Soundcore Life Q20
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
What Buyers Say
Soundcore Life Q20
Users overwhelmingly praise these headphones for their exceptional value, comfort, and impressive noise cancellation at a budget price. Battery life is a standout feature, with one user reporting 60% charge remaining after two weeks of use. A few minor complaints include the headphones being slightly heavy and the lack of a clear power indicator light. Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, with most reviewers recommending them as a top budget pick.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
Cons
- Slightly heavy on the head
- No clear power indicator light
- Noise cancelling not confirmed for wired mode
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones are widely praised for their superb sound quality, balanced audio, and excellent value for the price, making them a top choice for both casual listening and professional studio work. However, a significant number of users report durability issues, particularly with the ear pads and headband padding flaking or disintegrating after a year or two of use. Some also mention a tight clamping force that can become uncomfortable over time, and the Bluetooth model has occasional firmware or battery problems. Overall, the audio performance is exceptional, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential longevity concerns.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Balanced and clear audio
- Great value for the price
- Excellent passive noise isolation
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Ear pad peeling/disintegration
- Headband padding flaking
- Tight clamping force
- Plastic hinge breakage risk
- Bluetooth freezing issues
Scores
Specifications
| Soundcore Life Q20 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.26 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | faux-leather |
| Headband | memory foam | professional-grade material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 4★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | 16 Hz | 15 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 28 kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB★ | 99 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | Foldable design with ergonomic headband, memory foam ear cups and multi-point rotation, travel pouch | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 3 m |
| Range | 15 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 60 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 minutes for 4 hours of listening | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Count | 4★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | soundcore app | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | — |
Pros & Cons
Soundcore Life Q20
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong battery (91st percentile)91st %ile
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Soundcore Life Q20 offers 5.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 91 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 40 specs.
