Soundcore Space Q45 Review

The Soundcore Space Q45 is Anker's flagship over-ear ANC headphone under the Soundcore brand. It features adaptive ANC performance that rivals headphones costing $200+; 50 hours of battery and LDAC hi-res audio. At $100, it's the best value ANC over-ear headphone on the market.
Noise Cancellation: Near-Flagship Performance
The Space Q45's biggest highlight is its adaptive ANC system. It uses a hybrid feedforward and feedback microphone setup that continuously detects environmental noise and automatically adjusts ANC intensity. On planes, subways, and other low-frequency noise environments, ANC performance is close to the Sony WH-1000XM4, significantly outperforming competitors at this price.
In our tests at 85 dB subway noise, ANC reduced it by roughly 30-35 dB. Mid-to-high frequencies (voices) also attenuate noticeably. Transparency mode doesn't match the AirPods Pro 2's naturalness, but it's practical when you need awareness.
ANC modes: ANC, Transparency, Off — switchable via the app or touch panel. Adaptive mode automatically adjusts to your environment without manual intervention.
Sound Performance: Balanced, Highly Customizable
The Q45 uses 40mm dynamic drivers and supports LDAC hi-res Bluetooth (up to 990kbps). Sound is balanced across all frequencies: warm and full-bodied midrange with intimate vocals; bright treble without harshness; deep, punchy bass that never gets muddy.
The app offers 8 EQ presets (Acoustic, Bass Booster, Voice, etc.) and a fully customizable 8-band EQ. HearID generates a personalized EQ curve based on a hearing test, tailoring sound to your hearing profile.
Soundstage is respectable — not as wide as open-back headphones, but better than most closed-back options. Resolution is among the best in its price range; classical music detail retrieval is precise.
Battery Life: The 50-Hour Monster
Battery life is another major strength. With ANC on: 50 hours. With ANC off: up to 65 hours. At medium volume, a week of commuting (2 hours daily) needs just one charge.
Fast charging is equally practical: 5 minutes gives you 4 hours — no panic if you forget to charge before a trip. Qi wireless charging support is the cherry on top.
Comfort: Comfortable for Extended Use Without Fatigue
At 268g, the Q45 sits in the middle of the over-ear ANC weight range. Protein leather ear cushions wrapped around memory foam feel soft to the touch and stay comfortable during extended sessions. Headband pressure distributes evenly — even glasses wearers experience minimal discomfort.
Ear cushions do get warm in summer — an inherent trade-off of over-ear designs. Overall comfort exceeds most competitors under $200 and is on par with the Sony WH-1000XM5.
App Features: Feature-Rich and Easy to Use
The Soundcore app is central to the Q45 experience. Key features include:
- ANC Mode Switch: ANC/Transparency/off/Adaptive
- EQ Control: 8 presets + 8-band custom
- HearID: Personalized hearing test and EQ generation
- Touch Customization: lets you remap touch gestures
- Firmware Update: OTA upgrades for new features
- Find My Headphones: Play sound to locate misplaced earphones
How It Compares
| Model | Price | ANC | Battery | Sound | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Space Q45 | $99 | 4.5/5 | 50h | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $348 | 5.0/5 | 30h | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Bose QC45 | $279 | 4.8/5 | 24h | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Soundcore Life Q35 | $79 | 4.0/5 | 40h | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| JBL Tour One M2 | $199 | 4.5/5 | 50h | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Buying Advice
The Soundcore Space Q45 is the most effective ANC over-ear headphone in the $100 price range by far. If your budget is around $100-$150 and you want flagship-level ANC and battery, the Q45 is the top recommendation.
If your budget stretches to $300+ and you demand the absolute best ANC and sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC Ultra are better choices. But for most buyers, the Space Q45 is more than good enough — and delivers far better value.
Technical Specifications
| Driver | 40mm dynamic |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery | 50h (ANC ON) / 65h (ANC OFF) |
| Fast charge | 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Weight | 268g |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless charging |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) |
Note: All prices in this article are Amazon reference prices; actual prices may fluctuate. This article contains Amazon Associates affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.