Apple AirPods 4 with USB-C
Score: 75/100
Soundcore Life Q20 with ANC
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Soundcore Life Q20 combines ultra-long battery life, hybrid ANC and BassUp bass boost in an affordable over-ear package. Its compromises are a bulky headband, modest travel pouch protection and occasional treble harshness. It's ideal for budget-conscious travelers and commuters who prioritize endurance and ANC over premium build quality.
Apple AirPods 4 are open-ear wireless earbuds featuring the H2 chip, personalized Spatial Audio and a fast-charging USB-C case, delivering up to 30 hours of total playback. They lack built-in active noise cancellation and offer limited passive isolation due to the open design. Ideal for Apple users seeking lightweight, spatial-audio earbuds with quick charge.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 hours | 60 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 118 gbest | 255 g |
| ↓ lower better | 5 minutesbest | 5 minutesbest |
— | 40 mmbest | |
— | 15 mbest | |
— | 16 Ωbest | |
1 years | 1.5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 5 hours | 60 hours |
Features(1) | ||
Active Noise Cancellation | false | true |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 118 g | 255 g |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 1.5 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Life Q20 for its feather-light weight, impressive battery endurance, and effective low-frequency ANC, noting that the hybrid system and Hi-Res drivers deliver a satisfying audio experience for the price. However, they point out ergonomic drawbacks such as the oversized headband, a flimsy travel pouch, and occasional audio imbalances like bass inconsistency with glasses and harsh treble.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the ultra-long battery life and reliable ANC that silences cabin and traffic noise, while also highlighting the comfort of the memory-foam earcups. Recurring criticisms focus on the bulky headband on smaller heads, the minimal protection of the drawstring pouch, occasional app pairing issues, and treble harshness that can become fatiguing over long sessions.
“powers multiple flights”
