Soundcore P25i Soundcore by Anker P25i True-Wireless Earbuds Review

For $25, the Anker Soundcore P25i pack in surprising battery life and solid wireless basics. The sound is bass-heavy and just okay, and there's no noise cancellation. But if you need buds that just work all day and don't break the bank, these are a fantastic budget pick. Just don't expect audiophile quality.

The Anker Soundcore P25i are a classic case of 'you get a lot more than you pay for.' For around $25, you're getting a full-featured set of true wireless earbuds with Bluetooth 5.3, a charging case with a lanyard, and an app with a ton of EQ presets. It's a package that's hard to beat on paper, and our data shows it's a massive hit with buyers, scoring in the 97th percentile for social proof.

These are squarely for the budget-conscious listener who wants wireless freedom without the fuss. They're IPX5 rated for workouts, and that battery life is no joke. If you've ever been burned by cheap earbuds that die after an hour, the P25i's stamina is a welcome relief.

What makes them interesting is how they split the difference. They're branded as 'gaming' style, but they don't have the low-latency modes you'd expect for that. Instead, they're more like a Swiss Army knife of basic features. You get decent call quality, good connectivity, and a sound profile that leans heavily into bass. They're not going to win any audiophile awards, but for the price, they're a remarkably competent daily driver.

Let's talk about the numbers. Battery life is the undisputed champion here, sitting in the 97th percentile. The earbuds themselves last about 10 hours, and the case pushes total playtime to 30 hours. That's 'forget to charge them for a week' territory, and the 10-minute quick charge for 2 hours of playback is a legit lifesaver. In real-world use, you'll almost never be caught without juice.

The sound performance, however, tells a different story. It lands in the 39th percentile, which is about what you'd expect for this price point. The 10mm drivers deliver on the 'big bass' promise, but overall detail and clarity take a backseat. The mic quality and connectivity are surprisingly solid, scoring in the mid-70s percentile, so your calls will be clear and dropouts should be minimal. Just don't expect them to block out the world, as the ANC score is a low 36th percentile.

Here's the bottom line: at $25, the P25i are almost in a category of their own. You're getting core functionality that rivals earbuds costing $50-$80. The battery life alone is a value prop that's hard to ignore. When you stack it against competitors like the Nothing Ear (a) or the CMF Buds Pro 2, which start at double or triple the price, the P25i wins purely on a cost-per-feature basis.

You're making clear trade-offs for that low price, namely in sound fidelity and noise cancellation. But if your budget is tight and your main needs are wireless listening, long battery, and clear calls, the P25i delivers an outsized amount of utility for your cash.

The most direct competitor in spirit is the Nothing Ear (a), which also targets the budget space but with a focus on design and a more balanced sound profile. The Ear (a) will sound better (especially in the mids and highs) and has slightly better ANC, but it costs more and its battery life can't touch the P25i's marathon endurance.

Then you have the CMF Buds Pro 2, which adds a clever physical dial for controls and generally better build quality. Again, you're paying more for those extras. If you step up to giants like the Sony WF-1000XM5, you're in a completely different league of sound and noise cancellation, but you're also spending over ten times the price. The P25i's play is simple: undercut everyone on price while still covering the wireless basics very well.

Audiophiles and anyone who prioritizes crystal-clear, detailed sound should skip these. The 39th percentile sound score means you're getting a budget-friendly, bass-forward experience that lacks nuance. If you listen to a lot of classical, jazz, or podcasts where vocal clarity is key, you'll be disappointed.

Also, frequent travelers or office workers who need serious noise isolation should look elsewhere. The lack of ANC means you'll hear every hum of an airplane engine or chatter from coworkers. In those cases, the extra investment in a model with proper noise cancellation is worth it. Consider the Nothing Ear (a) as a next-step-up budget option that addresses both sound and ANC better.

If you need a reliable, no-frills pair of wireless earbuds for commuting, workouts, or work calls, and your budget is firmly under $30, the P25i are an easy recommendation. Their battery life is legendary, they connect reliably, and they'll survive a sweaty gym session. For the price, it's hard to imagine getting more.

However, if sound quality is your top priority, or you absolutely need active noise cancellation for flights or noisy offices, you should look elsewhere. The P25i's audio performance is their biggest compromise. In that case, stretching your budget to something like the Nothing Ear (a) or even a refurbished pair of higher-tier earbuds would be a much better investment for your ears.