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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds are typically more expensive and offer a secure ear-hook design suitable for active lifestyles, with features such as adaptive sound, noise handling, and spatial audio, which are especially effective when paired with Apple devices. On the other hand, the Soundcore Life Q20 headphones, priced lower, offer an over-ear experience with active noise cancellation and a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, though they may not be as ideal for sports or high-movement activities. When choosing between the two, consider whether you prioritize features and integration with Apple products, or whether cost and comfort for long listening periods are more important. 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
4.9
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
4.7
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
Build Quality
8.8
8.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.5
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q20 to be good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
5.2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 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 | 4.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
Soundcore Life Q20
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Soundcore Life Q20
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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