Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless: Review

With minor improvements, the Anker SoundCore Life Q20 is a step up over the already solid Anker SoundCore Life 2 Wireless. The Q20 is slightly more compact than the previous model; therefore, it should fit most users more snugly than its predecessors. They also include an ANC feature that is somewhat better than earlier models, and it does a great job of canceling out surrounding voices and the low rumbling of bus or airline engines. One positive change is that their battery charges far faster than before.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless Specs

PROS

• The new ANC model is an improvement over the old one.
• Extensive battery life.
• The layout is cozy.

CONS

• The new version’s sound profile isn’t as well-rounded as the old one.
• Unfortunately, ANC is still not good enough in silencing motor noises.

• Price

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones currently retail for a very reasonable $60 (or £52, or about AU$94) worldwide. The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is an excellent pair of inexpensive ANC headphones, costing $140 (£205; AU$180). On the other hand, Plantronics provides superior sound quality and convenient extras like auto play/pause and multipoint pairing, so you get what you pay for. However, the Anker’s battery life is superior to that of the Plantronics (30 hours vs. 24 hours).

• Design

The monochromatic cans (available in black, blue, and silver) combine an adjustable headband made of what appears to be plastic with a pair of faux leather ear pads. They didn’t make us want to vomit into a trash can, but we also doubt they’ll get anyone’s attention on the subway. But when we put them on our ears, we were pleasantly pleased by how lightweight and secure they felt.

The memory foam ear pads and swiveling joints of the Soundcore Life Q20s make them comfortable for extended periods. While we usually start to feel tired after 30 minutes of using headphones, we had no problems with these for the first 90 minutes. A breathable mesh along the interior of each ear cushion helps prevent sweaty ears even after extended listening.

• Top Features

Let’s start with the most crucial aspects: We had no trouble reaching the advertised 30 hours with ANC enabled and could go up to 60 hours with ANC disabled. Better yet, the headphones charge quickly; according to Anker, you can receive four hours of listening time from a five-minute charge. However, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20’s noise cancellation is merely adequate.

The headphones effectively drowned out most ambient sounds but couldn’t handle the low bass or high frequencies. When it comes to ANC, Sony and Bose continue to be the industry leaders. The Ankers are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, and we had no audio disruptions when using them. The signal held even as we walked around the flat; however, it would eventually die if it had to travel through too many walls.

• Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is acceptable yet unremarkable. The level of detail is low, and the overall sound balance is somewhat warm and bass-heavy. Because of this, listening to the headphones for long periods is comfortable, but anyone expecting a high level of fidelity will be left wanting.

The sound quality of the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 ANC is acceptable yet unremarkable. The level of detail is low, and the overall sound balance is somewhat warm and bass-heavy. Because of this, listening to the headphones for long periods is comfortable, but anyone expecting a high level of fidelity will be left wanting.

The Bottom Line

Some minor upgrades have been made to the Anker SoundCore Life 2 Wireless, resulting in the Anker SoundCore Life Q20. The previous model’s wide headband made them uncomfortable for those with smaller heads, but the Q20’s tighter headband should make a better fit for most individuals.

They also contain an ANC feature that, while stilar, does a slightly better job drowning out ambient noise and isolating the low rumble of bus or airplane engines. Their sound profile is V-shaped, which gives it a lot of energy, making it perfect for rock and pop. We regret to inform you that Life 3, unlike Life 2, does not have a beautiful protective case.