Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless: Review

The Anker SoundCore Life Q20 is a step up over the already solid Anker SoundCore Life 2 Wireless, with a few minor improvements. The Q20 is slightly more compact than the previous model; therefore, it should fit the vast majority of users more snugly than its predecessors did. They also include an ANC feature that is slightly better than previous models, and it does a great job of cancelling 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 cosy.

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 cancelling headphones are currently retailing for a very reasonable $60 (or £52, or about AU$94) around the world. The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 are a great pair of inexpensive ANC headphones, but they cost $140 (£205; AU$180). The Plantronics, on the other hand, provides superior sound quality and convenient extras like auto play/pause and multipoint pairing, so you get what you pay for. The battery life of the Anker, however, 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 swivelling joints of the Soundcore Life Q20s make them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. 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 we were able to 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 were effective in drowning out most ambient sounds, but they 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 of time 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 of time is comfortable, but anyone expecting a high level of fidelity will be left wanting.

The Bottom Line

There have been some small upgrades made to the Anker SoundCore Life 2 Wireless, and the result is 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 still subpar, does a slightly better job of drowning out ambient noise and isolating the low rumble of bus or aeroplane 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, in contrast to Life 2, does not have a beautiful protective case.