Soundcore Q30 & Soundcore Q20i 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 Q30 rather than the Soundcore Q20i.
Why Do I Recommend The Soundcore Q30?
- The Soundcore Q30 supports three ANC modes (Transport, Indoor, Outdoor) for noise reduction tailored to different environments, while the Soundcore Q20i has a single ANC setting without customizable modes.
- Soundcore Q30 includes a touch-capacitive control for quick ANC and transparency mode switching without fumbling, whereas the Soundcore Q20i relies only on physical buttons.
- It features larger over-ear earcups for improved comfort and better passive noise isolation during long listening sessions, whereas the Soundcore Q20i has smaller earcups that can feel tighter over time.
- The Soundcore Q30 comes with NFC pairing for faster and more convenient one-tap connection with compatible Android devices, while the Soundcore Q20i has no NFC support.
- Soundcore Q30 delivers a wider Bluetooth range of up to around 15 meters for more freedom of movement away from the source device, whereas the Soundcore Q20i has a shorter range of about 10 meters.
- It charges fully in about 2 hours for faster turnaround between uses, while the Soundcore Q20i takes closer to 2.5 hours for a full charge.
- The Soundcore Q30 comes with a hard carrying case to protect the headphones during travel, whereas the Soundcore Q20i lacks a carrying case.
- Soundcore Q30 produces a fuller, more immersive bass response for a richer listening experience across music genres, while the Soundcore Q20i delivers a less deep and less enveloping bass output.
Maybe the Soundcore Q20i price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Soundcore Q30. 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 Q30 | Soundcore Q20i |
| Ear Cup Size | Larger earcups | Smaller earcups |
| Button Layout | 5 physical buttons + 1 touch-capacitive | 4 physical buttons |
| NFC Pairing | Yes | No |
| Transparency Mode Quality | Sharper, more crisp | Less natural |
| Bluetooth Range | ~15 m | ~10 m |
| Charging Speed | Faster full charge | Slower full charge |
| Carrying Case | Includes compact hard case | No case or bag included |
| App Features | Supports background sound via app | Does not support background sound |
| ANC Modes (Transport/Indoor/Outdoor) | Yes | Not specified |
| Noise Reduction (Low-Frequency) | Stronger up to ~125 Hz | Weaker for low-frequency noise |
| Price | Check Soundcore Q30 Price | Check Soundcore Q20i Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both headphones use Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable wireless connection, low latency, and efficient power consumption.
- Supported Audio Codecs (SBC, AAC): Both support SBC for universal compatibility and AAC for improved audio quality on iOS devices.
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Both models feature ANC to reduce background noise, improving immersion in music or calls.
- Transparency Mode: Both include a transparency mode that allows outside sounds to pass through so you can hear announcements or have conversations without removing the headphones.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Both can connect to two devices at once, allowing seamless switching between, for example, a laptop and a phone.
- Soundcore App Support: Both work with the Soundcore app for adjusting ANC, EQ, and other settings.
- Custom EQ in App: Both allow you to create and save personalized EQ profiles within the app.
- BassUp Mode: Both feature BassUp technology that enhances low-frequency sounds for a deeper bass experience when activated.
- Battery Life (ANC Off): Each can last up to 60 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off, ideal for extended listening without recharging.
- Battery Life (ANC On): Both last up to 40 hours with ANC enabled, balancing noise reduction and battery efficiency.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both charge via USB-C, enabling universal cable compatibility and faster charging speeds compared to micro-USB.
- Fast Charging: A 5-minute quick charge on either model provides around 4 hours of playback, useful when you need sound in a hurry.
- Detachable 3.5 mm Cable Support: Both can be used wired with a detachable 3.5 mm audio cable, useful when the battery is low or for zero-latency listening.
- Foldable Design: Both have foldable hinges for easy storage and portability.
- Adjustable Headband: Both feature an adjustable headband for a secure fit across different head sizes.
- Rotating Ear Cups: Both have rotating earcups for comfort when worn around the neck or stored flat.
- Over-Ear Closed-Back Design: Both are over-ear, closed-back headphones, helping isolate sound naturally and provide immersive listening.
- Built-in Microphones for Calls: Both include microphones for making and receiving calls without removing the headphones.
- Voice Assistant Access: Both can activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant through button controls.
- Available in Multiple Colors: Both come in different color finishes to match style preferences.
Common Features
| Feature | Soundcore Q30 | Soundcore Q20i |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Supported Audio Codec | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Soundcore App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ in App | Yes | Yes |
| BassUp Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to ~60 hours | Up to ~60 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to ~40 hours | Up to ~40 hours |
| USB-C Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes = ~4 hours playtime | 5 minutes = ~4 hours playtime |
| Detachable 3.5 mm Cable Support | Yes | Yes |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating Ear Cups | Yes | Yes |
| Over-Ear Closed-Back Design | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphones for Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Access | Yes | Yes |
| Available in Multiple Colors | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Soundcore Q30 Price | Check Soundcore Q20i Price |
