In our recent review of the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 sports headphones, we highlighted numerous strengths, including their compact design, impressive sound quality, and waterproof construction.
This led us to explore the other end of Anker’s headphone range: the larger and more refined Anker Soundcore Space Q45. Similar to the Sport X10, the Space Q45 offers a wealth of features. It incorporates technologies that rival even flagship models like the SONY WH-1000XM4, and boasts a potentially class-leading battery life. Soundcore also provides intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface.
However, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 exhibits areas where refinement is needed to fully compete with top-tier headphones. Conversely, the established elite could learn a thing or two from Soundcore’s approach.
Overall – Anker Soundcore Space Q45
The package includes a semi-rigid carrying case, offering ample protection during transport. Naturally, the headphones themselves are included, along with a 3.5 mm cable for use with a DAC or for wired operation when the battery is depleted. However, the latter is unlikely to be necessary, as the battery provides an impressive 65 hours of playback without noise cancellation and 50 hours with noise cancellation enabled. This translates to an entire work week, including commutes, on a single charge – with noise cancellation active. Furthermore, a quick 5-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback.
The initial comfort is adequate, albeit with a slightly firm fit. However, the earpads have softened over time, improving the overall comfort.
The interior of each earcup features clear left/right markings, a welcome addition given the headphones’ subtle design. Physical buttons provide control over playback, volume, and listening modes. A double-click on the listening mode button can be configured to activate extra bass. One notable omission is the lack of track skipping functionality, perhaps achievable through double-clicking the volume buttons.
Bluetooth and Codecs
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3. While not dramatically different from version 5.2 for the end user, it provides developers with enhanced tools for security, power efficiency, and improved interference immunity. In practice, the headphones connect rapidly to compatible devices.
The headphones support Sony’s LDAC lossless codec, which must be manually enabled in the settings. This is a straightforward process, similar to a software update. Once activated, the headphones will utilize LDAC when supported by the transmitting device. This feature is noteworthy, as it significantly improves audio quality and remains relatively uncommon outside of Sony’s ecosystem.
Soundcore App
The Soundcore app is notable for its intuitive interface and extensive customization options. Soundcore emphasizes user education, clearly explaining the impact of various functions on the overall sound. The breadth of adjustment possibilities is also impressive for this price point. In summary, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 aims to compete with established market leaders, particularly in terms of functionality.
Listening Mode – Transparency Mode
The transparency mode offers two settings: Talk mode and adjustable transparency levels. However, Talk mode differs from Sony’s Focus on Voice, which isolates and amplifies speech. Instead, Talk mode simply lowers the music volume to facilitate easier conversations.
Listening Mode – Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation mode provides both adaptive and manual options. The adaptive setting allows the headphones to automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on the surrounding environment.
Soundcore deserves recognition for clearly communicating the effects of each option. For instance, the app indicates that maximum noise reduction can create increased pressure around the ears, which is indeed noticeable.
Is the noise cancellation effective? Yes, to a reasonable extent. Even in normal mode, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers good isolation. With noise cancellation enabled, monotonous ambient sounds are significantly reduced. Performance is slightly less effective with higher frequencies and sudden impact noises. However, in high-traffic urban environments, enjoying your music remains easily achievable.
Sound Profile – Anker Soundcore Space Q45
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are capable headphones overall. While no aspect of the sound is overtly flawed, a degree of inexperience is perceptible compared to established brands. Pinpointing the exact cause is challenging, but certain headphones possess a sonic quality that feels inherently refined.
Out of the box, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 delivers a pleasant, but not exceptional, listening experience. The default EQ profile performs well with some tracks but can render others sounding subdued. This can be mitigated by the extensive EQ customization options, although overzealous adjustments risk distorting the core audio signal. In our review of the Soundcore Sport X10, excessive bass presented a problem that proved difficult to rectify, highlighting the importance of attenuation capabilities.
Ideally, the headphones should sound exceptional from the outset, without requiring user adjustments. However, Soundcore demonstrates rapid progress in both audio quality and user-accessible technical features, suggesting that sonic refinement is only a matter of time.
The General Sound Profile
Despite the aforementioned points, the overall sound quality is commendable. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 produces a rich and warm sound signature, with a responsive and powerful low end. In some instances, the bass can be slightly overpowering, particularly in tracks such as Armin van Buuren’s – Beautiful Life, where the low frequencies become somewhat heavy during the opening bars. Conversely, the combination of bass and a broad midrange can create a desirable effect. We often seek to be enveloped by harmonic textures in certain songs; Trevor Morris – Dragon Age Inquisition Theme provides a good example, offering a dreamy, powerful, and emotionally engaging experience. However, a more precise and defined treble response would be beneficial, as high frequencies sometimes struggle to cut through, even with manual EQ adjustments.
The Downside of Noise Cancellation
Activating noise cancellation introduces a discernible degradation in sound quality. Testing with Seven Lions – Freesol revealed that the sound loses width, impact, and overall fidelity in noise cancellation mode. Treble frequencies are emphasized, resulting in a somewhat tinny sound. However, this also underscores the quality of the standard listening mode.
Conclusion – Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Throughout this review, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 has been evaluated against established competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4. While comparisons are inevitable, it is important to remember that the Space Q45 costs significantly less and occupies a different price bracket. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45’s performance is sufficiently close to these top-tier models that direct comparisons are warranted.
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers a range of technical features, class-leading battery life, good sound quality, and a feature-rich app that expands its capabilities. We anticipate Soundcore’s continued progress with excitement and eagerly await the development of a signature sound profile that is exceptional right out of the box. As Soundcore refines the balance across its existing strengths, we expect to see a product that can genuinely compete with the top tier and attract a wider consumer base.
Anker Soundcore provided a test unit for this review. Providing samples does not affect our editorial independence.
