soundcore P30i

I tried two pairs of A20i's in 2023 (returned the first thinking the hissing was a defect, returned the second after realising it was apparently a feature of poor engineering). In 2025 I gave the anker brand another chance with the p30i's and found the exact same persistent low level hissing sound. If you're blasting music you won't hear it, but for every other application it will drive you mad (unless you're deaf, as I assume the sound engineers that work on these headphones must be).

The sound is very noticeable in quieter environments with normal-low volume and audio that cuts in and out (like with talking/podcasts/videos). The crackling hiss cuts in just before audio starts and out just after it ends. While talking, this means the hissing will cut in and out for every word and so sounds more like crackling.

It occurs in normal, anc, gaming mode, every EQ (custom or not), any device, any charge, any reset or upgrade, any size ear tip. This isn't something that can be fixed through troubleshooting, it seems.

I have not had this issue with any other brand of bluetooth earbuds. The first time (the a20i's) I returned the second pair for Jabra's and Tozo's, both without buzzing sounds. Figured they had some time to sort out their hissing issue, so gave them another chance with a newer model selling for £50 (without voucher). Figured they can't be too bad for £34 in sale. The multipoint, ANC and battery life were strong selling points. Unfortunately I have to give them 1 star because despite their features, the nonstop crackling in audio is unbearable, and I know it's not just a faulty device.

I imagine the only people that buy and keep these headphones are very old with hearing issues. Anyone with normal hearing will be able to hear this crackling at low volumes, and should acknowledge that there will be a constant level of low level hiss, even if it's masked by volume. Slightly distorting the sound no matter what level you listen to.

Unfortunate, as a lot of the features were great with this pair and the price was very reasonable. I just absolutely can not bear to listen to this static for a minute longer. I will say that the sound quality (in terms of EQ) is not completely to my taste either, but I'd most likely grow accustomed to the heavy bleeding bass and soft tininess to the sound. What I can't stomach is the crackling in quieter moments that feel like you bought a £0.50 set of headphones.

Would recommend not to buy any of their earbuds if you have normal hearing.

I have to wear earbuds for tinnitus so I've had several brand mostly not major brands. I used to have Soundcore over ear headphones so when their earbuds went in sale I bought 2, one in ear and one over ear. The in ear P30i in ear are well made, have great sound and are comfortable over long wearing times. The main reason I got them though is they advertise as 10 hours per single charge. They do last a good 7hr span but I haven't been able to configure them (ANC, Normal mode etc.) to get the 10hr single charge. If I could get the 10hr single charge use they'd get a five star rating.

Not bad at all. Take them out for light jogs or walks with my dog for casual listening and they are fine. No issues. Bass is good. Treble and midrange are good. A solid B earbuds.

Good quality sounds. Comfy to wear. No issues so far.

Sound quality is extremely good, I can’t fault the quality. Why pay more?! I will stick to this brand now.