The wireless earbuds market (TWS) is overflowing with options, but finding a model that combines quality, long battery life, and an affordable price can be a challenge. The Anker Soundcore P20i stands out as a strong contender in the entry-level segment, promising to deliver great value for your money. In this thorough and unbiased review, we’ll dive into all the details of these earbuds to discover if they’re truly worth the investment.
Detailed Technical Specifications of the P20i
To understand the potential of the Soundcore P20i, it’s essential to know its specifications. These set the foundation for the user experience, from sound quality to everyday usability. Anker focused on key aspects to stand out in the category.
The internal components and onboard technologies reflect an effort to offer features typically found in pricier models. The combination of large drivers, updated Bluetooth technology, and solid battery life catches the eye right away.
Key Technical Features
- Dynamic Drivers: 10 mm for impactful bass
- Connectivity: Stable and efficient Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (earbuds) + 30 hours (case)
- Fast Charge: 10 minutes = 2 hours of use
- Water Resistance: IPX5 against splashes
- Microphones: 2 with AI for clarity in calls
- Equalizer: 22 presets via Soundcore App
- Additional Features: Game Mode, Mono Mode, App
Design and Comfort: Light Enough for Long Listening Sessions
Comfort is crucial for TWS earbuds, and the Anker Soundcore P20i was designed with this in mind. Its in-ear shape is lightweight and ergonomic, ensuring a snug and pleasant fit even during hours of continuous use. Anker includes three different sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ear canal.
The charging case follows the philosophy of practicality. It’s compact, easily fits in your pocket, and features a minimalist design. An interesting detail is the integrated strap that makes transportation easier, allowing you to attach it to a backpack or keychain, preventing loss.
Sound Quality: Powerful Bass with Customizable EQ
The heart of the sound experience of the P20i lies in its 10 mm drivers. This size is generous for this category and results in notably powerful and pronounced bass. Music genres like Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic, and Funk greatly benefit from this warmer, fuller sound signature.
The sound versatility is enhanced by the Soundcore app. It offers 22 equalization presets that allow you to adjust the audio to your liking or to the content you’re listening to. Profiles like “BassUp” further amplify the bass, while others aim to balance or enhance vocals. While the bass is the standout feature, the mids and highs are clear enough for enjoyable listening in most scenarios.
It’s worth noting that despite the overall good quality for the price range, the instrumental separation isn’t its strong suit. In complex tracks with many instruments playing simultaneously, there can be a feeling of “muddiness.” More discerning audiophiles might notice this limitation, but for the average user, the sound quality is more than satisfactory.
Battery Performance: Impressive Longevity
The battery is undoubtedly one of the biggest strengths of the Anker Soundcore P20i. With a single charge, the earbuds can deliver up to 10 hours of continuous playback, an excellent number that outshines many competitors, including more expensive models. This means you can enjoy a full workday or study session listening to music without worrying about recharging.
The charging case complements this longevity, offering an additional 30 hours, totaling an impressive 40 hours away from an outlet. Besides the lengthy duration, the P20i features fast charging via USB-C: just 10 minutes of charging in the case provides enough power for 2 extra hours of playback in the earbuds, a very handy feature for times when you’re in a rush.
Extra Features: Soundcore App and Game Mode
The Soundcore app enhances the user experience of the P20i. Beyond the 22 EQ presets, the app allows customization of touch controls on the earbuds, tailoring them to your preferences (play/pause, skip track, answer calls, activate voice assistant). This adds a significant layer of convenience.
Another useful feature of the app is “Find My Earbuds.” If you lose one earbud, you can use the app to make the earbud emit a high-pitched sound, helping you locate it. However, the volume of this sound is relatively low, making it more effective in quiet environments and over shorter distances.
For gamers and those who watch a lot of videos, the Game Mode is a significant advantage. Activating it through the app drastically reduces Bluetooth connection latency, ensuring almost perfect synchronization between audio and video. This eliminates noticeable delay that can occur with earbuds lacking this technology, resulting in a much more immersive experience.
Connectivity and Call Quality: Strengths and Weaknesses
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Soundcore P20i offers a stable and reliable wireless connection. Pairing with smartphones and other devices is quick, and the connection remains strong even in environments with a lot of wireless networks. The Mono Mode allows you to use just one earbud (left or right) independently, which is useful for calls or for staying aware of your surroundings.
On the other hand, call quality is a point that divides opinions. The two AI-enabled microphones strive to isolate your voice from background noise, and in quiet locations or with minimal distractions, the performance is decent. However, in noisier environments (busy streets, loud offices), the microphones may pick up external sounds, such as overlapping conversations or sudden noises, compromising the clarity of your voice on the other end of the line. Slightly more expensive competitors may offer better performance in this regard.
Water Resistance (IPX5): Everyday Protection
The IPX5 rating ensures that the Anker Soundcore P20i is splash-resistant and sweat-proof. This means you can comfortably use them during light to moderate physical activities or on light rainy days without worrying about damage.
This protection adds versatility to the earbuds, making them a great companion for the gym, outdoor running, or just for everyday use without fear of a bit of moisture. However, it is important to remember that IPX5 does not mean waterproof; the earbuds should not be submerged.
Pros and Cons of the Soundcore P20i
For a clear overview, we’ve compiled the main pros and cons observed during the review of the Anker Soundcore P20i. This helps weigh whether the strengths outweigh the shortcomings based on your usage profile.
Pros
- Powerful bass sound
- Long-lasting battery (10h + 30h)
- Efficient fast charging
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Comprehensive Soundcore app (EQ, controls)
- Low-latency Game Mode
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- IPX5 resistance
- Excellent value for money (especially on sale)
Cons
- Average call quality in noisy situations
- No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Limited instrumental separation
- Short USB-C charging cable
- “Find My Earbuds” feature with low sound
- Price may vary significantly
Comparison: Soundcore P20i vs Competitors
Situated in the competitive entry-level range, the P20i faces several rivals. Comparing it helps to understand where it excels and where it may lag behind, depending on your priorities.
Simplified Comparison Table
| Feature | Anker Soundcore P20i | TOZO A1 Mini | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range* | Affordable | Very Affordable | Mid-Range | Mid-High |
| Sound Focus | Powerful Bass | Balanced (Basic) | Defined (with ANC) | Detailed (with ANC/LDAC) |
| Battery (Earbuds) | 10 hours | ~6 hours | ~8 hours | ~8 hours |
| ANC | No | No | Yes | Yes (Advanced) |
| Dedicated App | Yes (Comprehensive) | No | Yes (Integrated Samsung) | Yes |
*Price range is relative and may vary significantly by region and promotions. The P20i shines with a combination of battery life, app features, and powerful bass at a generally lower price compared to options with ANC like Buds FE and Redmi Buds 5 Pro. The TOZO A1 is more basic and cheaper, while others offer more advanced features for a higher price.
Overall Rating and Scores by Category
Based on all the aspects analyzed, we can assign specific scores to each key feature of the Anker Soundcore P20i, culminating in an overall rating.
Detailed Scores (0 to 10)
- Sound Quality: 8.0 (Great bass, decent clarity, versatile EQ)
- Battery: 9.5 (Excellent longevity and fast charging)
- Comfort and Design: 8.5 (Lightweight, ergonomic, good fit)
- Features (App/Game Mode): 9.0 (Robust app, low latency)
- Call Quality: 6.5 (Acceptable in silence, struggles with noise)
- Connectivity: 8.5 (Stable Bluetooth 5.3, Mono Mode)
- Value for Money: 9.0 (Delivers a lot for the price, especially on sale)
Final Score
Final Score: 8.4 / 10
The Anker Soundcore P20i achieves a very good final score, reflecting its strong value proposition. It hits the mark on the most important points for many users: pleasing sound with a focus on bass, exceptional battery duration, and useful extra features via the app, all without breaking the bank. The main trade-offs are the lack of ANC and average performance in noisy calls.
Who is the Anker Soundcore P20i Recommended For?
Considering its strengths and weaknesses, the P20i is best suited for certain user profiles.
Ideal For:
- Users who love powerful bass in their music.
- People who need long battery life.
- Mobile gamers and video consumers (Game Mode).
- Those looking for an affordable TWS earbuds that are customizable via an app.
- Users engaging in light physical activities.
Less Suitable For:
- Those prioritizing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
- Professionals making many calls in noisy environments.
- Audiophiles demanding high fidelity and instrumental separation.
- Users looking for a case that displays battery status in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Soundcore P20i
Still have questions? We’ve answered some common queries about this earbud.
Common Questions
- Does the Anker Soundcore P20i have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
No, the P20i does not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It offers passive isolation through the silicone ear tips. - Is the battery life of the Soundcore P20i really good?
Yes, the battery life is one of its biggest highlights, offering up to 10 hours in the earbuds and 40 hours overall with the case, as well as fast charging. - Is the P20i good for gaming and videos?
Yes, thanks to the Game Mode activated through the app, latency is very low, providing great synchronization between audio and video, ideal for gaming and videos. - Can I use the Soundcore P20i for exercising?
Yes, the IPX5 rating makes it resistant to sweat and splashes, suitable for most physical activities, except swimming. - How is the sound quality of the P20i?
It delivers a sound with prominent and powerful bass, ideal for popular genres. Overall quality is very good for the price range, with clear mids and highs, and can be adjusted via EQ in the app.
Final Verdict: Is the P20i Worth the Investment?
The Anker Soundcore P20i proves to be an extremely solid and smart choice in the entry-level TWS earbud market. It provides a powerful combination of bass-focused sound quality, exceptional battery life, comfort, and advanced features via an app that are typically only found in more expensive models. The low-latency Game Mode and IPX5 resistance add even more value.
Its limitations, such as the absence of ANC and average call quality in noisy settings, are understandable given its price positioning. If you’re looking for reliable earbuds for everyday use, focused on music, videos, casual gaming, and long battery life, and if ANC isn’t an absolute necessity, the P20i offers unbeatable value, especially if found on sale.
If you resonate with the strengths of the Anker Soundcore P20i and are looking for powerful TWS earbuds with excellent battery life that won’t break the bank, this is your chance! Click the button below to get yours at a special limited-time discount!