The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and budget, Apple EarPods are a less expensive, light option suitable for calls and casual listening. However, if you value sound quality, active noise cancellation, and long battery life for extended sessions like travel or work, the Soundcore Life Q20 would be a better investment despite the higher cost. The Q20's cushioned over-ear design offers comfort and isolation, which the EarPods lack, but they are bulkier and less convenient for active use or carrying around. It's essential to consider where and how you plan to use them to make the best choice for your needs. 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 Earpods
Very good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
7.0/10
The Apple Earpods and Soundcore Life Q20 are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.2/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
4.9/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
4.7/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.3/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
8.7/10
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
32.3 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$50
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $50.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q20 to have very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
"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 Earpods 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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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.