Jordan ClarkeWireless headphones2 products
Buy the Beats Solo 4 if you want brand recognition and a lightweight, sleek design. If you want active noise cancellation and your bank account to stay intact, grab the Soundcore Q20i.
Style-conscious listeners
Budget-conscious commuters
| Feature | Beats Solo 4 | Soundcore Q20i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $39.99 |
| Noise CancellationSoundcore actually gives you ANC, while Beats expects you to just turn up the volume. | Not supported | Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (winner) |
| Battery LifeSoundcore edges out the competition with up to 60 hours in normal mode. | Up to 50 hours | 40-60 hours (winner) |
| DesignBeats wins for portability and style, though the on-ear fit isn't for everyone. | On-ear, 217g (winner) | Over-ear, 258g |
| ConnectivityThe dual-device pairing on the Soundcore is a massive convenience feature. | USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, AUX, Dual-connection (winner) |
Style-conscious listeners
These headphones are lightweight and look great, living up to the classic Beats aesthetic. They offer decent sound but omit features like noise cancellation that many expect today.
Budget-conscious commuters
A feature-packed pair of over-ear headphones that somehow keeps the price under fifty bucks. The active noise cancellation is the highlight here, even if the build quality feels a bit plastic.
When you look at the Beats Solo 4, you are paying for the brand logo and a design that is admittedly quite sleek. It sits on the ear, which is great for not destroying your hairstyle, but the lack of noise cancellation means you are at the mercy of every airplane engine or noisy office mate. It is fine for casual listening, but it is hardly a powerhouse.
Then there is the Soundcore Q20i, which is essentially the overachiever of the budget world. It includes active noise cancellation and multi-point Bluetooth pairing, things you would usually pay double for. It is not going to win any beauty contests with its plastic exterior, but it functions like a much more expensive piece of kit.
If you are just going to the gym or walking the dog, the Beats Solo 4 is likely fine. But if you actually commute or work in a space that is louder than a library, the Soundcore Q20i is the only logical choice because of the active noise cancellation. Why pay more to hear your surroundings when you can pay less to ignore them?
If you are married to the Beats ecosystem or just really love how they look, go for the Solo 4. Everyone else should grab the Soundcore Q20i, as it provides significantly better utility for half the cost.
Prices on amazon.com as of October 5, 2026. Prices may change.
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