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Headphones & Earbuds · Head to head

Sony MDR-ZX110 Wired Overhead Headphones, Neodymium vs soundcore Anker Q20i, Hybrid Active Noise: Which Should You Buy?

A £15 wired classic against £38 of wireless noise cancelling.

soundcore Anker Q20i, Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones | Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime soundcore

soundcore Anker Q20i, Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Foldable

4.6 / 5 70,238 reviews
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Side by side

Sony MDR-ZX110 Wired Overhead Headphones, Neodymiumsoundcore Anker Q20i, Hybrid Active Noise
PriceSee on Amazon →See on Amazon →
Rating★★★★★ 4.5★★★★★ 4.6
Review count78,79370,238
BrandSonysoundcore
Highlights
  • 30 mm dome drivers for balanced sound
  • High energy neodymium magnets deliver powerful sound
  • 12-22 kHz frequency range
  • Block Out the World, Focus on Your Music: Four built-in mics work together to filter out background noise so e…
  • Premium Sound: Enjoy deep, punchy bass and crisp highs in wireless mode with BassUp technology or switch to AU…
  • Enjoy up to 40 Hours of Playtime: Even with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on, a single charge keeps you list…

Our verdict

These sit at opposite ends of what a headphone can be. The Sony MDR-ZX110 is the no-nonsense wired pair that has been on best-seller lists for years: plug in, decent balanced sound, nothing to charge, and change from £15. The soundcore Q20i asks nearly three times as much but gives you wireless freedom and genuine active noise cancelling that earns its keep on a train or in an open-plan office. Both are well liked, with 70,000-plus ratings each. So it comes down to whether you value silence and no cables, or the lowest possible price for sound that is honestly fine.

Which one is for you?

Prices are pulled live from Amazon.

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