Looking for an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones? The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 and Q30 models both offer impressive audio and noise reduction at a fraction of the price of premium brands.
But which Anker headphone reigns supreme? This comprehensive guide compares the Soundcore Life Q20 and Q30 across design, sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, features and value. Read on to see how these budget-friendly headphones stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Anker Soundcore Life Q20 | Anker Soundcore Life Q30 |
| Design | Over-ear closed back | Over-ear closed back |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Battery Life | 40 hrs ANC on | 40 hrs ANC on |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid dual-mic ANC | Hybrid dual-mic ANC |
| Comfort | Plush memory foam earcups | Soft protein leather & memory foam earcups |
| Controls | Physical buttons | Touch controls + app |
| Extra Features | Gaming mode | Transparency, customizable EQ |
| Price | $60 | $80 |
Overview of the Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer excellent noise cancelling capabilities in a simple, affordable package. Highlights include:
- Streamlined over-ear design with comfortable memory foam earcups
- 40+ hour battery life with quick charging
- Hybrid active noise cancellation uses dual microphones
- Physical control buttons on the earcups
- Supports AAC and SBC codecs for high resolution streaming
- Gaming mode with 60ms low latency
- Comes with carrying case, audio cable, airplane adapter
With robust noise reduction, marathon battery life, and plush comfort, the Q20 hits well above its $60 price point.
Overview of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30
The upgraded Life Q30 model provides further enhancements like touch controls, transparency mode, and EQ customization. Notable aspects include:
- Sleek over-ear fit with protein leather and soft memory foam padding
- 40-hour playtime with quick charge support (5 min = 4 hrs)
- Hybrid dual-mic noise cancellation eliminates ambient noise
- Touch controls on earcups and app EQ customization
- Supports hi-res LDAC codec in addition to AAC and SBC
- Features a transparency listening mode
- Comes with carrying pouch, audio cable, airplane adapter
For just $20 more than the Q20, the Q30 adds versatile listening modes and personalization in a comfortable design.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Q30 and Q35
Key Differences Between the Anker Q20 and Q30
While the Q20 and Q30 share similarities, here are some of the key differences that set them apart:
- Design and Build
When it comes to headphones, comfort and durability are paramount. Both the Q20 and Q30 impress with their over-ear shape and robust headband design, a popular style amongst audiophiles because it usually provides a more immersive sound experience.
On close inspection, the Q30 has earpads made of protein leather, which is a synthetic material known for its softness and resilience.
This means the earpads tend to feel softer against the skin, potentially reducing ear fatigue during prolonged listening sessions. On the other hand, the Q20 uses faux leather, which while comfortable, might not give the same luxurious feel as protein leather.
Color might not affect sound quality, but it certainly influences personal style. While Q20 offers basic colors like black and blue, the Q30 spices things up by introducing pink and white options, making it more versatile in matching different fashion tastes.
- Audio Codec Support
If you’ve ever wondered why the same song can sound different on various devices, audio codecs play a significant role. These are programs that compress and decompress digital audio files. The better the codec, the higher the audio quality.
The Q20 supports both SBC and AAC codecs. These are standard and offer decent sound quality. However, the Q30 takes things up a notch by including Qualcomm’s LDAC codec.
LDAC allows for three times the data to be transmitted, enabling high-resolution audio listening, making those high-fidelity tracks shine. This is particularly beneficial for audiophiles with a penchant for lossless audio files.
- Onboard Controls
Convenience is key in today’s tech-driven world. The Q20 employs physical buttons that are straightforward and easy to find even when you’re on the move. They manage functions like power, volume, and noise-canceling.
On the flip side, the Q30 boasts a modern touch control system. Imagine being able to change your track or adjust the volume with just a swipe or a tap.
It gives a more streamlined appearance, but some users might need a little time to get used to it. The Q30 also has an app that enhances user customization, allowing for control remapping, which can be especially handy if you have specific preferences.
- Additional Audio Modes
Noise-canceling technology has revolutionized headphone design. Both Q20 and Q30 possess this feature, which uses microphones to pick up external noise and then produce sound waves that cancel out the noise. But the Q30 goes beyond the basics.
With the Q30’s “Transparency mode,” you don’t need to take your headphones off to hear surrounding sounds or engage in conversations.
This mode lets some ambient noise in, striking a balance between immersion and awareness. Plus, with the app, you can tweak the sound profiles to match your mood or genre, allowing for a more personalized experience.
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- Price
Affordability can sometimes mean compromise. The Q20, priced around $60, offers excellent noise cancellation at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s a steal for those wanting good quality without splurging too much.
However, for an additional $20, the Q30 provides enhanced features like touch controls, better material, and advanced audio modes. It’s like getting a luxury car’s features for the price of a mid-range sedan.
- Battery Life
Being wireless, the battery life of headphones is crucial. Nothing is more frustrating than your headphones dying mid-journey.
Thankfully, both the Q20 and Q30 excel in this department. They promise a whopping 40+ hours of playback with noise-canceling turned on, which is impressive.
Whether you’re traveling, working out, or just chilling, these headphones have got you covered. The quick charge feature is the cherry on top, ensuring you’re never out of juice for long.
While both Q20 and Q30 offer stellar performance, the Q30 emerges as the more advanced sibling with its luxurious touches and audio enhancements. However, the Q20 holds its ground as a budget-friendly yet competent alternative.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless and Crusher EVO
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overall, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is considered better than the Q20 model thanks to its improved controls, additional audio modes like transparency, and support for the LDAC codec. But the Q20 remains a great budget pick.
The Q30 improves over the Q20 with its LDAC codec support, touch controls, transparency mode, and customizable EQ through the mobile app. The Q20 lacks those extra software features but shares the same core design and noise cancelling capabilities.
For its sub-$100 price, excellent noise cancellation, great battery life, and good sound quality, the Anker Life Q30 offers outstanding value. The extras like transparency mode, app EQ, and premium materials make it worth the slight upgrade over the Q20.
The Q35 successor model offers minor improvements like louder maximum volume, slightly better battery life up to 50 hours, and detect sensors that auto-pause audio. But audio and noise cancelling quality remain on par with the excellent Q30.
Also Read: Is Beoplay H95 Better Than Airpods Max?
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 stand outs as the superior noise cancelling headphone with its versatile audio modes, touch controls, LDAC support and premium accents like leather earpads. But the Q20 still brings tremendous value at its lower $60 price point, if you don’t need the extra bells and whistles.
For shoppers seeking top-notch active noise cancellation without the premium price tag, you can’t go wrong with either of these Anker wireless over-ear models. Both outperform competitors costing twice as much. Consider your budget and desired features to choose the best option for your needs.