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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and seamless integration with Apple products, the AirPods (2nd generation) may justify the extra expense. They offer an easy pairing experience with Apple devices and the compact, wireless form factor is ideal for use on-the-go. However, if you are looking for value for money and better noise isolation without a significant investment, the Soundcore Life Q20 headphones may be a better choice, offering features such as active noise cancellation and an over-ear design for enhanced sound isolation, which is helpful in noisy environments. Consider your primary use case and whether brand ecosystem or cost-effectiveness is more important to you. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.0
The Soundcore Life Q20 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
4.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$60
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
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Key similarities
Gaming
4.8
5.2
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q20 to have very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Soundcore Life Q20
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Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | January 2022
"As far as headphones that cost under $100 go, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is a really solid option. Like any good tool, it does the job well without much guff, and it’s affordable to boot. Sure: it’s not going toe to toe with any of the higher-end models of ANC headphones out there—but the headphones do well enough for commuters that it’s a good stand-in if you were never planning on spending a bunch of money anyway."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Soundcore Life Q20
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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