Soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds Review: Worth It?
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Looking for affordable wireless earbuds that deliver powerful sound, long battery life and useful everyday features? The soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds could be an interesting option if you want a feature-packed pair of Bluetooth earbuds without spending a premium price.
Made by soundcore, the audio brand from Anker, the R50i combines 10mm dynamic drivers, up to 30 hours of total playtime, IPX5 water resistance and app-based sound customisation. Amazon lists the model with a black finish and a compact charging case, making it suitable for commuting, workouts, travel and everyday listening.
But are the soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds actually worth buying?
Let’s take a closer look.
soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds: Key Features
Before looking at the pros and cons, here are some of the main specifications worth knowing:
Feature | soundcore R50i |
Type | True Wireless Earbuds |
Driver | 10mm dynamic driver |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Total Playtime | Up to 30 hours |
Earbud Playtime | Up to 10 hours |
Water Resistance | IPX5 |
EQ Presets | 22 |
Microphones | 2 |
Controls | Touch controls |
Colour | Black |
Charging | Charging case |
Weight | Approx. 46.9g including listed product dimensions |
The manufacturer’s documentation lists Bluetooth 5.3, a 10mm dynamic driver, up to 10 hours of playtime from the earbuds and up to 30 hours with the charging case.
1. 10mm Drivers for Powerful Sound
One of the biggest attractions of the soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds is their 10mm dynamic drivers.
Larger drivers can help produce a fuller sound with stronger bass, which makes these earbuds particularly appealing to listeners who enjoy pop, hip-hop, electronic music and other bass-heavy genres.
The R50i is designed to offer a lively sound rather than simply focusing on neutral audio reproduction. For everyday music, podcasts, YouTube videos and casual entertainment, that can be a major advantage.
2. Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point.
The earbuds can provide up to 10 hours of listening on a single charge, while the charging case can extend total playback to up to 30 hours under the manufacturer’s stated conditions.
That makes the soundcore R50i useful for:
- Daily commuting
- Work and study
- Gym sessions
- Travel
- Long walks
- Watching videos
- Listening to podcasts
Actual battery life can vary depending on volume, content and usage conditions, so the advertised maximum should be treated as a best-case figure.
3. IPX5 Water Resistance
If you regularly use earbuds while exercising or travelling in unpredictable weather, water resistance is an important feature.
The soundcore R50i has an IPX5 water-resistance rating, which provides protection against water jets from any direction. The manufacturer’s specifications list IPX5 protection for the earbuds.
This makes them more suitable for workouts and rainy commutes than ordinary earbuds without water resistance.
However, IPX5 does not mean the earbuds are designed to be submerged. They should not be treated as swimming earbuds.
4. Customise Your Sound with the soundcore App
Another useful feature is sound customisation through the soundcore app.
The R50i supports 22 EQ presets, allowing you to change the sound profile depending on your music or personal preference. soundcore’s support information also confirms that the R50i can be adjusted through the available EQ options.
This is particularly useful because different people prefer different sound signatures.
For example, you can choose a bass-focused profile for music or a different EQ setting when listening to podcasts or spoken content.
5. Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity
The soundcore R50i uses Bluetooth 5.3, providing modern wireless connectivity for compatible phones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth devices.
Pairing wireless earbuds is generally much more convenient than dealing with cables, particularly when commuting, exercising or moving around the house.
The official specifications list a Bluetooth range of up to approximately 10 metres or 33 feet under suitable conditions.
6. Lightweight and Comfortable Design
The earbuds use an in-ear design with silicone ear tips. Amazon lists three ear-tip sizes in the box, which gives users some flexibility when finding a suitable fit.
A good fit is important not only for comfort but also for sound quality. Properly fitted ear tips can help create a better seal and improve the perceived bass response.
Because everyone’s ears are different, comfort will ultimately depend on the individual user.
7. Touch Controls
The soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds feature touch controls, allowing you to control music and calls without constantly reaching for your smartphone.
Depending on the configured controls, touch functionality can make everyday use more convenient when you’re commuting, exercising or working.
The Amazon listing also highlights touch controls for music management, calls and voice-assistant functions.
8. Two Microphones for Calls
The R50i includes two built-in microphones.
This makes the earbuds suitable for everyday phone calls, online meetings and voice communication. However, if your main reason for buying earbuds is professional-quality calling in very noisy environments, it may be worth considering a model with a more advanced microphone and noise-reduction system.
For normal everyday calls, the dual-microphone setup provides useful functionality at this price level.
soundcore R50i Pros and Cons
Pros
- 10mm dynamic drivers
- Up to 30 hours of total playtime
- Bluetooth 5.3
- IPX5 water resistance
- 22 EQ presets
- Touch controls
- Compact charging case
- Two built-in microphones
- Multiple ear-tip sizes
- Suitable for workouts and everyday use
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- IPX5 does not make them suitable for swimming
- Call performance may not match premium earbuds
- Sound preference is subjective
- Battery performance varies with volume and usage
Who Should Buy the soundcore R50i?
The soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds make the most sense for people who want a relatively affordable pair of true wireless earbuds with a strong selection of everyday features.
They are particularly suitable for:
Students: The long battery life and compact design make them convenient for studying, commuting and watching online content.
Gym users: IPX5 water resistance can provide useful protection against sweat and water splashes during workouts.
Commuters: Wireless connectivity and a compact charging case make them easy to carry.
Music listeners: The 10mm drivers and multiple EQ presets allow you to customise your listening experience.
Budget-conscious buyers: If you don’t need premium features such as advanced active noise cancellation, a simpler model like the R50i may offer better value for your needs.
Who Should Consider Something Else?
The R50i isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone.
If your priority is active noise cancellation, you may want to consider a more advanced soundcore model. The company’s current range includes earbuds with ANC and longer battery-life options.
Likewise, if you need the very best microphone performance for professional calls, premium earbuds may be a better investment.
soundcore R50i vs More Expensive Earbuds
The main appeal of the soundcore R50i is its balance of features and affordability.
More expensive earbuds can offer additional features such as:
- Active noise cancellation
- Transparency modes
- Wireless charging
- More sophisticated microphone systems
- Premium materials
- Advanced spatial audio
However, not everyone needs these features.
If your main requirements are good everyday sound, Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, water resistance and customisable EQ, the R50i covers many of the basics without adding unnecessary complexity.
Is the soundcore R50i Good for Working Out?
Yes, the R50i can be a practical option for workouts.
Its IPX5 water-resistance rating gives the earbuds protection against water jets, while the in-ear design and multiple ear-tip sizes can help users find a secure fit.
That said, water resistance should not be confused with waterproofing for swimming. Avoid deliberately submerging the earbuds.
Is the soundcore R50i Good for Travel?
The R50i is also well suited to everyday travel.
The earbuds are compact, the charging case provides additional battery capacity, and Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for a wired connection.
With up to 30 hours of combined playback according to the manufacturer’s specifications, the battery capacity is particularly useful for longer journeys.
Final Verdict: Are soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds Worth It?
The soundcore R50i True Wireless Earbuds offer a compelling combination of features for everyday users.
With 10mm dynamic drivers, up to 30 hours of total playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, IPX5 water resistance, touch controls and 22 EQ presets, they provide many of the features people look for in modern wireless earbuds.
They aren’t designed to compete with every premium earbud on the market. There is no active noise cancellation, and users looking for the absolute best call quality or premium audio features may want to spend more.
But if your priority is a feature-rich, affordable pair of wireless earbuds for music, commuting, workouts and everyday entertainment, the soundcore R50i deserves a place on your shortlist.
Check the Latest Price on Amazon
Prices, availability and offers can change, so check the current Amazon UK listing before making a purchase.