The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods offer an open enclosure type which generally delivers a more natural sound and wider soundstage, so they might be better for casual listening and calls where ambient awareness is essential. However, they lack wireless capabilities, so you would be tethered to your device. The Soundcore P20i, on the other hand, features a closed design providing better noise isolation which is suitable for noisy environments, and are wireless, giving you freedom of movement. They also have a longer battery life and are sweatproof, making them a good fit for exercise. If a microphone is critical for you, note that the Earpods have a slightly better mic quality. Choose Earpods if you value natural sound and don't mind wires; opt for P20i if you prioritize wireless convenience, longer battery life, and noise isolation. 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
Good for music
Very good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.4/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
7.3/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore P20i is good.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.0/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
4.7/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.5/10
The Soundcore P20i is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$25
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Soundcore P20i costs $25.
Build Quality
7.6/10
9.0/10
The Soundcore P20i has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"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."
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Soundcore P20i
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.