Soundcore P40i with ANC
Score: 84/100
Nothing Ear (a) Black
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Soundcore P40i combines adaptive ANC, a 60-hour total battery life and a unique phone-stand case for long-lasting, convenient listening. Its loose fit, boomy bass and occasional Bluetooth glitches may deter users seeking a secure, balanced experience. Best suited for commuters and travelers who prioritize endurance and ANC over perfect sound neutrality.
The Nothing Ear (a) are lightweight true-wireless earbuds offering up to 42.5 hours of total playback and 45 dB hybrid ANC. They lack wireless charging and the microphones are mediocre, leading to occasional call quality issues. Ideal for budget-conscious users who value long battery life and customizable EQ.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
60 hoursbest | 42.5 hours | |
12 hoursbest | 9.5 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 60 minutesbest |
11 mmbest | 11 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | 10 minutesbest |
— | 5,000 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 59.6 gbest |
6best | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
IP Rating | IPX5 | IP54 |
Battery & Power(3) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 60 hours | 42.5 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 12 hours | 9.5 hours |
Wireless Charging | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the P40i for its impressive battery longevity, innovative phone-stand case, and effective ANC that reaches -21 dB attenuation, while also praising the customizable HearID EQ. However, they note the bass-heavy tuning can be boomy, distortion appears at higher volumes, and the loose fit may be uncomfortable for some users, with occasional Bluetooth stability issues.
Everyday users celebrate the earbuds for their week-long battery endurance, strong bass punch, clear AI-enhanced calls, and the convenience of the phone-stand case. Recurring complaints focus on a loose fit that slips, overly boomy bass that masks other frequencies, and sporadic Bluetooth connectivity glitches.
“lasting weeks”
Professional reviewers commend the Ear (a) for delivering premium-level sound quality, a sophisticated adaptive ANC system, and a highly customizable app, all at a sub-$100 price point. They also note the low harmonic distortion and rapid charging as standout technical achievements, while pointing out the need for manual Fast Pair reconnections and the relatively modest microphone performance.
Everyday users love the earbuds' sleek transparent design, strong ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and the long battery life provided by the case. Common frustrations revolve around occasional connectivity hiccups with iPhones, the need to re-pair after device power cycles, and the earbuds' microphone not being as clear as desired.
