Soundcore Life Q35 review

How much can really good over-ear headphones with noise canceling (ANC) cost? 500 euro? 300 Euro? The Soundcore Life Q35 from the Chinese manufacturer Anker starts at 99 euros (limited offer!) to shake up the premium segment. We have extensively compared the model and share our experiences.

Sound: There is joy

It’s rare that I’ll slip on a new pair of headphones and frown in disbelief after just a few seconds into a song. It doesn’t matter what test samples end up on my desk – I know what the model costs and what to expect. However, the Soundcore Q35 makes it immediately clear: “I may be in the entry-level class in terms of price, but I can compete with the giants in terms of sound!”.

The sound quality is excellent and does not have to hide from the top models. First and foremost is the downright rousing one dynamicsthat the Q35 conveys: where hard drums and deep bass are involved (e.g. “Open Air” by Pusha T on Amazon Music Unlimited), these are played back with plenty of power and at the same time with a springy lightness. Like a heavyweight boxer who combines sheer power with lightning-fast reactions. You can really feel the energy in the track – and like to turn it up a little more. Not only an amazing performance for the price range. Even the much more expensive Bose QuietComfort 45 (see GIGA test) looks cool and factual in direct comparison.

Despite the bass-focused and fun tuning, the mids and highs are not overpowered by the low frequencies. The Soundcore Q35 is far from having a dull sound character – on the contrary, it always remains clear and tends slightly euphoria. To put it in pictures: You can calibrate a monitor so that colors are reproduced absolutely naturally – or you can turn up the contrast and saturation a little, then everything looks a bit more exciting. It’s no longer strictly neutral (like good studio headphones should be) – but goes well with headphones worn on the go for entertainment.

Carrying comfort: place there!

So far I’ve always preached: If you save money on over-ear headphones, then the wearing comfort usually falls by the wayside. I was all the more surprised that the Soundcore Q35 ignored this “law”. Its cases also offer large earcups enough spacethe weight is not too high at around 270 grams, the cushions are comfortable.

However, the differences to the Bose QuietComfort 45 are noticeable: This is even more ergonomic and is more suitable for hours of continuous use. Wild head shaking causes the sound core to slip slightly. So I wouldn’t recommend the Q35 for sports, it’s more of a classic travel headphones.

While the Soundcore Q35 is surprisingly comfortable, it is beaten by the more expensive Bose in this regard. This is also built much more compact (flatter), which is noticeable in the silhouette. The sound core looks downright clumsy right next to it. More of a fashion aspect than a real issue – but shows well why the premium class costs so much more.

Hardware, Design & Functions: You’ve done your homework

The Soundcore Q35 is solidly built and doesn’t creak. However, the housing feels less valuable than, for example, that of the Sony WH-1000XM4 (see GIGA test). When you tap on it with your fingernail, the sound core sounds slightly hollow, as if there was more air in it. But that doesn’t bother us in everyday use and is only noticeable in a direct comparison.

That Noise canceling (ANC) blocks out ambient noise with anti-noise. This is most effective with deep and monotonous sources of noise, such as engines (cars, airplanes, hair dryers). Voices and other mid-range frequencies still cut through, but are at least slightly muffled. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort 45 models are more powerful in this regard. However, the Soundcore Q35 still offers ANC performance that can be used in everyday life. The background noise that is normal for this product type is comparatively low.

The manufacturer Anker promises a fabulous Battery life of up to 40 hours (ANC enabled). I can confirm that, spread over several days, I added up to around 44 hours! Of course, this depends on the volume, but it is still a very good value. Charging is via USB-C, the appropriate cable is included in the scope of delivery. It doesn’t come with a power adapter, so you’ll have to use what you get from a cell phone or get one. So it’s fitting that Anker has some recommended models in its portfolio, such as the PowerPort PD 2 with two sockets.

Anker USB C Charger, PowerPort PD 2 Wall Charger 30W Dual Port with 18W Power Delivery for iphone

The price may be higher now. Price from 6/6/2022 10:44 p.m

The Soundcore Q35 supports Multipoint Bluetooth – this is extremely useful and not always available even with more expensive headphones. The headphones can remain connected to several players (mobile phone, laptop) at the same time. There is no need to reconnect when switching between devices. The Q35 fold up and can be transported in the included bag.

Instead of touch surfaces, the sound core relies on intuitive ones hardware buttons on the narrow sides of the housing. While the keys feel a little basic and could use a better feel, they serve their purpose beautifully. However, there is a useful touch function: If you place your finger in the middle of the right ear cup, the ANC is deactivated and the switch to transparency mode is triggered, which lets through external noise. It is also worth installing the accompanying mobile app (“Soundcore” for Android and iOS), which offers numerous settings for noise canceling and the sound character (equalizer). Also as headset (Phone calls, video calls) the Soundcore Q35 can be used well. In several editorial meetings, I have had good speech intelligibility certified by the other call participants.

Ratings and technical data

Soundcore by Anker Life Q35

The price may be higher now. Price from 6/6/2022 6:10 p.m

GIGA test rating in detail: Soundcore Life Q35

Specifications: Soundcore Life Q35