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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If audio quality and portability are your priorities, and you don't mind spending more, the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds could be the better choice - they offer superior overall sound and are more portable, ideal for use during exercise or air travel. They also have a longer battery life, support wireless charging, and feature a low latency mode good for gaming. Alternatively, the Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are less expensive and have great noise isolation, but they're bulkier, making them less convenient to carry around. While also offering active noise cancelling, they're not as well-suited for high-movement activities or gaming due to a lower gaming score. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very 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
5.2
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.9
4.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
4.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
8.0
5.3
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.0
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for noise reduction, though the Soundcore Life Q20 is somewhat better.
Battery
6.7 Hours
32.3 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$60
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has a price of $149 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Life Q20 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and Soundcore Life Q20 are both good for music.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.9/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.7 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3. | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8/10 | 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 | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.4 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) or the Soundcore Life Q20
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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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
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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