TWS true wireless earphones - under $50
FOUR STARS - Anker released not one, but two extremely affordable earbuds during spring 2023. Is the Soundcore P20i just as good as the entertaining Soundcore A20i?
Anker Soundcore P20i/ Soundcore R50i specs and features:
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec
IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat proof)
9 - 10 hours listening on a single charge
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 2 times
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, and USB-C cable
$30 - Buy on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
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Anker released not one, but two highly affordable wireless earbuds this month. The Soundcore A20i without stems that I reviewed last week, and the Soundcore P20i, that has a more traditional shape with stems.
The form factor alone makes that the Soundcore P20i has more competition from within the brand itself, as Anker also offers the Soundcore Life P2i and Soundcore P2 mini with a similar stem shape and a similar 30 dollars price tag. So what does the P20i add?
Well, that's a question I still can't quite answer. The specs are a bit better, that's a start. The P20i - also named the Soundcore R50i in India - now has Bluetooth 5.3 and plays up to 10 hours of music on a single charge (!); that's up to two hours more than the previously mentioned earbuds. It also recharges faster: 10 minutes of recharging in the case makes for two hours of extra listening time, instead of the single hour of previous models.
Other features aren't necessarily upgrades. The IPX5 rain and sweatproof waterproof rating is nice, yet nothing new. The charging case comes with a little chord attached, but its matte black finish is extremely prone to scratches and bit bulky. What's more, is that moving the case by accident can activate the earbuds until you turn them off - or after a while of inactivity. It's not a huge problem with 10 hours of playtime AND two full possible recharges from the charging case, but no other Soundcore has this annoyance.
It's not as bad as the call quality, however. Other than the Soundcore Life P2i which is one of the best earbuds for phone and video calls under 50 dollars, the P20i performs more in line with the stemless A20i. Surrounding noises are repressed well and don't interfere with your voice too much, but your voice has little volume and feels fragile. Throw in a bit of a breeze, and your output is gone with the wind.
The sound performance is typical for the brand. The Soundcore P20i leans heavily on the bass and lower mid-tones. The bass power mostly comes from the mid-bass, which is powerful and punchy, but can at times rumble a bit too loosely or be a bit overbearing in songs already pushing the bass out of itself. Lower mid-tones are strong too, with hefty darker electronic tones and even some texture in bass guitars.
The lows give the sound warmth, but also color the music dark. Because mind you: up to 60 procent of the volume bar, the P20i barely does anything in the higher frequencies. Guitars, piano play and other mid-tones are heavily recessed, and brighter instruments and higher electronic tones feel like they're only playing a background role. Vocals are just forward enough to outweigh the lower frequencies.
Comparing it with the other models from the range; the Soundcore A20i has a less articulated bass than the P20i, but comes with a more fluent and organic presentation with more open vocals, and more sense of space to give it a bigger sound. The Soundcore Life P2i, which lifts the lower treble (way) more to compete with the thumpy bass, also has a more vivid and energetic sound.
Basically, both in comparison with its sibling models and overall, the P20i is comfortable for background listening, but souds a little dark.
Soundcore Life P2i, Soundcore P20i, Soundcore A20i
The P20i does get support from the free Soundcore app for iPhone and Android, and that's its biggest win over the Life P2i and P2 mini. The app is delightfully easy to understand and use, and lets you add volume controls to the responsive - albeit slowly reacting - touch panels. It lets you activate the specific gaming mode that synchronizes gaming sound effects with the action on your screen quite well, making a game like Call of Duty mobile playable without heavy delays.
Lastly, it adds 21 different sound presets that can retune the sound, of which some strangely shift parts of the sound to your left or right earbud. The Treble Booster preset is a welcome addition, however, as it repairs some of the lost upper-mids and treble - regaining some balance in the sound, and making songs more lively. Still not to the level of the Life P2i or A20i, but closer.
The Soundcore P20i is a good bang-for-your-buck earphone, but it lacks the comfort of the A20i, the call quality of the Soundcore Life P2i, and the more immersive sound of both those models. Of all the highly affordable wireless earbuds Soundcore has on offer, this isn't the best choice.
Design and comfort: 3.5/5 - Comfortable, even though you can always feel the round tips in your ears
Controls and connectivity: 3/5 - Changing volume takes long; case sometimes turns the earbuds on when accidentally moved
Playback: 4/5 - Great for videos, decent gaming mode performance
Call quality: 2/5 - You're just about audible in quiet areas… and that's about it
ANC: -
Transparency mode: -
App support: 4/5 - Quick, easy to use and good control and equalizer options
Sound quality: 3.5/5 - Good for background listening, engaging bass, a little dark
VERDICT: Four STARS (Good)
Buy Anker Soundcore P20i/ check lowest price:
Buy on Amazon US
Buy on Amazon UK
Buy on Amazon Germany
Buy on other Amazon countries
I bought the Soundcore Anker P20i/ Soundcore R50i myself to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
Consider buying this earphone? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest for great affordable audio. <3
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