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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a significant concern and you need basic headphones for casual listening, the Soundcore P20i may suffice. However, if you prioritize sound quality, noise cancellation, and features like a microphone or advanced audio codecs for better sound fidelity, the Sony WH-1000XM5 would be a better choice despite its higher price. Keep in mind that the Sony headphones typically offer a more comfortable fit for long listening sessions and more robust build quality, which could be a consideration if you plan to use them frequently or for professional purposes. On the other hand, the Soundcore P20i would be more suitable if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and can compromise on some of the advanced features and overall audio performance. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
- Good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
8.2
6.4
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very 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 WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.5
5.0
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore P20i are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
4.7
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
TV and Video
5.8
7.0
The Soundcore P20i is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Battery
40.3 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life. The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$398
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a price of $398 and the Soundcore P20i costs $30.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.8
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore P20i to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Soundcore P20i compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Soundcore P20i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$398 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.6/10 | 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 | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 40.3 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Soundcore P20i
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Dig into reviews and images
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 WH-1000XM5 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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Why trust us
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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