Soundcore Anker A3004 Q20i Headphones Review – Comfort, Noise Cancelling, Performance

Description

Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: My Honest Take

The Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones had me intrigued from the start. As someone who constantly switches between calls, music, and podcasts, I needed something versatile yet budget-friendly. And let’s be honest, the promise of 40-hour ANC playtime was too good to ignore. After a few weeks of testing, here’s how these headphones fared.

My Experience: From Work to Travel

The first time I put these on, I was blown away by their comfortable over-ear design. I wear glasses, and finding headphones that don’t pinch or press too hard is like striking gold. These? They fit like a dream, thanks to the memory foam ear cups. I wore them for a whole day working from home, only taking them off for lunch, and never felt discomfort.

But the real test came during a recent train journey. Turning on the Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by two internal and two external microphones, was like flipping a switch to peace. The low hum of the train disappeared, leaving me immersed in crystal-clear audio. And that BassUp technology? It made my old-school rock playlist feel alive, with deep, punchy bass that didn’t overpower the mids or highs.

Features That Stood Out

The multi-mode functionality was a lifesaver. With a quick tap on the headphones, I could switch between ANC, Transparency Mode, and Normal. Transparency Mode was especially useful when I needed to hear announcements at the station. I also appreciated the dual-device connection—seamlessly hopping from my phone to my laptop for a work call was effortless.

Battery life exceeded expectations. I used these for about 10 hours straight on a mix of ANC and Normal mode, and it barely dented the charge. A quick 5-minute charge gave me another 4 hours of use, which was perfect when I forgot to juice them up before heading out.

The Soundcore app was another pleasant surprise. I played around with the 22 EQ presets and eventually customized one for my favorite genres. For someone who loves tinkering with audio settings, this was a game-changer.

Shortcomings: Where It Falls Short

While the Q20i headphones excel in many areas, they’re not flawless. The Bluetooth range could be better. In my apartment, moving just a room away caused the audio to stutter occasionally. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re used to wandering far from your device.

Another slight letdown was the microphone quality during calls. On Zoom meetings and phone calls, the sound came through clear enough, but my colleagues said I occasionally sounded distant. If you rely heavily on headphones for work calls, this might be a sticking point.

Comparing to Competitors

Having owned the Bose QC35 II, I can confidently say the Q20i headphones hold their own in terms of noise cancellation and sound quality. While the Bose might offer a touch more refinement in audio balance, the Q20i delivers 90% of the experience at a fraction of the price.

On the other hand, the Sony WH-CH710N, another budget-friendly option, lacks the customization features of the Soundcore app and doesn’t match the Q20i’s battery life.

Value for Money

What really sets these apart is their price-to-performance ratio. While I can’t mention specific numbers, I’ll say this: the Q20i headphones offer premium features like Hi-Res audio support via AUX and Hybrid ANC that you’d typically find in models twice the price. For anyone on a budget, these are a no-brainer.

Pros

• Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours in Normal mode.
• Comfortable Fit: Memory foam ear cups and lightweight design, even for glasses wearers.
• Customizable Audio: Soundcore app with 22 EQ presets and manual adjustments.
• Reliable Noise Cancellation: Effectively reduces up to 90% of external noise.
• Durable Build: Foldable design for portability, with materials that feel premium.

Cons

• Occasional Bluetooth Dropouts: Limited range in rooms with obstacles like walls.
• Average Microphone Performance: Not ideal for professional calls or conference meetings.
• Limited Water Resistance: Not suitable for outdoor use in wet conditions.
• Lack of Color Options: Currently, only a few standard colors are available.
• High Maintenance for Audio Tweaks: Requires app usage for optimal sound settings across genres.

What Comes With the Product

• Soundcore Q20i headphones
• 3.5mm AUX cable
• USB-C charging cable
• User manual

How to Use Guide

1. Initial Setup: Charge the headphones using the included USB-C cable for at least 2 hours.
2. Power On/Off: Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to turn the headphones on/off.
3. Pairing: Activate Bluetooth on your device and select “Soundcore Q20i” from the available devices.
4. Switch Modes: Use the ANC button to toggle between ANC, Transparency Mode, and Normal Mode.
5. Customizing Audio: Download the Soundcore app to adjust the EQ settings or choose from presets.
6. Dual-Device Connection: Pair with a second device by holding the pairing button for 5 seconds.
7. Using Wired Mode: Plug in the AUX cable to connect directly to devices without Bluetooth.

Expert Tips & Recommendations

• Maximize Battery Life: Use Normal mode when noise cancellation isn’t necessary to extend usage.
• EQ Customization: Experiment with the app’s presets to find the best sound profile for your preferences.
• Transport Safely: Always fold the headphones and store them in a protective pouch when traveling.
• Regular Cleaning: Gently clean the ear cups with a damp cloth to maintain hygiene and comfort.
• Optimal Charging: Avoid overcharging to preserve battery health over the long term.

Warranty & Support Information

The Soundcore Q20i headphones come with an 18-month warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Anker’s customer support team is accessible via their website or app, offering live chat, email, and phone support. You can also rely on their comprehensive FAQ section for quick troubleshooting. Keeping proof of purchase will expedite any warranty claims.

Additional information