By Taylor Bennett 
Soundcore P30i Review: Are These the Best Budget Earbuds?
In today’s crowded earbud market, finding a balance between price and performance can be tricky. But the Soundcore brand frequently bridges this gap. Today, we’re reviewing the Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, boasting strong noise cancellation, powerful bass, an innovative 2-in-1 case, and a long-lasting battery. Let’s dive into whether these earbuds live up to the hype.
Detailed Review
The Soundcore P30i earbuds aim to be an all-in-one solution for your audio needs, and for the most part, they succeed. The standout feature is the “Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling.” These earbuds reduce noise by up to 42dB, effectively blocking out distractions like traffic and office chatter. The adaptive technology is a nice touch, automatically adjusting the noise cancellation level based on your surroundings. This “smart” element contributes to a more personalized and efficient noise-canceling experience.
Transparency mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is especially useful for commuters or anyone who needs to quickly hear announcements or conversations.
Sound quality is another key area where the P30i earbuds perform admirably. The 10mm drivers, combined with Soundcore’s BassUp technology, deliver a rich and powerful sound signature with a clear emphasis on bass. If you’re a bass head, you’ll likely appreciate the extra punch these earbuds provide. However, those who prefer a more balanced sound might find the bass a bit overwhelming at times. Thankfully, the Soundcore app lets you customize the EQ to your liking.
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge (6 hours with ANC enabled), and a total of 45 hours with the charging case (25 hours with ANC). The quick charge feature is also a lifesaver, providing 2 hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.
The 2-in-1 charging case is a clever addition, doubling as a phone stand. It’s a convenient feature for watching videos or making video calls on the go. The design is compact and easy to carry, though the stand itself is best suited for phones without bulky cases. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The IP54 rating offers decent protection against sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts.
Call quality is generally good, thanks to the 4 microphones and AI noise reduction algorithm. Voices come through clearly, even in noisy environments. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable and reliable connection, and the one-step pairing process makes it easy to connect the earbuds to your devices.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong and effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Bass-heavy sound signature might not appeal to everyone |
| Long battery life (up to 45 hours with the case) | Phone stand works best with phones without bulky cases |
| Convenient 2-in-1 charging case and phone stand | |
| Clear call quality with 4 microphones and AI noise reduction | |
| IP54 rating for sweat and splash resistance | |
| Customizable EQ via the Soundcore app |
Excellent Alternatives
- Soundcore Life P3: Offers similar features with slightly different design and sound profile.
- EarFun Air Pro 3: A strong contender in the budget ANC earbud space, often praised for its balanced sound.
- TOZO NC9 Plus: Another affordable option with good noise cancellation and a comfortable fit.
Final Verdict
The Soundcore P30i by Anker are an impressive pair of earbuds that deliver a lot of value for their price. With strong noise cancellation, powerful bass, a long-lasting battery, and a unique 2-in-1 case, they’re a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable listening experience. While the bass-heavy sound may not be for everyone, the customizable EQ allows you to tailor the sound to your preferences. Overall, the Soundcore P30i earbuds are a solid choice for everyday use, workouts, and travel.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4.5/5