Soundcore Space One by Anker

Comparison: Soundcore Space Q45 and Soundcore Space One

Although the Soundcore Space One offers a cheaper alternative to the Soundcore Space Q45, both models support the audio codecs SBC, AAC and LDAC. You will have to make some concessions in terms of battery life and choice of materials, as the current flagship model has features including aluminium hinges and has the feeling of a higher-quality finish. There are also differences in noise suppression. The Space One, meanwhile, are a good 30 grams lighter and have wearer recognition with a calibration function that can be set up via the app. As a big plus point, the smaller model also comes with the option to set up a personalised hearing profile.

Battery life: How long do the Soundcore Space One last?

At high volume, these Bluetooth earphones achieved a listening time of 58 hours, which was reduced to 37 hours when noise cancellation was used at the maximum setting and additional wind noise reduction was active. The battery was fully recharged within 95 minutes via the USB-C port. If you are in a hurry, a five-minute quick charge provides capacity for up to five hours.

Wired use of the Soundcore Space One is also possible and there is a 3.5mm input with Hi-Res Audio certification available for the job. Although there is no device control in wired mode, the noise suppression and transparency modes can still be used. Both a mini-jack cable and a short USB-C to USB-A charging cable are included.

Operating the Soundcore Space One

The Soundcore Space One support Google Fast Pair for quick Android device pairing, and it is possible to use multipoint connection with two devices simultaneously. A classic 3-button remote on the right side of the ear cup is used to control playback, handle phone calls, select tracks and adjust volume. In addition, you can call up a voice assistant and the headphones’ microphone technology can be activated and deactivated. An additional NC button on the left side can be used to switch between noise cancellation and ambient mode, and this can be supplemented with standard mode via the app. The option of using a double press to switch the BassUp function on and off can also be set up on these over-ears.

Furthermore, there is the option to use the “Easy Chat Function”, which can be activated either by voice or by holding the left outer surface. This significantly reduces the playback volume, making it possible to communicate spontaneously with fellow human beings, and this worked flawlessly. The Bluetooth connection also gave the impression of being stable. While a distance of up to 30 metres was achievable in the garden, indoors, several rooms or one floor could be covered.

Soundcore App

The ambient noise control of the app (Android and iOS) is divided into Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adjusts to the environment, and a manual mode with five intensity levels for attenuation. The amplification of external noise can also be adapted to the environment on the basis of five levels, with wind noise reduction being switchable in each case.

Flexibility also exists in the sound control: If you want, you can create a personal Hear ID by analysing your hearing and selecting preferences in an A/B comparison. This sound profile can be edited afterwards, and there are 21 pre-configured pre-sets or an EQ with eight bands available for this very well-implemented function. The EQ and the pre-sets can also be used independently of the listening profile. The hearing protection function with the option of adjustable maximum volume and an informative decibel scale were also exemplary. In addition, firmware updates can be carried out via the app, and a timer or voice prompts can be configured.

Speech intelligibility on the phone

The Soundcore Space Ones does certain things very well considering their price range, particularly the distinct voice transmission, and not just in a quiet environment. The microphone technology used with the AI algorithms can filter out most wind noise outdoors, meaning that there was little restriction to their use, even in stronger gusts. Louder background noise was also skilfully attenuated, putting your own voice clearly in the foreground so that you remain understandable for the person on the other end of the line. Great!

Noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode

When it comes to noise cancellation, we noticed that the effect depended on the direction where the noise source was coming from. If it was at the back, the attenuation was noticeably lower than from the side. The best results were achieved when the source was perceived from the front. For example, the efficiency was astonishing with keyboard noise, which was almost completely suppressed. There was also an intensive reduction in the low-frequency range, while voices penetrated but were clearly attenuated; this was best achieved in manual mode in the maximum setting. Here, the basic sound seemed somewhat fuller than the reproduction in ANC or ambient mode and had a more substantial bass reproduction.

While the Soundcore Space One’s noise cancelling was largely silent, you have to put up with a slight background noise in transparency mode from the third level onwards. However, outside noises were otherwise cleanly amplified, counteracting the high isolation properties of the headphones and allowing better perception of your surroundings.

How do the Soundcore Space One sound?

Compared to the Soundcore Space Q45s, the Soundcore Space Ones seemed like they were tuned for more fun and had a warmer, richer sound reproduction. The low bass, in particular, didn’t lack substance when challenged with modern music styles and pushed powerfully from below without becoming bogged down. If you want even more power, you can help it out with the EQ. However, I don’t recommend the BassUp function as it made the low-end sound too bulky, uncontrolled and spongy.

In contrast to the accentuated bass reproduction, the mid-range seemed somewhat more restrained, although voices were attractively clear and well-intelligible.

The treble reproduction started with lively verve, which sounded fresh and lively, but this could also be perceived as a bit sharp at higher volume levels. Furthermore, a drop was noticeable in the upper registers, but this can be counteracted either with the EQ or by using the listening profile. I would highly recommend using the option of personalised listening as it enhances the overall sound reproduction, increasing clarity and precision. The full mid-range, in particular, expanded to make more complex arrangements sound airier and reveal more detail.

Conclusion

If you are looking for versatile Bluetooth over-ears for everyday use and travel, then you should take a closer look at the Soundcore Space One. These foldable earphones scored points from us with their customisable sound reproduction as well as very good voice transmission when making phone calls; they support multipoint connections and have a fast-charging, long-lasting battery. However, there was room for improvement with their noise cancellation, which effectively filters noise from the front but works with less efficiency from the rear.