Comparison
Soundcore P31i and Soundcore P40i are budget-friendly ANC wireless earbuds from Anker’s Soundcore line with long battery claims and 6-mic call features. P31i leans toward Hi-Res/LDAC and added tools like translation, while P40i focuses on maximum battery , wireless charging, and a phone-stand case. On the provided scores, P31i wins narrowly overall, but P40i can be the better pick for easier setup and charging convenience.
#1 Overall Winner
Contender
Choose Soundcore P31i if you want LDAC/Hi-Res positioning, strong rated ANC performance (with a specific “up to 52 dB” claim), fast top-ups, and the extra translation feature.
Choose Soundcore P40i if you want longer stated battery life, wireless charging, and a more convenience-oriented case (phone stand), plus stronger connectivity/setup scoring.
Either way, expect fit to be the main wildcard based on mixed user feedback for both.
Overall winner
Depends on your needs
| Metric | Soundcore P31i | Soundcore P40i | Winner | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score (provided) | 86 | 85 | P31i | Slight edge in the overall scoring profile. |
| Noise cancelling approach | Real-time adaptive ANC; up to 52 dB stated | Adaptive ANC to environments | P31i | P31i provides a specific max reduction claim and higher performance scoring. |
| Audio features | Hi-Res + LDAC listed | BassUp emphasis | P31i | P31i is more explicitly positioned for Hi-Res/LDAC playback in the provided data. |
| Driver size | 11 mm dynamic | 11 mm dynamic (composite driver noted) | Tie | Both list 11 mm drivers; tuning/features differ. |
| Battery (single charge) | Up to 10 hours (8 with ANC) | Up to 12 hours | P40i | P40i claims longer per-charge listening time. |
| Battery (with case) | Up to 50 hours (40 with ANC) | Up to 60 hours | P40i | P40i claims a higher maximum total runtime. |
| Fast charging | 10 minutes for 3.5 hours stated | Not specified in provided data | P31i | P31i includes a clear quick-charge claim. |
| Charging conveniences | Not specified beyond fast charging | Wireless charging; case doubles as phone stand | P40i | P40i lists extra day-to-day convenience features. |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 6.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | P31i | Newer version listed for P31i, though device compatibility still matters. |
| Water resistance | IP55 | IPX5 | P31i | IP55 includes dust protection in addition to water jets; P40i lists water only (IPX5). |
| Reviews snapshot | 4.5/5 from 3,859 reviews | 4.3/5 from 15,380 reviews | P31i | P31i has the higher average rating; P40i has much larger review volume. |
P31i scores higher for overall performance in the provided data and includes a specific ANC claim (up to 52 dB). Review sentiment also repeatedly highlights strong noise cancellation and a quieting effect in noisy environments.
P40i can perform very well for many users (some reviews call ANC superb), but its feedback is more polarized—some users are very impressed while others report weak ANC. Because in-ear ANC depends heavily on seal, the more consistent performer for most buyers is likely the P31i, assuming you get a good fit.
Neither model is “problem-free” based on the provided review summaries. P31i has recurring positives around sound/ANC/battery, but connectivity/setup complaints appear, and reliability scoring is mid-pack.
P40i has mixed reliability feedback as well, including mentions that some units stop working properly. At the same time, many owners report stable long-term use. If you’re risk-averse, consider buying from a retailer with straightforward returns and test fit/ANC/connectivity thoroughly in your first week.
Both use touch controls and both receive some usability-related criticism. For P31i, reviews mention occasional connectivity friction and some annoyance with touch sensor placement when adjusting the earbud.
For P40i, reviews mention touch sensitivity and accidental command triggers (for example, trying to change volume but triggering other actions). The P40i’s phone-stand case can improve usability for video watching, while P31i’s translation feature may require more app interaction. Overall, usability is a draw, but buyers who want simpler pairing/setup may prefer P40i based on the provided setup/connectivity scoring.
Both are in-ear designs with multiple ear-tip sizes included, and both have mixed fit feedback. P31i’s included tips start at XS and some reviewers highlight comfort, but others say the earbuds don’t stay in reliably.
P40i reviews similarly split between “perfect fit” and “falls out,” with some criticism of the stem/tail style and the difficulty of positioning for an ideal seal. The most important design factor here is not aesthetics—it’s whether you can maintain a stable seal during movement, since that drives both comfort and ANC effectiveness.
Based on the provided scoring, P40i rates slightly higher for build quality and durability than P31i. P31i reviews include concerns about the slick case and lid durability, though some users describe the earbuds as durable after accidental drops.
P40i has at least one long-term anecdote describing surviving a wash cycle, but reliability feedback in the aggregate is still mixed. If build feel and long-term toughness are your top priority, P40i has a modest edge in the score data.
Score data gives P40i a small edge for durability. P31i reviews include at least one positive durability anecdote (surviving a drop in water), but there are also concerns about the case being slippery and the lid not feeling robust.
P40i includes a notable durability story (surviving a wash cycle) but that’s anecdotal and not a guarantee. For buyers who tend to be hard on gear, P40i’s slightly stronger durability scoring is the better signal available here.
Both score well for portability. P31i lists a 59 g case weight and compact case dimensions, while P40i’s standout portability feature is the phone-stand case for hands-free viewing. If you carry earbuds mainly for audio, both are easy to live with; if you travel and watch video on the go, P40i’s case design is a practical perk.
P31i leads on “extra” functionality: AI translation (100+ languages) and explicit Hi-Res/LDAC positioning. It also calls out fast charging with a specific quick-charge figure.
P40i counters with practical day-to-day features: wireless charging and a phone-stand charging case. It also promotes BassUp for real-time bass enhancement and includes volume control in its listed controls. If you want utility features that you’ll use daily, P40i can be the more compelling feature set.
Both earbuds work with the Soundcore app and reviews for both mention EQ and customization. P31i app use can be more central because translation and some performance/feature tuning may require setup and registration; reviews mention updating firmware on first use.
P40i reviews describe a user-friendly app with hearing analysis and flexible tap controls (though others complain about touch behavior in practice). If you want a smoother “set it up once and forget it” experience, P40i’s higher setup/connectivity scoring suggests fewer hurdles.
P31i stands out with real-time AI translation (100+ languages) and spatial audio listed in the title/details. This is a meaningful differentiator if you travel or work with multilingual teams.
P40i focuses more on practical app customization and audio enhancement (BassUp), with less emphasis on “smart” tools in the provided product details. If smart utility features matter, P31i is the clearer pick.
P40i is the easier recommendation for setup based on the provided setup score and common review feedback about straightforward pairing.
P31i can be easy for many users, but review sentiment indicates some owners need to spend a few minutes completing app integration and firmware updates to resolve early connection issues. If you want the best chance of a friction-free first day, P40i has the advantage.
Both list broad compatibility across common devices. P31i lists compatibility with cellphones, laptops, and tablets. P40i lists cellphones, desktops, laptops, and tablets. In practice, compatibility can be influenced by how you plan to use features: P31i’s translation and some sound options are app-driven, and P40i’s configuration options (like volume cap mentioned in reviews) also depend on the Soundcore app.
P31i is more explicitly aimed at detailed listening, listing Hi-Res certification and LDAC plus a 20 Hz–40 kHz range. It also scores slightly higher for audio quality. Reviews commonly describe clear sound and strong overall tuning for the price.
P40i emphasizes heavy bass via BassUp and also earns a high audio score. Many reviews praise soundstage and clarity, but tuning preference matters: if you want bass impact and convenience features, P40i is attractive; if you want the most “Hi-Res/codec” oriented spec sheet and slightly stronger audio scoring, P31i is the safer pick.
P40i leads in the provided connectivity and setup scoring, and reviews frequently note easy pairing and stable day-to-day connections (including reports of using laptop and phone together).
P31i lists a newer Bluetooth version (6.1) but has more mixed review sentiment around pairing/connection stability. Several users also mention that completing app setup/firmware updates helps. If connectivity reliability is your #1 concern, the score data favors P40i.
P40i wins on the highest stated numbers: up to 12 hours per charge and 60 hours with the case. Many reviews also praise how infrequently the case needs charging.
P31i is still excellent on battery, listing 10 hours per charge and 50 hours total, plus clear ANC-on figures (8/40) and a specific quick-charge claim (10 minutes for 3.5 hours). If you want maximum total runtime, choose P40i; if you value fast top-ups and more detailed battery claims, P31i is appealing.
Both models score similarly for power efficiency in the provided data, and both emphasize long runtimes. P40i’s headline battery numbers are higher, but P31i includes a specific quick-charge claim that can reduce the need for long charging sessions. In real use, efficiency will vary with ANC level, volume, and codec settings (where applicable).
Both models rate very highly for value in the provided scoring. P31i has a slight edge on value score and a higher average star rating, supported by repeated praise for sound, ANC, and battery at its price point.
P40i remains strong value because it adds wireless charging and a multifunction case while still scoring well for audio and battery. Consider which “extras” you’ll actually use: translation/LDAC (P31i) vs wireless charging/phone stand and longer stated runtime (P40i).
Both products come from Soundcore (Anker), so baseline brand expectations are similar. The provided scoring gives a small edge to P31i on brand trust, while P40i still scores solidly. Since both rely on app features and firmware, buyers may want to consider how comfortable they are with ongoing app use and updates as part of ownership.
P31i shows stronger satisfaction signals: 4.5/5 from 3,859 reviews, with frequent praise for sound, ANC, battery, and value, and mixed feedback mostly centered on fit/connectivity.
P40i has a larger evidence base (15,380 reviews) but a slightly lower average rating (4.3/5). Praise still centers on sound and battery, while ANC, fit, and reliability are more mixed. If you want the higher average satisfaction, P31i leads; if you want the larger review sample, P40i leads.
The provided scoring indicates P40i rates higher than P31i for warranty/support, but detailed warranty terms are not included in the product data here. If support experience is critical, check the warranty length, return window, and replacement policy on the listing you plan to buy from and keep packaging/serial details during your trial period.
Soundcore P31i is the best overall pick by the provided scores, with standout strengths in audio quality, features, battery life, and value—plus the unique translation feature and LDAC/Hi-Res positioning. If you want an all-rounder that prioritizes sound/ANC performance and you don’t mind occasional app-dependent setup, it’s the more complete package in this head-to-head.
Soundcore P40i remains an excellent alternative and may be the better choice for many people: it offers longer stated battery life, wireless charging, and a clever phone-stand case, while scoring stronger for connectivity and setup. If you want fewer pairing headaches and more charging convenience, P40i can be the more practical buy.
With both models, fit is the biggest wildcard—so prioritize a good seal and use the included tip sizes to dial it in.
Overall winner
Depends on your needs
Based on the provided scoring, Soundcore P31i edges out Soundcore P40i overall (86 vs 85). P31i’s scorecard leans on audio quality, features (including translation), battery, and value. P40i stays very close, with particularly strong connectivity and setup scoring plus a longer stated total battery life and wireless charging.
Both use adaptive ANC, but the P31i is the clearer pick on paper because it states noise reduction up to 52 dB and scores higher in performance. The P40i has many reviews praising ANC, but customer feedback is more mixed, including at least one review saying ANC is ineffective. Real-world results may depend on fit and ear-tip seal.
P40i claims the longer maximum runtime: 12 hours on a charge and 60 hours with the case. P31i lists 10 hours per charge and 50 hours total, plus it provides explicit ANC-on figures (8 hours/40 hours) and a fast-charge claim (10 minutes for 3.5 hours). If you want the biggest total number, P40i leads.
Both score well for audio, but P31i has the edge in the provided audio scoring and positions itself around Hi-Res + LDAC (and a 20 Hz–40 kHz range). P40i emphasizes BassUp for stronger bass impact and also earns a high audio score. If you want codec/Hi-Res positioning, P31i is the safer choice; for bass-first tuning, P40i is compelling.
Both earbuds list 6 mics and an AI noise-reduction algorithm for calls. P31i explicitly mentions wind-noise reduction, and reviews often highlight clear calling. P40i also receives call-quality praise, with some reviews describing clearer voice transmission. If calls are your main use, either can work; the tie-breaker is fit stability and how well they pair with your devices.
Soundcore P40i lists wireless charging as a feature. The provided P31i data highlights fast charging and long playtime, but does not list wireless charging. If cable-free charging is important, P40i is the straightforward option based on the information provided.
P40i scores notably higher for setup and connectivity in the provided scoring, and the aggregated review summary frequently mentions easy Bluetooth pairing. P31i has more mixed connectivity sentiment: some users say it’s easy, while others report connection friction or needing to complete app/firmware steps. If you want the least setup hassle, P40i has the advantage.
Both are positioned for active use with water-resistance ratings, but P31i lists IP55 while P40i lists IPX5. Beyond the rating, reviews for both mention mixed fit, which can matter more than the spec for running or gym sessions. If you work out frequently, prioritize the model that fits your ears more securely using the included tip sizes.
Both score strongly for value, but P31i rates slightly higher on value and has a higher average star rating (4.5/5 vs 4.3/5), though with fewer total reviews. P40i remains a strong value option, adding wireless charging and a phone-stand case. The better “value” choice depends on whether you’ll use P31i’s translation/LDAC features or P40i’s convenience features.
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