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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize gaming performance and microphone quality for calls or streaming, the HyperX Cloud II would be a better choice due to its superior mic and gaming scores. However, if you're looking for headphones that offer active noise canceling for travel or commuting, and a longer battery life for extended use without the need to recharge, the Soundcore Life Q20 would suit you better. Both are similarly priced and offer good build quality, but the Cloud II is wired, which offers a stable connection with no latency concerns, whereas the Life Q20 offers wireless convenience with the tradeoff of needing to manage battery life. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Life Q20
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
7.0
The HyperX Cloud II and Soundcore Life Q20 are both good for music, though the HyperX Cloud II is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.6
5.2
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
4.9
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.7
The HyperX Cloud II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.3
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q20 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q20 is very good for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
N/A
32.3 Hours
The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery. The Soundcore Life Q20 has 32.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$64
$43
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $64 and the Soundcore Life Q20 costs $43.
Build Quality
10.0
8.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Soundcore Life Q20 has very good build quality.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the Soundcore Life Q20 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | Soundcore Life Q20 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$64 | $43 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | November 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 32.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 6.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 258.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HyperX Cloud II
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."
Soundcore Life Q20
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | January 2022
"As far as headphones that cost under $100 go, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is a really solid option. Like any good tool, it does the job well without much guff, and it’s affordable to boot. Sure: it’s not going toe to toe with any of the higher-end models of ANC headphones out there—but the headphones do well enough for commuters that it’s a good stand-in if you were never planning on spending a bunch of money anyway."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the Soundcore Life Q20
About HyperX
Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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