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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and Soundcore P20i comes down to preferences and priorities. The AirPods offer a tight integration with Apple devices, with features like ear detection and wireless charging, but at a higher price. Soundcore P20i, while more affordable, offers a longer battery life and is sweatproof, making it better for exercise. Both provide similar overall sound quality and comfort. The AirPods fall short for gaming and TV due to latency issues. Soundcore scores higher for gaming but is less suitable for calls and meetings when compared to AirPods. Consider your main activities and budget when selecting. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
- Good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
7.3
The Soundcore P20i is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.0
The Soundcore P20i is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The Soundcore P20i is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Soundcore P20i costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Soundcore P20i both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Soundcore P20i compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Soundcore P20i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Soundcore P20i
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Critic Reviewer
Ranbir Sen | May 2023
"I would recommend the Soundcore P20i Earbuds to everyone who loves music and would like to own comfortable pair of earbuds with a great range of sound quality. I would recommend users who buy this device use the right comfortable ear tips as per your ear design."
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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.
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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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