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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds offer higher overall sound quality and better noise isolation, making them ideal for immersive music experiences and air travel. They also feature active noise cancelling, app equalizer, and app controls customization, which could enhance your listening experience. However, they are more expensive and may not be the best for high-latency activities like gaming or TV. The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones, while less expensive and offering good battery life and a detachable cable, may not match the sound quality and features of the Sony but are suitable for longer listening sessions with less need for noise cancellation. If budget is a concern and you want headphones with good sound and long battery life for everyday use, the Soundcore Life Q20 could be a good choice; otherwise, for top-notch sound quality and noise isolation, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be better, especially if you frequently travel or wish to block out ambient noise. 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 Q20
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is good.
Battery
9.0 Hours
32.3 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$298
$60
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $60.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.1
5.2
The Soundcore Life Q20 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9
4.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.4
5.3
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.7
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life Q20 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Life Q20 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM5 | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$298 | $60 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"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."
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 Sony WF1000XM5 or the Soundcore Life Q20
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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