Soundcore Space Q45 Review: Strong ANC, Mixed Audio Verdict
The Soundcore Space Q45 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones have sparked strong reactions across platforms, earning a solid 8.4/10 from aggregated user feedback. While the brand markets them as a near match for pricier Sony and Bose models, real-world reports reveal a nuanced picture: stellar battery life and effective ANC, tempered by audio tuning that doesn’t satisfy all listeners.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for travelers and casual listeners, but audiophiles may want more refinement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding battery life (50–65 hours) | Bass-heavy tuning can overwhelm |
| Highly effective adaptive ANC | Midrange described as thin or nasal |
| Multipoint Bluetooth and LDAC support | Clamping force uncomfortable for some |
| Comprehensive app with EQ and controls | No IP rating for water resistance |
| Solid build with aluminum hinges | Microphone quality below premium rivals |
Claims vs Reality
One of Soundcore’s boldest claims is “reduces noise by up to 98%.” While many users agree the ANC is top-tier for the price, Reddit user Henry*** noted, “ANC works good, and helps in noisy surroundings,” but found that movement could alter the seal and change the sound. This suggests ANC performance is highly dependent on fit and stability.
Marketing also touts “gold standard of sound” with LDAC hi-res wireless audio. Quora reviewers acknowledge LDAC support, but caution that “audio quality is not on par with the market leaders.” The bass, while powerful, is often described as excessive. A verified Trustpilot source reported, “bass… has good impact and goes deep, but is somewhat prominent and boomy,” with midrange “a bit thin… and grainy.”
Finally, Soundcore promises “50-hour playtime in ANC mode.” Here, user experiences align closely with claims. Quora’s expert review confirmed “over 50 hours with ANC for most of the time,” and Reddit users praised the longevity, with one stating, “the battery life and ANC are really good.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery life is the single most celebrated feature. For long-haul travelers, this endurance removes charging anxiety. Quora’s reviewer described it as “the best model on the market in terms of battery life in this price range,” while Reddit users highlighted the convenience, with one saying, “charge for 5 minutes for 4 hours of playtime” proved invaluable during commutes.
The adaptive ANC earns consistent praise. Trustpilot’s lab testing rated it “excellent noise reduction across the entire frequency range,” and Quora’s reviewer found it “very effective… attenuating most sounds” even compared to $300 models. Office workers and commuters benefit most, particularly in environments with varied noise profiles like public transport and open-plan offices.
The companion app’s customization tools stand out. Amazon buyers and Reddit users alike appreciate being able to adjust EQ, ANC levels, and transparency modes. The Quora review emphasized that “far more expensive wireless headphones do not offer as much customization options.”
Common Complaints
Sound quality tuning divides opinion. Many describe it as bass-heavy, sometimes to the point of discomfort. Quora’s author admitted, “on some drill tracks, the bass was so exaggerated that my ears hurt,” while Trustpilot found the midrange “nasal” and treble “strident.” This impacts music lovers seeking balanced output.
Comfort issues arise for certain head shapes. Trustpilot noted larger-headed users might find “the headband does not have enough adjustment range” and that clamping force can be high. Reddit comparisons with the Q30 suggest the Q45 may fit smaller heads better but sacrifice comfort for bigger ones.
Call quality lags behind premium competitors. Quora’s review described microphones as “quite bad” in noisy environments, and one Reddit user observed that colleagues on Teams could hear background conversations clearly from meters away.
Divisive Features
LDAC support is a selling point for high-res audio fans, but Reddit reports highlight trade-offs: enabling LDAC disables multipoint, and “sound stays quite poor” without EQ adjustments. Multipoint itself works well, letting users switch between devices seamlessly, but some prefer to keep LDAC off for convenience.
The physical button controls, replacing touch inputs, split opinion. Some welcome the tactile reliability, while others miss customizable shortcuts. Quora’s reviewer liked their placement but noted limited reassignment options.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data doesn’t indicate widespread brand reliability issues, but durability concerns surface in Reddit threads. One commenter warned of a “design flaw” requiring replacement after roughly 1.5 years. The heavy use of plastic in construction, noted on Quora, could contribute to wear over time, though aluminum hinges provide some reinforcement.
No IP rating means these headphones aren’t suited for sports or wet conditions. Quora’s review cautioned that “complicated to use for sporting activities” applies, and sweat could affect longevity.
Alternatives
Reddit comparisons repeatedly mention the Soundcore Q30 and Q35. One user preferred the Q30, citing “much more comfortable for bigger head” and “better, louder mic,” despite slightly weaker ANC. Against JBL Live 660NC, the Q45 generally wins on ANC and battery life, but JBL may offer a more neutral sound signature.
Quora frames Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 as direct competitors. While these deliver superior audio fidelity and call quality, they cost roughly twice as much.
Price & Value
At $149.99 retail and frequent discounts to $99.99 on eBay, the Space Q45 positions itself as a value leader. eBay sales data shows strong demand, with triple-digit units sold per listing. Resale value holds decently given the feature set, especially for buyers prioritizing ANC and battery over ultimate sound quality.
Community buying tips emphasize purchasing from retailers with easy returns, as fit and sound signature are personal preferences. Reddit advice includes “buy from somewhere which will take returns” to test comfort and tuning.
FAQ
Q: Does the Soundcore Space Q45 support ANC over a wired connection?
A: Yes, Reddit users confirm ANC works over cable, which is rare in this price bracket.
Q: How effective is the transparency mode?
A: Quora’s review found voices “particularly well isolated” from ambient noise, useful for office environments.
Q: Can you manually adjust ANC intensity?
A: Yes, via the Soundcore app, with five levels to choose from for both ANC and transparency.
Q: Is multipoint stable?
A: Reports from Quora and Reddit say it works smoothly between devices, though enabling LDAC disables it.
Q: Will these headphones suit large heads?
A: Trustpilot cautions that the adjustment range may be insufficient, and clamping force could cause discomfort.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a traveler, commuter, or casual listener seeking long battery life and strong ANC at a mid-range price. Avoid if you demand top-tier audio fidelity or need a loose, breathable fit for extended sessions. Pro tip from the community: use the app’s EQ to tame bass and tailor sound to your hearing profile.
