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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Powerbeats Pro are earbuds known for their secure ear hooks, making them a great choice if you're active or need something that stays put during workouts. They also have an H1 chip for enhanced connectivity with Apple devices, which could be beneficial if you are in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer an over-ear experience, which generally provides better noise isolation and can be more comfortable for long listening sessions. They're less expensive than the Powerbeats Pro and might offer better value for money if you're looking for something with active noise cancellation and a longer battery life for everyday use. Consider the Powerbeats Pro if you need something sporty and you're using Apple devices; go for the Life Q30 if you want an over-ear design with active noise cancellation at a more affordable price. 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 Q30
- Good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.5
7.1
The Soundcore Life Q30 is good for music, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.0
5.1
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
4.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q30 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
44.0 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q30 has 44 hours of battery life.
Cost
$124
$80
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Soundcore Life Q30 costs $80.
Build Quality
8.8
8.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q30 both have very good build quality, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q30 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Soundcore Life Q30 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Soundcore Life Q30 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Soundcore Life Q30 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | August 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 44 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.7 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 | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 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 | 263 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 Q30
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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 Beats Powerbeats Pro or the Soundcore Life Q30
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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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.
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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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