Soundcore Life A1
Score: 81/100
Beats Flex Black
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Soundcore Life A1 offers a rugged IPX7 rating, wireless charging and a long 35-hour total battery life, making it a solid budget choice for active users. Its lack of ANC and bass-heavy tuning may disappoint listeners seeking balanced sound. Best suited for gym-goers and budget-conscious users who value durability and endurance.
Beats Flex are lightweight neckband earbuds that provide 12 hours of battery life and a convenient magnetic design with fast-charge capability. They lack ANC and have an unclear water-resistance rating, which may limit use in sweaty or rainy conditions. Best for active users who value simplicity, Apple integration, and long battery life over advanced noise-control features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
9 hours | 12 hoursbest | |
35 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 120 minutes | 10 minutesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 59 g | 17 gbest |
8 mmbest | — | |
4best | 1 | |
1.5 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (Earbuds) (hours) | 9 hours | 12 hours |
Charging Time (minutes) | 120 minutes | 10 minutes |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Total Weight (including case) (g) | 59 g | 17 g |
Audio(1) | ||
Microphone Count | 4 | 1 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 1.5 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Life A1 for its value-driven feature set, especially the IPX7 rating, secure fit, strong bass and the rare inclusion of wireless charging at this price tier. They note the stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection and long battery life as strong points, while calling out the absence of active noise cancellation and the average call performance as drawbacks.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the earbuds' long battery life, secure fit during workouts, and the punchy bass in the Booster mode, while common complaints focus on muddy mids in the default setting, mediocre microphone quality in noisy environments, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs, and the need to experiment with ear-wing sizes for comfort.
Professional reviewers, such as Tom's Guide, commend the Beats Flex for their feather-light 0.66 oz weight, stable grip during runs, seamless Apple W1 pairing, and the convenient Fast Fuel quick-charge. However, they note moderate comfort after prolonged wear, the absence of wing-tips for extra security, and the lack of active noise cancellation as drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the earbuds for all-day comfort, reliable 12-hour battery life, and the hassle-free magnetic storage. Common concerns revolve around fit security without wing-tips, occasional ear pressure on long sessions, and unclear water-resistance specifications.
“comfortable and secure fit, inexpensive, stable connection”
“massive improvement”
