Soundcore by Anker Q20i Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Full Review

Dropping $300 on flagship models isn't an option for everyone who just wants to block out the drone of an open-plan office. I picked up the Soundcore Q20i because I needed something cheap to leave at my desk, and they honestly punch above their weight class. If you are looking for the best noise cancelling headphones on a strict budget, these make a very strong case.

The active noise cancellation won't completely erase a crying baby on an airplane, but it easily handles the low hum of an AC unit or the chatter of coworkers two desks over. Sound quality out of the box leans heavily toward the low end. Anker's BassUp tech makes kick drums and basslines hit hard, which is fun for hip-hop but can muddy up podcasts. Thankfully, the Soundcore app lets you tweak the EQ to flatten things out.

Battery life is the actual standout here. I can get through a full 40-hour work week with ANC turned on without reaching for a cable. Multipoint Bluetooth is another feature usually missing at this price point; I keep these paired to my laptop for Zoom calls and my phone for Spotify, and they switch back and forth reliably.

They are plastic and feel a bit lightweight, so I wouldn't toss them into a backpack without a hard case. The earcups can also get warm after a few hours. Still, for under seventy bucks, they deliver the core over-ear isolation experience without the premium tax.