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Updated January 10, 2024·Prices updated 24 hours ago
If affordability is a priority and you need basic functionality for casual listening and calls, the Soundcore P20i might be suitable as they are less expensive. However, if you're an audiophile looking for superior sound quality and the budget is not a constraint, Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is known for its high-fidelity audio and may provide a more immersive listening experience. The Soundcore P20i may also be more user-friendly with potentially more convenience features like touch controls, whereas the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II would cater to a niche audience with a focus on audio precision and quality over extra features. Additionally, consider the form factor and comfort for long periods, as earbuds like Soundcore P20i can be more discreet and portable, while Thieaudio Monarch Mk II, if they are in-ear monitors, could offer better noise isolation and fit. Give Feedback
At the time of writing the Soundcore P20i cost $25 and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II cost $999.
Advantages of the Soundcore P20i
Good for gaming
Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
Best in class for music
Very good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.4/10
9.5/10
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is best in class for music, while the Soundcore P20i is only fair.
Gaming
7.3/10
6.7/10
The Soundcore P20i is good for gaming, while the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.7/10
7.9/10
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore P20i is poor.
TV and Video
7.0/10
8.8/10
The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II is very good for TV and video, while the Soundcore P20i is good.
Noise Reduction
6.5/10
6.0/10
The Soundcore P20i and Thieaudio Monarch Mk II are both only fair for noise reduction, though the Soundcore P20i is somewhat better.
Battery
9.0 Hours
N/A
The Soundcore P20i has 9 hours of battery life. The Thieaudio Monarch Mk II does not have a battery.
Cost
$30
$999
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Soundcore P20i has a price of $30 and the Thieaudio Monarch Mk II costs $999.
"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."
"No other earphone I have listened to in the past 12 months has given me as much joy as the Thieaduio Monarch MKII. One of those IEMs will make you question where we can go from here. The sound is jaw-dropping, leaving you wanting more and more. It makes you want to run through your entire music library and reevaluate. It makes you not feel bad about paying full price for them, especially in a hobby where buyers' remorse is genuine. For me, it's top tier, rivaled by a few but not surpassed."
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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.
About Thieaudio
Thieaudio is the in-house brand of Linsoul Audio, a Chinese earbud and headphone retailer specializing in what the community lovingly calls Chi-fi, that is high fidelity brands out of China. Thieaudio was established in 2019 as the creative engineering branch of Linsoul. As of today, they market three different lines of earbuds, Voyager, Legacy and the extremely well-received Monarch.
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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.
Jason Lew
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.