Anker Soundcore P31i by Review

The Anker Soundcore P31i is the battery life champion of the budget earbud world, with sound quality that shames its price tag. Just don't rely on it for important phone calls.

The Anker Soundcore P31i is the Swiss Army knife of budget earbuds, and that's not always a compliment. The one thing you need to know is this: for around $40, you're getting a feature set that punches way above its weight class, including best-in-class battery life and surprisingly good noise cancellation. But it tries to do everything—from Hi-Res audio to real-time translation—and while it mostly succeeds, you can feel the corners being cut in a few key areas.

What surprised us? The battery life is absolutely insane. Our database shows it's in the 100th percentile, and that's not an exaggeration. You get a legit 8 hours with ANC on, and the case pushes that to 40 hours total. That's double what you get from most competitors at this price. The sound quality is also a shocker, landing in the 99th percentile for budget buds. The 11mm drivers and LDAC support deliver a rich, detailed sound that makes you forget the price tag. The ANC, rated to block up to 52dB, is effective for the money, though it struggles a bit with constant, low-frequency rumbles compared to the big names.

At $40, the value is undeniable. You're getting battery and sound performance that matches earbuds twice the price. Even if you ignore the translation gimmick, the core audio experience is worth the money alone. It's a no-brainer for budget-focused buyers who want longevity and good sound.

Stacked against the competition, the P31i's choice is clear. The Nothing Ear (a) has better design and slightly clearer mics, but its battery life and ANC aren't as strong. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is in a different league for sound and ANC, but it costs over three times as much. The real fight is with the JBL Tune Flex. The JBL might have a more comfortable fit for some, but the P31i smokes it on battery life and offers more features for the same cash. If your top priorities are marathon battery and feature-packed audio on a tight budget, the P31i wins.

If crystal-clear call quality is your top priority, these aren't it. The microphone performance is their Achilles' heel. Go get the Nothing Ear (a) instead. Also, if you hate bulky earbuds or just want a simple, great-sounding pair without the translation gimmick, you might be happier with a more focused option.

We're recommending the Anker Soundcore P31i, but with a specific audience in mind. If you want the longest battery life you can get under $50 and don't plan on taking many important calls, these are a fantastic buy. The sound and ANC performance are excellent for the price, making them a powerhouse for music and podcasts. Just go in knowing the microphone is the trade-off.