A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and frequently travel by air, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 earbuds offer superior noise isolation and are highly rated for use in that environment. Additionally, they provide wireless charging for convenience. However, if you prefer over-ear headphones with longer battery life and the option for a wired connection, the Soundcore Life Q20 might suit you better. These are much less expensive and have an impressive battery life, which is ideal for extended use. The Q20 also has active noise cancellation, providing you with more focused listening. Keep in mind though, the Pi5 S2 may provide a better fit for exercise and have higher build quality, but you're paying a premium for these features. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the Soundcore Life Q20.
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
4.7
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$181
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $181 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $50.
Build Quality
8.9
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has somewhat better build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
6.7
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q20 to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
5.2
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.6
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both very good for noise reduction.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$181 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 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 | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 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) | 6 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Soundcore Life Q20
See more
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Soundcore Life Q20
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 vs. Sennheiser 560S
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 vs. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 vs. Sony WF1000XM3
VS
Compare Soundcore Life Q20 vs. JLab Go Work Wireless
VS
Compare Soundcore Life Q20 vs. Razer Kraken
VS
Compare Soundcore Life Q20 vs. JBL Tune Buds
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,000
Recommendations made
14,250
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
