OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

SoundMAGIC PL11 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£20Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

SoundMAGIC PL11 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 67% of models
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

â–²Better than 67% of headphones
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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 65% of models
Score components

52%

7.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 65% of headphones
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

Based on 1,518 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 75% of headphones
  • soundmagic-pl11
soundmagic-pl11

Best prices

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

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

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones SoundMAGIC PL11

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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 65% of models
Score components:

52%

7.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

6.3
User score
User score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

Based on 1,518 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
7.8/ 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–² Better than 74% of models
Popularity:
SoundMAGIC PL11 has a popularity score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 74.1% of products in this category.
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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 70% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.7
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
9 mm
Driver size
9 mm
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
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
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
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
20 Hz
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
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
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Number of microphones
0
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
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
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
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
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
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
10 g
Weight
10 g
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 10 g, lighter than 95.3% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

SoundMAGIC PL11 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 95.4% lower weight
    Weight
    10 g
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    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.
  • 4.5x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC PL11 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    22,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 4.5x cheaper
    SoundMAGIC PL11 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£20 vs £90).
    £20 vs £90
  • 95.4% lower weight
    Weight
    10 g
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    10 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    22,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    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.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    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
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    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.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    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
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    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
    Driver size
    9 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    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
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    20 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 older release date
    Release date
    2009
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2009 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    June 2009
    2009 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

H
head-fi.org
23/06/2009
Summary of the review
SoundMAGIC PL11 Review - Head-Fi
H
head-fi.org
23/02/2012
Summary of the review
SoundMagic PL11 Review - Head-Fi
B
bestearphonesguide.co.uk
07/04/2014
Summary of the review
SoundMAGIC PL11 Review - Best Earphones Guide www.bestearphonesguide.co.uk
D
digit.in
01/08/2023
Summary of the review
SoundMagic PL11 – Ear-fully Enchanting! Review
S
stereo-head.it
05/07/2013
Summary of the review
Amplifiers: Nuforce MMP – Review - Stereo-Head
(Translated)Show original
S
stereo-head.it
12/07/2013
Summary of the review
Amplifiers: Firestone Fireye Mini + – Review
(Translated)Show original
S
stereo-head.it
09/07/2013
Summary of the review
Amplifiers: Fiio E6 – Review - Stereo-Head
(Translated)Show original
R
remusic.it
23/06/2014
Summary of the review
NuForce MMP Mini Headphone Amplifier - ReMusic
(Translated)Show original
H
head-fi.org
23/02/2012
Summary of the review
SoundMagic PL11 Review (User experience on Head-Fi NL section)
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
12/06/2009
Summary of the review
Compare Soundmagic PL11 prices and reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 1,518 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about SoundMAGIC PL11

  • Excellent value for money as an affordable budget IEM
  • Powerful and punchy bass response suitable for bass-heavy genres
  • Effective passive noise isolation when a proper seal is achieved
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Solid metal housing construction for the earpieces
  • Included accessories like multiple ear tip sizes, a cable clip, and a travel pouch

What we don't like about SoundMAGIC PL11

  • Mixed durability reports with some users experiencing cable failure or one side stopping after months of use
  • Lack of an inline microphone or remote for calls and playback control
  • Recessed midrange and rolled-off highs that may lack detail for audiophiles or classical music
  • Thin wires above the Y-split that feel less robust than the main cable
  • Left and right channel indicators can be difficult to read on the housing
  • Bass can occasionally sound muddy or congested during fast-paced, complex tracks

Verdict

The SoundMagic PL11 is an entry-level, wired in-ear headphone featuring 9mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–22kHz, and a low 12-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive with smartphones. Characterised by a powerful, deep bass response and clear highs, it offers a wider stereo image and a lightweight 10g design with a 1.2m copper cable. Main pros include its durable metal housing, excellent price-to-performance ratio, and the inclusion of a leather pouch and cable clip for added value. However, notable cons include a slightly recessed mid-range and the absence of an integrated microphone for calls.

Compare SoundMAGIC PL11 with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of SoundMAGIC PL11 and other products in the Headphones category

No results found