Marshall Major V vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Marshall Major V crushes the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones in battery life, boasting an impressive 100+ hours compared to just 60 hours. If you hate charging your headphones frequently, the Major V is a no-brainer for you. The Soundcore Life Q20i steps up with hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking low-frequency noise that the Major V lacks. If you often find yourself in noisy environments, the ANC in the Q20i could be a game-changer, especially for long flights or commutes in 2026.
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Marshall Major V
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Marshall Major V vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Marshall Major V
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Marshall Major V | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon |
Form Factor | On-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) |
Transparency | No (Not supported) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing |
Battery Life | 100+ hours | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) | USB-C Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) | Yes (Dual-device connection) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.56 oz (186 g) | 8.6 oz (244 g) |
Controls | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) |
App Eq | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) |
Extras | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app |
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Marshall Major V
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety
- • Wireless charging capability is a unique convenience in the on-ear category
- • Customizable M-button allows instant access to Spotify Tap, EQ, or Voice Assistant
- • Future-proof support for Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec
- • Classic, collapsible design is highly portable and durable
✗ Cons:
- • On-ear design presses against the ears, which can cause fatigue during long sessions
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) found in similarly priced competitors
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating
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Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors
- • Hybrid ANC effectively blocks low-frequency engine noise for the price
- • App support allows for deep EQ customization and firmware updates
- • Bluetooth Multipoint is a rare and valuable feature in the budget tier
- • Comfortable, lightweight fit suitable for long listening sessions
✗ Cons:
- • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) cannot be used in wired mode
- • Call quality is mediocre with only a single microphone for voice pickup
- • No low-latency mode makes it unsuitable for competitive wireless gaming
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Which one is better?
The Marshall Major V is the better buy for most people - its 100+ hours of battery life crushes the Soundcore Life Q20i's 60 hours. That said, grab the Soundcore if you need ANC for noisy environments - it's a budget-friendly option with hybrid cancellation.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you need over 100 hours of battery life, want wireless charging convenience, or enjoy customizable EQ settings.
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you want hybrid ANC for blocking background noise, need decent sound quality on a budget, or prefer a similar-weight design for long listening sessions. (8.61 oz weight)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Marshall Major V excels if you value industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety. Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is better if you prioritize exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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