Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones vs JBL Live 770NC
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is the budget option here, with a solid 60-hour battery life, while JBL Live 770NC takes the lead with up to 65 hours. What matters most here is how each performs in real-world usage, especially for long listening sessions. In my testing, the Soundcore excels in hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, effectively blocking engine noise. However, the JBL's True Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts based on your environment, providing a more tailored experience. If you're considering which to grab in 2026, these differences are crucial for your daily use.
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Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
JBL Live 770NC
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: Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones vs JBL Live 770NC
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
JBL Live 770NC
| Criterion | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | JBL Live 770NC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon | ★4.6(1,519)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready via OTA update) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC (LC3 ready via future update) |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 noise-sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Smart Ambient / TalkThru) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (JBL Signature Sound) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing | 2 Beamforming Microphones for calls (Wind-noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) | Up to 65 hours (ANC off) / Up to 50 hours (ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback | USB-C; Full charge in 3 hours; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Dual-device connection) | Yes (Multi-point connection for 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) | Yes (Video Mode available via JBL Headphones App) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) | Yes (Detachable 3.5mm audio cable included; Microphone DOES NOT work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating stated) |
Weight | 8.6 oz (244 g) | 9.03 oz (256 g) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Power, Bluetooth) + Touch Control on earcup (Voice Assistant, ANC) |
App Eq | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) | JBL Headphones App (Personi-Fi 2.0, Parametric EQ, Spatial Sound) |
Extras | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app | JBL Spatial Sound; Auto Play/Pause; Google Finder support; Comfort-fit fabric headband |
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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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JBL Live 770NC
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency
- • Personi-Fi 2.0 adapts the sound profile to your specific hearing capabilities
- • True Adaptive ANC effectively adjusts to changing environments automatically
- • Lightweight design with a fabric headband ensures comfort for long sessions
- • Supports Bluetooth Multipoint for seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Microphone functionality is disabled when using the wired connection
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs like LDAC or aptX at launch
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating makes them unsuitable for heavy workouts
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Which one is better?
The JBL Live 770NC is the better buy for most people - its impressive 65-hour battery crushes the Soundcore's 60 hours. That said, grab the Soundcore Life Q20i if you want to save money and still enjoy decent ANC and long battery life.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you want a budget-friendly option with 60 hours of battery, you need a lighter headphone at 8.6oz, or you appreciate deep EQ customization.
Choose the JBL Live 770NC if: you prioritize longer battery life with up to 65 hours, you benefit from advanced True Adaptive ANC for varied environments, or you want dual microphones for clearer calls.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
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. JBL Live 770NC is better if you prioritize excellent battery life (up to 65 hours) minimizes charging frequency. 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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