Are you on the hunt for budget-friendly earbuds that won’t set you back more than $100? You’re in for a treat.
The market has plenty of choices that give you high-end features without emptying your wallet.
Two top picks in this price range are the 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 and the Soundcore P40i. These earbuds come with some cool stuff like noise cancellation you can turn on and off, sound you can tweak to your liking, and batteries that last a long time all in a small package.
But which one gives you the most for your money?
Let’s take a closer look at both to help you pick the right ones for what you need and how much you want to spend.
Price and Availability
The 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 retails for around $50 / £40, while the Soundcore P40i are slightly pricier at $70-$100 depending on current discounts.
Both offer excellent value for money, but the PistonBuds Pro Q30 has a slight edge in terms of affordability.
Best Deals:
| Pistonbuds Pro q30 | Soundcore P40i |
|---|---|
| View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
| View on Website | View on Website |
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 vs Soundcore P40i: Specs Comparison
| Category | 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 | Soundcore P40i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54 / £49 | $70 – $100 |
| Colors | Black/gold, white/gold | Black, navy blue, oat white, purple |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | 5 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (with case) | 8 hours (earbuds), 38 hours (with case) |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | 7.5 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (with case) | 12 hours (earbuds), 50 hours (with case) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 (earbuds) | IPX5 (earbuds) |
| Earbud Size | 1.02 x 0.8 x 1.1 inches | Not specified |
| Earbud Weight | 0.16 ounces (4.6g) per bud | 0.18 ounces (5.2g) per bud |
| Case Size | 0.9 x 1.6 x 2.4 inches | Not specified |
| Case Weight | 1.22 ounces (34.6g) | 1.55 ounces (44g) total with earbuds |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes, adaptive with multiple modes | Yes, adaptive with multiple modes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | No |
| Low Latency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| App Support | Yes, with EQ and feature customization | Yes, with EQ and feature customization |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
Design and Build Quality
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- Available in black/gold or white/silver color options
- Compact charging case with a matte finish and glossy top panel
- IPX5 water resistance rating
- Lightweight at 4.6g per earbud
Soundcore P40i
- Available in black, navy blue, oat white, or purple
- Unique charging case that doubles as a phone stand
- IPX5 water resistance rating
- Slightly heavier at 5.2g per earbud
Both earbuds feature a stem design reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods. The Soundcore P40i’s innovative case design with its built-in phone stand is a standout feature, offering added functionality that may appeal to those who frequently watch videos on their phones.
Comfort and Fit
The 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 are generally comfortable for most users, though some with smaller ears may find the fit a bit loose. The Soundcore P40i, while comfortable, may require occasional readjustment during extended wear.
Both models come with multiple ear tip sizes to help you find the best fit. However, the PistonBuds Pro Q30’s lighter weight may give them a slight edge in long-term comfort for some users.
Sound Quality
Both earbuds punch above their weight class when it comes to audio performance, but there are some notable differences:
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- Impressive detail and clarity across the frequency range
- Well-balanced sound signature with punchy bass
- 12 EQ presets and customizable EQ settings
Soundcore P40i
- Energetic sound with boosted bass and treble
- Good detail retrieval, especially in the midrange
- Multiple EQ presets and customizable settings via app
While both offer enjoyable listening experiences, the PistonBuds Pro Q30 tend to have a more balanced and detailed sound out of the box. However, the Soundcore P40i’s extra bass might appeal to those who prefer a more energetic sound signature.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation, a feature not always found in this price range:
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- Multiple ANC modes: Strong, Mid, Wind Noise Reduction, and Adaptive
- Blocks up to 85% of ambient noise
- Excellent wind noise reduction
Soundcore P40i
- Adaptive ANC with multiple strength settings
- Good at reducing low-frequency noises
- Wind noise reduction mode available
While both perform admirably for budget earbuds, the PistonBuds Pro Q30 have a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly with their effective wind noise reduction feature.
Battery Life
Battery life is an area where these earbuds differ significantly:
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- 5 hours with ANC on, 7.5 hours with ANC off
- Up to 30 hours total with the charging case
Soundcore P40i
- 8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours with ANC off
- Up to 50 hours total with the charging case
The Soundcore P40i clearly outperform the PistonBuds Pro Q30 in battery life, offering significantly more playtime both with and without the charging case.
Additional Features
Both earbuds come packed with extra features that add value:
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- Spatial audio support (though implementation needs improvement)
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Wear detection for auto-play/pause
Soundcore P40i
- Multipoint connectivity
- Gaming mode for reduced latency
- Wear detection
- Charging case doubles as a phone stand
While both offer a similar set of additional features, the Soundcore P40i’s unique charging case design gives it a slight edge in versatility.
Controls and App Support
Both earbuds offer touch controls and companion apps for customization:
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30
- Touch controls can be finicky
- No single-tap function
- Comprehensive app with EQ settings and feature customization
Soundcore P40i
- Touch-sensitive stem controls
- Fully customizable controls via app
- Feature-rich app with EQ, control customization, and more
The Soundcore P40i has an advantage here with its more reliable and customizable controls, as well as its slightly more polished app experience.
Call Quality
Both earbuds perform adequately for phone calls in quiet environments. The PistonBuds Pro Q30 struggle more in windy conditions, while the Soundcore P40i offer slightly better overall call quality and background noise reduction.
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 vs Soundcore P40i: Which Should You Buy?
Both the 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 and Soundcore P40i offer exceptional value for money, providing features typically found in more expensive earbuds.
The PistonBuds Pro Q30 edges out the competition in pure sound quality and ANC performance, while the Soundcore P40i excels in battery life and overall feature set. So:
Choose the 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 if:
- You want the most affordable option
- Sound quality is your top priority
- You need effective wind noise reduction
- You’re interested in spatial audio (despite its current limitations)
Choose the Soundcore P40i if:
- You prioritize longer battery life
- You want a charging case that doubles as a phone stand
- You prefer more bass-forward sound
- You need more reliable touch controls and a more polished app experience
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
