If your budget is very low, it’s hard to find a good pair of earbuds that deliver both quality and features. Luckily, I’ve found two options that not only fit the bill but also go beyond expectations: the Soundcore A20i and Tozo Crystal Buds.
Both are affordable yet packed with impressive features like customizable sound, solid battery life, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
But how do they compare, and which one is the better pick for your needs?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore their similarities and differences, and what makes each one stand out, so you can make the best decision without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
Both the Soundcore A20i and Tozo Crystal Buds feature compact, ergonomic designs. The A20i has a bean-shaped profile with a minimal stem, offering a snug fit that’s comfortable for extended use. Soundcore has emphasized the lightweight and ergonomic design, making it suitable for medium-sized ear canals and even side sleepers.
The Tozo Crystal Buds, on the other hand, lean slightly towards a more premium look with their sleek build and LED battery display on the charging case. While the A20i sticks to practicality, the Crystal Buds add a touch of futuristic flair with a readout that displays battery levels for both the case and earbuds, a feature many users will appreciate.
However, in terms of durability, the Tozo Crystal Buds lead with their IPX8 water resistance, capable of surviving full submersion in water. The Soundcore A20i, with its IPX5 rating, offers protection against sweat and light splashes but falls short for heavy workouts or wet environments.
Comfort and Fit
Ergonomics are another area where these earbuds excel. The bean-shaped design of the Soundcore A20i ensures a secure fit, even for long periods. The Tozo Crystal Buds follow a similar philosophy with compact, stem-free builds that sit comfortably in most ear sizes.
Both models include silicone ear tips to ensure a tight seal, essential for optimal sound quality. Users with smaller ear canals or those prone to discomfort during prolonged wear may find the lightweight build of the A20i slightly more comfortable.
Audio Performance
Audio quality is a critical factor in choosing earbuds, and both models hold their ground well for their price. Equipped with 6mm dynamic drivers, both the A20i and Crystal Buds deliver balanced sound profiles suitable for casual listeners. They handle mids and highs with clarity, though neither excels in bass-heavy tracks compared to premium earbuds.
The real difference lies in sound personalization. Both earbuds come with companion apps—Soundcore App for the A20i and Tozo Sound App for the Crystal Buds—allowing you to tweak EQ settings with various presets. The Soundcore app is often praised for its user-friendly interface and deeper customization options, giving it a slight edge for audiophiles who want to fine-tune their experience.
Special Features
Each model brings unique features to the table that cater to specific needs.
Soundcore A20i: The standout feature of the A20i is its low-latency gaming mode, designed for gamers and video watchers. This mode minimizes lag, making it a better option for fast-paced gaming or watching videos where audio sync is critical. While it doesn’t eliminate lag entirely in heavy-duty games, it’s a noticeable improvement for casual use.
Tozo Crystal Buds: The Crystal Buds shine with their wireless charging support and the aforementioned LED battery display. These features add convenience, especially for users who dislike fumbling with charging cables. The addition of four microphones also enhances call quality by isolating your voice and suppressing background noise, making them ideal for professionals who frequently take calls.
Connectivity and Usability
Both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable connections and compatibility with Android, iOS, tablets, and laptops. They support SBC and AAC codecs, offering reliable audio quality across devices.
Additionally, both allow independent earbud use in mono mode, giving users flexibility for calls or single-ear listening.
When it comes to latency, the Soundcore A20i edges out the competition thanks to its dedicated gaming mode, ensuring smoother performance for streaming and gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life can make or break your earbud experience, and here, the Tozo Crystal Buds take the lead. They boast an impressive 40 hours of total playtime (9 hours on the earbuds and an additional 31 hours with the case). For those who frequently travel or prefer fewer charging sessions, this extended battery life is a game-changer.
The Soundcore A20i, while decent, offers 28 hours of total battery life (9 hours from the earbuds and 19 hours from the case). While this is sufficient for most users, it falls short of the Crystal Buds’ endurance, especially for heavy users who rely on their earbuds throughout the day.
Price and Availability
The Soundcore A20i is priced at $29.99, often with additional discounts, making it one of the most affordable options in its category. At this price, it offers remarkable features like app support, customizable sound profiles, and gaming mode.
The Tozo Crystal Buds, priced at $39.99, justify their slightly higher cost with additional features like IPX8 water resistance, wireless charging, and extended battery life.
Soundcore A20i vs Tozo Crystal Buds: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Soundcore A20i | Tozo Crystal Buds |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Bean-shaped, compact, ergonomic | Sleek design with LED battery display |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 (sweat and splash resistant) | IPX8 (waterproof, suitable for heavy rain and shower) |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (earbuds), 28 hours total with case | 8 hours (earbuds), 32 hours total with case |
| Charging | USB-C wired charging | USB-C wired and wireless charging |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC |
| Companion App | Soundcore App (customizable EQ) | Tozo Sound App (16 EQ presets, customizable EQ) |
| Special Features | Low-latency gaming mode | LED battery display, wireless charging, nature soundscapes in app |
| Microphones | 2 microphones | 4 microphones |
| Price | Approximately $30 | Approximately $40 |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for affordability, low-latency gaming, and a lightweight design for everyday use, the Soundcore A20i is the clear winner. Its price-to-feature ratio is hard to beat, especially for gamers and casual listeners on a budget.
However, if you value rugged durability, wireless charging, and extended battery life, the Tozo Crystal Buds are the better option. Their IPX8 water resistance and advanced features cater to active users and professionals who demand more from their earbuds.
Both models punch above their weight in their price ranges, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. Consider your lifestyle and preferences, and you’ll have a pair of earbuds that suit your needs perfectly.
Best Deal:
Soundcore A20i: View on AliExpress
Tozo crystal buds: View on AliExpress
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
