On-Ear
AKG K490NC
36Weak
$50
Full review dataAKG K490NC vs Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 76. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Great overall at around $36.
On-Ear
Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones
76Great
$36
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones leads on 6 of 7 measures.
- AKG K490NC
- Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones
HearWiki score
36
76
Sound
6.0
7.0
Noise cancelling
3.5
-
Battery
6.0
9.2
Calls
-
5.6
Value
-
8.8
Price (USD)
$50
$36
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones is 6 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones adds USB-C. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- K490NC2018
- H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones20246 yr newer
What differsK490NCH30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
K490NCH30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- Type
- On-Ear
- On-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $50
- $36
- HearWiki score
- 36
- 76
- Released
- 2018
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 1
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 117 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 117
- -
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- Yes
- Latency
- -
- 300 ms
- Wireless range
- -
- 10 m
- Battery life
- -
- 70 h
- Full charge time
- -
- 120 min
- Quick charge
- -
- 5 min → 4 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- -
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 150 g
- 183 g
- Foldable
- Yes
- Yes
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 1
What reviewers said
AKG K490NC
The AKG K490NC are lightweight, foldable on-ear headphones that pair a balanced 40mm dynamic driver with active noise cancellation for everyday listening. Their sound and ANC are competent for casual use, though not class-leading, and the included wired connection with detachable cable adds flexibility at a budget-friendly price. Battery life and portability are highlights, making them a solid pick for commuters rather than critical listeners.
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
- Pro:Balanced sound with decent clarity for the price
- Pro:Active noise cancellation works well for casual environments
- Con:ANC and soundstage are only middling, not top-tier
- Con:High mids and sub-bass decay could be better
- Con:Recharge via a non-standard USB-to-2.5mm cable
Soundcore H30i Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The Soundcore H30i are an affordable on-ear option that prioritize long battery life and practical features like multipoint and app EQ over premium extras. They deliver a balanced sound signature for the price, though their lightweight build and lack of noise cancellation make them best for casual listening in quiet settings. Overall, they offer strong value for budget-conscious shoppers who want reliable wireless performance.
- Pro:Exceptional battery life for the price
- Pro:Multipoint connectivity and AAC support
- Pro:Custom EQ via companion app
- Con:No active noise cancellation or water resistance
- Con:Comfort can degrade during long sessions
- Con:Microphone quality is mediocre
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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