Soundcore P20i vs P30i: Which Should You Buy?
The P30i is the step up from the P20i: noise cancelling, a longer battery claim and a case that doubles as a phone stand.
soundcore soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm
soundcore soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong
Side by side
| soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless | soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Review count | 117,354 | 44,252 |
| Brand | soundcore | soundcore |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Pick the P30i if you want noise cancelling on trains, buses or in an open office: Soundcore quotes up to 42dB of ANC, multipoint and a 45-hour case figure. Pick the P20i if you only want a compact, sporty pair for music and calls and can live without ANC. Both use 10mm drivers and the Soundcore app with 22 EQ presets, so the real split is noise cancelling and battery. The P30i sits higher in the range.
Which one is for you?
- Budget-minded listeners who want small earbuds with bass, an app EQ and IPX5 splash resistance, and no need for ANC. Read our full look at the soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless →
- Commuters and travellers who want adaptive noise cancelling, multipoint pairing and a case that holds a phone upright. Read our full look at the soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling →
Noise cancelling is the headline difference
Soundcore's P30i page quotes noise reduction of up to 42dB with adaptive ANC that adjusts to your surroundings. The P30i listing adds a transparency mode and four microphones for calls. The P20i's comparison table on Soundcore's page shows no ANC, and its listing mentions two microphones with an AI call algorithm.
Battery
Soundcore lists the P20i at 10 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case, with 2 hours from a 10-minute quick charge. The P30i listing quotes 10 hours (6 with ANC on) and up to 45 hours with the case (25 with ANC). Soundcore's own P30i page states 10 and 45 hours without separating the ANC figures, so assume the lower numbers if you will run ANC all the time.
Sound and calls
Both earbuds use 10mm drivers. Soundcore says the P30i adds its BassUp technology, and both pair with an app offering 22 EQ presets plus custom EQ on the P30i. Neither listing makes hi-res or codec claims we could verify, so judge them as everyday earbuds. For calls, the P30i has four microphones against two on the P20i, which matters most on windy streets.
Connectivity and ratings
Soundcore's pages list Bluetooth 5.3 and IPX5 for the P20i, and Bluetooth 5.4, IP54 and multipoint support for the P30i. IPX5 means water jets; IP54 adds a dust rating but a lower water rating, so neither is for swimming. Both pair with the Soundcore app, which offers 22 EQ presets.
Case design and who should skip both
The P30i case has a built-in stand for propping up a phone for hands-free viewing. The P20i case is compact with a lanyard loop. If you would rather not use Bluetooth at all, our wired versus wireless comparison is on the Blukar wired earphones vs wireless earbuds page. Other models are listed in the headphones category.
Questions people ask
Does the Soundcore P20i have noise cancelling?
No. Soundcore's P20i page shows no ANC in its comparison table. The P30i is the model with noise cancelling.
What is the battery life of the P30i?
Soundcore quotes up to 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with the case, and the listing gives 6 and 25 hours with ANC on.
Is the P30i worth the upgrade from the P20i?
If you want ANC or multipoint, yes. If you just need music and calls and your commute is quiet, the P20i covers the basics.
Are the P20i and P30i waterproof?
Neither is made for submersion. Soundcore lists IPX5 for the P20i and IP54 for the P30i, which are splash and sweat ratings.
Do both work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, both are standard Bluetooth earbuds and use the Soundcore app.
Sources
- Soundcore, soundcore P30i product page
- Soundcore, soundcore P20i product page (NZ)
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Headphones, Earphones & Accessories or see the whole Electronics department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.