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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats Solo 3 offers a more balanced sound quality and a longer battery life, which would suit extended listening sessions. They're also optimized for both Android and Apple devices and have a foldable design for easier portability. However, the Soundcore Life Q20 is less expensive and has slightly better comfort and microphone quality, making them a good choice for calls and long wearing periods. The Soundcore model features active noise cancelling, which the Beats lack, providing a quieter listening experience in noisy environments, such as air travel. If budget is a concern and you prioritize comfort, noise cancellation, and call quality, the Soundcore Life Q20 may be the better option. If you're looking for brand reputation, sound fidelity, and longer playback time, you may prefer the Beats Solo 3 despite the higher cost. 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 Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Soundcore Life Q20.
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.3
7.0
The Soundcore Life Q20 is good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
4.7
The Beats Solo 3 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.2
The Beats Solo 3 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.7
4.9
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.6
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats Solo 3 and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Soundcore Life Q20
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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 Solo 3 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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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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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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