Soundcore Space One Pro by Anker

Comparison: Soundcore Space One vs. Soundcore Space One Pro

Weighing in at 284 grams, the Pro version is a good 20 grams heavier than the much cheaper Soundcore Space One (see review). The new features include a more complex driver system and Dolby Audio. The four-stage noise reduction also promises improvements over the standard model.

Improved microphone technology is also used for communication. Both models support Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connections and Google Fast Pair for fast pairing with Android devices. There is also no difference in the choice of audio codecs – SBC, AAC and LDAC – or in features such as the personalised hearing profile and optional hearing protection. However, there is a difference in terms of wearer detection, which is reserved for the smaller sibling and can be calibrated via an app.

Battery life

In basic mode, the Soundcore Space One Pro achieves a runtime of 64 hours at high volume when using the AAC codec. With the highest level of noise cancellation and additional wind noise reduction enabled, the battery life is just under 30 hours. While the battery is fully charged after 90 minutes, a five-minute quick charge provides an additional six and a half hours (without ANC).

Another practical feature is that the over-ear headphones have a 3.5mm audio input for wired playback, with noise cancelling and transparency also available in wired mode. A mini-jack cable and a rather short USB-C to USB-A charging cable are included.

Controls

The buttons on the right side of the case are used to control playback, answer/end calls and adjust the volume, as well as skip forwards/backwards and select a track. Also on the left is the power button and an NC button for switching between basic, ANC and transparent modes, the selection of which can be customised via the app connection. The NC button can also be assigned the BassUp function, but otherwise the controls are fixed. An Easy Chat function is also available, which can be activated and deactivated via the app. Speaking lowers the playback volume significantly, so you can communicate spontaneously without having to press a button, and it works reliably.

Soundcore app

Ambient noise control from the in-car app (Android and iOS) offers adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to the environment, as well as a manual ANC mode with five levels of intensity. Transparency mode can also be adjusted to suit the environment with five levels. Wind noise reduction can also be activated for outdoor activities.

The sound control includes an eight-band EQ section for custom settings that can be saved as presets. There are also 21 pre-configured EQ settings, ranging from Rock, Hip-Hop and Neutral to Podcast, which can be used as a starting point for your own presets. Another option is the personal Hear ID, which analyses your hearing ability and uses an A/B comparison to query your preferences in order to make a specific adjustment. The advantage is that this sound profile can be further refined as required and combined with the resources of the EQ section, providing a high degree of flexibility. It is also possible to switch to Dolby Audio mode.

There is also an adjustable hearing protection function with an informative decibel scale. In addition to the NC button, you can also configure a timer, low battery notifications, listen in during phone calls and perform firmware updates. You can also set up a widget for direct access to the ambient noise control. The LDAC codec can also be enabled on Android devices, but this requires a firmware update to the handset.

Speech intelligibility during calls

When it comes to communication, the Soundcore Space One Pro offers very clean and clear voice transmission. In addition, both wind and background noise are completely cancelled out so that they are not perceived by the other party. The only noticeable effect in a windy environment is that your own voice is less present and sounds a little more distant. On the other hand, in a noisy environment, the flow of speech becomes a little bumpier without making communication any more difficult. However, the monitoring function is not working at the time of writing and will have to be added later.

ANC and transparency mode

Compared to the standard model, the noise cancelling works extremely evenly and effectively reduces noise sources from the front, both sides and behind. There is also a high level of efficiency in the low frequency range, which is even better in manual mode at the maximum setting than in adaptive mode. The noise cancelling also works well with keyboard noise, lawn mowers and street noise. Voices, on the other hand, are less noticeably reduced, although there is a noticeable attenuation.

As with the Space One, the basic sound has a richer bass, which makes it sound a little fuller than in ANC or transparent mode. There is a difference in the amount of background noise, which is higher on the Pro, but does not exceed a medium level.

Transparency mode provides quite intensive amplification, which means that the lower levels are sufficient for listening to announcements or holding a conversation when playback is paused. On the other hand, a higher setting is recommended for responsiveness during playback and to improve external perceptibility.

Dolby Audio

If you want a larger listening area for games, shows or films, you can switch to Dolby Audio mode. This may not expand the sound in any spectacular way, but the quality is pleasing as the spatial impression is quite realistic. The spatial reproduction of live and studio albums can also provide an atmospheric listening experience, although the results will vary depending on the source material. Also, Dolby Audio cannot be combined with the high-resolution LDAC codec, so the AAC format must be used.

The Sound

The Soundcore Space One Pro’s dynamic 40mm drivers, made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyurethane, provide a successful depth gradation that enhances the playful basic sound rather than making it flat or one-dimensional. Compared to the standard model, the sound reproduction is also more balanced, although the bass is also richer and fuller. This is particularly noticeable in the low bass, which should be more precise and powerful in club-oriented productions if the lower bass range is reduced a little with the EQ. Apart from this weak point, the tuning works perfectly.

The midrange has a well-dosed warmth to it, and is pleasantly tidy and spacious, so that even more complex arrangements never feel claustrophobic. While details are easy to discover when listening consciously, the reproduction is powerful and assertive in mobile use. Voice intelligibility is impeccable, whether singing, film dialogue or spoken content.

The treble can be described as good-natured, neither too timid nor too energetic, but agile without any noticeable drop. Even at higher volumes, the treble is harmonious and doesn’t tend to get too loud. Sibilants are clearly defended, but not artificially, which should be of benefit to sensitive ears.

Conclusion

Apart from the limited button customisation, the Soundcore Space One Pro’s overall package appears mature and should leave little to be desired. The comfortable Bluetooth over-ear headphones also score points for mobile use and on the move with their handy format and space-saving folding technology. With an RRP of €199.99, however, the price seems surprisingly high compared to the standard model, which the manufacturer is currently offering from €80.