The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Soundcore P20i involves considering their strengths in different areas. If you prioritize superior overall sound quality, more natural soundstage, and better construction, the Sonys are the better selection but come at a higher cost. On the other hand, the Soundcore P20i offers good value with decent sound quality, longer battery life, and sweat and dust resistance, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor use. For those who need active noise cancelling for travel or noisy environments, the Sony earbuds provide this feature while Soundcore does not. However, the higher price of the Sony might not justify the improvements in audio and ANC if you're on a stricter budget or primarily need earbuds for casual listening and physical activities. Additionally, the Soundcore P20i is more suitable for gaming and watching TV due to its lower latency. Both models offer app customization and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, ensuring a good degree of versatility and user personalization. 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 P20i
Good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
8.0/10
6.4/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
5.1/10
7.3/10
The Soundcore P20i is good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
5.4/10
7.0/10
The Soundcore P20i is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.7/10
6.5/10
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Cost
$298
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Soundcore P20i costs $30.
Build Quality
8.5/10
9.0/10
The Soundcore P20i has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
"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."
"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 WF1000XM5 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
122,600
Recommendations made
18,390
Consumer hours saved
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
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.