Soundcore Q20i & Soundcore Q20 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Soundcore Q20i rather than the Soundcore Q20.
Why Do I Recommend The Soundcore Q20i?
- The Soundcore Q20i includes a transparency mode for hearing surrounding sounds without removing the headphones, while the Soundcore Q20 has no transparency mode.
- Soundcore Q20i features BassUp technology for dynamically enhancing low frequencies in bass-heavy tracks, while the Soundcore Q20 does not include BassUp technology.
- It has an upgraded microphone system for clearer voice transmission during calls, whereas the Soundcore Q20 uses a standard microphone setup.
- The Soundcore Q20i supports the Soundcore app for customizable EQ settings and firmware updates, whereas the Soundcore Q20 has no app compatibility.
- Soundcore Q20i comes with a USB-C charging port for faster and more convenient charging using modern cables, while the Soundcore Q20 uses a Micro-USB charging port.
- It supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity to maintain connections with two devices simultaneously, whereas the Soundcore Q20 connects to only one device at a time.
- Soundcore Q20i has extended auto-shutdown timing to reduce battery drain when inactive, while the Soundcore Q20 uses a shorter auto-shutdown period.
Maybe the Soundcore Q20 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Soundcore Q20i. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Soundcore Q20i | Soundcore Q20 |
| App Support / EQ Customizer | Yes | None |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Not available |
| Multipoint Bluetooth | Supported | Not supported |
| BassUp Technology | Included | Not included |
| Charging Port | USB‑C | Micro-USB |
| Call / Microphone Quality | Improved clarity during calls | Standard performance |
| Bluetooth Range | Slightly reduced | Standard |
| Automatic Shutdown Time | Increased | Standard |
| App Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Price | Check Soundcore Q20i Price | Check Soundcore Q20 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Both models integrate hybrid ANC to reduce external noise for a more immersive listening experience in travel, work, or public spaces.
- Hybrid ANC Microphones: Each uses multiple microphones (inside and outside the ear cups) to detect and counter ambient noise effectively.
- Hi-Res Audio Certification: Both carry Hi-Res Audio certification, ensuring playback with extended high-frequency detail when used in wired mode.
- 40 mm Dynamic Drivers: Each headset employs the same driver size to produce a balanced sound profile with solid bass and crisp highs.
- Battery Life (ANC Off): Both deliver up to 60 hours of playback with ANC turned off, suitable for extended travel without charging.
- Battery Life (ANC On): Up to 40 hours of listening with ANC enabled is consistent across both, ensuring similar endurance in noise-canceling mode.
- Quick Charge Capability: A 5-minute charge yields about 4 hours of playback on both models—handy for last-minute use.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both use Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable connection, low latency for streaming, and efficient power consumption.
- SBC and AAC Codec Support: Compatible with common audio codecs to ensure broad device compatibility and decent sound quality over Bluetooth.
- Frequency Response Range: The 16 Hz to 40 kHz range on both allows for deep bass and extended treble reproduction.
- Foldable Design: Both can fold inward for easier storage in a bag or drawer.
- Rotating Ear Cups: Ear cups rotate for flat storage and improved portability.
- Comfortable Padding: Memory foam padding covered with protein leather provides comfort for long listening sessions in both models.
- Adjustable Headband: Both allow headband length adjustment to fit different head sizes securely.
- Weight: At around 270 g, both remain relatively lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones.
- Wired Listening Mode: Both include a 3.5 mm jack to listen without battery use, useful on planes or when the battery runs out.
- Voice Assistant Support: Integrated microphone allows both to work with smartphone voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
- Physical Button Controls: Both rely on tactile button inputs rather than touch controls, making them easier to operate without looking.
- Playback Controls: Identical control layouts handle play/pause, skipping tracks, and adjusting volume.
- Color Options: Both come in multiple finishes, depending on availability in each market.
Common Features
| Feature | Soundcore Q20i | Soundcore Q20 |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Hybrid ANC Microphones | Yes | Yes |
| Hi-Res Audio Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 40 mm dynamic drivers | 40 mm dynamic drivers |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to 60 hours | Up to 60 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 40 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Quick Charge Duration | 5 min ≈ 4 hours play | 5 min ≈ 4 hours play |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Audio Codec Support | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Frequency Response Range | 16 Hz – 40 kHz | 16 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating Ear Cups | Yes | Yes |
| Over-Ear Cushion Material | Memory foam with protein leather | Memory foam with protein leather |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~270 g | ~270 g |
| Wired Listening Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
| Control Type | Physical button controls | Physical button controls |
| Playback Controls | Play/pause, track skip, volume | Play/pause, track skip, volume |
| Color Options | Multiple | Multiple |
| Price | Check Soundcore Q20i Price | Check Soundcore Q20 Price |