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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value noise-cancellation and sound quality, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are highly regarded for their active noise-cancellation and audio performance, but at a higher price point. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and can compromise on some premium features, the Soundcore P20i might be suitable for everyday use while saving money. The Sony WF1000XM3 may also offer a more comfortable fit and better call quality due to superior microphone technology, which is worth considering if you make a lot of calls. 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 WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
- Good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.5
6.4
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
5.6
7.3
The Soundcore P20i is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.2
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
4.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
7.0
The Soundcore P20i is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Soundcore P20i costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Soundcore P20i both have excellent build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Soundcore P20i compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Soundcore P20i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Soundcore P20i
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Critic Reviewer
Ranbir Sen | May 2023
"I would recommend the Soundcore P20i Earbuds to everyone who loves music and would like to own comfortable pair of earbuds with a great range of sound quality. I would recommend users who buy this device use the right comfortable ear tips as per your ear design."
Get a great deal on the Sony WF1000XM3 or the Soundcore P20i
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
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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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