Are the Anker Soundcore P40i worth buying?

Yes. For under £40, the Soundcore P40i provide excellent sound quality, active noise cancelling, multipoint Bluetooth, long battery life, and great app support, making them one of the best value earbuds in 2025.

Anker Soundcore P40i Review: The Best Budget Earbuds of 2025? (Plus Built-In Phone Stand!)

September 30, 2025

Review: Anker Soundcore P40i — A Surprise High Performer

Anker Soundcore P40i Review: The Best Budget Earbuds of 2025? (Plus Built-In Phone Stand!)

Q: What is the battery life of the Anker Soundcore P40i?

The Anker Soundcore P40i headphones offer up to 12 hours of playtime per charge without ANC and around 9–10 hours with ANC. With the charging case, total playtime can reach up to 60 hours.

Q: Does the Soundcore P40i support Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?

Yes. The Anker Soundcore P40i features adaptive ANC technology with multiple microphones and algorithms to block background noise, making them excellent for commuting, office use, and daily listening.

Q: Is the charging case also a phone stand?

Yes. The Soundcore P40i charging case includes a built-in flip-out panel that doubles as a phone stand, perfect for watching videos or video calls.

Q: How do the Anker Soundcore P40i compare to the P20i and P30i?

The P20i are entry-level with no ANC, the P30i improve on sound and comfort, while the P40i are the premium option with ANC, stronger bass, multipoint Bluetooth, and longer battery life.

Q: What is the price of the Anker Soundcore P40i?

The Soundcore P40i are often available for under £40 on Amazon UK, making them one of the best value ANC headphones in 2025.

Q: Does the Soundcore P40i support multipoint Bluetooth?

Yes. The Soundcore P40i supports multipoint Bluetooth, allowing connection to two devices at once for seamless switching.

Q: How long does it take to charge the P40i headphones?

A quick 10-minute charge gives around 2 hours of playback. Full charging takes 1.5 hours for the earbuds and around 2 hours for the case.

Q: Are the Anker Soundcore P40i headphones waterproof?

The earbuds are IPX5 water-resistant, making them suitable for sweat and light rain. However, the charging case is not waterproof.

Q: How is the call quality on the Soundcore P40i?

The P40i deliver good call quality in quiet environments using multiple noise-reducing microphones. In very noisy places, some background noise may still be picked up.

Q: Do the Soundcore P40i have an app?

Yes. The Soundcore app allows users to customize EQ, switch between ANC and transparency modes, update firmware, and check battery levels.

When I first bought the Soundcore P40i earbuds (paid around £40 on Amazon UK), I was skeptical. Could earbuds at that price deliver on sound, noise cancelling, and build?

After several weeks of use, I can confidently say they have far exceeded my expectations. The sound is amazing, the noise cancellation is truly effective, the bass is rich, and the app provides excellent control.

Unboxing & First Impressions

The P40i arrives in a compact box that feels premium for its price point. Inside you’ll find:

The P40i earbuds in their charging case
USB-C charging cable
Multiple ear tip sizes (XS, S, L, XL, medium pre-installed)
Quick-start leaflets
Warranty card

Unboxing Anker Soundcore P40i - the contents — Unboxing Anker Soundcore P40i – the contents

The build quality feels solid. The matte case has a slight texture, making it easy to grip. The earbuds themselves are sleek and compact. The hinge on the case is firm but not overly stiff.

One standout feature is the charging case, which doubles as a phone stand (flip-out back panel) — a clever touch you rarely see at this price tier. This means you can prop up your phone while watching video without needing a separate stand.

You can access the full user manual (PDF, 22 pages) here:
Soundcore P40i User Guide / Manual

Technical Specifications & Key Features

Here’s a summary of the highlighted specs and features of the P40i:

Feature	Specification / Notes
Driver	11 mm composite dynamic driver
Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC)	Yes — uses “Smart Noise Cancelling” with multiple mics and algorithms
Playtime	Up to 12 hours (ANC off) / up to 60 hours with case
Charging	USB-C, fast charging (10 min = ~5 hours use)
Water Resistance	IPX5 rating (earbuds)
Bluetooth	Likely Bluetooth 5.x, multipoint pairing supported
Extras	Charging case doubles as phone stand, wireless charging (depending on model)

Sound Quality & Noise Cancelling Performance

Sound Quality

From the first track, the P40i impressed me with its rich, powerful bass — but without drowning out vocals or losing clarity in the mids. The “BassUp” algorithm in the Soundcore app further enhances bass dynamically.

Treble and highs are slightly bright in some tracks, especially when pushing volume. But for everyday listening and genres like pop, electronic, or hip-hop, the balance is satisfying. Compared to P20i and P30i, the P40i feels more refined and less harsh in treble peaks.

The audio reproduction leans slightly toward a “bass-boosted sound profile” and that at very high volume levels distortion can creep in—but in practical listening, it’s rarely a problem.

Compact case of the Anker Soundcore P40i

Noise Cancelling (ANC)

The ANC on the P40i is legitimately good for its price. It reduces ambient noise—especially constant low-frequency hum like air-conditioning, street traffic, or fans.

The “adaptive” mode adjusts ANC strength based on your environment, which is especially useful when switching between quiet and noisy areas.

In truly loud environments (bus, train), it doesn’t fully silence everything, but it significantly reduces distractions. Transparency mode also works well, letting you hear announcements or ambient sounds without removing earbuds.

Compared to the P30i, left behind in ANC capability, the P40i has the edge. Many reviewers of the P30i praise it for features and value, but note its ANC is weaker.

Battery Life, Comfort & Connectivity

Battery Life

In my real-world use (mixing music, podcast, and phone calls, with ANC on and off), I got about 9 to 11 hours of playtime before needing a recharge. With the charging case, I could top up multiple times and comfortably reach 40–50 hours total playback over a weekend.

Fast charging is convenient: a 10-minute charge gives several hours of use, which is great for last-minute emergencies.

Comfort & Fit

The P40i comes with a variety of ear tip sizes. Once I found the right seal, the earbuds sat snugly without discomfort for long listening sessions. They are lightweight, so I forgot I was wearing them sometimes.

For active use (walking, light jogging), they stayed put. However, during more intense movement, I would occasionally readjust them.

The Anker Soundcore P40i headphones are very well designed

Connectivity & App

Pairing via Bluetooth was quick and stable. The P40i supports multipoint, meaning I could stay connected to phone + laptop and switch seamlessly.

The Soundcore app is one of the highlights:

Custom EQ presets + custom EQ
ANC mode switching
Firmware updates
Find My Earbuds
Touch control customization

Even at this price, the app offers features you’d expect in higher-tier headphones.

Comparisons between Anker Soundcore P40i vs P30i vs P20i

When choosing among P20i, P30i, and P40i, here’s how they differ:

Feature	P20i	P30i	P40i
ANC	No	Yes (weaker) (Scarbir)	Yes (stronger, adaptive)
Driver Size	~10 mm	~10 mm	11 mm composite
Battery Life	~10h (without ANC)	~10h (no ANC) / ~6–7h (with ANC)	~12h (no ANC) / ~?h (with ANC)
Charging Case Extras	Basic	Phone stand + extras	Case as phone stand, etc.
Sound Profile	Bass-forward	Balanced with enhancements	Bass-forward but more refined
App & Features	EQ presets	More advanced	Full features, firmware, label control
Price	Lowest	Mid	Higher but still budget

In summary, P20i is great if you don’t need ANC and want affordability. P30i improves on feature set but its ANC is limited. P40i combines strong ANC, refined sound, longer battery, and a more polished app experience — making it the best all-around choice among the three.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Impressive sound quality at this price	Mic performance is average in noisy environments
Solid and functional ANC	Audio leakage at high volume
Great bass without overpowering mids	ANC doesn’t rival premium models in extreme noise
Excellent battery life and fast charging	Case is not waterproof
Strong app + customization options	Occasional fit adjustment needed during movement
Charging case doubles as phone stand
Multipoint Bluetooth connection

Real-World Usage Impressions

Commuting: The ANC blocks out bus/train/plane hum effectively; I could enjoy music or podcasts without distraction.
Work / Office: Comfortable enough for hours; ambient mode helps with nearby announcements.
Calls: I tested Zoom/Webex/phone calls in a quiet room and outdoor street. The mic is decent — clear in quiet environments, but background noise can affect clarity in louder settings.
Video/Media: Low latency “Game mode” in app reduces audio-video sync issues.
Outdoors / Rain: IPX5 handles splashes and light rain fine but don’t submerge the case.

Frequently Asked Questions – Anker Soundcore P40i Headphones

1. What is the battery life of the Anker Soundcore P40i?

The Soundcore P40i headphones deliver up to 12 hours of playtime per charge without ANC and around 9–10 hours with ANC turned on. The charging case provides multiple recharges, boosting total playtime to up to 60 hours under ideal conditions. This makes them perfect for long commutes, workdays, or travel without worrying about frequent charging.

2. Does the Soundcore P40i support Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?

Yes, the Anker Soundcore P40i comes with adaptive ANC technology that uses multiple microphones and intelligent algorithms to block out background noise. While it doesn’t completely eliminate extreme noise like premium models, it does a fantastic job for daily use — whether on public transport, at the office, or in a café.

3. Is the charging case also a phone stand?

One of the standout features of the P40i charging case is its built-in phone stand. A flip-out panel allows you to prop up your phone, making it ideal for watching videos, video calls, or following workout routines hands-free while using your earbuds.

4. How do the Anker Soundcore P40i compare to the P20i and P30i?

P20i: Entry-level, affordable, but with basic features and no ANC.
P30i: Mid-range with better sound and comfort, but still limited on ANC.
P40i: Premium model in the range with active noise cancelling, better bass, multipoint Bluetooth, and longer battery life.

If you want great sound, ANC, and modern features at a very reasonable price, the P40i is the best value option.

5. What is the price of the Anker Soundcore P40i?

The retail price varies, but they are often available for under £40 on Amazon UK, making them one of the best budget ANC headphones currently on the market.

6. Does the Soundcore P40i support multipoint Bluetooth?

Yes, the P40i supports multipoint Bluetooth connection, which means you can connect to two devices at once (for example, your laptop and phone) and switch seamlessly between them.

7. How long does it take to charge the P40i headphones?

The Soundcore P40i supports fast charging. A quick 10-minute charge gives you around 2 hours of playback, while a full charge takes roughly 1.5 hours for the earbuds and 2 hours for the case.

8. Are the Anker Soundcore P40i headphones waterproof?

The earbuds are IPX5 water-resistant, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain. However, the charging case is not waterproof, so you’ll want to keep it dry at all times.

9. How is the call quality on the Soundcore P40i?

The P40i includes multiple microphones with noise reduction technology. Call quality is good in quiet environments, but in very noisy places, the mic may pick up background sounds. For everyday calls, it works well, but it’s not designed to rival professional headsets.

10. Do the Soundcore P40i have an app?

Yes. The Soundcore app is one of the best in its category, allowing you to:

Customize your EQ settings
Switch between ANC and transparency modes
Update firmware
Monitor battery life

This app adds a lot of value compared to other budget earbuds.

11. Do the Soundcore P40i support bass boost?

Yes, through the Soundcore app, you can adjust EQ and enable bass boost. The P40i already delivers strong bass, but if you prefer a heavier punch, you can fine-tune it.

12. What type of Bluetooth connection do the P40i use?

The Anker Soundcore P40i use Bluetooth 5.3, offering a strong, stable connection with low latency and excellent range.

13. Can the Soundcore P40i be used for workouts?

Yes, thanks to their lightweight design and IPX5 sweat resistance, the P40i are great for the gym or running. You may need to adjust the fit during intense movement, but overall, they are secure and comfortable.

14. Do the P40i have transparency mode?

Yes. The transparency mode lets in outside sounds, which is useful for walking in traffic or having a quick conversation without removing your earbuds.

15. Are the Anker Soundcore P40i good for travel?

Absolutely. With ANC, long battery life, and a compact case, they’re ideal for flights, trains, or long commutes. The phone stand built into the case is also handy for watching movies on the go.

16. What controls do the P40i have?

The earbuds feature touch controls for play/pause, skipping tracks, answering calls, and activating voice assistants. These controls can also be customized in the app.

17. What colors are the Soundcore P40i available in?

The P40i are available in classic black, white, and blue, depending on region and stock availability.

18. How comfortable are the Soundcore P40i for long listening?

The ergonomic design and lightweight build make them comfortable for extended use. They come with different ear tip sizes so you can find the best fit.

19. Do the Anker Soundcore P40i support voice assistants?

Yes. You can activate Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa directly from the earbuds with a simple touch control.

20. Where can I download the Soundcore P40i manual?

You can download the official Soundcore P40i user manual directly from Anker’s website: 👉 Download Soundcore P40i Manual (PDF)

Final Verdict

The Anker Soundcore P40i punches well above its weight. For ~£40, you’re getting sound that rivals pricier models, powerful and usable ANC, a stylish case that doubles as a phone stand, great battery life, and a robust app. Yes — there are trade-offs (mic performance, some leakage), but those are expected in this price tier.

If you want a pair of daily-use earbuds that deliver serious value, the P40i is a steal. It outshines the P30i and P20i in nearly every major area without breaking the bank. Highly recommended for music lovers, commuters, podcast fans—and anyone who wants premium sound on a budget.

Buy Anker Soundcore P40i now!