Which Soundcore Products Are Actually Worth Buying in 2024?

Soundcore's current range delivers reliable audio performance at competitive prices, with the P40i Smart ANC True-wireless Earbuds standing out for active noise cancellation under £50, the V20i for straightforward everyday listening, and the Boom Go 3i for portable bass-heavy music. None are cutting-edge flagships, but all represent good value in their respective categories.

Why Soundcore?

Soundcore, launched in 2014 as an Anker subsidiary, has built a reputation for delivering accessible audio quality without premium pricing. They specialise in wireless earbuds, portable speakers, and headphones aimed squarely at mid-market buyers who want functional features—noise cancellation, long battery life, solid drivers—without paying flagship brand premiums. Their strength lies in iterative product design: they take proven features, refine them across generations, and price aggressively. The current range reflects this philosophy: practical products with measurable specs rather than marketing hype.

Top Picks

P40i Smart ANC True-wireless Earbuds — £47.99

Best for: Commuters wanting ANC without breaking the bank. The P40i delivers active noise cancellation in a compact earbud form, which is rare at this price point. Soundcore's ANC implementation focuses on consistent ambient noise reduction (road noise, office chatter) rather than total silence, making it practical for real-world use rather than studio-grade isolation. Battery life hits 10 hours with ANC on, or 15 without—respectable for the category.

Soundcore V20i Wireless Earbuds — £49.99

Best for: Casual listeners prioritising simplicity and reliability. The V20i strips away ANC and keeps the essentials: solid 10mm drivers for balanced audio, 8-hour battery life, and rock-solid Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. No frills, no app-only features; just earbuds that work consistently. If you find ANC unnecessary or simply want a no-nonsense backup pair, this is the play.

Soundcore Boom Go 3i Portable Bluetooth Speaker — £79.99

Best for: Outdoor and small-room listening with bass emphasis. The Boom Go 3i weighs 650g and delivers 40-hour battery life across a single charge—genuinely exceptional longevity. It prioritises bass response with dual passive radiators, making it well-suited to gardens, camping, or dorm rooms. Water resistance (IP67) adds durability, and the compact footprint beats larger competitors.

Quick Comparison

| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | P40i Smart ANC | £47.99 | Commuters | ANC under £50 | | V20i | £49.99 | Casual users | Simplicity, 10-hour battery | | Boom Go 3i | £79.99 | Outdoor use | 40-hour battery life |

What to Look For

• Battery longevity: The Boom Go 3i's 40-hour rating is genuine endurance; if you want all-day earbud use without charging, aim for 8+ hours minimum like the V20i or P40i.
• Driver size and frequency response: The 10mm drivers in the V20i and Boom Go 3i deliver wider soundstage than smaller earbuds; bass-focused devices use passive radiators to amplify low frequencies without distortion.
• ANC effectiveness: Soundcore's ANC targets environmental noise (traffic, HVAC) effectively but isn't isolation-level; test in your commute environment (car, train, office) before committing.
• Durability rating: IP67 (Boom Go 3i) means full dust and water protection; most earbuds sit at IPX4, which handles sweat and light rain but not submersion.

The Bottom Line

If you prioritise ANC and portability, the P40i at £47.99 is the standout—it's rare to find active noise cancellation this affordable. For pure simplicity, the V20i at £49.99 offers better value if you don't need ANC. The Boom Go 3i at £79.99 dominates if you want a speaker with genuinely impressive battery life for outdoor or casual indoor use. All three represent solid mid-range choices; none compete with premium brands, but none pretend to either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Soundcore good value for money?

Yes—Soundcore consistently undercuts established brands on price while maintaining comparable driver quality and battery performance. Their value proposition works best if you prioritise practical features (battery life, basic ANC, water resistance) over aesthetic finishes or brand prestige.

How does the P40i's ANC compare to more expensive models?

Soundcore's ANC is competent but not flagship-level. It reduces ambient noise effectively (perhaps 15-20dB reduction) and works well for traffic and office environments, but doesn't match Bose or Sony's deeper isolation. At £47.99, it's excellent value for casual commuters; it's not a replacement for isolation-focused models at £150+.

Which Soundcore product has the longest battery life?

The Boom Go 3i significantly outlasts both earbuds, with 40 hours per charge. The P40i and V20i both hit 8-10 hours depending on ANC status, making them fine for full-day use but requiring evening charging if used heavily.

Can I use Soundcore earbuds with iOS and Android equally?

Yes—all three products use standard Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and work seamlessly across both platforms. Soundcore's app (optional, available on both) adds minor features like EQ customisation and firmware updates, but isn't required for basic operation.