Home Headphones Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Vs. Jbl Live 660Nc

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Vs. Jbl Live 660Nc Review

Last updated on Apr 13, 2023   9 minute read
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Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

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Reasons why you might like the Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Overall Score 6.2 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 263 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 40 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
JBL Live 660NC

JBL Live 660NC

See price on Amazon

Reasons why you might like the JBL Live 660NC

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 265 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 50 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Vs. Jbl Live 660Nc Review In Summary

Category Features Anker Soundcore Life Q20 JBL Live 660NC
DESIGN weight 263g 265g
has a detachable cable
can be folded
has a tangle free cable
cable length 1.2meters 1.2meters
has an over-the-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 16Hz 16Hz
highest frequency 40,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 95dB/mW 97dB/mW
driver unit size 40mm 40mm
impedance 16Ohms 32Ohms
POWER battery life 40hours 50hours
charge time 2.5hours 2hours
has a battery level indicator
battery power 720mAh
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
bluetooth version v5 v5
has usb type-c
has aptx hd
has bluetooth aptx
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has a 3.5mm male connector
MICROPHONE number of microphones 4only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has a mute function
multipoint count 2only 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1.5years 1years
travel bag is included
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Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Vs. Jbl Live 660Nc Review In Detail

Design

Weight

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 263g
JBL Live 660NC 265g

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have a weight of 263g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We consider a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

The JBL Live 660NC, at 265g weigh more than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 with a difference 2g

Has A Detachable Cable

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone cups, while the other end is inserted into an audio source. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are one of those.

With a detachable cable, JBL Live 660NC too can use alternative cables and if the cable is pulled, it will pop out instead of breaking.

Can Be Folded

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

The JBL Live 660NC too can fold up, foldable headphones can reduce their size by 60% to 70% when folded.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, JBL Live 660NC's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to microfractures in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or completely damaging your headphones.

Cable Length

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 1.2meters
JBL Live 660NC 1.2meters

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 comes with a 1.2meters cable.

JBL Live 660NC comes with a 1.2meters cable. Almost any cable should be fine in sound quality If you're looking at lengths up to 2 - 3 meters.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

JBL Live 660NC with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The JBL Live 660NC also have stereo speakers

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make 0 hence "diluting" the noise.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

JBL Live 660NC too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out environment noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The JBL Live 660NC sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Lowest Frequency

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 16Hz
JBL Live 660NC 16Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's lowest frequency is at 16Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

JBL Live 660NC's lowest frequency is at 16Hz, this implies that both devices produce equal bass

Highest Frequency

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 40,000Hz
JBL Live 660NC 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

JBL Live 660NC's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that Anker Soundcore Life Q20 got a clearer and crispier treble than the JBL Live 660NC

Sound Pressure Level

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 95dB/mW
JBL Live 660NC 97dB/mW

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, Anker Soundcore Life Q20's measurement is 95dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

JBL Live 660NC's sound pressure level measurement is 97dB/mW.

Driver Unit Size

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 40mm
JBL Live 660NC 40mm

The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

JBL Live 660NC driver unit is 40mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound gets , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 16Ohms
JBL Live 660NC 32Ohms

Defined as the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, when electricity flows through a conductor, it experiences electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a conductor is measured in ohms. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's impedance is 16Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

JBL Live 660NC's impedance is 32Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Power

Battery Life

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 40hours
JBL Live 660NC 50hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's battery life is 40 hours

JBL Live 660NC's battery life is 50 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2.5hours
JBL Live 660NC 2hours

It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the Anker Soundcore Life Q20's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

JBL Live 660NC takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones.

JBL Live 660NC too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 720mAh
JBL Live 660NC

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's battery power is 720mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. Anker Soundcore Life Q20's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The JBL Live 660NC too have a rechargeable battery.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
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Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement not restricted by a cable.

The JBL Live 660NC also can be used wirelessly

Bluetooth Version

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 v5
JBL Live 660NC v5

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 has a v5

JBL Live 660NC has a Bluetooth version of v5. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

JBL Live 660NC support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Has Aptx Hd

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Has Bluetooth Aptx

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 support APTX, a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.

Has Aac

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The JBL Live 660NC support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 10meters
JBL Live 660NC 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The JBL Live 660NC can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 4only
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have only 4 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

The JBL Live 660NC too use a noise-canceling type of microphone.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

The JBL Live 660NC support ambient sound mode as well allowing you to hear the ambient sound even while wearing them.

Has A Mute Function

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

The JBL Live 660NC too have a mute function.

Multipoint Count

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2only
JBL Live 660NC 2only

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The JBL Live 660NC support multipoint count. Bluetooth multipoint would come in handy because you can be on one call without missing notifications coming from another device.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

There is a control panel on the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The JBL Live 660NC too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

JBL Live 660NC can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 1.5years
JBL Live 660NC 1years

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 have a warranty period of 1.5 years

The JBL Live 660NC have a warranty period of 1years.

Travel Bag Is Included

Anker Soundcore Life Q20
JBL Live 660NC

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.

JBL Live 660NC too have a travel bag or case included.