Following the massive success of its predecessor, the Soundcore R50i NC, which generated substantial engagement, the brand has introduced the highly anticipated Soundcore R60i NC.
My extensive testing of these earbuds reveals an impressive suite of advanced specifications, including active noise cancellation rated up to -52dB, high-resolution LDAC codec support, and AI-driven translation tools. Integrating these high-tier features into a budget-friendly package represents a bold move by Soundcore to dominate the segment. In this detailed analysis, I will break down how these technical advancements translate to real-world performance, examining the device’s ability to stand out from its competitors.
Design, Build, and Ergonomic Fitment
The charging case of the Soundcore R60i NC sports a slightly bulky, rounded design with a smooth matte coating that handles daily wear reasonably well. Small scratches may become visible over time, but the complete presentation remains clean and functional. A prominent LED indicator sits on the front, while the back houses a USB Type-C charging port alongside a dedicated reset button and a lanyard attachment point. This layout is practical, though a more compact physical footprint would have enhanced pocketability.
Inside the case, the earbud nests feature robust magnets that prevent the stems from rattling or falling out even under vigorous shaking. The earbuds themselves feature a glossy finish on their relatively long stems, adding a touch of shine without compromising the aesthetic appeal.
Boasting an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, the earbuds are fully protected against sweat and light rain during outdoor activities. Keep in mind that this ingress protection rating applies strictly to the earbuds, whereas the charging case remains vulnerable to water exposure.
Comfort is a strong suit here, as the ergonomic design ensures a secure seal without putting unnecessary pressure on the ear canal. Users with average-to-larger ear shapes will find the fit exceptionally stable, meaning the earbuds will not easily slip out during physical workouts. Despite the larger stem size, the physical weight distribution remains balanced. The lack of in-ear detection sensors is a minor omission, but the secure physical isolation compensates for this.
Wireless Stability, LDAC Implementation, and Multipoint Connection
Leveraging modern Bluetooth 6.1 technology, the Soundcore R60i NC delivers a highly reliable wireless connection over long distances. My testing with premium source devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro confirmed a seamless pairing experience free of dropouts. The addition of Google Fast Pair further streamlines the initial connection process on compatible Android devices. This ensures a friction-free setup as soon as the charging case lid is opened.
High-resolution audio enthusiasts will appreciate the integration of the LDAC codec, which significantly increases the wireless audio transmission bandwidth. Accessing this high-res codec requires navigating to the sound mode settings within the proprietary Soundcore app and performing a mandatory initial firmware update. Activating LDAC automatically disables the dual-device connectivity feature to free up bandwidth for high-resolution audio. Some advanced app-based audio features are also temporarily restricted when this codec is active.
Multipoint connectivity remains highly functional when operating on standard AAC or SBC codecs. Users can seamlessly transition audio playback between a laptop and a smartphone without experiencing annoying connection delays. The transition works smoothly under normal daily usage conditions. Maintaining this dual-connection stability under challenging wireless environments demonstrates the maturity of Soundcore’s antenna design and firmware calibration.
Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency Modes
The R60i NC boasts a theoretical active noise cancellation rating of up to -52dB, putting it at the absolute forefront of its price category. Real-world testing reveals that this rating translates to highly effective ambient noise reduction, easily blocking out 75% to 80% of constant low-frequency distractions. Achieving this level of attenuation requires selecting the correct ear tip size to guarantee a perfect physical seal. A minor amount of cabin pressure is noticeable when ANC is fully engaged, though most listeners will adjust to this sensation within a few minutes.
The adaptive noise cancellation mode performs exceptionally well by continuously calculating surrounding noise levels and adjusting the isolation intensity dynamically. Users seeking precise control can also manually adjust the noise cancellation level using a numerical slider inside the companion application. This level of customization. The transparency mode also delivers a natural listening experience, making it easy to remain aware of your surroundings.
Ambient voices and passing traffic come through clearly without sounding overly processed or artificial. Some wind noise is audible when standing near high-velocity fans, but the algorithm manages to suppress severe interference before it becomes fatiguing. In comparison to premium alternatives like the Soundpeats Capsule 3 Pro, the R60i NC stands toe-to-toe as one of the best-performing noise-cancelling options currently available in this budget segment.
Battery Performance and Charging Speeds
Battery life on the Soundcore R60i NC is outstanding, easily catering to heavy daily listeners. Disabling the LDAC codec and keeping the volume at a moderate 75% yields approximately 8 hours of continuous playback from a single charge of the earbuds. Utilizing the charging case extends the total operational time up to an impressive 40 hours. This level of endurance ensures that average users will only need to plug in the charging case once every week.
Activating the active noise cancellation naturally increases power consumption, reducing the single-charge earbud runtime to 6.5 hours. Under these settings, the total package duration with the charging case drops to a still-respectable 32 hours. This remains more than adequate for long-haul travel or extended commuting cycles. The power drain remains balanced across both the left and right channels during my prolonged evaluation.
Charging speeds are equally optimized to minimize downtime. A quick 10-minute charge in the case provides up to 3 hours of playback, which is extremely useful during sudden travel emergencies. To completely top up both the earbuds and the charging case from a depleted state requires slightly over an hour and a half. This efficient power delivery system confirms the robust design of the internal battery protection circuits.
Microphone and AI Voice Call Clarity
To facilitate clear voice communication, Soundcore has equipped these earbuds with a total of six physical microphones. These microphones work in tandem with a custom-developed AI noise reduction algorithm designed to isolate human speech from chaotic ambient environments. Real-world testing reveals a highly capable vocal presentation during standard cellular calls and online video meetings. The voice reproduction retains its natural timbre without sounding overly metallic or muffled.
In challenging outdoor environments, the AI algorithm quickly identifies constant background hums, such as traffic or construction noise, and suppresses them. Wind interference is also kept to a manageable minimum, allowing the speaker’s voice to remain intelligible. While it may not rival studio-grade microphones, the performance is highly competitive for a sub $25 wireless product. Listeners on the other end of the line will experience minimal distortion during conversations.
Sound demos recorded using these earbuds verify that the vocal capture remains clean and forward-facing. The microphone processing priority focuses heavily on the mid-frequencies to enhance speech clarity over background noise. This tuning approach ensures reliable performance during outdoor activities or during extended voice chats indoors.
Soundcore App and Advanced Personalization
The Soundcore companion application stands as the gold standard for budget TWS control software. Upon opening the application, users are greeted with intuitive control panels for toggle-switching between various active noise cancellation, normal, and transparency modes. The sound customization menu is extensive, offering access to numerous pre-set equalizer profiles along with an advanced 8-band custom EQ. This allows users to fine-tune specific frequency ranges to match their personal listening tastes.
A standout feature is HearID, which performs a personalized hearing assessment to generate a unique EQ curve tailored specifically to your auditory profile. The application also provides comprehensive touch control customization, allowing users to map single, double, and long-press actions to their liking. A highly requested feature implemented in this version is the ability to turn off touch controls entirely. This prevents accidental inputs when adjusting the earbuds or using them while lying down in bed.
Regular firmware updates are pushed regularly through the app to optimize connection performance and squash minor software bugs. The interface is clean, free of annoying advertisements, and highly responsive on both Android and iOS devices. This level of software support is incredibly rare at this price point, giving Soundcore a massive advantage over competitor brands.
Gaming Latency and AI-Powered Translation
Under normal operating modes, the Soundcore R60i NC exhibits an audio latency of approximately 120 to 150 milliseconds. This delay is virtually imperceptible when watching YouTube videos, streaming movies, or listening to podcasts. To enjoy fast-paced shooting games, users must enable the dedicated Game Mode, which can be found tucked away inside the Spatial Audio settings. Note that the high-resolution LDAC codec must be disabled to successfully activate this low-latency gaming state.
Engaging the Game Mode reduces the latency to around 60 milliseconds, offering a much tighter synchronization between visual actions and acoustic cues. This makes casual gaming sessions highly enjoyable and responsive. Serious competitive esports players, however, might still prefer a wired connection to eliminate any potential delays. For the vast majority of mobile gamers, the performance here is more than adequate.
A unique addition to the software suite is the newly integrated AI translation feature, accessible via the AI Chat Assistant tool within the app. Supporting over 100 languages, this tool provides a highly functional translation system that acts as a reliable companion during travel. Unlike similar attempts by brands like Realme, which are often plagued by bugs, Soundcore’s implementation is stable and reliable. Keep in mind that a stable internet connection is required to utilize this cloud-dependent translation feature.
Acoustic Profile and Soundstage Performance
Soundcore has made significant adjustments to the sound tuning of the R60i NC compared to its predecessor. While the older model suffered from a somewhat muddy and boamy low-end, this new version cleans up the presentation beautifully. Utilizing an 11mm titanium dynamic driver, the earbuds deliver a tighter, much more punchy bass response. Soundcore’s signature BassUp technology enhances the low frequencies to provide deep, satisfying sub-bass rumble without bleeding into other areas of the mix.
The sound signature itself is a fun-loving, bass-forward V-shaped presentation. Bass notes hit with satisfying depth and authority, making these earbuds an absolute dream for bass-heavy genres such as EDM, hip-hop, and electronic pop. The midrange remains surprisingly clean and organic, bringing vocals slightly forward rather than burying them under the heavy bass. This organic presentation is reminiscent of vintage MP3 players, providing an incredibly enjoyable and fatigue-free vocal experience.
Treble detail is crisp enough to resolve instruments like high-hats, acoustic strings, and cymbals without causing ear strain. There is a slight sizzling quality to the upper frequencies, meaning metal and rock enthusiasts might find the treble energy slightly lower than desired. However, this softer treble response makes the earbuds incredibly safe for treble-sensitive listeners who want to avoid auditory fatigue. The soundstage is remarkably wide, presenting music in a spacious manner that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the listener’s head.
Comparative Market Comparison
Comparing the Soundcore R60i NC to alternative TWS options under $25 highlights its strong market positioning. Standing head-to-head with the Soundpeats Capsule 3 Pro, the R60i NC offers similar class-leading ANC performance. However, the Soundcore model delivers a punchier, more satisfying bass response, whereas the Soundpeats alternative is better tuned for rock and metal genres.
Against the Realme T500 Pro, the Soundcore R60i NC holds its ground with superior software integration and lower pricing, even though the Realme model boasts a slightly more premium physical build quality. Similarly, when compared to our previous budget favorite, the QCY Melobuds Pro, the R60i NC clearly pulls ahead in terms of active noise cancellation strength, bass depth, and midrange clarity. For audiophiles who prefer a perfectly balanced, neutral tuning, the Moondrop Space Travel remains a strong competitor, but it lacks the advanced features, case practicality, and battery life of the Soundcore.
Upgrading to more premium options like the Realme Buds Air 6 or Buds T300 is only necessary if your budget allows for a significant price jump. For users shopping strictly under the 3000 Taka mark, the Soundcore R60i NC represents an incredibly easy recommendation. It caters perfectly to general consumers and bass lovers who want a highly engaging, reliable, and feature-rich daily audio driver.
Final Thoughts — Price & Value
Securing a highly capable audio product under the $25 threshold often requires compromising on essential features such as active noise cancellation or software reliability. The Soundcore R60i NC breaks this trend by packing premium -52dB adaptive ANC, an 11mm titanium driver, and custom HearID calibration into a highly competitive package. Priced at just $25, these earbuds establish a new benchmark for what budget consumers can expect from a reputable global brand.
The robust companion app integration, complete with continuous firmware support and highly functional touch customization, further elevates the user experience. Minor issues such as a slightly bulky charging case and the lack of in-ear detection do little to diminish the outstanding hardware proposition offered here.
Bass-heavy music fans and casual listeners seeking a fun, engaging, and distraction-free daily companion will find these earbuds to be an exceptional investment. The combination of stellar battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and highly reliable multipoint connectivity makes it incredibly easy to recommend. This product solidifies its position as one of the best value-for-money options currently available in the competitive audio market.
