Soundcore Space Q45 vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Soundcore Space Q45 is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its superior audio quality and adaptive ANC. You get 50 hours of battery life with ANC on, which is impressive but not as good as the 60 hours offered by the budget-friendly Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. In real-world testing, the Space Q45's LDAC support delivers Hi-Res Audio, making it a joy for music lovers. However, if you're looking to save money, the Life Q20i still delivers solid performance with hybrid ANC, making it a no-brainer for casual use or travel in 2026.
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Soundcore Space Q45
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: Soundcore Space Q45 vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore Space Q45
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Soundcore Space Q45 | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(12,760)Amazon | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (3-stage system) | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) |
Transparency | Yes (Talk-through, Custom, and Ambient modes via app) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm double-layer diaphragm drivers (Metal-Ceramic) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 2 mics with AI algorithm (calls) / Hybrid ANC array | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing |
Battery Life | 50 hours (ANC On) / 65 hours (ANC Off) | 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; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Dual-device connection) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Not supported) | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.3 oz (292 g) | 8.6 oz (244 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons + Soundcore app | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) |
App Eq | Soundcore App (HearID Sound 2.0 + Custom EQ) | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) |
Extras | Travel case included; Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified; NFC pairing | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app |
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Soundcore Space Q45
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (50H ANC / 65H Standard)
- • Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification with LDAC support
- • Effective Adaptive ANC for the price point
- • Multipoint connection support
- • Fast charging (5 mins for 4 hours)
✗ Cons:
- • No IP water-resistance rating
- • Lacks on-ear detection (auto-pause/play)
- • Cannot use microphone in wired mode (AUX only)
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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 Soundcore Space Q45 wins for most users - its Hi-Res Audio support crushes the Life Q20i's wired audio. That said, grab the Life Q20i if you're after budget-friendly ANC and lighter weight at 8.6oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Soundcore Space Q45 if: you want exceptional audio quality, need longer battery life while using ANC, or prioritize advanced features like multipoint connectivity. (10.30 oz weight)
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you want to save money, need a lightweight option for travel, or listen mostly in wired mode. (8.61 oz weight)
Conclusion
Soundcore Space Q45 and Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling 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 Space Q45 excels if you value exceptional battery life (50h anc / 65h standard). 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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