The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 is an affordable wireless over-ear headphone that delivers Hi-Res audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a long battery life, making it a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly ANC option in 2025. It uses custom 40mm dynamic drivers to reproduce extended high frequencies up to 40kHz, promising clearer highs and better detail than typical consumer headphones in this range. The hybrid ANC system with four built-in microphones helps reduce low and mid-frequency noises, making it useful for commuting, office use, and air travel. One of the standout features is the BassUp technology, which analyzes and enhances low frequencies in real-time, adding more punch to bass-heavy tracks. With up to 40 hours of battery life in ANC mode and 60 hours in standard mode, these headphones are built for long listening sessions without frequent recharging, and a 5-minute quick charge provides 4 hours of playback, which is great for those who are always on the go.
Specs Table
Here is a detailed specs table for the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones:
| Specification | Details |
| Audio Technology | Hi-Res Audio with Custom 40mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Frequency Response | Up to 40kHz |
| Bass Enhancement | BassUp Technology (Real-time Bass Boost) |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with 4 Microphones |
| Call Noise Cancellation | Not Specified (Basic ENC for calls) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (Wireless) + 3.5mm AUX (Wired) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wireless Range | Up to 15 meters (50 feet) |
| Multipoint Connection | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (Standard mode) |
| Battery Life with ANC | Up to 40 hours |
| Quick Charge | 5-minute charge = 4 hours playback |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3 hours (Full charge) |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB |
| Microphone | Yes (Built-in for calls and voice assistant) |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Siri, Google Assistant) |
| Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, ANC, BassUp) |
| Noise Isolation | Passive + Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Ear Cup Type | Over-ear |
| Headband Adjustment | Yes (Adjustable headband) |
| Foldable Design | Yes (Collapsible for travel) |
| Cushioning | Memory Foam Ear Cushions |
| Weight | Approx. 260g |
Sound Performance
When I tested the Life Q20, I focused on how well it handled EDM and hip-hop music genres, particularly bass-heavy tracks to see how the BassUp feature performed. Listening to HYBS’ “Rockstar”, I could feel the deep rumble of the bassline, and when I activated BassUp mode, the low-end became even more powerful, making the song feel more immersive. In The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”, the midrange was warm, and the synth-heavy production felt energetic, though I noticed that the treble wasn’t as crisp as in higher-end headphones. Moving to classical music like Hans Zimmer’s “Cornfield Chase”, the soundstage felt wide, and individual instruments were distinguishable, though I felt the highs lacked the airiness and sparkle found in more premium headphones. The ANC did a good job reducing low-frequency noise like engine hums and air conditioning, but it wasn’t as effective at blocking out voices or high-pitched background sounds (as compared to something like the Sony WH-1000XM5), making it more suited for travel rather than complete noise isolation in busy environments.
With BassUp mode on, the low end gets even more powerful, making beats in hip-hop, EDM, and pop really stand out. The mids are clear but slightly recessed, so vocals and instruments don’t always take center stage. Highs are smooth and not too sharp, which makes for a comfortable, non-fatiguing listening experience. I did find that turning the ANC on helped to improved the sound performance slightly, making it more focused and impactful.
Design & Comfort
The design of the Life Q20 is focused on comfort and practicality. The memory foam ear cups are soft, and the headband is adjustable, making it comfortable to wear for long periods without too much pressure on the head. The lightweight build makes it easy to carry, though the plastic construction feels more budget-friendly compared to premium models. The ear cups swivel slightly, helping them conform to different head shapes, and the foldable design makes storage convenient. The button controls on the ear cups are responsive, allowing me to adjust volume, toggle ANC, and activate BassUp mode easily, but I would have preferred touch controls or a more premium build for a smoother experience. Bluetooth connectivity was stable, and I didn’t experience any noticeable dropouts, even when moving around in a different room from my device.
The Verdict?
Overall, I would say that the Soundcore Anker Life is a budget-friendly ANC headphone with strong bass, long battery life, and decent sound quality. Compared to something like the Sony WH-CH720N, which has better ANC performance and a more refined sound profile, I think the Q20 is better suited for bass lovers who want long-lasting playback rather than high-end noise cancellation. The Beats Solo 4 is another competitor, offering a more energetic and dynamic bass response, but the Life Q20 provides better battery life and comfort for extended listening. If you’re looking for an affordable ANC headphone with a focus on deep bass and all-day battery life, this is a great choice in 2025. While it doesn’t match premium models in ANC strength or treble detail, it delivers strong value for those who want immersive bass and a comfortable, long-lasting listening experience.