Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones: features and who they suit

The Soundcore Life Q20 (model A3025011-1) is a pair of over-ear Bluetooth headphones with hybrid active noise cancelling, a long battery life and a wired option. They are made for commuting, travel and working in noisy places. This page walks through the main specs and what they mean.

How hybrid noise cancelling works

Active noise cancelling uses microphones to listen to the sound around you, then generates an opposing signal to reduce it. The Life Q20 has four built-in microphones and a digital algorithm. Soundcore says the hybrid system can detect and cancel a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as car and aeroplane engines, and gives a figure of up to 90% reduction. In general, ANC works best on steady low-pitched sounds and is less effective on sudden or high-pitched ones like speech. Soundcore notes that a tight seal around the ears gives the best results.

Drivers and Hi-Res certification

Each earcup holds a 40 mm dynamic driver. The brand lists a frequency response of 16 Hz to 40 kHz and says the headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified. Hi-Res certification is about the headphones' ability to reproduce frequencies above the usual CD range, though many people can't hear above about 20 kHz, and hearing it also depends on your source files. Impedance is 16Ω, which is low enough that a phone can drive it easily.

BassUp

Soundcore's BassUp feature analyses the low frequencies in real time and strengthens them. The brand says that double-pressing the play button turns it on and gives up to 100% stronger bass, which suits genres like EDM and hip-hop.

Battery life

Soundcore quotes up to 40 hours in wireless ANC mode (at 60% volume) and up to 60 hours in standard wireless mode. A 5-minute charge is said to give 4 hours of listening. Charging is by Micro-USB. A 3.5 mm AUX cable is included, so you can listen in wired mode as well.

Comfort and fit

The earcups use memory foam covered in protein leather, and the headband has rotating joints to adjust the earcup angle. The headphones weigh about 0.6 lb (roughly 270 g).

Calls and range

A built-in microphone handles hands-free calls. The Bluetooth range is listed as 15 metres (about 49 feet). Soundcore also says the maximum volume is set at around 95 dB and recommends not listening at excessive volumes for long periods.

What's in the box

Headphones, Micro-USB cable, 3.5 mm AUX cable, travel case and user manual. Soundcore lists an 18-month warranty.

Who they suit

They suit frequent travellers, commuters and people working in open-plan spaces who want a long-lasting wireless pair with a backup cable.

What to check before you buy

• Fit and weight: over-ear headphones can feel warm or heavy during long sessions, so check the size suits you.
• Glasses and seal: a tight seal improves noise cancelling; glasses arms can affect it.
• Charging connector: Micro-USB, rather than USB-C.
• Compatibility: confirm your phone or laptop supports Bluetooth, or has an AUX port for wired use.
• Folding and carrying: a travel case is included.

The short version

• Over-ear Bluetooth headphones with hybrid ANC and four microphones.
• 40 mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio certified, 16 Hz to 40 kHz.
• Up to 40 hours with ANC, 60 hours without; quick charge gives 4 hours from 5 minutes.
• Memory foam earcups, AUX cable and travel case included.
• 18-month warranty as listed.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.