Soundcore P41i earbuds: An inexpensive different to AirPods

Desk of Contents

As an iPhone person, I attempted to purchase into the hype of Apple’s earbuds, however they only do not work for me. As I’ve discovered, their one-size-fits-all strategy would not work for everybody. I discover them to be too large, and slightly than holding me tuned into my music, I spend extra time monitoring down a misplaced AirPod that is fallen out of my ear.

After shedding two pairs of AirPods (sure, two), I gave up on Apple’s earbuds. For a very long time, I wrote off all earbuds, as a substitute choosing over-ear headphones. However over-ear headphones are cumbersome, not perfect for understanding, and troublesome to retailer. So, is there an awesome, inexpensive different to AirPods? Sure, and I discovered it. Let’s speak concerning the Soundcore P41i earbuds.

Earbuds that really match

These earbuds really match my ears in comparison with Apple AirPods.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Fundamental AirPods do not include the choice to customise the ear ideas; for that, you may should get a pair of the costlier AirPods Professional. Soundcore’s P41i earbuds possess each affordability and a customized match. The P41i comes with 5 completely different ear ideas: further small, small, medium, massive, and additional massive. As somebody with smaller ears, I appreciated the extra-small ear ideas, which made the P41i earbuds have a safe and cushty match.

The buds have a much more safe match than AirPods. Whereas sporting the P41i buds, I used to be by no means involved concerning the earbuds falling out, particularly when exercising or out operating errands. To not point out a greater match means higher sound high quality and fewer audio leakage.

To buy an adjustable match on a pair of AirPods, you may have to go for the AirPods Professional 3, which value $239. In the meantime, the P41i buds are simply $79.99.

Simple connectivity for each iOS and Android

The largest perk of AirPods, and why so many iPhone and iOS customers go for the earbuds, is their seamless connectivity that does not require an app. Merely open the case, put within the earbuds, and also you’re prepared to begin listening. Nicely, the P41i can do this too.

Whereas Soundcore does have its personal app, it isn’t required to make use of these earbuds until you are trying to alter the audio settings. When you initially set them up by the Bluetooth settings in your gadget, they will keep related. Meaning, similar to AirPods, you may open the case, put within the buds, and be able to go. Moreover, the Soundcore P41i helps multi-device pairing, permitting you to change seamlessly between your telephone and laptop computer.

A charging case that is additionally a charger

The P41i’s charging case is the last word journey companion with its USB-C wire and telephone stand.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Most earbuds lately include a charging case particularly designed to recharge your earbuds when not in use, however few charging circumstances are additionally geared up to function a charger. The Soundcore P41i comes with a built-in USB-C adapter. This implies you may simply cost your entire case with out scrambling to discover a wire, or cost your telephone on the go through reverse charging. Contained in the charging case can also be a small stand so that you can prop up your telephone on if you wish to watch a present on the go. For these with older iPhone fashions which have a Lightning port, there’s an choice to purchase a Lightning adapter with the earbuds.

Sure, they sound good too

OK, I’ve carried out numerous speaking concerning the P41i earbuds as an inexpensive different to AirPods, however how do they sound? In comparison with top-tier earbuds just like the Bose QuietComfort Ultras or the Technics AZ100s, the P41i’s audio high quality will not be that elite. The earbuds are completely appropriate, in a position to ship music and podcasts precisely and clearly, however I would not say they elevate the music. Energetic noise cancellation retains out the hubbub so you may focus in your music.

Having used Apple’s primary AirPods, I consider the P41i earbuds are comparable. Like AirPods, they will not be for the audiophile, however slightly for the individual prioritizing affordability, comfort, and ease.

A worthy AirPods different below $100

For $50 lower than AirPods, the Soundcore P41i earbuds are an inexpensive different.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I’ve already talked about the worth, however it’s price stating once more simply how inexpensive these headphones are. The Soundcore P41i earbuds value $79.99, which is $50 lower than the AirPods 4, however with extra advantages, together with ear ideas. Even should you improve to the P41i earbuds with a Lightning adapter, it is solely $10 extra.

Apple AirPods 4 reached a extra inexpensive value of $69 throughout Black Friday 2025, however if you cannot wait to purchase AirPods till Prime Day or Black Friday 2026, the P41i earbuds are an inexpensive different. They sound good, hook up with your telephone simply, and match ears much better than customary AirPods do.