Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case: A Full Review

I lose things on public transit constantly, which is why I refuse to commute with expensive headphones anymore. After leaving my third pair of premium buds on the subway, I started hunting for cheap wireless earbuds that wouldn't make my podcasts sound underwater. The Soundcore P20i caught my attention mostly because Anker has a habit of making budget audio gear that punches above its weight class.

For twenty bucks, I expected the bare minimum. Instead, these have oversized 10mm drivers that push out a surprising amount of bass. Out of the box, the low-end is actually a bit too aggressive for my taste, but the companion app lets you swap between 22 different EQ presets to dial it back. That level of app support is incredibly rare at this price point.

The battery life is another major plus. I get through a full work week of commuting and gym sessions without needing to plug the case in, hitting right around that promised 30-hour mark. The buds themselves easily hold about 10 hours on a single charge.

They aren't flawless, obviously. The plastic case feels hollow and scratches just by looking at it, and the two microphones struggle to block out wind noise if you take a call outside. You also don't get active noise cancellation, just passive isolation from the silicone ear tips. But if you just need a reliable, bass-heavy backup pair that won't cause a panic attack if they fall down a storm drain, these are hard to beat.