Many people wonder which of these two Soundcore by Anker Bluetooth earphone models to buy – the A20i or the A3i.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed comparison between them to help you decide which is better for your needs.
Here are the quick spec differences between the Anker Soundcore A20i vs A3i:
| Category | Anker Soundcore A20i | Anker Soundcore A3i |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| App Support | Soundcore App | Soundcore App |
| Battery Life | Around 9 hours | Around 9 hours |
| Controls | Touch controls | Physical buttons |
| Noise Cancellation | No ANC | Active Noise Cancellation (35dB) |
| Sound Quality | Good, strong bass | Superior, excellent bass |
| EQ Customization | Available in Soundcore App | Available in Soundcore App |
| Price | Check on AliExpress | Check on AliExpress |
Anker Soundcore A20i vs A3i: In-depth Review
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Anker A20i and A3i have a lot to offer. The A20i features a sleek, compact design with touch controls on the earbuds for easy operation.
The charging case is also small and pocketable. The A3i, on the other hand, has a slightly more premium look and feel. It has physical buttons on the earbuds for controlling music and calls, which some users may prefer over touch controls.
The charging case of the A3i also appears to be a bit more sturdy and well-built compared to the A20i.
Both earphones are comfortable to wear. The A20i model has touch controls, while the A3i has physical buttons for controlling music and calls.
The A3i also offers active noise cancellation up to 35dB, a feature the A20i lacks. It’s hard to say which is more comfortable as they both fit well, but the A2i may have a slight edge.
Connectivity
One of the main highlights of both earphone models is their Bluetooth capabilities. Both the A20i and A3i have Bluetooth 5.3 and are compatible with the Soundcore app, which allows you to customize the sound effects. The Bluetooth quality is good on both models.
Battery Life
Another strong point of these earphones is their battery life. The Anker A3i provides around 9 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, depending on the volume level. The A20i model also offers approximately 9 hours. The battery life is solid on both.
Microphone Quality
For those who frequently make calls or participate in online meetings, microphone quality is essential.
The A3i offers superior microphone performance compared to the A20i, ensuring clearer voice transmission and better noise isolation during calls.
Sound Quality
In terms of audio, the A3i model has superior sound quality overall. The bass in particular sounds very good based on our tests.
You can also customize the EQ in the Soundcore app. It’s one of Anker’s best Bluetooth earphones for sound. The active noise cancellation works well too.
The A2i model also has good sound quality for the price, with strong bass and high volume. The EQ is customizable in the app as well. While the sound is good on both, the A3i is a bit better.
Gaming and Latency
If you’re a gamer, latency can be a critical factor. Both models perform well in terms of minimizing delay, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without noticeable audio lag.
Price
In terms of pricing, at the time of this writing, the Anker A3i costs around $30. The A20i model is priced at about $22.
Best Deal:
Anker A20i: View on AliExpress
Ander A3i: View on AliExpress
Anker Soundcore A20i vs A3i – Which One is Better?
Choosing between the Anker Soundcore A20i and A3i ultimately depends on your specific needs:
Choose the A3i if you prioritize:
- Active noise cancellation for a quieter listening experience.
- Superior microphone quality for clearer calls.
- Enhanced sound performance with deep bass and customizable sound profiles.
Opt for the A20i if you prefer:
- A more affordable option without ANC but still with good sound quality.
- Touch-sensitive controls for easy operation.
- Adequate battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
If I had to choose just one of these, I would go with the A3i model. It’s a little more expensive but has active noise canceling, and the build quality of the case and earbuds seems a bit nicer compared to the A20i. That said, the A20i still offers very good value for money.
I hope you found this comparison helpful! Thanks for reading and feel free to share your thoughts on these two earphones in the comments.
You may also like to see: Anker Soundcore c30i vs v30i: Which Should You Buy?
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.
