Anker Soundcore Space One Review

When it comes to wireless headphones, the Anker Soundcore Space One Wireless stands out as an intriguing option. After testing SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ headphones, I recently had another chance to put these headphones to the test, and my experience has been quite revealing. From the moment I unpacked them, I noticed their sleek design and the variety of colors they come in, adding a touch of style to the overall aesthetic. But aesthetics are just the beginning. I was eager to see how they would perform in real-world scenarios, from daily commutes to binge-watching my favorite shows.

With a focus on comfort, sound quality, and features like active noise cancelling, I dove into various settings to truly gauge their performance. Would they hold up in noisy environments? How about during long listening sessions? Join me as I explore the ins and outs of this Anker Wireless noise cancelling headphones, sharing my insights and impressions from hands-on use.

Design and Aesthetics

The Anker Space One headphones present a sleek and modern design with subtle differences from their sibling, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. One of the standout design features is the yoke, which elegantly extends around the ear cup's protrusion, rather than simply ending at it. This creates a seamless, stylish look.

The soft metallic blue finish on the yoke adds a premium touch, particularly in contrast to the more standard black seen on many headphones. The logo is placed subtly on the ear cup's protrusion, while the name of the headphone is printed on the yoke, offering a nice balance of branding without feeling overwhelming.

In terms of color options, these headphones come in three different shades—Jet Black, Sky Blue, and Latte Cream—providing variety for users who prefer something other than the classic black look.

The controls on the Anker soundcore space one anc headphones are well thought out and easy to use. The physical buttons have a great tactile response, making them satisfying to press. The '-' button even features an embossed design, so it’s easy to tell it apart from the '+' button without looking. Additionally, there’s an audible click when pressing the buttons, along with voice prompts for power, Bluetooth connection, and ANC. However, it’s worth noting that there are no alerts when you reach the maximum or minimum volume, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.

On the left ear cup, you have a power button that doubles as a Bluetooth pairing mode button when held longer. There's also an NC button to cycle between ANC, talk-through mode, and normal mode, all of which can be customized via the companion app. You can even assign the 'BassUp' feature to this button for extra bass boost, if desired.

The right ear cup houses your play/pause button, which also handles call control, voice assistant activation, and muting the mic. The volume rocker is intuitive, allowing easy control of volume as well as track navigation with double presses.

Materials and Build Quality

The Anker Space One headphones impress with their build quality, especially considering their more affordable price point compared to higher-end models like the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. They maintain a similar aesthetic with a combination of plastic and faux leather materials, which gives them a polished look that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy.

However, while the overall construction is solid, there are some areas for improvement. The ear cup padding, while comfortable initially, is somewhat shallow. This can lead to inconsistent isolation around your ears, which might be noticeable during longer listening sessions or in noisy environments. A deeper padding would have enhanced comfort and sound isolation, making for a better overall experience.

Another point to consider is the hinges. While they feel snappy and functional out of the box, there is a concern about their long-term durability. Over time, repeated folding and unfolding could lead to wear and potential degradation of this component. It’s something to keep in mind if you plan to store or transport the headphones frequently.

The Anker soundcore Space One noise cancelling headphones strike a good balance between affordability and quality. They have a decent build that should hold up well for regular use, but with some minor drawbacks regarding padding depth and hinge durability that users should be aware of.

Durability and Portability

The durability and portability of the Anker Space One headphones leave room for improvement, particularly when compared to other models in the Anker lineup, like the Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. The carrying case provided with these headphones is a soft cloth pouch. While it features a microfiber interior that protects against dust and scratches, it doesn’t offer much in the way of impact protection. If you’re someone who often travels or throws your headphones into a bag, this pouch may not give you the peace of mind you’d hope for.

In terms of size, the soundcore by Anker space one active noise cancelling headphones are a bit bulky unlike Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2. Their ear cups do swivel inwards, which is a nice touch for storage like Audio-Technica ATH-ANC700BT and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. However, they don’t fold flat, making them less convenient to pack away compared to more portable options. When you’re trying to fit them into your bag, you might find it a bit tricky due to their overall size and shape.

With dimensions of 6.1" in length, 6.9" in width, and 3.3" in height, the headphones take up a considerable amount of space. This means they may not fit comfortably in smaller bags or backpacks. If you’re planning to carry them around often, be prepared for the added bulk.

While the Anker Space One headphones offer decent protection from dust and scratches through their carrying pouch, they lack the durability and portability features that would make them more travel-friendly. If you prioritize portability or require a more protective case, you may want to consider alternative options.

Comfort and Fit

The Soundcore Anker space one wireless headphones offer a decent level of comfort, though they fall short compared to their siblings, like the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and the Anker Soundcore Life Q30. Weighing in at just 0.58 lbs, they’re lightweight, which is a plus for extended listening sessions. However, the comfort level is impacted by the ear cup padding, which, while soft, is somewhat shallow. This shallow padding affects how well they create a seal around your ears, leading to potential sound leakage and a less immersive experience.

Another notable issue is the asymmetry in ear cup depth. The left ear cup features a visual sensor designed to detect when the headphones are on your head, but it’s deeper than the right ear cup, which is noticeably shallower. This imbalance means your ear may rub against the interior mesh of the right driver, which can be uncomfortable during prolonged use.

Fortunately, the clamping force of the headphones is gentle enough that they don’t exert too much pressure on your head. This means you won’t experience pain or discomfort from tight clamping, but it does mean that they aren’t the most secure fit for more active uses. While they sit comfortably when you’re at your desk or relaxing at home, they aren’t the best choice for vigorous activities like running or working out at the gym. The lack of a tight fit can lead to them shifting or even falling off during more intense movement.

If you're searching the best comfort headphones, I recommend to check Sony WH-1000XM5 or AKG Pro Audio K361BT.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Anker soundcore space one headphones presents a mixed bag, primarily defined by their V-shaped sound profile when using the 'Soundcore Signature' EQ preset. This profile emphasizes bass, delivering rumbly and boomy lows that can be quite enjoyable, especially for genres like EDM or hip-hop. The bass hits hard and provides a satisfying thump, making your favorite tracks come alive.

However, this focus on bass comes at a cost. The mid-range sounds recessed, leaving vocals and instruments feeling somewhat veiled and thin. If you enjoy clear, pronounced vocals, you might find them lacking. On the brighter side, sibilants like cymbals cut through the mix nicely, thanks to the elevated treble. This brightness can help add some sparkle to your listening experience, though it might not be enough to compensate for the mid-range deficiencies.

If the default sound isn’t to your liking, the companion app offers a handy graphic EQ and various presets to tailor the audio to your preferences. The 'Flat' EQ preset provides a slightly toned-down bass response and a touch less treble, but the change isn't drastic. For those who want a more personalized listening experience, the app includes a HearID feature. This feature evaluates your unique hearing abilities by playing tones at different volumes, allowing you to create a custom EQ that matches your auditory preferences.

In our sound tests, we assessed the performance with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) both on and off. When ANC is turned off, the bass thump and rumble diminish slightly, and the vocals and instruments can sound even thinner. However, the treble range remains relatively unchanged, which is a small comfort for those who appreciate brighter highs.

One notable point is the headphones' frequency response consistency, which is just okay. The shallow ear cup padding impacts their ability to create a solid seal around your ears, leading to potential inconsistencies in audio delivery. If you wear glasses or have thick hair, you may notice a significant drop in bass response. To get the best sound quality, it’s essential to spend a bit of time adjusting the fit and positioning every time you put them on.

Despite these issues, the Anker Space One excels in bass accuracy like Technics RP-DJ1200 and Sennheiser HD 560S. While the bass is somewhat overemphasized, it adds an enjoyable punch without overwhelming other frequencies. However, you may find that the overall sound lacks a bit of warmth, which could round out the listening experience.

The Anker soundcore space one delivers an engaging listening experience, particularly for bass lovers. Yet, their recessed mids and occasional inconsistencies may leave some audiophiles wanting more. With the customization options available through the app, you have the tools to tweak the sound to your liking, making it possible to create a more balanced audio profile.

Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The noise-cancelling performance of the Anker soundcore space one is decent, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of their higher-end counterpart, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Featuring an adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) system, these headphones adjust their noise isolation capabilities based on your surroundings. This means they work well in a variety of environments, from busy offices to bustling cafes unlike Beats Solo3 and Beats Studio Pro.

In practice, the ANC does a commendable job of reducing ambient chatter, making it easier to focus in noisy settings. You’ll appreciate how effectively it diminishes the hum of air conditioning units and conversations around you. However, when it comes to blocking out low-frequency sounds, like the rumbling of bus and plane engines, the performance falls a bit short. If you're a frequent traveler or someone who often commutes, you might find this limitation disappointing.

One notable aspect of the ANC system is its adaptability. The longer you expose the headphones to consistent noise, the better they adapt, albeit slightly. This gradual improvement can be helpful for prolonged use, but don’t expect a drastic change. If you prefer more control over your noise-cancelling experience, the companion app offers five different ANC modes to choose from.

The app allows you to experiment with these modes to find the one that suits your needs best. Level five is recommended for overall optimal performance, while levels one and two are better for minimizing low-bass noise and high-pitched sounds. This flexibility is a great feature, giving you options based on your environment.

The Anker Space One Wireless headphones provide good noise isolation, particularly for mid-range sounds. While they may struggle a bit with low-frequency rumbles, the ability to adjust ANC settings via the app allows you to customize your listening experience. Whether you're in a loud office or just need to tune out the world around you, these headphones can help create a more peaceful listening environment.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Anker soundcore space one is impressive and one of their standout features. They are designed for long listening sessions, boasting a rechargeable battery that lasts about 34.25 hours with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) enabled. While the manufacturer claims you can get up to 40 hours with ANC on like Jabra Elite 45h and JBL Tune 770NC, my tests revealed slightly lower figures. Still, this is more than enough for daily use, whether you’re commuting, working, or just enjoying some downtime with your favorite music or podcasts.

If you decide to turn off the ANC, the battery performance can stretch even further. Anker states that you can enjoy up to 55 hours of playback time in this mode. This flexibility is fantastic for those who want to maximize their listening time without frequent recharging.

Charging the headphones is quick and convenient, taking only 1.5 hours to reach a full charge. The headphones utilize a USB-C charging port, which is great because it's becoming the standard for many devices. If you find yourself in a pinch, a quick five-minute charge can provide up to four hours of playback. This is perfect for those last-minute dashes out the door or when you realize you forgot to charge them overnight.

Anker also built in some smart features to help manage battery life effectively. The auto-off timer and standby mode are useful if you occasionally forget to turn off your headphones. These features kick in to conserve battery when the headphones are not in use, ensuring they’re ready when you are without wasting precious power.

The Anker soundcore space one headphones offer excellent battery performance that meets the needs of most users. With a robust battery life, quick charging capabilities, and power-saving features, they are well-suited for both casual listeners and those who need reliable performance throughout their busy days.

Connectivity and Usability

The connectivity and usability of the Anker Space One headphones stand out as impressive features, making them user-friendly and versatile. These headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 unlike Sony WH-1000XM4, ensuring a stable and reliable wireless connection. You can connect them to two devices at the same time, which is a fantastic convenience. For example, you can easily switch between your smartphone and laptop without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.

The Anker Soundcore app adds a layer of customization that enhances usability. Available on both iOS and Android, this app allows you to toggle between different ANC settings, including adaptive noise cancelling and five additional modes. You also get access to a graphic equalizer and a personalized EQ option, which adjusts based on your hearing profile. With 22 EQ presets, you can fine-tune your listening experience according to your music genre or personal preference.

While the headphones don’t support NFC pairing, the Bluetooth range is impressive, with a line-of-sight distance of up to 334.65 feet (102 meters). This means you can move around freely without losing your connection, which is great for multitasking or moving about your home or office.

When it comes to latency, the Anker Space One headphones perform quite well on iOS devices, with a low latency of around 109 ms. However, on PC and Android, the latency increases to 275 ms for SBC codecs, which can cause audio to fall out of sync when watching videos. This is something to consider if you plan to use the headphones primarily for streaming content. Fortunately, some applications do offer compensation for this lag, which can mitigate the issue.

For those who prefer a wired connection, the headphones come with a 1/8" TRS cable for analog audio. This is a handy feature, especially if the battery runs low. You can still enjoy ANC while using the wired connection, making them versatile for different listening environments. However, it’s worth noting that the USB-A to USB-C cable provided is only for charging, so it won't transmit audio.

the connectivity and usability of the Anker Space One headphones are designed to cater to modern users. With great wireless features, app control for sound customization, and options for wired listening, these headphones provide a seamless experience whether you’re at home or on the go.

Mic Performance and Call Quality

The microphone and call quality of the Anker Soundcore Space One headphones present a mixed bag of performance. While the integrated microphone is convenient, its recording quality leaves something to be desired. In real-life usage, your voice tends to come across as thin and slightly robotic, which may not provide the most natural sound for phone calls. However, it remains clear enough for the other person to understand you, which is a plus.

One notable feature is the microphone’s noise gate, which is always on. This design helps reduce background noise during calls, making it easier for the person on the other end to hear you. In quieter environments, such as your home or office, the mic does a decent job of capturing your voice. However, if you're in a louder setting—like a busy street or a crowded café—you might run into some issues.

The microphone tends to struggle in these situations. Loud noises can overwhelm the mic, causing it to cut off your voice entirely. This is likely due to a compensation algorithm that kicks in when it detects high volumes or an absence of voices within the normal vocal range.

In controlled environments with moderate sound, the microphone can manage to filter out background noise fairly well. However, your voice may still sound a bit muffled. For instance, if you’re in a setting with consistent ambient sound, your voice can come through clearly, but it might lack the richness and clarity you'd hope for.

When taking calls in busier locations, the mic’s performance may frustrate you. It prioritizes the call quality by eliminating background noise, but this can sometimes result in your voice being rendered inaudible as well. This balancing act of minimizing distractions while ensuring clarity can sometimes tilt too far in favor of noise cancellation.

While the Anker soundcore space one wireless headphones have a functional microphone, the call quality can be hit or miss, particularly in noisy environments. They’re best suited for quieter settings where you can communicate without competing with background noise.

Gaming Performance

When it comes to gaming performance, the Anker Soundcore Space One Wireless headphones perform decently but aren’t specifically built for gaming. One of the main challenges is the slight latency due to Bluetooth connectivity. While Bluetooth 5.3 helps reduce some of the delay, there is still noticeable lag in fast-paced games like first-person shooters. For casual or single-player games, this isn't a major issue, but in competitive multiplayer, it could affect your reaction times.

In terms of audio quality, the 40mm drivers deliver solid sound for gaming environments. Explosions, sound effects, and in-game ambient noise are well-represented with rich bass and clear mids. However, the soundstage isn't as wide or immersive as you might find in gaming headsets specifically designed for spatial awareness. Directional audio is present but lacks the precision necessary for pinpointing exact enemy locations in competitive games.

The built-in microphones work for basic voice chat during gameplay, but they’re not at the same level as dedicated gaming headsets with boom mics. Your voice might sound slightly distant or muffled, and noise isolation isn't as effective as with some gaming alternatives.

Final Verdict

After spending some time with the Anker Soundcore Space One Wireless, I’m genuinely impressed by what it offers at its price point. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is more effective than I expected, cutting out a significant amount of background noise whether I was at home, in a busy café, or even outdoors. While it’s not on par with higher-end brands like Bose or Sony, for the price, it does a fantastic job.

The sound quality is where this headset really shines. The bass is punchy without being overpowering, and the mids and highs come through clearly, making it suitable for a variety of music genres. I tested it with everything from podcasts to EDM tracks, and the overall balance felt just right. The 40mm drivers definitely make a noticeable difference.

Comfort-wise, I wore them for a couple of hours straight, and they remained comfortable with no major pressure points. The ear cushions are soft, and the headband feels sturdy without weighing too much on my head.

Battery life is another strong suit. After charging it once, I easily got through a week of moderate use before needing to recharge. The claimed 40 hours with ANC on and 55 hours without is pretty accurate based on my experience.

The only downside I noticed is that the ANC slightly affects the audio quality when turned on, but it’s not a deal-breaker, especially for everyday use. Also, the touch controls can be a bit finicky, but once you get used to them, they work well enough.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable pair of wireless headphones with solid ANC, good sound, and long battery life at a reasonable price, the Anker Soundcore Space One is worth considering. It might not compete with the top-tier options, but for most people, it delivers an excellent balance between performance and value.