Soundcore P40i Review: The Best Budget ANC Earbuds with Long Battery Life
If you're searching for the best budget wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC), look no further than the Soundcore P40i by Anker. These earbuds pack premium features like adaptive ANC, immersive sound, long battery life, and multi-device connectivity—all for an incredibly affordable price. Whether you’re a music lover, a frequent traveler, or someone who needs reliable earbuds for work and calls, the Soundcore P40i could be the perfect choice for you.
Full Specifications
- Driver Size: 11mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers for deep bass & clear treble
- Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC (no LDAC or aptX support)
- Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency Mode
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours per charge (50 hours total with case)
- Fast Charging: 10-minute charge = 4 hours of playback
- Charging Methods: USB-C & Wireless charging
- Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point pairing
- Water Resistance: IPX5-rated (sweat & splashproof)
- Smart Features: Touch controls, Customizable EQ via Soundcore app, AI-enhanced call clarity
- Compatibility: Works with iOS, Android, and Windows devices
Sleek Design & All-Day Comfort
The Soundcore P40i earbuds feature a lightweight, ergonomic design with soft silicone ear tips that provide a snug fit for all-day wear. The compact, pocket-friendly charging case sports a premium matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. Thanks to their IPX5 water resistance, these earbuds are also great for workouts and outdoor use, handling sweat and light rain with ease.
Powerful Audio Performance
Anker has equipped the Soundcore P40i with 11mm dynamic drivers, ensuring a rich, bass-forward sound profile. The mids and highs remain clear, making these earbuds suitable for various genres, from hip-hop to podcasts. Through the Soundcore app, you can access a customizable EQ and preset sound modes, letting you tailor the audio to your preference.
While the P40i supports AAC and SBC codecs, the lack of LDAC or aptX means audiophiles might miss out on ultra-high-resolution streaming.
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
One of the biggest selling points of the Soundcore P40i is its Adaptive ANC technology, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your environment. Whether you're commuting, working in a noisy café, or flying, the ANC effectively minimizes unwanted sounds.
For those moments when you need to hear your surroundings, the Transparency Mode lets in external noise, making it easy to chat with people or stay aware of traffic.
Crystal-Clear Call Quality & Seamless Connectivity
The AI-enhanced microphones significantly improve call clarity by reducing background noise, ensuring your voice comes through crisp and clear. Whether you're in a crowded space or taking calls on the go, the P40i delivers reliable performance.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point pairing allows you to connect two devices simultaneously—a feature that even some premium earbuds lack. Easily switch between your smartphone and laptop without hassle.
Unmatched Battery Life & Fast Charging
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore P40i won’t disappoint:
- 12 hours of playback on a single charge
- 50 hours total with the charging case
- Fast-charging: 10 minutes = 4 hours of playback
- Wireless charging support for extra convenience
Compared to other budget ANC earbuds, the P40i stands out as one of the best in battery performance.
How Does the Soundcore P40i Compare to Competitors?
Soundcore P40i vs. AirPods Pro 2
| Feature | Soundcore P40i | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$80 | ~$250 |
| Driver Size | 11mm | 11mm |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC | Best-in-class ANC |
| Battery Life | 12h (buds), 50h (case) | 6h (buds), 30h (case) |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Point | Yes | No |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC | AAC |
While the AirPods Pro 2 deliver better ANC and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the P40i wins in battery life, multi-device support, and affordability.
Soundcore P40i vs. Sony WF-C700N
| Feature | Soundcore P40i | Sony WF-C700N |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$80 | ~$120 |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC | Standard ANC |
| Battery Life | 12h (buds), 50h (case) | 7.5h (buds), 20h (case) |
| Multi-Point | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
The Sony WF-C700N offers excellent sound tuning and a more premium brand name, but the P40i dominates in battery life, water resistance, and multi-device connectivity.
Pros & Cons of Soundcore P40i
Pros:
✅ Industry-leading battery life (12h per charge, 50h total) ✅ Adaptive ANC works great for the price ✅ Multi-point pairing for seamless device switching ✅ Wireless charging & fast-charging support ✅ Customizable sound with EQ presets via Soundcore app ✅ Affordable price tag with premium features ✅ IPX5 water resistance makes them workout-friendly
Cons:
❌ Lacks high-resolution audio codecs (LDAC, aptX) ❌ ANC isn't as strong as premium models like Bose or Sony ❌ Call quality can struggle in extremely windy conditions
Final Verdict: Are the Soundcore P40i Worth Buying?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for the best budget ANC earbuds under $100, the Soundcore P40i is a top contender. With its adaptive noise cancellation, powerful battery life, customizable sound, and multi-device pairing, it outperforms most competitors at this price point. While it doesn’t have LDAC support or the best-in-class ANC, it delivers exceptional value for money.
For those who want long-lasting battery life, ANC, and rich sound quality without breaking the bank, the Soundcore P40i by Anker is one of the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now.