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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is your primary concern and you just need basic earphones for casual listening without fancy features, Apple Earpods could suit your needs as they come at a lower cost compared to Soundcore Life Q30. However, if you're looking for active noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a more comfortable over-ear design for extended use, you might prefer the Soundcore Life Q30 despite the higher price. The Soundcore Life Q30 also likely offers superior sound quality and is better suited for travel or working in noisy environments. Keep in mind that the Apple Earpods have a wired connection, so if wireless convenience is important, the Bluetooth-enabled Soundcore Life Q30 would be the better choice. 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 Q30
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.1
The Apple Earpods and Soundcore Life Q30 are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3
5.3
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.1
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.8
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.4
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q30 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
44.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q30 has 44 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Soundcore Life Q30 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q30 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 Q30 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Soundcore Life Q30 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | August 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 44 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"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."
Soundcore Life Q30
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphones Addict
Peter Susic | December 2021
"Every once in a while, headphones with an excellent price/performance ratio arrive that truly deserves all attention. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of those headphones. Of course, they aren’t perfect, but they do most things better than their competition. Or they give you the option to make them better."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Soundcore Life Q30
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.
By the numbers
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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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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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