Soundcore Q20i hybrid noise cancelling headphones: features and specs

The Soundcore Q20i (model A3004) is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with hybrid active noise cancelling. It is aimed at people who commute, work in busy spaces or travel and want quieter surroundings and a long battery life, with an app for tuning the sound.

How hybrid noise cancelling works

Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones to listen to outside sound and then plays an opposing signal to reduce it. "Hybrid" means microphones are placed both outside and inside the ear cup. Soundcore says the Q20i uses two internal and two external microphones working together and reduces up to 90% of external noise on aircraft, trains and in offices.

ANC generally works best on steady, low-pitched sound such as engine hum and air conditioning. It is typically less effective against sudden or high-pitched noises, so expect a quieter background rather than silence.

Sound: 40 mm drivers and BassUp

The headphones use oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers with Soundcore's BassUp technology, which the brand describes as delivering detailed sound and strong beats for travel, commuting and gaming. When connected with the AUX cable, the headphones are compatible with Hi-Res certified audio, which is useful if you want a wired connection that doesn't depend on battery.

Battery and fast charging

Soundcore rates battery life at 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode. A five-minute fast charge is said to add four hours of listening. Real-world figures depend on volume and settings, but battery figures of this size usually mean charging once every week or two for daily commuters.

Dual connections and Bluetooth 5.0

The Q20i can connect to two devices at the same time over Bluetooth 5.0 and switch between them. A common use is a laptop for work audio and a phone that can take a call; sound is meant to come from whichever device needs it.

The app: EQ, modes and white noise

With the soundcore app you can pick from 22 EQ presets or adjust the equaliser yourself. The app also switches between three modes: ANC, Normal and Transparency. White noise sounds are available for relaxing.

Transparency mode

Transparency mode lets outside sound through the microphones so you can hear transport announcements, cross a road or talk to someone without taking the headphones off. Remember that local rules and common sense still apply when using any headphones near traffic.

Who it suits

The listing positions the Q20i for commuters, frequent flyers, office workers and gamers who want ANC, long battery life and a simple set of controls. Anyone who needs studio-grade accuracy or very high-end isolation may prefer other categories of product, but that is outside what this listing claims.

What to check before you buy

• The fit and weight on your head, especially if you wear glasses or listen for hours.
• Whether you want a wired option (the AUX cable) as a backup.
• Colour: this listing is for the white version.
• Whether the app features you want are available on your phone's operating system.
• How the folded headphones will fit in your bag or travel case.
• That the ANC level meets your needs, bearing in mind that the 90% figure is the brand's.

The short version

• Over-ear Bluetooth 5.0 headphones with hybrid ANC and four microphones.
• 40 mm drivers with BassUp; Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable.
• Up to 40 hours with ANC, 60 hours without, and a quick five-minute top-up.
• Dual-device connection and a 22-preset EQ app.
• Transparency mode for situational awareness.

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