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SoundMAGIC P23BT Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£45
Avg. price in US: ~$50
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 60 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

SoundMAGIC P23BT review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.6

Good

7.7

Very good

10
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
10
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
10
Battery life
5.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
10
Battery life
18.0%
6.7
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
8.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
10
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
7.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
6.7
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
5.0
IP rating
16.0%
10
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#21 in Best Gaming Headphones
#21 in Best Gaming Headphones for PS5
#229 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#344 in Best USB-C Headphones
#452 in Best Wireless Headphones
#538 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is a versatile on-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-quality aptX HD, AAC, and SBC codecs. Key characteristics include an exceptional battery life of 54–60 hours, a lightweight 156g foldable design, and a unique detachable cable with a built-in boom microphone for gaming or office use. Main pros are its impressive 50-day standby time, quick charging (5 hours of playback from 10 minutes), and stable 13-meter wireless range. Notable cons include the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC), a build quality that some find slightly flimsy or plastic-heavy, and touch controls that can occasionally be finicky.

Technical Specifications of SoundMAGIC P23BT

Overall score

6.0

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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

5.4

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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: 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

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Calls & Controls

8.3

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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: 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

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Connectivity

6.2

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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: 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

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

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

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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

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

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Battery

9.3

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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: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

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

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

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

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Design

8.1

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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: 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

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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SoundMAGIC P23BT vs the average headphone

Why is SoundMAGIC P23BT better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
SoundMAGIC P23BT has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC P23BT has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
93.5 ms lower audio latency
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (34 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
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
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (34 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.34 ms vs 127.5 ms
More flexible connectivity
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired 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
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
30 hours longer battery life
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a higher battery life than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
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
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a higher battery life than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.60 hours vs 30 hours
Clear call microphone
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
SoundMAGIC P23BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
SoundMAGIC P23BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
1 hours shorter charging time
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
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
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.1 hours vs 2 hours
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC P23BT 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 P23BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
28.4% lower weight
SoundMAGIC P23BT is lighter than the average headphone (156 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Hi-Res Audio certification
SoundMAGIC P23BT has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
30 hours longer battery life
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a higher battery life than the average headphone (60 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
1 hours shorter charging time
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
USB-C charging
SoundMAGIC P23BT uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Rechargeable battery
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Play while charging
SoundMAGIC P23BT can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
93.5 ms lower audio latency
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower audio latency than the average headphone (34 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
More flexible connectivity
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
3 m longer Bluetooth range
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (13 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
Clear call microphone
SoundMAGIC P23BT offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
SoundMAGIC P23BT includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
SoundMAGIC P23BT includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
SoundMAGIC P23BT includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is SoundMAGIC P23BT worse than the average headphone?

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Tangle-prone cable
SoundMAGIC P23BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
10 dB lower max SPL
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
33.3% lower battery capacity
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (400 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
SoundMAGIC P23BT 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 P23BT 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
33.3% lower battery capacity
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (400 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
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
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (400 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.400 mAh vs 600 mAh
Tangle-prone cable
SoundMAGIC P23BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
SoundMAGIC P23BT uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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 P23BT has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
10 dB lower max SPL
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
SoundMAGIC P23BT has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.100 dB vs 110 dB

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC P23BT and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about SoundMAGIC P23BT?

Extraordinary battery life of 54–60 hours with quick-charging support
High-quality sound for the price with support for aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs
Very lightweight and portable with a foldable design
Includes a detachable auxiliary cable with a high-quality boom microphone
Stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection with good range
Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to soft protein leather earpads
Intuitive and responsive touch gesture controls on the earcup

What customers dislike about SoundMAGIC P23BT?

Build quality feels cheap and primarily plastic/flimsy
Physical power button is small and can be difficult to locate or press
Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) and a dedicated companion app for EQ adjustment
On-ear design can cause ears to get warm or cause discomfort for spectacle wearers
Soundstage is somewhat intimate/narrow with limited depth
Technical performance struggles with very fast or complex musical tracks
Micro-details and treble resolution can fall apart during fast passages

Expert reviews

rapidreviewsuk.com

28/10/2021

Soundmagic P23 BT Headphones Review - Rapid Reviews UK

The SoundMAGIC P23 BT headphones offer a lightweight, highly portable design tailored for daily commuters, scoring a 4 out of 5 rating. Constructed from a durable mix of metal and plastic, the headphones feature swiveling ear cups that easily fold into a compact, semi-circular shape for bag storage. Prominent strengths highlighted in the review include an exceptional battery life...Read more

techradar.com

03/12/2021

SoundMagic P23BT review - TechRadar

The SoundMagic P23BT are budget-friendly wireless over-ear headphones priced at $54.99 / £49.99 that offer a surprisingly robust performance despite their ultra-lightweight and cheap-feeling plastic construction. A major highlight of these headphones is their comfortable fit, courtesy of memory foam ear cups, alongside an extraordinary battery life that delivers between 54 to 60...Read more

head-fi.org

13/01/2022

SoundMAGIC P23BT Reviews

The SoundMAGIC P23BT on-ear wireless headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. offer a mild V-shaped, organic sound signature with excellent 54-60 hour battery life, aptX HD support, and a high-quality detachable boom microphone. Ideal for relaxed genres, they feature well-weighted male vocals and a smooth treble that is comfortable for long listening sessions. YouTube·...Read more

primeaudio.org

23/01/2022

SoundMAGIC P23BT Review - Prime Audio Reviews

The SoundMAGIC P23BT is a lightweight, foldable on-ear Bluetooth headset that offers excellent value at its $49 price point. Weighing just 156g, it features a spring steel headband with silicone padding and comfortable foam earpads, making it highly portable and compact enough to fit into a pants pocket when folded. Its standout feature is an exceptional battery life that delivers...Read more

trustedreviews.com

29/09/2022

SoundMagic P23BT Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the SoundMagic P23BT highlights these £50 on-ear headphones as an exceptional budget option, offering a clear, detailed, and spacious sound signature with 60 hours of battery life. Key advantages include solid noise-canceling, good call quality, and a detachable boom mic, making them highly versatile for voice use. While offering high value, the...Read more

forbes.com

29/12/2023

These Affordable SoundMagic P23BT Wireless Headphones Are Superb

The Forbes review describes the SoundMagic P23BTGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as an affordable, high-value option, specifically praising its 60-hour battery life and support for aptX HD codecs. Notable advantages include a lightweight, foldable design and a detachable boom microphone that enhances versatility for calls. Conversely, the P23BT lacks active noise...Read more

techradar.com

03/12/2021

SoundMagic P23BT review

The SoundMagic P23BT wireless over-ear headphones deliver highly impressive battery life and respectable audio performance for a budget-friendly price of $54.99 / £49.99. In terms of performance pros, the headphones utilize 40mm drivers to produce a reasonably well-balanced, wide soundstage that features modest mids and a present, non-overwhelming bass. They also support...Read more

trustedreviews.com

29/09/2022

SoundMagic P23BT Review Would you like me to summarise the key pros and cons found in these Dutch or English test reports?

According to Trusted Reviews, the SoundMagic P23BT offers exceptional value with a clear, detailed, and balanced sound profile, outperforming many competitors in the budget wireless on-ear market. Key advantages include an impressive 60-hour battery life, a lightweight, comfortable design, and high-quality call capabilities enhanced by a detachable wired boom microphone. However,...Read more

Video reviews

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