The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 is a pair of noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds from Anker’s audio sub-brand Soundcore, positioned in the budget end of the ANC earbud category. Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation reduces ambient noise by up to 98% and automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. Battery life reaches up to 10 hours per charge on the earbuds plus another 40 hours in the case. LDAC codec support and wireless case charging come standard, along with multipoint Bluetooth.
Budget earbuds that offer satisfying sound and connectivity
Adaptive ANC is the standout feature of the Space A40 in the sub-$100 earbud category. The Space A40 uses six microphones to detect ambient noise and adjust cancellation automatically, so a commute switches modes from a train platform to a train car to a walk down the sidewalk. Manual ANC strength adjustment in the app also lets you lock the setting for consistent behavior when the automatic mode over- or under-adjusts. Transparency Mode also comes standard for hearing outside sound while music plays.
Sound quality comes from Soundcore’s proprietary double-layer diaphragm drivers, which are tuned for a balanced signature that carries some bass presence while keeping mids and highs clear. The Soundcore app offers 22 EQ presets and a custom EQ for tweaking the sound to your preference. HearID Sound 2.0 also takes you through a hearing test in the app that generates a personalized EQ profile based on how well you hear different frequencies. LDAC codec support brings hi-res audio playback on Android devices.
Battery life on the earbuds reaches 10 hours of playback per charge, or roughly 8 hours with ANC on continuously. The case adds another 40 hours of standby power for a total of 50 hours before you need to plug it in. A 10-minute quick charge through the USB-C port on the case also delivers 4 hours of playback if you’re low on battery. Wireless charging on any Qi pad also works for topping off the case.
Fit on the Space A40 comes from an oval-shaped ergonomic housing that rests in the concha rather than protruding outward. Silicone ear tips in five sizes from XS to XL come in the box for finding the right seal. IPX4 water resistance blocks sweat, rain, and splashes for workouts or light rain. Bluetooth 5.2 supports multipoint pairing to two devices simultaneously, useful for switching between laptop and phone. The six-microphone system with AI algorithms cleans up voice pickup during calls.
Soundcore released the Space A40 in 2022 as one of the first budget-priced earbuds with LDAC support, multipoint Bluetooth, and adaptive ANC in the same package. At $49, down from $80, the price cuts the retail price by $31 for a mid-range earbud with flagship features.