Head-to-head · Wireless earbuds
Soundcore P20i vs Sony WF-1000XM5
The Soundcore P20i and Sony WF-1000XM5 are not really rivals. One is a spare pair you can keep in a bag; the other is a serious commuter tool with noise cancellation and higher-resolution codecs. The useful question is whether the Sony's advantages are worth roughly eight times the price for the way you actually listen.
Anker
Soundcore P20i
The Soundcore P20i is the pair to buy when the budget is the point.
Read the full review
Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5
The WF-1000XM5 is Sony's flagship earbud, and the spec sheet explains why it costs what it does.
Read the full reviewSpecs side by side
| Specification | Soundcore P20i | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | £20–£35 | £220–£280 |
| Editorial score | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Best for | Buyers who want a spare pair for commuting or the gym | Frequent flyers and commuters who want the quietest ride |
| Main drawback | No active noise cancellation | Premium price |
| Active noise cancellation | No | Yes |
| App | Soundcore app with EQ | — |
| Battery | 10 h buds; 30 h with case (manufacturer) | 8 h buds; 24 h with case (manufacturer) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Driver | 10 mm dynamic | 8.4 mm dynamic |
| Multipoint | No | Yes |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Codecs | — | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
Our verdict
Buy the P20i if you want a cheap, capable pair for the gym, a spare set or a first pair of wireless buds. Buy the WF-1000XM5 if you commute on noisy transport, take a lot of calls and want the best noise cancellation Sony sells in this shape. For most people, the P20i is the sensible floor and the Sony is the ceiling; the gap is real, but it is a gap in refinement, not basic function.
Choose the Soundcore P20i if…
- Buyers who want a spare pair for commuting or the gym
- Anyone who loses earbuds often and wants a low-cost replacement
- Students who want decent sound without spending £100+
Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if…
- Frequent flyers and commuters who want the quietest ride
- Android users who want LDAC and multipoint
- Buyers who value call quality and app control
Read the full reviews
Wireless earbuds
Soundcore P20i
The Soundcore P20i is the pair to buy when the budget is the point.
Read the reviewWireless earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
The WF-1000XM5 is Sony's flagship earbud, and the spec sheet explains why it costs what it does.
Read the review