How Anker’s Soundcore Q20i Headphones Deliver Silence, Sound, and Stamina for Forty Dollars

Anyone who scans store shelves for headphones quickly realizes that low prices usually indicate significant tradeoffs in noise reduction or listening time. Anker’s Soundcore Q20i, priced at $39.99 (was $70), disrupts this pattern by including features that continue to provide long after the first listen. Hybrid active noise cancellation is fundamental to the user experience. Four microphones inside and outside the ear cups detect ambient noise and reduce it up to 90% in real time.

Battery performance significantly improves the already impressive everyday reliability of these headphones. You can get up to forty hours of playback with noise canceling turned on, or sixty hours if you leave it off. Slap a cable in for five minutes and you’ll have four full hours of use, so if you fail to pack the cable, you won’t be stuck in the middle of your vacation. With that kind of battery life, most individuals can easily get by on a single charge for several days of continuous listening.

The sound quality is likewise excellent, as the noise fades. The large 40mm drivers handle details wonderfully across the whole frequency range. The BassUp technology is also quite well executed; it adds depth without overpowering and muddying the rest of the sound. Hi-res audio support via the provided cable simply makes it sound cleaner when plugged in, which is a significant advantage for people who prefer wired connections. The free program includes twenty-two presets and adjustable sliders, allowing you to customize the sound to match your mood or music.

The most notable feature of these headphones is their comfort. If you’re concerned about weight, the memory foam cushions and flexible headband weigh less than half a pound combined. And the ear cups are very ingenious, as they spin right around to fold flat in a suitcase. Plus, the breathable mesh above the foam keeps things cool, even on long trips or study sessions. Did I mention transparency mode? With the press of a single button, you can hear voices and announcements, which is really beneficial if you need to stay informed of what is going on. Bluetooth 5.0 is also built in, so you can connect to two devices at the same time, making it easy to go from your laptop to your phone.