Soundcore Q20i Hybrid ANC Wireless Headphones: features and specs

The Soundcore Q20i (model A3004) is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with hybrid active noise cancelling. It is designed for commuting, working and long listening sessions, with a long battery life figure and an app for adjusting the sound. Here is what the specs mean.

Hybrid active noise cancelling

Soundcore says the Q20i uses 2 internal and 2 external microphones that work together to detect outside noise and reduce up to 90% of it, such as plane and car engines. Hybrid noise cancelling uses microphones both outside and inside the ear cup, which typically handles a wider range of sounds than a single-microphone design. As with most ANC headphones, steady low-pitched noise is reduced more than voices or sudden sounds.

Drivers and bass

The headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers, and Soundcore pairs them with BassUp technology for stronger low notes. The listing says they are compatible with Hi-Res certified audio through the AUX cable, which means a wired connection is needed for that. Over Bluetooth the audio is carried by standard wireless codecs.

Battery and fast charging

Soundcore quotes 40 hours of battery with noise cancelling on and 60 hours in normal mode. A fast charge of 5 minutes is said to add 4 hours of playtime. Actual battery life depends on volume and which mode you use, but figures this long typically mean charging only now and then.

Dual connections

Bluetooth 5.0 lets the headphones connect to two devices at once, for example a laptop and a phone. Soundcore says audio plays automatically from the device you need to hear from, which is handy when a call comes in while you are working.

App, EQ and listening modes

The soundcore app offers a customizable EQ with 22 presets, or you can adjust it yourself. You can also switch between three modes: ANC, Normal and Transparency. The app also includes white noise. Transparency mode passes outside sound through the microphones, so you can hear announcements or stay aware of your surroundings, for example at a crossing.

Size and weight

The listed dimensions are 6.9 x 7.3 x 3.1 inches (about 17.5 x 18.5 x 8 cm) and the weight is 0.5 lb (about 230 g).

Who it suits

They suit commuters, students and home workers who want over-ear comfort, long battery life and the option to switch between noise cancelling and awareness of their surroundings.

What to check before you buy

• Condition: this listing is for a renewed unit, so check what the seller states about its condition and what is in the box.
• Wired audio: the Hi-Res option needs the AUX cable, so check that one is included and that your device has a suitable port.
• Fit: over-ear cups should fit comfortably around your ears for long sessions, especially if you wear glasses.
• Phone support: confirm your devices support Bluetooth 5.0 connections.
• Safety awareness: when walking or cycling near traffic, use Transparency mode or keep the volume low enough to hear what is around you.

The short version

• Over-ear wireless headphones with hybrid ANC; Soundcore says up to 90% noise reduction.
• 40mm drivers with BassUp; Hi-Res audio through the AUX cable.
• 40 hours of battery with ANC and 60 hours without; 5 minutes of fast charge adds 4 hours.
• Connects to two devices at once over Bluetooth 5.0.
• App with 22 EQ presets and ANC, Normal and Transparency modes.

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