Anker Soundcore Space Q45 review: High-end quality, mid-range price
If you care about such things, they also sound great and provide exceptionally effective active noise cancellation. (This is a joke, folks!)
This is part of blogtanist’s comprehensive coverage of noise-cancelling headphones.
1. What does Soundcore Space Q45 look like?
Continuing with the classy sells theme, top-tier headphones have a look and feel that makes you forget how much you paid for them.
Anker is known for its value-for-money offerings, so the fact that its Soundcore Space Q45 noise-cancelling headphone costs only ₹9,000 is a pleasant surprise. Apple, Bose, and Sony would have charged between ₹50,000 and ₹30,000 for them.
The Space Q45 comes with a carrying case and USB-A-to-USB-C charging and 3.5mm analogue audio cables. The plastic insert that orients them is the only slightly unclassy aspect of the entire out-of-the-box experience, but it’s easily forgotten when you feel how luxurious this headphone feels.
The matte plastic portions are much smoother than those found on many headsets. The Space Q45 has a velvety feel to it, with even smoother semi-glossy plastic rings surrounding the cup bases, where the controls are located.
Both the brushed, black metal headband and the ear cups have plenty of padding. Even the padding has a luxurious feel to it. Overall, the Space Q45 is a very tactile experience.
2. What characteristics does the Space Q45 have?
The Power and ANC controls, as well as the USB-C charging port and the dual-function (power/Bluetooth) indicator LED, are located on the left ear cup. The right-hand cup houses the volume up/down and track-forward/back rockers, the play/pause button, and the 3.5mm analogue jack.
The majority of these are multi-function buttons that respond to long and short clicks to control audio and phone calls. Both ear cups have microphones for active noise cancellation and phone calls. These buttons provide tactile feedback in the form of solid clicks. They’re also just the right amount above the surface. When it comes to providing a classy, satisfying experience, such details matter.
The Space 45 features 40mm drivers and a low impedance of just 16 ohms, making it easy to drive with virtually any audio source. Anker claims that the 750mAh battery in the headphone will provide up to 50 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and up to 65 hours with ANC turned off, depending on the codec used. With just a 5-minute charge, you’ll have four hours of play time.
The Space Q45 has a Bluetooth 5.3 radio and supports Sony’s acclaimed LDAC codec for pairing with high-resolution digital audio players. Although AAC and SBC are supported, none of Qualcomm’s aptX codecs are.
3. Pros
- Excellent, well-balanced sound
- Highly effective active noise cancellation
- LDAC codec support
- Handsome industrial design
4. Cons
- ANC minutely diminishes top-end frequencies
- No support for aptX codecs
- Some Bluetooth lag
5. What does the Space Q45 sound and feel like?
The Space Q45 sound excellent — at least in the ballpark of the much more expensive planar magnetic types I’ve been testing recently. The spectrum balance produced particularly impressive. There’s a lot of bass without being overpowering, a healthy dose of sub-bass that’s almost as punchy as a planar magnetic’s, and plenty of top end for most listeners.
If I had to criticise anything, it would be that the midrange could be a little punchier or more defined.
critiquing the sound with active noise cancellation turned off. When I turned it on, I noticed a slight decrease in high-end frequency response. The sound was still excellent, but I was aware of the shortcoming when it occurred. You probably won’t if you’re on a plane or in another noisy environment.
Speaking of active noise cancellation, I’ve found the Space Q45’s to be among the most effective I’ve heard. I enabled it right next to a TV, and the volume drop was dramatic. Normally, there is much more ambient bleed. Excellent work, Anker.
Comfort was excellent. The ear pads are firm, so my ears never touched the speaker grills (one of my common complaints), but not so firm they mashed the area surrounding my auricles. The tension on the headband was just right for me. Your experience will of course vary depending on the size of your head.
Our Verdict
We love the sound, styling, and feel of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 headphone. It’s a top-shelf experience with extremely effective active noise cancellation that’s affordably priced.