Can the Soundcore R60i NC compete with higher-end alternatives in terms of sound, clarity, and usability? With Hi-Res Audio certification, LDAC support, and adaptive noise cancellation that goes up to -52 dB, this latest R-series model from Soundcore aims to redefine what’s possible under PHP 2,000. Here’s our full review.
Soundcore, under Anker’s audio division, has built a steady reputation for combining functionality and value, and the R60i NC continues that direction. It is an upgraded version of the R50i NC, offering better noise reduction, stronger bass, and more intelligent features like AI translation and improved mic performance. Let’s explore how it performs across design, audio, connectivity, and endurance, and whether it truly offers a balanced mix of performance and practicality.
Here’s what’s inside the box: a booklet for a quick guide, the TWS earphones in a case, extra pairs of silicone tips in various sizes to match your comfortable fit, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
Design and Construction
The Soundcore R60i NC retains a familiar design language but feels more refined and mature than the R50i NC. The matte finish of the charging case looks clean and resists fingerprints, while its rounded shape makes it easy to pocket. The lid opens smoothly and feels solid, a small but important sign of build quality in this price range.
Inside, the earbuds sit securely in place, aided by strong magnets. Each earbud follows a short-stem form, which fits naturally in the ear without creating discomfort during long listening sessions. It’s thinner and resembles a lot like the Soundcore Liberty 5 released a few months back.
The silicone tips help seal in bass and block out noise effectively, which enhances the ANC performance. During testing, they stayed in place even when walking or commuting, showing a stable fit.
The earbuds are IP55-rated, giving them protection from sweat and light splashes—useful for gym sessions or unexpected rain. The build feels durable yet lightweight, though the plastic shell doesn’t feel as premium as midrange competitors like the Soundcore Liberty series.
The R60i NC doesn’t try to look flashy, as it focuses on practicality. Comfort, fit, and durability are all handled well, making it a reliable option for everyday use. The case and earbuds feel sturdier than most budget models, showing that Soundcore didn’t cut corners in build quality.
Soundcore also reworked the microphone setup, moving to a six-mic beamforming design. The additional mics not only improve voice clarity but also enhance the ANC algorithm, helping the earbuds respond faster to environmental noise. Small touches like this make the R60i NC feel smarter and more polished than its price might suggest.
Audio Quality
This is where the R60i NC shines. The 11 mm dynamic drivers, paired with a 0.2 mm magnetic gap, produce clear and powerful sound. The low frequencies hit deeper, giving bass-heavy tracks the punch they need without distorting vocals or midrange tones. Compared to the R50i NC, the difference in warmth and depth is instantly noticeable.
Hi-Res Audio certification and LDAC support are the biggest upgrades here. When connected to a compatible device, the earbuds can stream audio at a higher bitrate, revealing finer details like guitar textures and reverb trails that SBC connections often blur. Listening to acoustic and live recordings feels more natural and layered.
The R60i NC’s sound profile leans slightly toward a V-shape—bass and treble are emphasized while mids stay clear. This makes it great for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, though some may find the bass a bit dominant in quieter genres. Thankfully, the Soundcore app allows manual EQ adjustments, letting users tone down or boost frequencies as needed. There’s also a preferential test to give you your ideal EQ based on what you prefer between presented choices.
ANC performance is impressive for its price. The adaptive system constantly monitors external sounds and automatically adjusts intensity every 0.007 seconds. It handles consistent noises—like air conditioning, engines, and crowds—quite effectively, though higher-pitched sounds like conversations may still seep in slightly. For the price point, it’s one of the most capable ANC systems available.
Transparency mode feels balanced, allowing external sound without the harsh or “digital” quality often found in budget earbuds. This makes it safe to use when walking outdoors or listening for announcements.
Call quality also gets a major lift. The six-mic AI ENC system ensures your voice stays clear, even in busy public areas. In testing, voices came through clean with minimal background noise, making the R60i NC a strong choice for video calls or work meetings.
The earbuds even include AI translation support in over 100 languages, which works via the Soundcore app though it seems it’s free for a limited time only. It’s more of a niche feature, but one that highlights the brand’s push toward AI-assisted functionality.
The Soundcore R60i NC punches above its weight in sound and noise cancellation. The clarity, bass response, and Hi-Res support make it one of the best-sounding earbuds in its segment. The only trade-off is a slightly boosted low end, which might not suit those who prefer neutral audio.
Connectivity
Connection stability is excellent, even in crowded signal environments. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, supporting LDAC and SBC codecs with stable transmission up to 10 meters. Pairing is quick, and once connected, the earbuds automatically link back to previously paired devices.
The Soundcore app adds extra flexibility—users can control ANC levels, adjust the EQ, or toggle Game Mode. Latency drops to around 50 milliseconds in this mode, which noticeably improves lip sync in videos and reaction time in mobile games.
The app integration adds meaningful control, and LDAC support at this price point is rare. Soundcore has done well to combine performance and usability without introducing lag or dropouts.
While it doesn’t support simultaneous dual-device pairing, switching between devices is quick enough for general use. LDAC streaming slightly increases battery consumption, but the sound improvement outweighs the trade-off for most listeners.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is one of the R60i NC’s strongest features. The earbuds can run for up to 10 hours on a single charge (ANC off) or 8 hours (ANC on). Combined with the charging case, total playback time extends to 50 hours and 40 hours respectively.
In testing, moderate use—listening at 60% volume with ANC on—produced about 7.5 hours of playback, which matches the brand’s claim. The 10-minute quick-charge function adds 3.5 hours of use, making it convenient for short trips or unexpected power needs.
Charging through USB-C is efficient, and the case feels compact enough to carry daily. Even with LDAC mode activated, battery life remains competitive.
For a model under PHP 2,000, the endurance is impressive, especially with fast charging included. Soundcore clearly prioritized longevity without compromising performance.
The Rundown
The Soundcore R60i NC is for users who want premium-level features in an affordable package. It’s ideal for commuters, office workers, students, and mobile gamers who want effective ANC, strong bass, and long battery life. It also suits casual listeners who appreciate customizable sound and app support without paying flagship prices.
The Soundcore R60i NC is available now for PHP 1,795 at Anker Stores and online via Shopee until November 8, after which it will be sold on other e-commerce platforms as well.
