Skip to content
HearWiki

Mpow M30 vs Soundcore P42i: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Soundcore P42i comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Soundcore P42i - Great overall at around $71.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Mpow M30
Sound6.5
Battery5.5
Calls5.0
Value7.5
Soundcore P42i
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery8.5
Calls7.5
Value9.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Mpow M30 vs Soundcore P42i
SpecMpow M30Soundcore P42i
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$40$71
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good78 / 100 · Great
Released20202026
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size6 mm11 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response-20Hz-20kHz
Wireless
Bluetooth5.06.1
Bluetooth version5.06.1
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Wireless range10 m10 m
Battery
Battery life5 h-
Battery life (ANC on)-8.5 h
Battery incl. case25 h56 h
Full charge time120 min60 min
Quick charge-10 min = 3.5 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC typenoneadaptive
Transparency modeNoYes
Companion appNoYes
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionNoNo
Controlstouchtouch
Voice assistant-yes
Design
Weight4.5 g4.4 g
Case weight40 g51 g
Water resistanceIPX7IP55
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones16
Call noise reduction-AI noise reduction

What reviewers said

Mpow M30

The Mpow M30 is an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds aimed at sports and active use, offering a secure fit with sport wings and a waterproof build. They deliver clear, engaging sound with a bass-forward yet balanced profile, plus stable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a practical charging case with USB-C. While the total battery life is decent, some aspects like the plain case and average per-charge runtime keep them from being top-tier, but they remain a strong value for the price.

  • Pro:Secure and comfortable fit with sport wings
  • Pro:Clear, engaging sound with good detail
  • Pro:Strong water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Average battery life per charge
  • Con:Plain and basic charging case design
  • Con:No app support or EQ customization

Soundcore P42i

The Soundcore P42i is a budget-friendly true wireless pair that punches well above its weight, offering adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging in a comfortable, IP55-rated shell. With long battery life and a robust app suite, it delivers premium features without the premium price tag, making it an exceptional value pick for everyday listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent value with premium features at a budget price
  • Pro:Comfortable fit and strong adaptive ANC for the class
  • Pro:Long battery life with convenient wireless charging case
  • Con:Bass may not satisfy heavy bassheads
  • Con:Touch controls can be finicky at times
  • Con:Call quality is decent but not top-tier

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.