The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and use during exercise, the JBL Tune Flex earbuds with their secure fit and sweatproof certification would be ideal. They also have a 'Low Latency Mode' for gaming and an equalizer app for audio customization. However, for extended wear comfort and better noise isolation, particularly during air travel, and considerably longer battery life for typical usage, the Soundcore Life Q20 headphones might be the better choice. The headphones feature active noise cancelling which is absent in the JBL Tune Flex. Choose the JBL for more active and on-the-go uses, or the Soundcore for stationary, noise-sensitive environments. 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 JBL Tune Flex
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.5/10
5.2/10
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.3/10
4.9/10
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0/10
4.7/10
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.3/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.5/10
8.7/10
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
6.5 Hours
32.3 Hours
The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
"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 JBL Tune Flex or the Soundcore Life Q20
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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
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
122,900
Recommendations made
18,435
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.