SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Review: Budget ANC Headphones Perfect for Gamers

As a tech enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for affordable yet efficient gadgets, I must say that the SoundMagic P58BT has certainly caught my attention! With its versatile features and impressive ANC performance at an unbeatable price point of $80, it’s hard not to be smitten.

As a music enthusiast and avid gamer, I’m always on the lookout for quality audio gear that doesn’t break the bank. The SoundMagic P58BT is a new contender in the Bluetooth headphone market, boasting a low-latency gaming mode to minimize lag. And get this – it’s only $80! It seems like SoundMagic is shaking things up with an affordable yet promising option for us audio aficionados.

Currently, there’s a decent variety of gaming headsets that incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), however, finding daily use headphones suitable for gamers, especially through Bluetooth, is somewhat limited. Headphones such as Bose QuietComfort, while excelling in ANC, may struggle to meet the low latency requirements that gamers need to maintain a smooth gaming experience without interruptions.

For approximately two weeks now, I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the P58BT. Whether it was immersing myself in games such as “Space Marine II” and “RoboQuest”, or simply enjoying music and podcasts all day long, these headphones have been my go-to choice. Despite not being quite as magical as their name might imply, I must say I’ve been genuinely impressed with their performance.

SoundMagic P58BT Design and First Impressions

SoundMAGIC P58BT ANC Review: Budget ANC Headphones Perfect for Gamers

Opening the SoundMagic P58BT for the first time didn’t offer a luxurious unboxing, but given their price point of around $100 less than most competitors, it’s understandable that SoundMagic opted to save on packaging costs. However, the headphones were well-protected during shipping due to the ample padding used. Regarding the storage bag included with most modern headphones, while it does offer some protection against scratches, it may seem redundant because falls or drops can still cause damage when the headphones are in their carrying bag.

Transitioning beyond the initial opening, the P58BT appears to be priced far above its $80 tag. These headphones share a striking resemblance in design with premium models like the Bose QuietComfort and Sony WH-1000XM5. Interestingly, unlike the latter two, the earcups of the P58BT are more oval in shape, providing relief to glasses wearers by alleviating pressure points. However, it’s important to note that these headphones are primarily constructed with plastic, hence they might not offer the same premium texture and feel as their more expensive counterparts.

Although the construction materials are somewhat inferior, the P58BT’s touch controls stand out as among the best we have encountered. Due to its unique design where play/pause is triggered with a double tap while other functions require swipes or prolonged presses, it can be challenging to unintentionally switch songs or activate voice assistants. Nevertheless, the responsive touch panel ensures that controlling your music remains straightforward without having to retrieve your phone every time.

To toggle between various listening modes such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, Off, and Low Latency Gaming Mode, simply press the button located at the bottom of the left earcup. It’s refreshing to note that SoundMagic has managed to avoid the common issue found in budget headphones where control is limited to an app, making it more user-friendly.

SoundMagic P58BT Comfort

The P58BT offers a remarkably comfortable fit; during my testing period, I found myself wearing them for extended hours without the need for a pause, unlike many other ANC headphones I own. Initially, I had concerns about the depth of the drivers within the earcups, but my apprehensions were swiftly alleviated upon first use. However, if you have larger ears, you might encounter discomfort due to the headphones slightly touching your ears during listening sessions.

Previously stated, these headphones offer exceptional comfort for people who wear glasses. The unique design of the earpads and earcups allows most glasses arms to rest easily on the earcups without causing excessive pressure or discomfort. This feature is particularly advantageous for glasses users, but it might be noticed that the holding force could be somewhat weak if you intend to use these headphones during workouts. The P58BT doesn’t fall off immediately, but it does have a tendency to move around quite a bit instead.

To summarize, when Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is activated on these headphones, you might experience a slight pressure in your ears. This can be quite unsettling if you’re new to using ANC over-ear headphones. However, I found that I adjusted to this inner-ear pressure faster than with some more potent ANC headphones I have previously tested, such as the Soundcore Space One.

SoundMagic P58BT Battery Life

60 hours of continuous playback with ANC off
35 hours of continuous playback with ANC on

60 hours of uninterrupted playtime on these budget-friendly wireless headphones is truly remarkable given the battery life standards from a few years back. What’s more, their price tag of just $80 makes it even more impressive since pricier models often fail to reach this duration. During my testing, I needed to charge them only once upon opening the box, but after that initial charge, they easily lasted an entire week without needing a recharge.

In contrast, if you consistently use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the battery life will be significantly reduced to approximately 35 hours of continuous playback. Although this isn’t as impressive as the 60 hours without ANC for its price range, it still represents a decent duration. For reference, the Sony WH-1000XM5 only claims 30 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled. It’s important to mention that the WH-1000XM5 employs more power-consuming drivers and advanced Bluetooth codecs, which could contribute to a shorter battery life compared to this model.

SoundMagic P58BT Audio Performance

Design and comfort are great, but they don’t mean a whole lot if the audio performance doesn’t hold up; it’s part of the deal. The SoundMagic P58BT sits in a relatively weird hybrid point between a gaming headset, thanks to its low latency mode, and a pair of daily driver Bluetooth headphones, thanks to its sleek design and easy connectivity.

Gaming

You’ll find it convenient to utilize the P58BT headphones for gaming since they can connect wirelessly with a swift, low-latency link or use a 3.5mm aux cable, making them compatible with any gaming console. However, please be aware that while they don’t offer full microphone support like dedicated gaming headsets, they still make an excellent choice for solo gaming sessions.

In both relaxed and intense gaming scenarios, I didn’t experience Bluetooth connection delays that significantly disrupted my immersion in the game. Compared to a direct-wired pair of headphones, there was a discernible delay, but it wasn’t so severe as to hinder my gaming experience. If needed, you can minimize latency by using the 3.5mm wired connection instead.

The P58BT offers a robust sound that’s generally well-balanced between midrange and high frequencies. However, it may not provide the enchanting quality found in other headphones. Bass enthusiasts might find these headphones disappointing since they don’t deliver the deep bass and impactful thumps typically experienced during gaming, which is usually adjustable with EQ settings on other headphones. Unfortunately, the P58BT does not offer the ability to change its equalizer settings, leaving you with the original sound quality straight out of the box.

Music and Podcasts

Regarding music and podcasts, I had similar feelings as I do about gaming audio quality. The sounds weren’t bad or off, but they didn’t have that extra oomph either. To put it simply, these headphones seem to lack the crispness in the high tones and depth in the low frequencies, where you can truly sense the bass. I don’t mean to come across as a snobbish audio enthusiast, but they seem to be missing that sparkle and rumble.

If you’re more into podcasts and audiobooks and don’t mind the price, these headphones could be just right for you. With their impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) technology and balanced mid-range frequencies that deliver natural-sounding vocals, they’ve become a go-to choice for me when I’m in an audiobook state of mind. They’re particularly suitable for tackling household tasks and extended audiobook sessions.

Is The SoundMagic P58BT Right For You?

The SoundMagic P58BT headphones aren’t the ultimate solution for everyone, but they are a versatile option worth considering by many. These headphones can handle daily use as well as gaming activities, making them a cost-effective choice at just $80. Given their performance, which includes good Active Noise Cancellation, it’s challenging to find better options in this price range, especially when you consider they can effectively block out distractions during your listening and gaming experiences.

Related Products

If you’re open to forgoing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and seeking enhanced audio quality, the OneOdio A70 could be a suitable alternative. Priced at roughly $70, the OneOdio A70 offers comfort that’s on par with more expensive models. While it doesn’t come with ANC, the passive noise isolation provided by these headphones is generally quite good when playing music.

If you are looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that can be useful for gaming and daily use, the Soundcore VR P10 might be the best option in this price range. At just $80, these earbuds are the same price as the SoundMagic P58BT, and they even feature a USB-C dongle that you can easily connect to consoles like the Nintendo Switch for a wireless audio experience without the need for Bluetooth. However, again, you are going to have to sacrifice ANC, and the battery life is nowhere near the impressive 60 hours with the P58BT.

FAQ

Q: Is SoundMAGIC a Chinese company?

Hailing from Hong Kong, SoundMagic is a reputable Chinese firm that boasts more than a decade and a half of expertise in the audio sector. Known for providing top-notch headphones and earbuds at budget-friendly costs, SoundMagic has built a strong reputation for reliability and quality.

Q: Is noise canceling good for gaming?

In a quieter setting, gaming might not necessarily benefit much from Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). However, if you’re in a noisy environment or one where you can’t manage background noise, ANC becomes an effective tool for suppressing distractions and helping you concentrate on your game.

2024-11-10 16:05