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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality, the Soundcore Life Q20 might be the better choice for a more balanced performance; however, if you need earbuds that are excellent during calls and meetings, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 would be preferable. For active noise cancellation, both are capable, but the PI7 offers superior build quality and might provide a better experience during air travel. The Soundcore has a significantly longer battery life which is convenient for extended usage without the need to recharge. Consider that the PI7 supports low latency and lossless codecs, which may be important if you require high-quality audio streaming and minimal lag. While the Soundcore is more budget-friendly, the PI7 provides features such as wireless charging and an integrated mic which may justify the higher price for some users. 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 PI7
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.1
5.2
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Battery
3.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $50.
Build Quality
8.9
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life Q20 to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.1
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
4.7
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for noise reduction.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 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) | 7 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 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.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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