Soundcore Space Q45 vs. Q35, Q30, & Q20+ [Compared]

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Anker has built a reputation as a brand that delivers high-quality products for an affordable price. Its wireless, over-ear, Bluetooth headphones are absolutely no exception to this rule.

Their Soundcore Life range boasts three models of Bluetooth headphones that are supposed to have the very best in active noise-canceling technology. Perhaps the best part is that there is a set of Bluetooth headphones for everyone, regardless of what their budget is.

They’ve recently released their Soundcore Space Q45 noise-canceling headphones as the next, and supposedly the best, in the series.

But which ones are better? Let’s look into it!

02/17/2024 08:06 pm GMT

TL;DR: Q20+ vs. Q30 vs. Q35 vs. Q45

For those seeking a high-quality, budget-friendly option, the Soundcore Life Q20+ is a great choice, but if you’re after the ultimate listening experience and don’t mind a higher price tag, the Soundcore Space Q45 offers advanced noise cancellation, extended battery life, and impressive sound quality.

Soundcore Life Q20+

Of all the headphones in the range, this pair is the simplest and the cheapest. They have a more basic functionality than the others, but they still offer EQ customization in the Soundcore app.

The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are only available in two colors; black and blue. The earcups are made from memory foam to ensure maximum comfort for all ear shapes and sizes. The headband has rotating joints that adjust to fit the shape of your head.

When fully charged, the battery life will last for up to 600 songs. That’s up to 40 hours of playtime in the noise cancellation mode and 60 hours when they’re in standard music mode. A 5-minute charging window is enough for 4 hours of listening time.

Sound quality

Soundcore Life Q20 are Hybrid active noise canceling headphones that are Hi-Res Audio certified and produce music at frequencies that reach 40 kHz, providing excellent details and clarity.

They also feature BassUp technology that allows the listener to increase the bass output by double pressing the play button.

Noise cancellation

Soundcore Life Q20 features 4 built-in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) microphones paired with an active noise cancellation algorithm that detects and cancels out a wide range of noises from low to mid-frequency.

Other Specs

There is a USB-C charging port, and it also comes with a 3.5mm aux cable.

Pros

  • Offers in-app EQ adjustments.
  • Offers passive listening (wired mode).

Cons

  • The noise cancellation feature negatively affects the quality of the audio.
  • There isn’t total active noise cancellation.
  • The sound can be bass-heavy.

Soundcore Life Q30

The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones come in 3 different colors. The earcups are made from soft “protein” leather with memory foam padding to ensure maximum comfort for all ear shapes and sizes during long listening sessions. These headphones allow the listener to connect to multiple devices at the same time because of Bluetooth 5.0.

When fully charged, the battery life will last for up to 40 hours of playtime in the noise-canceling mode. Standard mode gives the listener up to 60 hours of playtime, and a 5-minute charging window will yield 4 hours of playtime.

Sound quality

Soundcore Life Q30 headphones produce Hi-Res Audio because of the 40mm drivers and silk diaphragms that improve the clarity and extend the frequency range up to 40 kHz.

Noise cancellation

Soundcore Life Q30 features noise-detecting microphones that are capable of filtering out 95% of low-frequency, ambient noise. It also has an Ambient Aware Transparency Mode that allows listeners to hear what’s going on outside while they listen to their music.

The earcups allow the user to activate the transparency mode by holding their hand over the right-hand cup. There are multiple modes for noise cancellation to allow for customization:

  • Transport: The transport mode reduces the noise from airplane engines.
  • Outdoor: The outdoor mode reduces the sounds of traffic and wind.
  • Indoor: The indoor mood reduces the sound of indoor noise and people talking.

Other Specs

They have a USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm aux cable.

Pros

  • Offers in-app sound customization.
  • A long-lasting battery life.
  • Mostly made of plastic.

Cons

  • They’re not very aesthetically pleasing.
  • They can be bass-heavy for some users.

Soundcore Life Q35

The Soundcore Life Q35 Noise-Cancelling Headphones with LDAC come in 3 different colors. The earcups and headband are padded with memory foam padding to ensure maximum comfort and allow for all-day listening. They also have a built-in sensor that pauses the audio when they’re removed from the listener’s ears.

Listeners can also customize their listening experience in the Soundcore app. They feature LDAC technology which transmits 3 times the amount of data that standard Bluetooth codecs do, which ensures that you hear all the music in amazing detail.

Sound quality

Soundcore Life Q35 headphones are both Hybrid Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified. The silk-diaphragm drivers reproduce the music on a wide range of frequencies and prevent sound distortion.

There are beamforming microphones that work with an AI algorithm to accurately isolate your voice and give you clear and crisp calls that are free from unwanted noise.

Noise cancellation

Soundcore Life Q35 features 2 noise-detecting microphones on each earcup to filter out any background noise in the immediate vicinity. It also has an Ambient Aware Transparency Mode that allows listeners to hear what’s going on outside while they listen to their music. There are multiple modes for noise cancellation to allow for customization:

  • Transport: The transport mode reduces the noise from airplane engines.
  • Outdoor: The outdoor mode reduces the sounds of traffic and wind.
  • Indoor: The indoor mood reduces the sound of indoor noise and people talking.

Other Specs

There is a 3.5mm aux cable with a remote as well as a USB-C charging port.

Pros

  • Stylish design.
  • Offers in-app sound customization.
  • Impressive active noise cancellation.

Cons

  • The sound definition could be improved for mid-range frequencies.

Soundcore Space Q45

The Soundcore Space Q45 Noise-Cancelling Headphones are supposed to be an improvement on all the previous three sets of headphones. They’re supposed to have the most advanced noise cancellation system of all of the Soundcore series, reducing up to 98% of ambient noise. The Soundcore app also allows listeners to customize their listening experience.

When fully charged, the battery life will last for up to 50 hours of playtime in the noise-canceling mode. Standard mode gives the listener up to 65 hours of playtime, and a 5-minute charging window will yield 4 hours of playtime.

These wireless headphones feature deep, faux leather earcups with thick memory foam padding for a more comfortable fit. They are matte black and are designed to collapse at the hinges to fit in their hard shell case. There are volume and media control on each cup, allowing the listener to switch listening modes.

These over-ear headphones boast Bluetooth 5.3 and a multipoint connection so that you can connect to multiple devices at once.

Sound quality

Soundcore Space Q45 have LDAC to support hi-res sound in wireless mode. They also produce Hi-Res Audio because of the 40mm drivers and double-layered silk and ceramic diaphragms that improve the clarity and provide a rich sound.

The headphones also feature 2 microphones and an AI algorithm that allows the microphones to pick up and isolate the voice from the surroundings to give crystal-clear calls.

Noise cancellation

Soundcore Space Q45 has a 3-stage noise cancellation system that targets noises in different frequencies as well as 5 levels of active noise cancellation. It also has an Ambient Aware Transparency Mode that allows listeners to hear what’s going on outside while they listen to their music.

  • Stage 1: This stage filters out high-frequency noise.
  • Stage 2: This stage filters out mid-frequency noise.
  • Stage 3: This stage has a hybrid active noise canceling feature.

These headphones also feature adaptive noise canceling which automatically switches modes depending on the setting.

Other Specs

There is a 3.5mm analog slot for an aux cable as well as a USB-C charging port.

Pros

  • They have a stylish design.
  • Offers in-app sound customization.
  • Impressive active noise cancellation.
  • Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
  • Extended battery life.

Cons

  • The sound quality could be better.

FAQs

Does noise-cancelling mode drain the battery?

Yes, activating this feature on your headphones will drain more battery power than if it were turned off. However, Soundcore headphones have a very impressive battery life, so this shouldn’t matter that much.

Are the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones waterproof?

Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are both dustproof and water-resistant. It’s important to note that “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are two different things. Water-resistant means that the product can withstand some water or moisture but it can’t be guaranteed. So we certainly wouldn’t recommend submerging or purposely splashing these headphones.

Can you use Soundcore Life Q30 headphones while they’re charging?

According to the Soundcore Life Q30 user manual, you shouldn’t power on your headphones or use them while they are on the charger.

How do I reset my Soundcore Life Q35 headphones?

You might have to reset your headphones if you’re experiencing any function issues or connectivity issues.

A reset is very simple; hold down the power button and the volume button simultaneously for about 5 seconds until the LED light indicator flashes red and blue, alternating twice.

Comfort & Design

Anker’s Soundcore line of headphones offers not just high-quality sound but also focuses on ensuring comfort and a sleek design for its users. All models feature padded earcups and adjustable headbands for a perfect fit.

Each model sports a unique design with varying color options to suit your personal style. The more advanced models like the Soundcore Q35 and Q45 even include convenient features such as a built-in sensor that automatically pauses the audio when the headphones are removed from your ears.

Remember, a good pair of headphones isn’t only about sound quality. Comfort and design also play a key role in your overall experience. After all, even the best sounding headphones can be a letdown if they’re uncomfortable to wear or don’t appeal to your aesthetic sense.

02/17/2024 08:06 pm GMT

Final thoughts

Overall, the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones on this list. They have superior battery life and improved active noise cancellation.

Nonetheless, the other three Soundcore Life offerings are still great choices that provide high-quality sound and active noise cancellation as well.

Sources

https://www.soundguys.com/anker-soundcore-space-q45-review-78320/

https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/headphones/1413257/anker-soundcore-life-q30-review

https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/anker-soundcore-life-q20-plus

https://stuff.co.za/2021/10/19/soundcore-life-q30-review-a-worthy-upgrade/

https://www.techhive.com/article/579592/soundcore-life-q35-review.html

https://versus.com/en/anker-soundcore-life-q30

https://manuals.plus/m/6c574d7bc0c31c0e6f1e180e7b9b72ff7f0e6b91fa271daa6458b6c90be0f04f.pdf