Soundcore Life Q20+ Noise Cancelling Headphones: features and specs

The Soundcore Life Q20+ is a pair of over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC), made by Anker's audio brand. They are aimed at commuting, travel and working at home, where the goal is to mute steady background noise and keep going for a long time between charges. Here is what the main specs mean.

How the noise cancelling works

Active noise cancelling uses microphones to listen to the sound around you, then plays an opposing sound wave to cancel it out. The Life Q20+ has four ANC microphones and a digital algorithm. Soundcore says it targets low and mid-frequency noises such as car and airplane engines, and claims it can reduce ambient noise by up to 90%. As a rule, ANC is better with steady, droning sounds than with sudden or high-pitched ones such as voices, and the real-world result depends on fit and the environment.

Sound and Hi-Res Audio

The headphones use custom 40 mm dynamic drivers. Soundcore says high frequencies reach up to 40kHz, which is the range associated with Hi-Res Audio labelling. Note that the benefit depends on the music source and the Bluetooth codec in use: a headphone can be capable of wide frequency response, but you only hear it if the file and connection support it. The headphones also work with the Soundcore app, where you can adjust the sound to taste.

Battery life and fast charging

Soundcore quotes:

• 40 hours in wireless noise cancelling mode, measured at 60% volume.
• 60 hours in standard mode, without ANC.
• 4 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge.

Battery figures depend on volume and settings, so a louder listening level usually shortens them. The quick charge is useful if you forget to plug in before leaving.

Multipoint connection

Multipoint lets the headphones stay connected to two devices at once, such as a laptop and a phone. Soundcore says you can switch between them smoothly, so a call that arrives on the phone while you are watching something on the laptop can be answered without re-pairing.

Comfort and portability

The listing mentions memory foam earcups, which are meant to improve comfort and seal during long sessions. A good seal also helps ANC work better. The headphones weigh about 0.6 lb (roughly 270 g) and measure 6.6 x 8.8 x 3.1 inches (about 17 x 22 x 8 cm). Foldable headphones are typical in this category, but check whether the case or fold design suits your bag.

Who it suits

These headphones suit travellers, commuters and home-office workers who want noise reduction and long battery life in a wireless over-ear design. They are less suited to anyone who needs to stay aware of traffic or announcements, in which case an awareness feature or earbuds that let sound in may fit better.

What to check before you buy

• Fit: over-ear designs vary in clamp force and size. Check that they sit comfortably with glasses if you wear them.
• Codecs: if you care about high-quality wireless audio, check which Bluetooth codecs your phone and these headphones support.
• Wired use: check whether a cable is included in case you want to listen without Bluetooth or with the battery flat.
• Calls: find out how the microphones perform for calls if you plan to take many.
• Safety: active noise cancelling can reduce your awareness of the surroundings. Use common sense near roads and follow any local rules.
• What's in the box: confirm the charging cable and carrying pouch, if any.

The short version

• Over-ear Bluetooth headphones with four ANC microphones and digital noise cancelling.
• Custom 40 mm drivers with Hi-Res Audio support up to 40kHz, as stated by Soundcore.
• 40 hours with ANC on (at 60% volume), 60 hours in standard mode.
• 5 minutes of charging gives 4 hours of listening.
• Multipoint connection to two devices at once, plus memory foam earcups.

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