Explore the Soundcore Space A40 Noise Cancelling Earbuds Review: Are They Worth It?

Description

Design & Build Quality

The first thing that strikes me about these Soundcore Space A40 earbuds is their compact design. The charging case feels solid in the hand, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and gives off a premium vibe. The earbuds themselves are lightweight, barely noticeable when worn, and the rounded tip design ensures they sit snugly in the ear. I’ve used them during both my morning commute and while lying in bed, and they’ve never felt bulky. The white color adds a clean aesthetic, though I did find myself occasionally worrying about potential smudges.

The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes makes a big difference. I tried several options before settling on the medium size, which gave me a comfortable fit. While the design is versatile for most users, someone with unusually shaped ears might struggle to find the perfect fit. My coworker, for instance, borrowed them and found them a bit loose despite trying the smaller tips.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The active noise cancellation (ANC) on these earbuds is surprisingly effective given the price range. While they claim to reduce noise by up to 98%, in my experience, it felt closer to muting most background hums — like the buzz of my office air conditioner or the chatter of coworkers. During a flight, the ANC performed well enough to drown out most engine noise, making these a great travel companion.

On the flip side, I found the ambient mode to be quite handy when walking through busy streets. Switching modes via the app or touch controls was seamless, though the responsiveness could be slightly delayed at times. My partner noted the same thing when testing them at home, where switching between modes took an extra second or two.

Sound Quality & Performance

The sound quality is where these earbuds truly shine. Thanks to the double-layer diaphragm drivers, I found the bass to be punchy without overpowering the crisp mids and clear highs. Whether I was listening to classical music, podcasts, or bass-heavy tracks, the audio detail remained consistent. I even tested the LDAC mode for Hi-Res Audio, and although the difference was subtle, it was noticeable with higher-quality tracks.

I did tweak the equalizer settings through the Soundcore app, which offers plenty of customization options. The default sound profile is great for general use, but if you’re like me and prefer a bit more bass, the BassUp mode is a game-changer. On the downside, the app occasionally disconnected from the earbuds, which was mildly annoying.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is always a make-or-break factor for me with earbuds. I’ve worn these for up to six hours straight, and they’ve remained comfortable throughout. The ergonomic shape really does make a difference. Even during workouts, they stayed secure and didn’t require constant adjustments. My friend, who regularly jogs, borrowed them and reported similar results — no slippage even during high-intensity runs.

However, after extended use, I did feel a slight pressure build-up in my ears, especially when the ANC was toggled on. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re planning on wearing them for marathon music sessions.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life on these earbuds is stellar. A single charge delivered about 10 hours of playback, and the charging case added another 40 hours, giving a total of 50 hours of use. I’ve gone nearly a week without needing to charge the case. The fast-charging feature is another highlight; a quick 10-minute charge gave me nearly 4 hours of listening, which came in handy during a rushed morning.

Wireless charging is a welcome addition for someone like me who’s always misplacing cables. The USB-C option is there too, which adds flexibility. However, the charging case’s lid feels a tad fragile, and I found myself being extra cautious when opening and closing it.

Durability & Water Resistance

With an IPX4 water resistance rating, these earbuds are sweat-resistant and can handle light rain. I’ve used them during gym sessions, and they held up perfectly against sweat. That said, I wouldn’t recommend wearing them in heavy downpours or while showering.

Durability-wise, I accidentally dropped the case from waist height onto a tiled floor, and both the case and earbuds survived without a scratch. It’s a relief to see build quality that can handle minor accidents.

Warranty

The earbuds come with a standard warranty, and Soundcore’s customer support has a decent reputation. While I haven’t needed to use the warranty, knowing it’s there provides peace of mind. My colleague had an issue with a different Soundcore product in the past, and the replacement process was smooth and hassle-free.

Advantages

• Impressive sound quality with customizable EQ settings.
• Effective noise cancellation and ambient modes.
• Long battery life with fast charging and wireless charging options.
• Comfortable and secure fit for extended wear.
• Durable build with decent water resistance.

Areas for Improvement

• The Soundcore app occasionally disconnects.
• Slight delay when switching between noise cancellation modes.
• Charging case lid feels somewhat flimsy.
• Fit might not suit all ear shapes despite the multiple tip sizes.

Competing Products

When comparing these earbuds to others in the market, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro, a few differences stand out. The Sony earbuds excel in noise cancellation and sound quality but come at a significantly higher price point. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, integrate seamlessly with Apple devices and have slightly better ANC but fall short in terms of battery life.

For those on a budget, the Soundcore Space A40 offers tremendous value. The sound quality and battery life alone make them a strong contender against pricier options. However, if you prioritize ANC above all else, the Sony or Apple alternatives might be worth the splurge.

Bang for the Buck

Considering the features, the Soundcore Space A40 delivers excellent value for its price. The combination of Hi-Res sound, effective ANC, and long battery life makes these earbuds a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. While there are minor flaws, they’re easy to overlook given the overall performance. If you’re someone who wants solid noise-canceling earbuds without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic pick.

Additional information