Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Choosing between Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
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Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Comparison: Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
| Criterion | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) | Custom-designed proprietary drivers |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) |
Microphones | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing | Advanced array (12 microphones total) |
Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Dual-device connection) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) |
Weight | 8.6 oz (244 g) | 254 g (0.56 lb) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) |
App Eq | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) |
Extras | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection |
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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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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
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Which one is better?
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is stronger in quality and performance, but Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors, Hybrid ANC effectively blocks low-frequency engine noise for the price)
For value or versatility: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise, Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage)
Conclusion
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones excels if you value exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. 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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