Soundcore V20i by Anker Open-Ear Headphones, Adjustable Ear Hooks, Ultra-Comfort, Snug Fit, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, IP55, LED Lights, 36H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.4 Earbuds, Multipoint Connection

I’m impressed
I bought these on a whim. I was mostly interested in the Bluetooth multipoint and the size. They exceeded my expectations in almost every aspect. I bought a very expensive pair of Bose at the same time and have been using these instead.
Pros:
– Bluetooth multi-point has been flawless. I listen to music from my phone but also need to answer calls and Teams calls from my laptop. They flawlessly switch back and forth.
– Does not go in the ear – my ears get tired from earbuds after long use
– Can still hear surroundings during use
– Sound quality is decent and has customizable EQ
– Slim and light case
Cons:
– The adjustments for fit can take a bit to get used to but overall they are still comfortable
– The touch controls are a bit over sensitive.

Great headphones!
I have very sensitive ears and find typical ear buds put too much pressure around them. These are great alternatives! They have good sound and super comfortable. I am a glasses wearer and they fit fine with them. I like to wear hats while walking which also fit well without too much pressure.

Fit is not adjustable enough
The sound of these earbuds would be very good, if I could get them to stay in the proper position, but that is not possible. A review comparing the older V30i to the newer V20i (the numbering is counter-intuitive, with the larger number, V30i, being produced first, and the V20i being introduced later) explains why. The video review, “Not bad for $50! Soundcore V20i vs V30i”, explains that the older version, V30i, had an adjustable rubber hook, while the newer version, V20i, has a static hook that is not adjustable, instead having an adjustable joint between the hook and the earbud. While the adjustable joint (four clicks allowing rotation at the joint) might be sufficient for some users, it was not sufficient for the reviewer, and it is not sufficient for me. I can hold the earbuds in place with my fingers and the sound is great, but I can’t achieve anything like that positioning with the hooks, and because the best position I can achieve using the unadjustable hooks is suboptimal, the sound is also suboptimal. The benefit of any improvements in the V20i over the V30i are therefore moot, because the main event of earbuds, the quality of the sound, is suboptimal, given the positioning possible with the unadjustable hooks.

First of all, I am dismayed by a Vine review that claims that these earbuds do not block noise and do not have ANC. Like seriously? The product is an open ear one and it IS meant to sit away from ears so that you can hear the ambient noise.
I find these earbuds perfect for the price. Sound quality can be tailored with the EQ settings in the Soundcore app. The lights are a thoughtful touch and is a good addition for those who would be using these during cycling or running. Do note that the lights are off by default. The Soundcore app also let’s you customize the touch controls with multiple options such as press and hold, single tap, double tap etc. And now to the most important aspect – the sound quality. Don’t expect these to rival audiophile quality headsets. But with EQ flexibility, you can definitely adjust the music color to your preference. It definitely won’t replace my Philips X2HR Fidelio with Fiio BTR5 combo, but it does reduce that form factor to something that will fit in my pocket.
I rather prefer these over my ears when doing household work so that I can keep an eye (or ear) on the kids. Or, for cycling as I can be aware all the time of what’s happening around me, while enjoying the music. Think of these as neckband speakers that are closer to your ear.
Call quality is pretty decent too. Latency for TV listening is comparable to other Bluetooth headsets although there is a low latency mode in Soundcore app which certainly improves the latency.

At £29.99 there’s got to be a catch right?
To be honest, there doesn’t seem to be one.
Short answer, get some, or, at least give them a shot. They are outstanding for this price point.
Just to be clear, this is my – “I don’t care if I lose or drop them set”. I also bought some Openrock X which I will care if I lose or drop, they are for controlled environment usage. These are specifically for careless usage outdoors on a run or a bike ride, uncontrolled environments where auditory spatial awareness is a must for your safety. To be honest, that’s probably true for most public spaces nowadays.
Personally, I prefer the open-ear format, I have some Jabra Elite 4 Active buds and they are really good, however, blocking the airflow for your ears has a physiological payback – the air pressure within your head is, at the very least – noticeable, and at it’s worst uncomfortable.
Price 10/10 – For budget earphones, incredible all round package.
Sound quality and eq presets 6.5-7/10 – can’t complain at this price don’t expect studio standards.
Comfort 8/10 – great at this price, a little fiddly to get the right secure fit, but they are very light and you forget you are wearing them after a while. But when you do remember that you are wearing them, it’s because the plasticky bits are starting to hurt a little. Not so much of an issue with the Openrock X’s I have, but even they start to feel uncomfortable, eventually.
Battery life 9/10 – excellent at this price.
Features 10/10 – multipoint, programmable actions independent for L and R via app, bluetooth 5.4
Call quality – no complaints from the other end when used indoors or in the car, outside depends on the weather conditions.
Charging case – slim, light – does the job.
Unfortunately, the industry is geared towards profit at the expense of the environment, so all wireless headphones are disposable luxuries once their fixed batteries give up the ghost. Manufacturers should be forced to standardise embedded batteries and provide user changeable access, this disposable tech attitude can not continue forever. In the mean time, as a responsible consumer of irresponsible manufacturer products, our only hope is to buy products that offer longevity and that purchasing trend may change the industry indirectly.
In closing, 5*’s, however, if they don’t last for a few years, this rating will be updated.

Good