Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 vs Sleep A30: Should you upgrade?

Anker’s Soundcore Sleep A20 and A30 are both designed to help you drift off, but they take very different approaches to achieving that goal. The Sleep A20 is the more affordable entry, offering excellent comfort and battery life, while the A30 adds active noise cancelation (ANC) and snore masking for a higher price. So, should you consider upgrading? I’ve tested both pairs extensively to see which is the better fit for your nights.

What’s it like to use the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 compared to the Sleep A30?

I found both the A20 and A30 to be exceptionally comfortable, especially for side sleepers like me. The A20’s multiple ear tips and wing sizes make it easy to achieve a secure fit that stays in place through tossing and turning. The A30 builds on this with a slimmer profile that’s 7% smaller and memory foam tips that mold even more comfortably to the ear, which I barely noticed even when sleeping on my side.

That said, the A30 earbuds have slightly unresponsive touch controls. I often found myself relying on the app to toggle between modes because the two-tap gestures worked inconsistently. The A20 doesn’t include touch controls at all, which means less fiddling and fewer accidental inputs in the middle of the night.

Do the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 or Sleep A30 have more features?

The A30 blows the A20 out of the water in terms of features. The biggest upgrade is ANC, which dramatically improves low-frequency noise blocking and adaptive snore masking that adjusts in real-time to your partner or roommate’s rumblings. The A30 also introduces enhanced AI brainwave audio with Spatial Audio and tuning options for Immersiveness, Audio Space, and Brightness.

In contrast, the A20 relies entirely on passive noise isolation and a library of white noise presets in the app. I found many of these A20 presets staticky and uninspiring, while the A30’s soundscapes felt more enveloping and customizable. If features are your priority, the A30 easily justifies its higher price.

How do the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 and Sleep A30 connect?

Both the A20 and A30 connect over Bluetooth, but the A30 adds microphones for phone calls—something the A20 lacks entirely. The A20 uses Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC support, and in my experience, it maintained a stable connection with minimal dropouts during sleep.

The A30 offers similar Bluetooth reliability but includes a Local mode that allows you to play sound directly from its onboard library without staying tethered to your phone. Switching between these modes is a bit fiddly on the A30 due to the touch controls, but you can manage them easily in the app.

Is battery life better on the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 or Sleep A30?

Battery life is one area where the A20 has a clear advantage. In my tests, the A20 consistently lasted up to 14 hours in Sleep mode and 10 hours with Bluetooth playback, which is more than enough for a full night’s rest. The charging case adds another 80 hours of runtime, making it an endurance champion.

By comparison, the A30 struggles to hit 8 hours with ANC enabled. I measured 7 hours and 33 minutes of playback before the earbuds needed a recharge. While this might be enough for some sleepers, it’s cutting it close for anyone who tends to spend extra time in bed. The case provides an additional 45 hours of charge, which is plenty for most use cases, but still falls short of the A20.

Do the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 or Sleep A30 block noise better?

The A30’s ANC and snore masking make a huge difference in blocking low-frequency noises like traffic, HVAC hums, or a partner’s snoring. In my testing, the A30’s ANC performed best in the 20-200Hz range, which covers many disruptive nighttime sounds. Without any playback, the earbuds nearly silenced my partner’s light snoring entirely.

The A20 relies on passive isolation through its dual-seal ear tips. It blocks high-frequency sounds decently well—like birds chirping outside—but struggles with lower-frequency noises. I could still hear the occasional car rumble or fridge hum at night, which the A30 would have masked.

Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 vs Sleep A30: Price and availability

The Sleep A20 retails for $149.99 and is widely available from Amazon and Anker’s website. The Sleep A30 comes in at a steeper $229.99, which may feel like a big jump for ANC and snore masking. That said, early Kickstarter backers got the A30 for $139, making it a far better deal if you snagged it in time.

Should you get the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 or Sleep A30?

If you’re on a budget or value longer battery life above all else, the Sleep A20 is still a solid option. It’s comfortable, stays secure throughout the night, and lasts multiple nights on a single charge. But be prepared for mediocre sound and limited noise blocking.

For light sleepers dealing with disruptive noise, the A30 is a clear upgrade. The addition of ANC and adaptive snore masking significantly improves sleep quality, and the enhanced soundscapes make it easier to relax. Just keep in mind the shorter battery life and higher price tag. If you can afford it and want the best possible sleep experience, the A30 is worth the upgrade.