The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality and noise isolation for air travel are a priority, and you're willing to invest in premium options, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be a better fit as they excel in these aspects. The Soundcore Life P3, on the other hand, offers good value with multiple built-in controls, a longer battery life in the case, and better exercise use at a lower price. However, if you frequently watch TV or play games, both models have limitations due to latency. Neither model is sweatproof certified, so for rigorous exercise, you might want to consider other options. Both models offer wireless charging and an app with equalizer and controls customization, but keep in mind that the Sonys have a slightly better build quality and score higher for overall sound quality. 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 WF1000XM5
Very good for music
Advantages of the Soundcore Life P3
Very good for exercise
Key differences
Music
8.0/10
5.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life P3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9/10
5.9/10
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Soundcore Life P3 is somewhat better.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life P3 has 7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$298
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Soundcore Life P3 costs $80.
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life P3 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0/10
5.1/10
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.4/10
5.5/10
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.7/10
9.1/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Life P3 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.8/10
The Soundcore Life P3 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Soundcore Life P3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
"Anker continues its trend of stealth releases, recently dropping the Soundcore Life P3 out of nowhere. This product essentially replaces the disappointing Life A2 NC as the brand’s flagship ANC model under $100. It comes with bassy audio and enough features to give even the best noise-cancelling earbuds pause."
Get a great deal on the Sony WF1000XM5 or the Soundcore Life P3
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
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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.