Anker Wireless Earbuds — Complete Guide & Review

Yes, Anker wireless earbuds (sold under the Soundcore brand) are widely considered the best budget-to-mid-range wireless earbuds available. They consistently outperform their price point with features like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and customisable EQ via the Soundcore app. The Soundcore P20i is an excellent entry-level option at under £25, while the Liberty 4 NC and Space A40 compete with earbuds costing twice as much. Anker's audio division has won multiple awards and has over 20 million earbuds sold globally.

The Soundcore by Anker P20i true wireless earbuds are Anker's most popular budget earbuds. Key specs: 10mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, 30-hour total battery life (10h earbuds + 20h case), IPX5 water resistance, and customisable EQ via the Soundcore app. They charge via USB-C and support fast charging — 10 minutes gives 2 hours of playback. At around £20–25, they're one of the best-value true wireless earbuds you can buy in the UK.

It depends on your budget and needs. For budget buyers (under £25), the Soundcore P20i offers incredible value with 30-hour battery and Bluetooth 5.3. For mid-range (£50–70), the Soundcore Space A40 delivers flagship-level ANC with 50-hour battery life. For premium (£80–100), the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC has best-in-class noise cancellation, LDAC hi-res audio, and 50-hour battery. For sports, the Soundcore Sport X20 with ear hooks and IP68 rating is unbeatable.

All current Anker Soundcore wireless earbuds charge via USB-C. Place the earbuds in the charging case, then connect the case to any USB-C charger using a USB-C cable. Most models also support wireless charging (Qi) — simply place the case on any Qi wireless charging pad. A full charge takes 1.5–2 hours via USB-C. For fast top-ups, 10 minutes of USB-C charging gives approximately 2 hours of playback on most models.

Yes, all Anker Soundcore wireless earbuds work with both iPhone and Android via Bluetooth. They also work with iPads, laptops, Windows PCs, and any Bluetooth-enabled device. The Soundcore app (free on iOS and Android) lets you customise EQ, update firmware, and adjust ANC settings. Some premium models like the Liberty 4 NC support multipoint connection — connecting to two devices simultaneously so you can switch between phone and laptop seamlessly.

Battery life varies by model: the Soundcore P20i lasts 10 hours per charge (30 hours with case), the Space A40 lasts 10 hours (50 hours with case, ANC off), and the Liberty 4 NC lasts 10 hours (50 hours with case). ANC reduces battery life by about 20–30%. All models support fast charging via USB-C, and premium models support Qi wireless case charging. Real-world battery life at 50% volume is typically within 10% of advertised figures.

Most Anker Soundcore earbuds are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. The P20i and Space A40 are IPX5 rated (protected against water jets — suitable for rain and sweat). The Sport X20 is IP68 rated (submersible in fresh water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes). No wireless earbuds should be used for swimming in chlorinated or salt water. The charging cases are not water-resistant on any model, so keep them dry.

Any standard USB-C cable works with Anker Soundcore earbuds. Since earbuds charge at very low wattage (5W), even the most basic USB-C cable is sufficient — you don't need high-wattage or high-speed cables. A short 0.5m USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A cable is ideal for portability. We recommend UGREEN braided USB-C cables for durability — a 0.5m cable from £3.99 will outlast the earbuds themselves.