In the wireless headphone market, more and more manufacturers are offering models with active noise cancellation at affordable prices. Tronsmart's latest product, the Sounfii Q20, also falls into this category.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 – what is this article about?
The headphone market has undergone significant changes in recent years. While wired models used to dominate the range, today the majority of users are looking for a wireless solution. The development of mobile phones, especially the disappearance of the 3,5 mm jack, has also driven the market in this direction. At the same time, Bluetooth technology has also developed a lot - with the release of version 5.0, we no longer have to compromise on sound quality.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) has long been a feature only found in premium products. The technology uses microphones built into headphones to detect ambient noise and then use anti-phase sound waves to cancel it out. This can be especially useful on public transport, in airplanes or in noisy office environments.
About the manufacturer:
Founded in 2011, Tronsmart has grown into a major player in the affordable audio market over the years. The company's philosophy is to offer high-quality products at an affordable price. This approach is reflected in the Sounfii Q20, the manufacturer's latest over-ear headphones.
The product may be of interest primarily to those who want comfortable, noise-canceling headphones but don't want or can't spend hundreds of thousands on them. The Sounfii Q20 promises up to 85% noise reduction, while its price is a fraction of similar models from premium brands.
The headphones are not only suitable for wireless use - they can also be connected to any audio source in the traditional way using the 3.5mm cable included in the box. This may be an important consideration for those who want to use them on airplanes, for example, where Bluetooth use is not always allowed.
The nearly 60-hour battery life is also a notable feature in this price range, although this value naturally decreases when using active noise cancellation. And the USB-C charging port ensures fast charging and compatibility with modern devices.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 – Appearance and Controls
The Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 is a classic over-ear headphone that comes in two colors: black and white. The product measures 186 x 181.9 x 82.3 mm and weighs 246 grams, which is average in this category - compared to the 386.2 grams of Apple AirPods Max, it is considered extremely light.
The construction is mainly made of plastic elements, but it gives a stable, solid impression. The headband is reinforced with a metal insert, which is coated with silver. The ear cushions are covered with artificial leather and are made of memory foam, which ensures comfortable wear even during prolonged use. However, the ear cushions cannot be easily replaced, which is not an ideal solution from a service perspective.
A practical feature of the headphones is that the ear cups can be rotated 90 degrees and folded inwards, which makes them easier to transport. Unfortunately, a carrying case is not included in the package, which is not surprising in this price range. Large “L” and “R” markings on the inside of the ear cups help identify the correct side.
All controls are located on the right earcup. Here you will find the on/off button, volume buttons, and the ANC (active noise cancellation) switch. The USB-C charging port and the 3.5 mm audio jack are also located here. The buttons are the same size and are located in a row, which makes it difficult to identify them by touch - you have to learn the order of the buttons during use.
The headband offers multi-level adjustment options, so it can be adjusted to different head sizes. The padded design and adequate clamping force ensure that the headphones stay firmly in place, without being uncomfortable even during prolonged use.
The outer casing features the Tronsmart logo in silver, creating an elegant contrast to both the black and white color variants. The matte finish is practical, as it does not collect fingerprints and is scratch-resistant.
The product's assembly quality is good, with no gaps or creaking sounds during use. It is splash-proof according to the IPX4 water resistance standard, so you don't have to worry about sweat or light rain.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 – Technical Specifications
The Sounfii Q20 supports the modern Bluetooth 5.3 standard, which provides better connection stability and greater range. According to the manufacturer, it can be used from a distance of up to 15 meters under optimal conditions. The wireless connection supports the basic SBC codec, which, although not the most modern solution, provides adequate quality for most applications.
The sound reproduction is provided by 40 mm dynamic drivers, which operate in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The impedance is 16 ohms, which is typical for portable headphones. The construction is closed, which in itself provides some passive noise reduction.
The active noise cancellation system, according to the manufacturer, can filter out up to 85% of ambient noise. The headphones have built-in microphones, which are not only necessary for noise cancellation, but also make the device suitable for making phone calls and using virtual assistants (such as Siri or Google Assistant).
The battery capacity is 500 mAh, which allows for up to 60 hours of use with noise cancellation turned off at 50% volume. With ANC turned on, this value is of course lower. Charging is via USB-C port, a full charge takes about 2.5 hours.
The headphones can also be used in wired mode using the included 3.5mm audio cable. This can be especially useful if the battery runs out or you want to connect them to a device that doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity. Wired operation doesn't require a charged battery.
Tronsmart also has its own app, through which you can customize the operation of the headphones. In the app, you can choose from several preset sound profiles (Default, Deep Bass, Rock, Classical, SoundPulse), and you can also adjust the sound level yourself. The app also allows you to control ANC on and off, and update the firmware.
Thanks to Multi-Point technology, the headphones can be connected to two devices at the same time, which can be practical if you want to use them with a phone and a computer at the same time, for example. The package includes a Type-C charging cable, a 3.5 mm audio cable, user manual and warranty card.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 – Tronsmart App
The Tronsmart mobile app is available for both Android and iOS platforms, which can be found in the app stores with the keyword “TRONSMART”. To use the app, you must enable location and Bluetooth connectivity. After pairing, you can select the Sounfii Q20 model in the “headphones” menu.
The main screen of the application is divided into three main sections. The home page contains playback control and volume control. In the equalizer menu, we can choose from five predefined sound profiles or create our own settings with the “customize” option. In the third menu item, “sound”, we can turn ANC on and off and manage audible feedback.
The settings menu contains additional useful functions: you can set an automatic power-off timer, update the firmware, disconnect the device, and download the user manual. The application interface is simple and clean, although some users say it is too minimalistic.
It's also worth mentioning that the app also allows you to customize the headphones' audible feedback. For example, you can turn off the female voice that indicates ANC status changes and that pauses music playback by default for the duration of the notification. This customization option can be especially useful for those who are bothered by frequent audible feedback.
The SoundPulse technology, which is the manufacturer's own development, can also be controlled via the app. This feature, according to the manufacturer, reduces noise and distortion, and improves sound detail. Based on tests, this is the only preset profile that makes a noticeable difference in the sound.
The application also allows you to manage multiple Tronsmart devices simultaneously, so if you have multiple products from the manufacturer, you can control them all from a single interface. The software receives regular updates, which not only contain bug fixes, but also occasionally include new features.
Firmware updates can be particularly important, as they can not only improve stability, but also bring new features, optimize ANC functionality or sound. Installing updates is easy, the app will notify you when a new version is available and guide you through the installation process.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 – User Experience
Let's see the experiences, which were quite mixed. There were both pleasant and unpleasant surprises, I wrote everything down. We shouldn't ignore the shortcomings, although in light of how much they charge for these headphones, the problems revealed don't seem nearly as big.
I spent more than a week with the Sounfii Q20 in daily use. My first impression was that although it is not a premium product, the workmanship is convincing, the headphones give a solid impression. The memory foam ear cushions are really comfortable, but after longer, several hours of use, the 246 gram weight becomes noticeable.
I had mixed experiences with the sound. The 40mm drivers produce powerful bass, which is especially beneficial for rap and electronic music genres. However, this emphasis on the low end sometimes overwhelms the higher frequencies. The midrange is adequate, but the highs are a bit subdued. You can fine-tune the sound with the app's equalizer, but the basic sound character remains bass-heavy.
So, what does this mean in practice?
The first time I listened to it, AC/DC was playing, my six-year-old sons demanded it in the car, so that's why it continued playing. I don't usually start my tests with such "rough" music, but unfortunately this is how it turned out. Unfortunately, because the stuff sounded so bad that I could only stand a minute and a half of it.
The whole thing was a blurry rumble, the bass washed everything out, no mids, no highs. I mean, at least the bass would have been clear, but no, that was a mess too. Okay, the bass has no direction, it comes, it rumbles, but when you can't hear what's the drums and what's the bass in rock music, then there's something wrong.
I quickly launched the Tronsmart app and desperately tried to adjust the equalizer. I ended up dragging the bass to zero, and from there the sliders took a sharp rise, pushing the highest notes to the ceiling.
With this setting, I managed to make the music listenable.
This was more or less my experience with the Mirtune S100 speaker, if anyone still remembers it, except that there was no need to tamper with the sound image so roughly. The point is that after modifying the tone, here too, as with the Mirtune, it turned out that the problem was not with the headphones, they were simply tuned really badly.
I put on some acoustic music, first Nirvana's MTV performance, and I can actually hear the finger sliding on the string. You know, it has this little subtle vibration as the fingers play one string after another, a chord (or more) higher or lower. The previously annoyingly crappy (sorry for the expression, but it really was) headphones have become a completely enjoyable piece!
After tinkering with the tone, almost all music sounded acceptable, whether it was the vocal-centric Dire Straits, Aerosmith's Dream On, or Lana Del Ray's soul-stirring Summertime Sadness. I even listened to a bit of Bach (Violin Concerto in A minor) and it wasn't bad!
The only thing I couldn't fully enjoy was harder rock, because no matter what I did, the bass was still too much and too intense for my taste. I think you should take these experiences into account before you buy.
Well, let's move on, let's talk a little about noise cancellation!
The noise cancellation efficiency is clearly below the 85% promised by the manufacturer. In my own experience, the ANC only dampens environmental noise rather than completely eliminating it. During street use, it only partially filtered traffic noise, but in an office environment it performed well in reducing background noise.
Interestingly, the passive noise isolation provided by the ear cushions seemed almost more effective than the active noise cancellation itself. So the fact that these were over-ear headphones mattered more than the proudly advertised active noise cancellation.
I'll note in parentheses that it's not very safe for street use anyway if you completely block out the noise of the outside world, so in some cases, the lack of ANC on the Sounfii Q20 could be a lifesaver.
From a usability perspective, it is also very important that the Bluetooth connection is stable, the stated 15-meter range is realistic, and it even worked reliably through two walls. The delay was not annoying while watching videos, although I would not recommend it for gaming purposes due to the SBC codec. The multi-point pairing worked well, I was able to switch between the phone and the laptop smoothly.
The battery performance is outstanding in my opinion. With 2-3 hours of daily use, I was able to last for a week and a half on a single charge with ANC turned off. Using active noise cancellation reduced the battery life by about 15-20%, but as I wrote, there is not much point in turning it on. The charging time was indeed around 2.5 hours, which I find acceptable.
The built-in microphones performed well during voice calls, although in noisier environments my interlocutor said my voice was a bit distorted. Controlling the voice assistant was also trouble-free, although I rarely used this feature. The phase response is normal, resulting in a clear, natural sound.
The Tronsmart app is easy to use, although sometimes overly simplistic. Of the equalizer profiles, only SoundPulse brought a noticeable change in the sound, the effect of the other settings was minimal. By the way, I think it is important to mention that the aforementioned SoundPulse did not change the sound image to the advantage either. The option of individual equalization, however, is incredibly useful, it helped compensate for the excessive bass emphasis. If it hadn't been for that, I would say, fuck it, don't buy it, because you will be disappointed. So I say go ahead, adjust it, take down the bass dominance and you will have a whole new pair of headphones!
The headphones are particularly good for watching movies and general media consumption. Dialogue is clearly intelligible, and although there is no surround sound support, the stereo stage is sufficiently wide, and the sound is sufficiently immersive. Anyway, the midrange and speech range are particularly clear and enjoyable.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 review
The Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 is an interesting entry-level product in the noise-canceling headphone market. Its biggest strength is its price-performance ratio – it’s hard to find headphones with similar functionality in the sub-10 HUF price range. The long battery life, comfortable design, and decent sound quality make it an attractive choice for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on noise-canceling headphones.
However, it is important to be aware of its limitations. The active noise cancellation is not as effective as premium models, and the bass-heavy sound will not appeal to everyone. And since it only supports the SBC codec, it will not be the first choice for audiophile users. The simplicity of the application also leaves something to be desired.
The headphones are ideal for commuters, students, or anyone looking for a reliable, versatile pair of headphones at an affordable price. The wired option and multi-point support are extra features that further increase the value of the device. The durable design and good battery life promise long-term use.
Overall, the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 is a good compromise between price and performance. It's not a flawless product, but considering its price tag, it's hard to find any serious criticism. For those who are primarily concerned with cost-effectiveness and are willing to compromise on noise cancellation and sound quality, this could be a good choice.
You can buy the headphones from Geekbuying's Czech warehouse by clicking on the link below. The price is NNNTSMSQ20HU coupon code 7824 HUFunderstood.
Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 headphones
Frequently Asked Questions about Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 Headphones
Q: What is the battery life of the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20?
A: The headphones provide up to 60 hours of battery life with ANC off and volume at 50%, with noise cancellation on, this figure drops by approximately 15-20%.
Q: Can the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 be used in wired mode?
A: Yes, you can connect it to any audio source in the traditional way using the 3.5 mm audio cable included in the package, even with a dead battery.
Q: What Bluetooth version does the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 use?
A: The headphones work with Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a stable connection and a range of up to 15 meters.
Q: Is there a mobile app for Tronsmart Sounfii Q20?
A: Yes, the Tronsmart app is available for free download for both Android and iOS platforms, through which you can control the sound equalization and ANC function.
Q: Is the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 waterproof?
A: The headphones are IPX4 rated, which means they are splash-proof. Sweat and light rain are no problem, but they are not waterproof.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20?
A: The full charging time is approximately 2.5 hours via USB-C connector.
Q: Can the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 be connected to multiple devices at the same time?
A: Yes, thanks to Multi-Point technology, you can connect to two devices at the same time and switch between them.
Q: What colors is the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 available in?
A: The headphones are available in two color options: black and white.
Q: Is the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20 foldable?
A: Yes, the earcups can be rotated 90 degrees and folded inward, making them easy to transport and store.
Q: What is the weight of the Tronsmart Sounfii Q20?
A: The weight of the headphones is 246 grams, which is average for this category.
