Anker Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Noise-Canceling Review

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 delivers stunning sound and features for its $120 price, punching way above its weight. Its ANC is great for the money, and the 50-hour battery is a beast. If you want premium performance on a budget, this is the one to get.

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is a classic case of punching way above its weight class. For around $120, you're getting features and performance that usually cost twice as much, like LDAC support for high-res audio and multi-device connectivity that just works. It's built for the daily grind, with a claimed 50 hours of battery and a foldable design that's easy to toss in a bag.

Anker says its adaptive noise canceling can cut out up to 98% of unwanted sound. That's a bold claim, and while our data shows the ANC is very good, it's not quite at the absolute top tier. Still, for commutes, travel, or just drowning out the office, it's more than capable. The real story here is the value proposition.

Let's talk numbers. The Q45 scores in the 93rd percentile for sound quality in our database, which is seriously impressive for this price. The 40mm drivers deliver that intense bass Anker promises, but the treble stays crisp without getting harsh. The ANC lands in the 78th percentile—it's excellent at handling constant low-end rumble like plane engines, but might let in a bit more chatter than the very best. The mic quality is a high point too, scoring in the 90th percentile for clear calls, though a few users note it can pick up some room echo.

At $120, the value is frankly ridiculous. You're getting sound and connectivity features that compete with headphones costing $200-$300. The 50-hour battery with ANC on is a legit all-week charge, and the 5-minute quick charge for 4 hours of play is a lifesaver. The only real compromise is in the build materials, which feel a bit less premium than the price suggests. But if you care more about what's coming out of the drivers than what they're made of, this is one of the best deals going.

Stacked up, the Q45 makes the $400 Sony WH-1000XM6 look overposed for anyone but ANC purists. The Sony's noise canceling is better, but the Q45's sound quality is shockingly close. Against the JBL Tune 770NC, the Q45 wins on battery life, codec support, and call quality. The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus is a closer call, often trading blows on sound, but the Q45's LDAC support gives it an edge for high-res streaming. The Apple AirPods Max? Don't even compare them unless you're fully bought into the Apple ecosystem and have a much bigger budget.

Skip these if you absolutely need the absolute best noise canceling on the market and money is no object. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is still the ANC king. Also, if you're rough on your gear and need a tank-like metal build, the more plasticky Q45 might not feel durable enough for you.

Buy the Space Q45 if you want near-top-tier sound and features without the top-tier price tag. It's perfect for commuters, students, or anyone who needs a reliable, all-day wireless workhorse with great noise canceling. You're getting about 90% of the experience of headphones twice the cost, and that last 10% is easy to ignore when you check your bank account.