Soundcore Space One Review: Strong ANC, Mixed Audio Verdict
Digging into user feedback reveals a clear pattern: the Soundcore Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones punch well above their $99 price in some areas, while falling short in others. Across Reddit, Trustpilot, Consumer Reports, and expert reviews, they score a solid 8/10 for noise cancellation and comfort, but drop to 6/10 for call quality and certain sound signature issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for budget ANC seekers who value comfort and travel features over pristine audio fidelity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful ANC, especially voice reduction | Mediocre call quality |
| Comfortable fit with rotating ear cups | Bulky design, awkward controls |
| Long battery life (40h ANC on / 55h off) | Bass-heavy, uneven sound signature |
| LDAC support for high-res streaming | No sweat/water resistance |
| Affordable, often cheaper refurbished | Wind noise reduction ineffective |
Claims vs Reality
Soundcore’s marketing touts “2x stronger voice reduction” and “up to 98% noise reduction” with adaptive ANC. Digging deeper into reports, this claim holds up in real-world use for voice isolation. Reddit user present_lychee_3109 confirmed: “The soundcore space one only ticks one box. The ANC is amazing… nothing matches its level of noise cancelling for its price.” Consumer Reports testing also found “excellent noise reduction across the entire frequency range with low frequencies reduced the most,” though a faint hiss is audible in quiet rooms.
The second big claim — “Hi-Res wireless audio with LDAC” — gets mixed reactions. Trustpilot and Tom’s Guide reviewers praised the detail retrieval, with Tom’s Guide noting: “LDAC is as reliable on these headphones as it is on Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5.” However, Quora’s critical assessment warns the tuning undermines that potential: “Vocals… exhibit poor timbre, sounding boomy on the low end and thin on the high end.” Consumer Reports echoed this, describing the midrange as “thin, somewhat grainy… overwhelmed by the bass.”
Comfort is another advertised feature, with 8° rotating cups and an evenly distributed headband. Here, user experience aligns with marketing. Reddit user the_crazy_blues said: “Comfort is great… feature-wise the Space One’s are excellent.” Long listening sessions are possible without hotspots, though Consumer Reports noted “moderate pressure around the ears” and possible heat/stickiness over time.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation is the standout win. Students, office workers, and commuters consistently highlight the ANC’s ability to mute distracting voices and clatter. Reddit user geralt-026 summarized: “ANC is good though”, while Trustpilot’s admin reviewer called the high-frequency noise reduction “impressive… effectively silencing the drone of airplane engines and chatter of a busy coffee shop.” For library studying or flight travel, this means a distraction-free bubble.
Battery performance also earns high marks. Tom’s Guide verified accurate playtime claims, using the headphones for “5 to 6 hours daily over a week” and still having 40% charge left. The 5-minute quick charge providing 4 hours playback is a lifesaver for travelers who forget to charge overnight. Multipoint connectivity works smoothly for those juggling laptop and phone — a boon for remote workers.
Comfort and build quality come up again and again. Trustpilot’s review described them as “comfortable design suitable for extended use” with a premium feel justifying the price. The headband’s pressure distribution and ear cup rotation adapt well to varying head shapes, making them a solid pick for marathon listening.
Common Complaints
Call quality is the most consistent pain point. Tom’s Guide found vocals “muffled and unclear” in indoor and outdoor chats, with clients and friends complaining on Zoom. Reddit user james_pic was blunt: “Ok call quality… you’ll be understood well enough on Zoom calls, but they’ll be no good at all for working out.” This, coupled with the absence of water/sweat resistance, makes them unsuitable for gym or outdoor sports.
Sound signature divides opinion. While LDAC can deliver detail, multiple sources criticize tuning choices: Quora cites “overpowering bass response, poor mid-range frequencies,” and Consumer Reports called treble “prominent and sizzly… reminiscent of bacon frying.” Bass lovers may enjoy the impact, but vocal-heavy genres can sound harsh or congested.
Physical design gripes include bulkiness and outdated controls. Tom’s Guide lamented “awkwardly placed” buttons that are hard to locate by touch, despite motion detection features. The wind noise reduction mode is widely reported as ineffective.
Divisive Features
Sound customization via the Soundcore app polarizes users. Some appreciate HearID’s tailored EQ — Tom’s Guide found it made “ballads and dialogue-centric content more engaging.” Others, like Quora’s reviewer, argue no amount of EQ can fix the underlying tonal imbalance. Transparency mode is generally useful, but its performance varies with environment.
Wear detection works well for some, pausing playback when removing the headset. Others encounter sensitivity issues, requiring calibration or cleaning the sensor.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term ownership data is limited, but refurbished units are popular. Reddit users report paying $60–70 for certified refurb with no performance loss. The eBay market shows strong demand — over 600 refurbished units sold at $63.99. Build quality is robust enough to handle daily bag tosses without hinge failure, according to Tom’s Guide.
No widespread scam concerns surfaced, but durability warnings include leather ear pad aging from sweat and sunlight. Soundcore advises cleaning with alcohol and avoiding humid storage to extend lifespan.
Alternatives
Within Soundcore’s lineup, the Space Q45 appears in discussions as the step-up model. Reddit user [deleted] suggested: “If you can, go for them. Good sound, better ANC than Space One and amazing battery life.” The Q45 also offers higher ANC-off playtime (65h vs Space One’s 55h).
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 gets frequent mentions as the aspirational choice, delivering superior tuning and ANC — but at triple the price. For those prioritizing sound fidelity over budget, it’s the clear upgrade.
Price & Value
At $99 retail, the Space One undercuts many ANC competitors. Frequent sales and refurb deals drop it to $60–70, making it one of the best-value ANC options under $100. Resale holds decently, with used units fetching $79 on eBay. Community tips emphasize buying certified refurbished for maximum savings without sacrificing warranty coverage.
FAQ
Q: Is the Soundcore Space One good for workouts?
A: No. Users report they slip during vigorous movement, have no sweat resistance, and get sticky when sweaty.
Q: Can I improve call quality with settings?
A: Limited. Ensuring mic is unmuted, using proper app input/output settings, and avoiding windy environments can help, but hardware limitations remain.
Q: Does LDAC make a big difference?
A: For high-res sources, yes — detail improves noticeably. However, bass-heavy tuning may still overshadow midrange clarity.
Q: How effective is the wind noise reduction mode?
A: Ineffective in most conditions, according to multiple reviews.
Q: Are they comfortable for large heads?
A: Generally yes, but Consumer Reports warns the headband may lack adjustment range for very large heads, causing pressure.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, commuter, or traveler wanting strong ANC and comfort at a budget price. Avoid if you need clear call quality or balanced sound for critical listening. Pro tip from Reddit: get them refurbished for ~$65 — all the features, half the cost.
