After the success of the E10 earphones, SoundMAGIC have created a new budget-friendly option: the E11C and E11 range. We will be focusing on the E11C (the cabled version) featuring isolating technology and an updated design.

These earphones are fully constructed from aluminium, finished with a unique hand-painting process for a cleaner and more premium finish. They are lightweight (just 11g) and the both durable and minimalist design sits comfortably and discretely in you ears. There is a choice of silicone earbuds to find a precise fit and when combined with the ergonomically-angled sound tubes, it helps achieve the noise isolating experience. The cable has had a redesign (you can see the twisted cable through the tough and translucent coating) and features a high-resolution silver-plated copper audio cable (1.2m) to reduce signal loss and get the best resolution available. The wire is very thin, however, and like most earphones it has that magical ability to knot up in a matter of seconds as soon as you take your eyes off it. To keep things neater there is a sweet little zip up hardcase included. The E11C Complete Communication set up means you can pair it with any type of smartphone; the 3-button control unit allows you to switch automatically between Apple and Android for control over volume, track control and phone calls.

Now, before we get to the sound quality, please bear in mind the price of these earphones and remember: you get what you pay for! These earphones have an updated driver with the aim of producing a more mature and sophisticated sound with smoother high-frequency detailing and more textured low-frequency extension. It uses 10mm dynamic drivers, and we found the quality was exactly as we expected: The bass is reasonable the mid-tones clear, but the top notes were harsh at loud volumes. These aren’t exceptionally loud headphones but if you value your hearing, you don’t want them to be. The E11C are better than your average earphones in this price range, but they aren’t going to blow you away. A good choice for light weight travel and commuting earphones. RRP £49.99

Current Cheapest Price

4 out of 5

Pros

Low cost

Look good

Integrated 3-button smart remote and microphone

Silver-plated copper cable provides high-resolution audio

Protective hard case

Comfortable and secure fit with isolating design

Reasonable bass and mid-tones

Cons

High tone harsh at loud volumes

Thin wire feels delicate