Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones: features and specs

The Soundcore Life Q20 (model A3025) is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with hybrid active noise cancelling. It is aimed at people who want to cut down engine drone and office hum on flights, commutes or at a home desk. A long battery life and a wired option sit alongside the Bluetooth connection.

How hybrid noise cancelling works

Active noise cancelling uses microphones to listen to the sound around you and then plays an opposing signal to reduce it. Soundcore says the Life Q20 has four built-in microphones working with a digital algorithm, and that this "hybrid" approach picks up a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as car and aircraft engines. The brand quotes a reduction of up to 90% of ambient noise, a figure it derives from its own testing.

In general, noise cancelling is strongest on steady, low-pitched sound and weaker on sudden or high-pitched noise such as voices. Soundcore also notes that the ear cups should form a tight seal around your ears for the best result.

What the drivers and Hi-Res label mean

Each ear cup holds a 40 mm dynamic driver. The listed frequency response is 16 Hz to 40 kHz, and the impedance is 16 ohms. Hi-Res Audio is a certification label for equipment that can reproduce frequencies above the typical range of CD-quality audio. Most people hear little above 20 kHz, so the practical benefit depends on your source files, your listening and your ears.

Soundcore also describes a BassUp feature that analyses low frequencies in real time and strengthens them, with a claimed increase of up to 100%. According to the brand, you double-press the play button to switch it on, which suits bass-heavy genres such as EDM and hip-hop.

Battery life and charging

Soundcore lists up to 40 hours with wireless noise cancelling on at 60% volume, and up to 60 hours in standard wireless mode. It adds that a five-minute charge gives about four hours of listening. Real-world playtime changes with volume and the kind of audio you play. The listing mentions a micro-USB charging cable in the box.

Comfort and fit

The ear cups use memory foam, and the headband has rotating joints that let the cups adjust their angle to your head. The headphones weigh about 0.6 lb (roughly 270 g), which is typical for a wireless over-ear model. Over-ear designs enclose the ear, so some people find them warm after long sessions.

Connections and calls

The headphones pair over Bluetooth, with a listed range of 15 m (about 49 ft) in open space. A supplied 3.5 mm AUX cable lets you listen in wired mode, which is useful when the battery is flat or when you plug into an in-flight system. A built-in microphone handles hands-free calls.

Soundcore states that the maximum volume is limited to around 95 dB, below the 100 dB figure the brand cites as a regulatory ceiling, and recommends avoiding very loud listening for long periods.

Who they suit

The Life Q20 suits frequent travellers, commuters and home-office workers who want noise cancelling with a long battery life. People who want app-based equaliser control or multipoint connections should check the full specification, as the listing does not describe them.

What to check before you buy

• Fit and seal: noise cancelling works best with a snug seal, so consider glasses, hair and ear size.
• Charging port: this listing describes a micro-USB cable, so check what you have on hand.
• Features you need: confirm things such as app control, folding design and multipoint pairing against the full specification.
• Your listening: battery claims depend on volume and on whether noise cancelling is on.
• What's in the box: headphones, micro-USB cable, 3.5 mm AUX cable, travel pouch and manual, with an 18-month warranty.

The short version

• Wireless over-ear headphones with hybrid active noise cancelling and four microphones.
• 40 mm drivers with a 16 Hz to 40 kHz response and a Hi-Res Audio certification.
• Up to 40 hours of playtime with noise cancelling, up to 60 hours without.
• Memory foam ear cups, a wired AUX option and a built-in microphone.
• About 0.6 lb, with a travel pouch included.

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