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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize affordability and portability, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds could be the right fit, as they are budget-friendly and their stemless design is small and convenient for travel. However, they offer poor overall sound quality and lack features such as active noise cancelling and wireless connectivity. On the other hand, if you prefer better sound and comfort, and are willing to pay a bit more, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer good sound quality, active noise cancelling, and wireless capability. The Life Q30's are also suited for longer use with their better battery life, and come with an app that allows for equalizer customization, but they are bulkier and less suited for exercise or outdoor activities. 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 Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q30
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.3
7.1
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is good.
Gaming
6.7
5.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.5
5.1
The Soundcore Life Q30 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Soundcore Life Q30 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.4
4.8
The Sony MDREX15AP and Soundcore Life Q30 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony MDREX15AP is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.3
5.4
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q30 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony MDREX15AP is good.
Battery
N/A
44.0 Hours
The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q30 has 44 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Sony MDREX15AP has a price of $20 and the Soundcore Life Q30 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Sony MDREX15AP and Soundcore Life Q30 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony MDREX15AP and the Soundcore Life Q30 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony MDREX15AP | Soundcore Life Q30 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2014 | August 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 44 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 3.1 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Soundcore Life Q30
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Headphones Addict
Peter Susic | December 2021
"Every once in a while, headphones with an excellent price/performance ratio arrive that truly deserves all attention. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of those headphones. Of course, they aren’t perfect, but they do most things better than their competition. Or they give you the option to make them better."
Get a great deal on the Sony MDREX15AP or the Soundcore Life Q30
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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.
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