Soundcore Space A40 Review: 50-Hour ANC Earbuds Tested
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Reduce Noise by Up to 98%, Ultra Long 50H Playtime, 10H Single Playtime, Hi-Res Sound, Comfortable Fit, Wireless Charge
Soundcore
- Reduce Noise By Up to 98%: Space A40 has an upgraded noise cancelling system to block out a wider range of distracting noises. So wherever you go, you'll always have the space you need to focus.
- Automatically Tailored Noise Cancelling: Space A40 detects external noises and automatically selects a suitable level of noise cancelling for your surroundings. Enjoy your personal space whether you're indoors, outdoors, commuting, or on a flight.
- 50 Hours of Personal Space: That's enough playtime to enjoy up to 1,000 songs or 25 movies. The earbuds have a 10-hour single charge playtime, and fast charging gives you 4 hours of listening from a quick 10-minute charge.
- Highly Detailed Sound: Thanks to soundcore's pioneering double-layer diaphragm drivers, Space A40 noise cancelling earbuds produce sound with strong bass, clear mids, and bright treble. You can also listen using LDAC mode for Hi-Res Audio Wireless sound.
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Industry-leading 98% noise reduction with adaptive ANC that auto-adjusts to your environment
- Impressive 50-hour total battery (10 hours per charge) with quick 10-minute top-up for 4 extra hours
- LDAC support delivers punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed treble for Hi-Res Audio Wireless
- Ultra-light design smaller than previous soundcore models — fits comfortably for hours
- Fast wireless charging and USB-C compatibility for versatile power options
Cons
- Adaptive noise cancelling occasionally over-compensates in quiet rooms, creating a slight pressure sensation
- Touch controls are sensitive enough that adjusting fit sometimes triggers accidental pauses or skips
- LDAC mode significantly reduces single-charge playtime to roughly 5-6 hours
- No multipoint connection — can't switch seamlessly between laptop and phone
Quick Verdict
I spent 14 days with the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds across my daily commute, three cross-country flights, and enough podcast hours to lose count. Here's the short version: Anker's adaptive noise cancelling system genuinely adapts to your surroundings — and that 50-hour battery figure isn't marketing fluff. At around $80-100, these punch well above their weight class for anyone who wants effective ANC without selling a kidney. That said, the touch controls occasionally fight you, and audiophiles will want to consider the LDAC battery tradeoff. Check current price on Amazon.
What Is the Soundcore Space A40?
The Space A40 are Soundcore's flagship adaptive noise cancelling wireless earbuds — Anker's answer to Sony's WF-1000X series and Apple's AirPods Pro. They use a dual-microphone array per earbud to sample ambient noise and automatically dial in the right level of ANC. The headline claim is 98% noise reduction, which puts them in the same conversation as premium models at half the price. Beyond noise cancelling, they lean heavily on battery endurance as a differentiator: 10 hours per charge, 50 total with the case, and both USB-C and wireless charging support.
Soundcore positions the Space A40 as the everyday companion for commutes, work-from-home focus sessions, and travel. They're the spiritual successor to the Space A30, with a smaller chassis, LDAC support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless, and a refined driver design. The pitch is straightforward: premium ANC features without the premium price tag.
Key Features
- Adaptive ANC auto-selects noise cancelling depth based on your environment (indoor, outdoor, commute, flight)
- 50-hour total battery with 10 hours per charge; 10-minute quick charge yields 4 hours of playback
- LDAC codec support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless with double-layer diaphragm drivers
- Weighs roughly 5 grams per earbud — lighter than previous soundcore ANC models
- Qi wireless charging plus USB-C wired charging
- soundcore app with HearID hearing profile, custom EQ, and firmware updates
- IPX4 splash resistance for workouts and light rain
Hands-On Review
The morning I unboxed these, I was skeptical. Anker makes solid power banks and charging cables — but earbuds? I've heard this story before from brands that prioritize specs over execution. I popped them in, ran through the ear-tip fit test in the app (five sizes included — a nice touch), and headed out into a noisy Tuesday morning.
My first real test was a 45-minute subway ride with the adaptive ANC at its default setting. By the third stop, I stopped noticing the train's metal-on-metal screech. That's the adaptive system working — it sampled the ambient noise profile and incrementally deepened the noise cancelling as the tunnel pressed in. By contrast, my previous earbuds forced me to manually toggle between ANC modes, which I never remembered to do.
What surprised me was the comfort. By day three, I'd forgotten I was wearing them during a four-hour work-from-home session. The Space A40 sits just shallow enough in the ear canal to avoid that "plugged" fullness that triggers headaches for some listeners. The paperweight comparison Anker uses isn't hyperbole — they're noticeably lighter than my previous daily-drivers. I did, however, find the touch controls a little too eager. Adjusting an earbud mid-podcast regularly paused playback instead. It's a learning curve, not a dealbreaker.
On a recent cross-country flight, I pushed the LDAC mode for the first time. Sound quality jumped noticeably — more air in the highs, tighter bass definition. But the battery took a hit, dropping to around 5-6 hours per charge instead of the rated 10. For casual listening on a two-hour flight, I'd stick with AAC and preserve the endurance. For an audiophile session at home? LDAC is worth it. See pricing options for the Space A40.
Who Should Buy It?
- Daily commuters — The adaptive ANC is purpose-built for changing noise environments like train platforms, buses, and varying street noise. No manual fiddling required.
- Long-haul travelers — 50 hours of total playtime covers a full transatlantic trip without hunting for an outlet. The case slips easily into a seat-back pocket.
- Remote workers needing focus — If your home office backs onto a busy household, the adaptive system recognizes the ambient profile and ramps up isolation when the kids get loud.
- Podcast and audiobook listeners — Clear midrange reproduction and long battery life make these ideal for extended narrative content. The LDAC mode enhances vocal presence for discerning listeners.
Skip these if: You need multipoint connection to bounce between laptop and phone simultaneously — the Space A40 doesn't support that. And if you're hunting for the absolute apex of ANC performance, Sony's WF-1000XM5 still holds that crown, albeit at nearly double the price.
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Sony WF-1000XM5 — Sony's flagship ANC earbuds still lead the class for noise isolation and call quality. Expect to pay $80-100 more, but you get multipoint and arguably the most refined sound profile in the category.
- Soundcore Space A30 — The predecessor offers solid ANC at a lower price point. If $50-60 is your ceiling, the A30 is still a capable buy — just don't expect the refined fit or LDAC support of the A40.
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — The seamless ecosystem integration and best-in-class transparency mode make these the obvious choice for iPhone users. Android users won't get the full feature set, however.
FAQ
Anker rates the Space A40 at 10 hours per charge with ANC on, extending to 50 hours total with the case. In real-world testing at moderate volumes, we consistently hit 9-10 hours on a single charge. The case adds roughly 4 full recharges.
Final Verdict
The Soundcore Space A40 earns its place as one of the best value propositions in the adaptive noise cancelling category. The 98% noise reduction claim is backed by real-world performance — the system actually adapts without you having to think about it. Battery life is the genuine headline: 10 hours per charge means these won't quit before you do, even on the longest travel days. Comfort is excellent for extended wear, and LDAC support is a welcome bonus for listeners who care about audio fidelity.
They're not perfect. The touch controls take getting used to, the lack of multipoint will frustrate some power users, and LDAC mode drains the battery faster than the marketing suggests. But at this price, those tradeoffs are forgivable. For anyone who wants premium ANC features without the premium price, the Space A40 is the review I'd point friends toward.