Anker’s Soundcore Sport X20 true wireless earbuds are one of the most anticipated arrivals not only in the constantly expanding under-$100 price category but the entire cheap earphone realm. Starting at just $80 before additional discounts, the workout-ready earphones offer first-class comfort and durability, infinitely customizable sound, onboard noise cancellation, and long battery life.
Before the arrival of the Soundcore Sport X20, these features were only available in wireless earbuds, which were double the price of brands like Jabra and JBL. Knowing Anker’s stellar track record in making value-packed headphones and earbuds, I was eager to put its Soundcore Sport X20s through the paces — especially after I glanced through the product’s spec sheet.
After a week as my go-to set for exercising and everyday use, the Soundcore Sport X20 wireless earbuds thoroughly exceeded the expectations I had, especially given their affordable price tag. Here’s why their design, ergonomics, and durability make them the best budget-friendly set for working out by a mile.
Audio Performance
Sound
The Soundcore Sport X20’s 11-millimeter audio drivers pump out powerful and enjoyable sound with enhanced bass out of the box. I found the low-range bump to be excellent fuel for exercising. My go-to workout playlist sounded energizing as intended when I created it, even in the buds’ default setting, dubbed Soundcore Signature in their app.
As usual, the Soundcore app is packed with tools for customizing the sonic experience, ranging from quick-access presets to the option to create your own. I found the ability to tone down the bass to be handy for work and while out and about.
HearID is the most sophisticated sound customization tool the Soundcore app offers. In a manner befitting its name, the functionality allowed me a listening experience that’s tailored to my hearing. Setting it requires only a hearing test via the app and a couple of minutes of your time.
Calls sounded excellent on the Soundcore Sport X20, thanks to three microphones per earbud and AI tech to enhance performance. Everyone I chatted with heard me clearly, even while I was on the move during weekday rush hours.
Noise Cancellation
The Sport X20 did a solid job of tuning out ambient distractions. The buds significantly reduced the clanking sounds of weights at my gym and the hum of traffic during my brisk outdoor walks. Their overall performance in this section was on par with that of other under-$100 true wireless sets and my expectations.
By giving me tools for adjusting the X20’s noise cancellation manually and an adaptive mode that sets its intensity based on my surroundings, the Soundcore app gave me more upmarket vibes once again.
Design and Comfort
Featuring slim ear hooks and contrasting color accents, the Soundcore Sport X20 earbuds are more elegant than their rivals with the same form factor. An IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, on the other hand, places the product in the same rarified field of durability as the much costlier Jabra Elite 8 Active earphones.
Unlike its rivals in this price category, the latest Soundcore offering successfully meets the expectations of a frequent ultramarathon participant. While I didn’t get a chance to test the buds’ toughness, I enjoyed being able to wash them under running water after sweaty workout sessions.
The comfort of the Sport X20 is as commendable as its durability. The earphones’ soft around-ear hooks with a swiveling design made placing them on my ears and spending hours wearing them equally effortless. Their clicky buttons were also infinitely more reliable than the touch controls of countless true wireless sets of earbuds, regardless of their price.
Battery Performance
The 12-hour maximum battery life (without noise cancellation) is exceptional for any set of true wireless earbuds, not just budget buys. Activating the product’s core functionality to minimize external distractions reduces the time between power-ups to 7 hours — enough to get me through almost a full workday without distractions.
With three full charges in its battery pack, the storage case of the earbuds got me an entire week of use without having to look for a USB-C cable. It would be nice if the accessory supported wireless charging like the cases of other Soundcore buds that cost less than a Benjamin, however.
Conclusion
Adding exceptional comfort and uncompromising durability solidifies the Sport X20 earbuds as the best budget set of earbuds for exercising. If you’re in the market for an audio companion during workouts for yourself or to gift someone else on a tight budget, look no further than this Anker set. It’s vastly superior to any rival that costs below $100.
You can order the Soundcore Sport X20 in black with blue accents, green, and white with striking gold bits. Each set comes with a matching charging case.
