The SoundMagic P58BT ANC headphones aim to deliver budget-friendly noise cancellation, but how do they stack up against the competition?
Over-ear headphones have been a staple for many audiophiles, offering a complete listening experience that in-ear models often can’t match with the rise of affordable audio equipment, companies like SoundMagic aim to bring premium features to budget-conscious buyers. Their latest release, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC, promises active noise cancellation (ANC), great battery life, and a reasonable price tag. But can these features alone make up for its shortcomings?
In this review, we dive deep into the SoundMagic P58BT ANC, examining its design, sound quality, features, and value for money. We’ll also explore whether these headphones stand out in a crowded market.
Key Features of SoundMagic P58BT ANC
- Price: $90 / £79 / AU$134
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
- Weight: 305g
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Waterproofing: None
SoundMagic P58BT ANC: Quick Overview
The SoundMagic P58BT ANC headphones come from a company known for producing budget-friendly, high-quality audio products. Following in the footsteps of the successful SoundMagic P23BT, this latest model promises several upgrades, including active noise cancellation and longer battery life.
However, after several weeks of testing, it’s clear that while the headphones have their strengths, they fall short in some key areas that could affect user experience.
Design and Comfort: Light, Yet Uncomfortable
Weighing in at 305g, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC is relatively light, which is a plus for long listening sessions. However, the comfort level doesn’t match the lightweight design. The silicone ear pads are stiff and press uncomfortably against the ears, which can become unbearable after an hour of use.
The adjustable headband allows for some customization, but it’s still difficult to find a fit that doesn’t press too hard on the head. Additionally, the headphones fold neatly for easy storage, but they lack an IP rating, making them less suitable for outdoor or rugged use.
While many budget headphones are known for their comfort, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC struggles in this department, which may be a dealbreaker for users who value comfort during extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality: Detailed but Unbalanced
One of the most important aspects of any pair of headphones is the sound quality, and this is where the SoundMagic P58BT ANC shines—at least partially. These headphones provide detailed audio, particularly in the mids, which are clear and precise. However, this comes at a cost: the balance of sound is skewed toward midrange frequencies, with bass and treble somewhat lacking.
For genres like acoustic or folk music, where bass isn’t the star of the show, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC performs admirably. But for bass-heavy tracks, the headphones fall flat, delivering a lackluster experience that fails to hit the low-end frequencies as powerfully as some users might hope.
At higher volumes, the headphones handle sound well, without distortion, which is a plus. Yet, the lack of a dedicated equalizer—typically found in a companion app—means you’re stuck with the default audio profile. This lack of customization could be a major downside for audiophiles who like to tweak their sound settings.
Active Noise Cancellation: Adequate but Not Impressive
The SoundMagic P58BT ANC does include active noise cancellation, a feature that wasn’t available in previous models. While it’s a welcome addition, the ANC here is only decent, not extraordinary. It’s effective at blocking out low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of a bus engine, but struggles with higher-pitched noises like human voices.
For daily commuting or working in a noisy environment, the noise cancellation is sufficient. However, compared to premium models, it lacks the refinement needed to drown out more complex background noises. The headphones also feature passive noise cancellation (PNC), aided by the snug fit of the ear cups, though this might contribute to the discomfort mentioned earlier.
Controls: Gesture Confusion
One of the biggest downsides of the SoundMagic P58BT ANC is its control system. The headphones rely heavily on gesture controls via large touchpads on each ear cup. Users can swipe in various directions to change tracks, adjust volume, and toggle features like ANC. In theory, this sounds convenient, but in practice, the gesture controls are more frustrating than helpful.
It’s easy to confuse gestures, especially when tilting your head, leading to unintentional commands. Additionally, there’s no app support, which means that users must rely entirely on these gestures. While button controls exist, the sole physical button for powering the headphones requires an unusually long press, adding to the annoyance.
Battery Life: A Clear Win
One of the standout features of the SoundMagic P58BT ANC is its battery life. With up to 60 hours of playback time, these headphones easily outlast many competitors in the same price range. Even with ANC turned on, the battery life remains impressive, making the headphones a reliable option for long trips or extended periods without charging.
If you’re someone who often forgets to charge your headphones, this feature alone might justify the purchase. For context, competing models like the JBL Tune 670NC and Earfun Wave Pro offer similar battery life but at slightly higher price points.
Lack of Features: The Major Drawback
Where the SoundMagic P58BT ANC falters most is in its lack of features. Unlike most modern Bluetooth headphones, these don’t come with a companion app, which means no customizable EQ settings, no firmware updates, and no ambient sound modes. For users accustomed to tweaking sound profiles via a smartphone app, this will feel like a huge omission.
Additionally, there’s no way to monitor the battery level on the headphones themselves unless your phone’s UI supports it. This lack of basic features makes the P58BT ANC feel more like a budget knockoff than a serious competitor, even though SoundMagic has a good reputation for quality products.
Price and Competition: Is It Worth the Money?
Priced at around $90, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC finds itself in a highly competitive space. In this price range, you’ll find options like the Sony WH-CH520 and the Earfun Wave Pro, both of which offer more features, better comfort, and similar sound quality. While the SoundMagic is certainly affordable, it’s hard to ignore the shortcomings in design, control, and feature set.
For users looking for basic headphones with decent battery life and adequate sound quality, the P58BT ANC might suffice. But for those seeking a more well-rounded experience, other models in this price bracket offer more value.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the SoundMagic P58BT ANC?
Pros:
- Low cost: At $90, they’re affordable for over-ear headphones with ANC.
- Great battery life: 60 hours of playback is impressive for this price point.
- Detailed audio: The mids are crisp, making them ideal for spoken word and acoustic genres.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable fit: The stiff silicone ear pads make long listening sessions painful.
- Confusing controls: Gesture-based controls are difficult to memorize and prone to accidental commands.
- No app support: Lack of an equalizer and app-based customization is a big downside.
Who Should Buy the SoundMagic P58BT ANC?
- Long battery life seekers: If you need headphones that can last multiple days without charging, these are a solid option.
- Podcast listeners: The emphasis on mids makes these ideal for spoken-word content like podcasts and audiobooks.
Who Should Avoid the SoundMagic P58BT ANC?
- Bass lovers: If you prefer punchy bass, these headphones won’t deliver.
- Comfort-focused users: The stiff design makes these uncomfortable for long periods.
- Feature lovers: Without app support or basic features like an equalizer, these headphones feel limited.
In conclusion, the SoundMagic P58BT ANC offers a few standout features, like long battery life and detailed midrange sound. However, its uncomfortable design, confusing controls, and lack of essential features make it hard to recommend for everyone. If you’re on a budget and value battery life over comfort, these might be worth considering, but there are better options available for similar prices.
