Anker has recently launched the Soundcore Sleep A20, an upgraded version of their popular A10 sleep earbuds. The A20 aims to improve upon the A10 with better battery life and the addition of passive noise cancellation. As someone who has tested countless earbuds designed for sleep, I was keen to see how the A20 performed and if it justified an upgrade from the A10.
Design & Comfort
The Soundcore Sleep A20 retains the same compact, lightweight design as its predecessor. The earbuds are incredibly small, measuring just 21mm x 18mm x 15mm and weighing a mere 3.7g each. This miniature size allows them to sit comfortably within the concha of your ear, ensuring a secure fit throughout the night without causing discomfort, even for side sleepers.
Anker includes four sizes of ear tips with the A20, ranging from XS to L, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. The ear tips are made from a soft, flexible silicone material that conforms to the shape of your ear canal, creating a snug seal that helps block out external noise and improve the overall audio experience.
One notable change in the A20 is the introduction of passive noise cancellation. Unlike active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect and counter ambient noise, passive noise cancellation relies on the physical seal created by the ear tips to block out unwanted sounds. While not as effective as ANC, the passive noise cancellation in the A20 does a commendable job of reducing background noise, making it easier to fall asleep in noisy environments.
Sound Quality & Features
The Soundcore Sleep A20 offers a range of features designed to help users fall asleep faster and achieve a more restful night’s sleep. The earbuds come with a library of soothing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) content, which can be accessed through the Soundcore app.
In terms of sound quality, the A20 delivers clear, well-balanced audio that is more than adequate for its intended purpose. The earbuds feature 10mm dynamic drivers that produce a warm, full-bodied sound with decent bass response and clear mids and highs. While not audiophile-grade, the A20’s sound quality is certainly impressive for a pair of sleep earbuds.
One of the standout features of the A20 is its ability to automatically adjust the volume of the sleep sounds based on your environment. Using the built-in microphones, the earbuds can detect changes in ambient noise levels and adjust the volume accordingly, ensuring that the sleep sounds remain at a comfortable level throughout the night.
The Soundcore app also allows users to create custom sleep sound mixes, combining different sounds and adjusting their individual volumes to create a personalized sleep soundtrack. This level of customization is a welcome addition and sets the A20 apart from many of its competitors.
Battery Life & Charging Case
The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 boasts an impressive battery life, with the earbuds capable of providing up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the A10, which offered around 6 hours of playback time. The increased battery life means that most users will be able to get a full night’s sleep without needing to recharge the earbuds.
The included charging case provides an additional 40 hours of battery life, bringing the total playback time to an impressive 50 hours. The case is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you when traveling. It features a USB-C port for charging and takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge the earbuds and case.
One minor gripe with the charging case is the lack of wireless charging support. While not a dealbreaker, the inclusion of wireless charging would have added an extra layer of convenience, especially for those who have already invested in wireless charging pads.
Connectivity & App Experience
The Soundcore Sleep A20 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a stable, low-latency connection with a range of up to 10 meters. The earbuds support the SBC and AAC audio codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones.
Pairing the A20 with your smartphone is a straightforward process, and the earbuds automatically reconnect to the last paired device when removed from the charging case. The Soundcore app, available for both iOS and Android, offers a user-friendly interface for accessing the various features and settings of the A20.
In addition to the sleep sound library and custom mix creator, the app also allows users to set sleep timers, adjust the auto-off timer, and update the firmware of the earbuds. The app’s sleep tracking feature uses the earbuds’ built-in sensors to monitor your sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep quality, including data on deep sleep, REM sleep, and total sleep time.
While the sleep tracking feature is a nice addition, it is worth noting that the accuracy of earbud-based sleep tracking is often less reliable than dedicated sleep tracking devices. Nevertheless, the data provided by the A20 can still offer valuable insights into your sleep habits and help you identify areas for improvement.
Verdict
The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 is a worthy upgrade to the already impressive A10, offering improved battery life, passive noise cancellation, and a range of features designed to enhance your sleep experience. The compact, comfortable design, combined with the customizable sleep sound library and auto-volume adjustment, make the A20 an excellent choice for anyone struggling with sleep or looking to improve their sleep quality.
While the lack of wireless charging and the limitations of earbud-based sleep tracking may be minor drawbacks for some users, the overall package offered by the Soundcore Sleep A20 is compelling. If you’re in the market for a pair of sleep earbuds and want the latest features and improved performance, the A20 is definitely worth considering.
For owners of the A10, the decision to upgrade will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you find the battery life of the A10 sufficient and don’t require passive noise cancellation, you may not feel the need to upgrade. However, if you’re looking for longer playback times and improved noise isolation, the A20 offers a substantial improvement over its predecessor.
In conclusion, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 is a well-designed, feature-packed pair of sleep earbuds that deliver on their promise of helping users achieve a better night’s sleep. With its impressive battery life, customizable sleep sound library, and passive noise cancellation, the A20 sets a new standard for sleep earbuds and is well worth considering for anyone in the market for a high-quality sleep aid.