Is Soundcore Space One Worth It?
Finding the right wireless headphones can be confusing. The market is full of options, and every brand promises the best sound and features. The Soundcore Space One by Anker is a popular pick in the budget and mid-range category. With active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a modern design, it grabs attention. But is it truly worth your money, or are you better off with another pair?
Let’s break down the Soundcore Space One’s strengths, weak points, and how it compares to its main competitors.
Key Features And Specs
The Soundcore Space One is designed to offer premium features at a mid-range price. Here’s a snapshot of what you get:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Hybrid, adjustable levels |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours (ANC on), 55 hours (ANC off) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes (connect to 2 devices) |
| App Support | Soundcore app (custom EQ, ANC control) |
| Weight | ~265 grams (9.3 oz) |
| Price (as of 2026) | $99 – $109 |
What stands out here is hybrid ANC, which usually appears in pricier headphones, and strong battery life that beats some top brands.
Sound Quality: Where It Shines
For music lovers, sound quality is always the top priority. The Soundcore Space One uses 40mm dynamic drivers. Out of the box, the sound is punchy, with a slight emphasis on bass. Vocals and instruments remain clear, and the headphones avoid sounding muddy.
You can adjust the EQ with the Soundcore app, letting you pick from presets or create your own sound profile. This flexibility is rare for this price range. For podcasts and calls, voices are crisp and easy to understand.
One detail many beginners miss: the Space One supports LDAC codec (on Android), which allows for high-resolution audio streaming. If you listen to high-quality tracks, you’ll hear more detail compared to basic SBC or AAC codecs.
Noise Cancellation And Transparency
Active noise cancellation is a highlight. The Space One uses a hybrid ANC system—microphones inside and outside the earcups block out a lot of background noise. It’s not as silent as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC 45, but it’s surprisingly effective for the price.
You can pick between different ANC levels or use transparency mode to hear your surroundings. This is practical for busy streets or office settings. The adjustable ANC is a feature that even some expensive headphones skip.
A common mistake: People often think all ANC headphones perform the same. In reality, the fit and earcup shape matter a lot. The Space One’s oval cups offer a snug, comfortable seal, improving both comfort and noise isolation.
Comfort And Build Quality
Comfort is crucial if you wear headphones for hours. The Space One uses memory foam ear pads and a wide headband. At around 265 grams, it’s light for over-ear headphones. Most people find it comfortable for long sessions, though people with larger heads may want to try before buying.
Build quality is mostly plastic, but it feels sturdy and doesn’t creak. The folding design makes it easy to pack in a bag. However, the included carrying pouch is soft, not hard-shell, which offers less protection.
Battery Life And Charging
Battery performance is a strong point. With ANC on, you get up to 40 hours of playback—enough for a full workweek or long flights. Turn ANC off, and it stretches to around 55 hours.
Charging is done via USB-C. A quick 5-minute charge gives you around 4 hours of playback, which is handy if you’re in a hurry.
Here’s a quick comparison with popular rivals:
| Model | Battery Life (ANC On) | Charging Port |
|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Space One | 40 hours | USB-C |
| Sony WH-CH720N | 35 hours | USB-C |
| Bose QC 45 | 24 hours | USB-C |
As you can see, the Space One leads in battery life—even against more expensive models.
Smart Features And App
The Soundcore app adds value. You can:
- Switch between ANC and transparency modes
- Set custom EQ profiles
- Update firmware
- Check battery level
Multipoint connection lets you pair the headphones with two devices at once. This means you can listen to music on your laptop and take calls from your phone without disconnecting.
A detail many overlook: The Space One also supports wear detection—it pauses music when you take off the headphones and resumes when you put them back on. Not all headphones in this price bracket offer this.
Drawbacks And Limitations
No product is perfect. The main drawbacks of the Soundcore Space One are:
- Mediocre call quality: In noisy places, your voice can sound distant or muffled to others.
- Plastic build: While sturdy, it doesn’t feel as premium as some metal-framed rivals.
- No aptX support: If you use devices that prefer aptX for low-latency audio, you might miss it.
- Limited water resistance: Not rated for sweat or rain, so not ideal for workouts.
Still, most users find these issues minor compared to the value offered.
How It Compares To Rivals
The Soundcore Space One competes with models like the Sony WH-CH720N and Skullcandy Crusher Evo. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Soundcore Space One | Sony WH-CH720N | Skullcandy Crusher Evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $129 | $149 |
| ANC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 40 hr (ANC on) | 35 hr (ANC on) | 40 hr |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes | No |
You’re getting almost all the features of more expensive headphones, sometimes even more, for a lower price.
Who Should Buy (and Who Shouldn’t)
The Soundcore Space One is a great fit if you:
- Want active noise cancellation without spending over $100
- Care about long battery life
- Enjoy customizing your sound with an app
- Need multipoint Bluetooth for switching between devices
It’s less ideal if you:
- Need top-tier call quality for frequent voice/video calls
- Prefer a premium metal build
- Want water-resistant headphones for workouts
For most casual listeners, students, and commuters, the Space One offers excellent value.
The Final Verdict
Is the Soundcore Space One worth it? For under $110, it’s hard to find another pair that offers this much: effective ANC, strong battery, customizable sound, and modern features. There are a few trade-offs, mainly in call quality and build, but these are minor for most users.
If you want premium features without a premium price, the Space One is a smart choice. For more technical details and up-to-date reviews, check the official Soundcore page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does The Soundcore Space One’s Noise Cancellation Compare To Sony Or Bose?
The Space One’s ANC is strong for its price but not as powerful as high-end Sony or Bose models. It blocks out most office and street noise but won’t deliver total silence like flagship headphones.
Can I Use The Space One For Making Calls?
You can make calls, but call quality is average. In quiet rooms, voices are clear, but in busy spaces, your voice might not sound as sharp to others.
Does The Space One Support High-resolution Audio?
Yes, it supports the LDAC codec (on Android devices) for high-resolution streaming. This is rare in this price range.
Is The Soundcore App Necessary To Use The Headphones?
No, but the app unlocks more features like custom EQ, ANC control, and firmware updates. It’s free and easy to use.
Are The Soundcore Space One Headphones Good For Travel?
Yes. With long battery life, effective ANC, and a foldable design, they’re a solid choice for travel, commuting, or office use.
