Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
When it comes to budget-friendly headphones, the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones stand out with its impressive 60-hour battery life compared to the Sony WH-CH520's 50 hours. In real-world use, the Soundcore's features, like app EQ customization and Hybrid ANC, give it an edge for those needing immersive audio. However, if you're someone who prefers a lightweight design for longer listening sessions, the Sony WH-CH520's 5.2oz weight might appeal more to you, despite lacking ANC. Key specs: Weight: 8.61 oz vs 5.19 oz and Battery: 60h vs 50h.
Why compare these? Both the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones and Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are budget-friendly headphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for budget-friendly features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Soundcore Life | Sony WH-CH520 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (51,745 reviews) | 4.5★ (29,468 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors | Outstanding 50-hour battery life |
| Main Drawback | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) cannot be used in wired mode | No 3.5 mm audio jack (cannot use wired) |
| Market Position | Budget | Budget |
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired)
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
On-ear (Supra-aural)
Bluetooth 5.2 (Multipoint supported); USB-C charging
5.2
SBC, AAC
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 Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
| Criterion | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(51,745)Amazon | ★4.5(29,468)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | On-ear (Supra-aural) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.2 (Multipoint supported); USB-C charging |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) | 30 mm dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling) |
Microphones | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing | Built-in electret condenser microphone with noise suppression |
Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) | Up to 50 hours (Continuous music playback) |
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 min charge = approx. 1.5 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (Dual-device connection) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) | No (Standard Bluetooth latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) | No (Bluetooth only; no 3.5 mm jack) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 8.6 oz (244 g) | 147 g (5.2 oz) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) | Physical buttons (Volume +/-, Play/Pause/Call) |
App Eq | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) | Sony | Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass + DSEE) |
Extras | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app | DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine); 360 Reality Audio; Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair; Voice Assistant support (Siri/Google) |
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Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired)
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC
Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise)
Yes (Transparency Mode)
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors
- Hybrid ANC effectively blocks low-frequency engine noise for the price
Cons
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) cannot be used in wired mode
- Call quality is mediocre with only a single microphone for voice pickup
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
On-ear (Supra-aural)
Bluetooth 5.2 (Multipoint supported); USB-C charging
5.2
SBC, AAC
No (Passive noise isolation only)
No (Not supported)
Pros
- Outstanding 50-hour battery life
- Multipoint connection allows pairing with two devices
Cons
- No 3.5 mm audio jack (cannot use wired)
- No Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
Which one is better?
The Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 60-hour battery life crushes the Sony WH-CH520's 50 hours. That said, grab the Sony if you want something lighter at just 5.2oz - it's a great fit for casual listening.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you need long battery life for extended use, you want effective noise cancellation, or you appreciate customizable sound settings. (8.61 oz weight)
Choose the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones if: you prioritize a lightweight design for comfort, you need to connect to multiple devices at once, or you prefer enhanced sound quality through DSEE upscaling. (5.19 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Soundcore Life
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 51,745 reviews vs 29,468
→ Choose Soundcore Life
Exceptional battery life Priority
Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors
→ Choose Soundcore Life
Outstanding 50-hour battery Priority
Outstanding 50-hour battery life
→ Choose Sony WH-CH520
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones or Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones?
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors. Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones wins if you value outstanding 50-hour battery life. Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones and Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones?
Key differences: Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones offers exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors, while Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones stands out with outstanding 50-hour battery life. Consider that Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones active noise cancellation (anc) cannot be used in wired mode. Meanwhile, Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones no 3.5 mm audio jack (cannot use wired). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 7, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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