56% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(68)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(68)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

5.6
SoundMAGIC P21 has a user score of 5.6 points, which is lower than that of 96.5% of products in this category.
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.
3.7
SoundMAGIC P21 has a popularity of 3.7 points, which is lower than 55.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.5
SoundMAGIC P21 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% of products in this category.
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

no
SoundMAGIC P21 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
SoundMAGIC P21 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
SoundMAGIC P21 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

20 Hz
SoundMAGIC P21 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
SoundMAGIC P21 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
SoundMAGIC P21 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

N/A
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

?
Show more
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

wired
SoundMAGIC P21 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
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

no
SoundMAGIC P21 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
SoundMAGIC P21 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
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

on-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

110 g
SoundMAGIC P21 weighs 110 g, lighter than 77.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
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

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Show more

SoundMAGIC P21 vs the average headphone

  • 49.5% lower weight
    SoundMAGIC P21 is lighter than the average headphone (110 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 P21 is lighter than the average headphone (110 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.110 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 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 P21 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 P21 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Foldable design
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 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
  • 49.5% lower weight
    SoundMAGIC P21 is lighter than the average headphone (110 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    SoundMAGIC P21 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 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 P21 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    SoundMAGIC P21 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    SoundMAGIC P21 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    SoundMAGIC P21 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    SoundMAGIC P21 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    SoundMAGIC P21 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    SoundMAGIC P21 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    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

    SoundMAGIC P21 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    SoundMAGIC P21 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    SoundMAGIC P21 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    SoundMAGIC P21 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 P21 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 43% lower user score
    SoundMAGIC P21 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.60 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 P21 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.60 vs 8.000).5.6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer microphones
    SoundMAGIC P21 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 P21 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.3% worse value for money
    SoundMAGIC P21 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.46 vs 6.736).
    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.
    SoundMAGIC P21 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.46 vs 6.736).6.46 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC P21 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
68 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
68 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC P21?

  • Exceptional value for money in the budget category
  • Balanced sound quality with crisp mids and sparkling highs
  • Highly portable, lightweight, and foldable design
  • Comfortable ear pads suitable for moderate listening sessions
  • Flat, tangle-free cable design
  • Surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone
  • Good passive noise isolation for an on-ear model
  • Includes a soft travel pouch and PC adapter (P21S model)

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC P21?

  • Frequent reports of poor build quality and flimsy plastic headband
  • Susceptible to breaking or snapping at the hinges/sliders after few months
  • Cable prone to microphonics (noise transfer when the cord rubs against clothing)
  • Can cause ear discomfort or 'heating' during extended use or workouts
  • Sub-bass extension is limited for dedicated 'bass-heads'
  • The cable is permanently attached and not user-replaceable
  • Padding on the top of the headband is thin
  • The carrying case foam has been noted to potentially stain the ear pads

Expert reviews

T
totallydubbed.net
19/04/2015
Review of the SoundMAGIC P21S Portable Headphones

The SoundMAGIC P21S is a highly praised pair of portable on-ear headphones that offers exceptional value at its £50 price point. The reviewer awards the headphones an overall 9/10 rating, highlighting their lightweight, foldable design and exceptional comfort, which accommodates glasses without causing pressure. A standout feature is the unique 3.5mm jack design equipped with an A/B...Read more

A
audiophilestyle.com
25/07/2014
Soundmagic P21 Portable On-Ear Stereo Headphone review

The Audiophile Style review highlights the SoundMagic P21 as a budget-friendly, portable on-ear headphone offering impressive comfort, a lightweight design, and a flat, tangle-free cable. Sonically, these cans deliver a surprisingly mature, smooth sound with a spacious soundstage and impactful bass after break-in, making them ideal for casual, on-the-go listening. Conversely, the...Read more

H
head-fi.org
13/08/2014
SoundMAGIC P21 Foldable On-Ear Headphones - Black/Red

The SoundMAGIC P21 on-ear headphones are highlighted as a budget-friendly, highly portable option featuring a lightweight, folding, and durable plastic construction. Pros include comfortable memory foam earpads, strong passive noise isolation due to tight clamping force, and a tangle-free cable, while cons center on the non-detachable cable and a plastic feel that some may find...Read more

A
audioreview.it
01/10/2014
Review Index: SoundMAGIC P21 On-Ear

This database indexing page details the extensive product test history for AudioReview and AudioGallery magazines, providing a searchable archive of high-fidelity audio equipment, televisions, and video components tested from 1983 through 2024. The interactive platform allows users to sort and filter hardware tests by brand, model, product type, publication year, issue number, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
25/07/2014
SoundMAGIC P21: portable on-ear headphones review

The AF Digitale review of the Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbudsGo to product viewer dialog for this item. celebrates the brand's milestone anniversary by highlighting these earbuds as an impressive, high-tier evolution in portable audio. A major pro is the implementation of advanced magnetic fluid drivers and an aluminum diafhragm, which deliver exceptional high-resolution...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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