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Sennheiser HD 400 vs Soundcore Q20i: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 400 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 400 - Great overall at around $77.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser HD 400
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Soundcore Q20i
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.0
Calls5.5
Value8.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Sennheiser HD 400 vs Soundcore Q20i
SpecSennheiser HD 400Soundcore Q20i
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$77$50
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great72 / 100 · Good
Released--
Audio
DriverSennheiser dynamic drivers40mm dynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side11
Frequency response18Hz-20kHz16Hz-40kHz
Impedance120 Ω16 Ω
Wireless
Bluetooth-5.0
Bluetooth version-5.0
Codecs-SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-60 h
Battery life (ANC on)-40 h
Quick charge-5 min = 4 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC type-hybrid
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-No
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Voice assistant-yes
Design
Weight240 g245 g
Water resistancenonenone
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones11

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 400

These over-ear Sennheiser headphones are built around a neutral, open-back design aimed at studio work, delivering a wide soundstage and detailed, transparent audio for critical listening. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a high-impedance driver setup that helps maintain low distortion, though they lack isolation and come without a carry case. Wired connectivity via USB-C and detachable cables adds versatility, but the open-back nature means sound leaks both ways.

  • Pro:Accurate, transparent sound with wide soundstage
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Detachable cables and USB-C connectivity
  • Con:No included carry case or spare ear pads
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
  • Con:High impedance may require a dedicated amplifier for best results

Soundcore Q20i

The Soundcore Q20i is an affordable over-ear wireless headphone that packs hybrid active noise cancellation, a long-lasting battery, and a customizable EQ via its companion app. It's a solid pick for budget-conscious commuters or travelers who want good ANC and all-day battery life, though its sound tuning is not as refined as pricier models and performance has a few quirks. Overall, it delivers strong value for the price, with the main compromise being on sonic precision rather than core features.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation for the price
  • Pro:Very long battery life, even with ANC on
  • Pro:Support for multi-device pairing and quick charging
  • Con:Sound tuning is not perfectly neutral and has some quirks
  • Con:Measured battery life may fall slightly short of the advertised figure
  • Con:Build and materials feel budget-oriented

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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