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The Soundcore Space Q45 over-ear wireless headphones are Anker’s most capable, feature-packed, and priciest yet. At $149.99, the noise-canceling cans significantly undercut high-profile products from Bose, Sony, and JBL without cutting corners on specs and everyday performance.
Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
I began testing the Soundcore Space Q45 with high expectations because the brand’s sub-$100 Q30 headphones have been our top pick for audiophiles who don’t want to spend big, overdelivering across the board. The superior Q45 brings even more incredible bang for the buck, offering sound, noise cancellation, and battery life that belong in a higher price category.
Scores
• Sound: 8/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Battery Performance: 10/10
• Overall Score: 9/10
Soundcore Space Q45 at a Glance
- Quality sound and noise cancellation
- Dependable button controls
- A feature-packed companion app
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
Sound: 8/10
The Space Q45 headphones’ sound is detailed and entertaining out of the box, thanks to well-tuned 40-millimeter audio drivers. Support for Hi-Res Audio content in wired and wireless listening is also available for eking out more detail of compatible content.
While testing the cans, I found classical masterpieces, bass-heavy downtempo tracks, and podcasts equally enjoyable. The sonic experience impressed me with a discernible parity between deep bass and vibrant treble. The mid-range — a frequency spectrum crucial for serving vocals and instrumentals — is also presented well, especially considering the product’s under-$150 sticker.
You can customize the sound in the Soundcore companion app for iPhone and Android by choosing between more than 20 presets that cover popular music and content genres (e.g., classical, electronic, jazz, etc.). There’s an option to create a custom one via an easy-to-use interface.
Like their sound, the headphones’ noise cancellation is excellent for a product that costs well below $200. It has adaptive and custom modes, allowing you to manually adjust its strength in the Soundcore app. I relied on the former because it saved me time guessing what levels of silence I needed in different scenarios.
During my testing, the Q45 successfully tuned out the never-ending traffic noise underneath my living window and the constant hum of the ventilation system in my office. The headphones’ noise-canceling capabilities are stellar, though not on the same level as the silence generated by top-shelf headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45. These products cost times more, however.
The call quality of the Space Q45 headphones was excellent during my testing. Participants heard me clearly during countless telephone, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom calls. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard with multi-point connectivity ensured an always-perfect link with an iPhone 14 Pro and a MacBook Pro while I put the product through its paces.
Comfort: 9/10
A lightweight build with soft ear cushions makes the Space Q45 one of the comfiest offerings in its class. I spent hours-long work sessions with the headphones without needing to take a break from wearing them. Their clicky button controls are also excellent and more dependable than touch-sensitive setups that pricier rivals have.
You can toggle between noise-cancellation and transparency modes or disable them with a button on the left ear cup. Another nice bit about this button is the option to set it in the app to boost the bass delivery by double-clicking on it. The feature will instantly change your sound setting to Soundcore signature with BassUp mode enabled. Repeating the gesture will switch back to the previous setting.
One of the many reasons I like the Soundcore app is the customizable soundscape feature, which allows me to create a personalized ambient sound to help me focus or relax. This functionality can be a lifesaver during intense work projects or transcontinental flights.
Design: 8/10
Anker treated the Soundcore Space Q45 to an elegant yet undeniably understated design. The cans have a matte finish (in black, white, or blue), a metal headband, and a glossy Soundcore logo on each ear cup with matching tones.
Unlike their price tag, the looks and overall build quality of the Space Q45 headphones are decidedly premium. Every set of cans has a matching hardshell storage case with a sturdy zipper closure. USB-C and audio cables are also part of their retail package.
Battery Performance: 10/10
The 50-hour maximum battery life with noise cancellation of the Q45 is incredible and a major reason to press the “buy” button. Disabling the functionality brings an even more astounding 65 hours’ worth of tunes between charging sessions — enough to last a whole week.
Regarding battery endurance, the cans are miles ahead of more expensive products like the AirPods Max and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2, among many others. I spent months with the headphones and frequently needed a few moments to remember the last time I charged them. Speaking of charging, the fast USB-C connector of the Q45 will get you 4 hours of playback in only 5 minutes.
Overall: 9/10
The Soundcore Space Q45 noise-canceling headphones are the one to get unless you are willing to drop $300-plus on a new set by the big-name brands we mentioned above. The product’s design, comfort, performance, battery life, and 18-month warranty belie its $150 price tag, making it a no-brainer recommendation for upgraders who want to keep their budget below $200.
Consider the Soundcore Life Q35 if you are shopping on an even tighter budget. For around $100, the cheaper cans offer a cool design and solid audio performance. That said, the Space Q45 has more futureproof Bluetooth connectivity and longer battery life.
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.
