SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the flagship option here, offering advanced features that crush the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones in performance and flexibility. With the Infinity Power System providing non-stop play, you can enjoy up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC off, making it a no-brainer for serious gamers who want uninterrupted sessions. If you're looking for budget-friendly headphones, the Soundcore Life Q20i shines with an incredible 60 hours of battery life when ANC is off. However, it lacks the premium features of the SteelSeries, like the dual wireless capabilities and superior sound customization. So, what matters most? If you're gaming or need high-quality audio, the Arctis Nova Pro is the way to go, but the Life Q20i is great if you just need long battery life on a budget.
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
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: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,707)Best Buy | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | 2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless + Bluetooth 5.0; Base Station: 2x USB-C System, 1x 3.5mm Line-In, 1x 3.5mm Line-Out | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (4-mic Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode with variable gain) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Neodymium Drivers (High-Fidelity) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz (Wireless) / 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | ClearCast Gen 2 - Fully Retractable Boom, Bidirectional Noise-Cancelling | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing |
Battery Life | 18–22 hours per battery (2 hot-swappable batteries included) | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
Battery Life | N/A (Infinity Power System: continuous play via hot-swap) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (Headset); Spare battery charges inside Base Station (approx. 3 hours) | USB-C Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous 2.4GHz Game Audio + Bluetooth Mobile Audio) | Yes (Dual-device connection) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (2.4GHz Quantum 2.0 Wireless) | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm wired connection supported) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No (Not supported) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 0.75 lbs (339 g) | 8.6 oz (244 g) |
Controls | On-ear: Power, Mute, Volume, Bluetooth; Base Station: Control Wheel, Touch button | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) |
App Eq | SteelSeries GG (Sonar Software Suite with Pro-grade Parametric EQ) | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) |
Extras | Multi-System Connect OLED Base Station; Infinity Power System; 360° Spatial Audio | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app |
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
✓ Pros:
- • Infinity Power System with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming
- • Base Station enables seamless switching between two platforms (e.g., PC and Console)
- • Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio mixing is perfect for taking calls while gaming
- • Sonar software provides a professional-grade parametric EQ for precise audio tuning
- • Premium build with retractable mic and effective Active Noise Cancellation
✗ Cons:
- • ANC components inside the ear cups may cause discomfort for users with larger ears
- • Bluetooth connectivity is limited to the basic SBC codec
- • High price point places it in the top-tier luxury bracket
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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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the better buy for most people - its Infinity Power System allows for 22 hours of battery life with ANC off. That said, grab the Soundcore Life Q20i if you need a budget-friendly option with a whopping 60 hours of battery life.
Who should buy each?
Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless if: you want dual wireless capability for seamless platform switching, you need high-quality audio tuning for gaming, or you game for hours on end without interruptions.
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you need a budget option with long battery life, you travel frequently and want effective ANC on a budget, or you prefer a lightweight design for comfort.
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?
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless excels if you value infinity power system with hot-swappable batteries allows for non-stop wireless gaming. 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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