Soundcore Space One Review: Is It a Waste of Money?

The Soundcore Space One headphones have taken the budget headphone market by storm, offering premium features at an affordable price point.

These wireless noise cancelling headphones promise to deliver exceptional audio quality without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive review, we explore everything you need to know about the Soundcore Space One.

Key Takeaways:

• Premium Noise Cancellation at Budget Price: The Soundcore Space One reduces ambient noise by up to 98% using adaptive ANC technology. This feature automatically adjusts to your environment, making it perfect for flights, commutes, or busy offices.
• Exceptional Battery Performance: Get 40 hours of playtime with ANC turned on and an incredible 55 hours with ANC off. Just five minutes of charging gives you four hours of listening time, ensuring you’re never caught without music.
• Superior Sound Quality: These headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers with Hi-Res Audio certification and LDAC codec support. You’ll experience detailed highs, balanced mids, and rich bass that brings your music to life.
• Enhanced Call Quality: The dual microphone system uses AI-powered voice enhancement to filter background noise. Your calls sound crystal clear even in noisy environments like cafes or busy streets.
• Comfortable All-Day Wear: Memory foam ear cushions and an ergonomic headband design ensure comfort during extended listening sessions. The lightweight construction won’t cause fatigue even after hours of use.
• App Control and Customization: The Soundcore app lets you customize EQ settings, control ANC levels, and update firmware. You have complete control over your listening experience right from your smartphone.

Soundcore Space One

The Soundcore Space One represents exceptional value in the crowded noise cancelling headphone market. Priced at around $99, these headphones punch well above their weight class. Many users compare them favorably to headphones costing three times as much.

These headphones deliver a premium listening experience without demanding a premium price tag. The build quality feels solid and durable despite the affordable price. You get metal hinges, quality plastics, and a sturdy construction that can handle daily use.

The adaptive noise cancellation technology stands out as the star feature. It automatically detects your environment and adjusts the ANC strength accordingly. Whether you’re on a plane, in an office, or walking down a busy street, the Space One adapts to block unwanted noise effectively.

Sound quality impresses with its balanced audio signature. The 40mm drivers deliver clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass without overwhelming the overall sound. Vocals sound natural and instruments remain distinct even in complex musical passages. The LDAC codec support ensures high-quality wireless audio transmission for compatible devices.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the Soundcore Space One package reveals a well-organized presentation. The headphones sit securely in a molded compartment that protects them during shipping. Everything feels thoughtfully arranged and easy to access.

Inside the box, you find the headphones, a hard-shell carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable. The inclusion of both cables shows Soundcore’s attention to user needs. The carrying case feels durable and provides excellent protection for travel.

The headphones themselves feel surprisingly premium for the price point. The matte finish resists fingerprints and looks sophisticated. The metal hinges inspire confidence in long-term durability. Weight distribution feels balanced when you first pick them up.

Design and Build Quality

The Soundcore Space One headphones sport a modern, minimalist design that looks professional in any setting. The clean lines and understated branding appeal to users who prefer subtlety over flashy aesthetics. Available in black, white, and cream colors, you can choose a finish that matches your style.

Material selection balances durability and weight effectively. The ear cups use quality plastics that feel solid without adding unnecessary heft. Metal reinforcements in critical areas like the hinges ensure longevity. The overall construction feels robust enough to withstand daily commuting.

The adjustable headband extends smoothly to accommodate different head sizes. Clear size markings help you find your perfect fit quickly. The adjustment mechanism locks securely, preventing accidental changes during use. The headband padding distributes pressure evenly across the top of your head.

Button placement follows an intuitive layout on the right ear cup. You’ll find the power button, volume controls, and ANC toggle within easy reach. Each button has a distinct shape, allowing you to identify controls by touch alone. The tactile feedback confirms each press clearly.

Comfort and Fit

Wearing comfort ranks among the strongest features of the Soundcore Space One. The memory foam ear cushions create a gentle seal without causing pressure points. The soft protein leather covering feels pleasant against your skin. Even after several hours of continuous wear, discomfort remains minimal.

The ear cup size accommodates most ear shapes comfortably. The oval-shaped cups provide adequate depth, preventing your ears from touching the drivers. The interior space allows for natural ear positioning without compression. This design reduces the fatigue common with smaller ear cups.

Clamping force strikes an ideal balance between secure fit and comfort. The headphones stay firmly in place during head movements without squeezing too tightly. This moderate clamping pressure works well for extended listening sessions. You won’t experience the headache-inducing pressure some headphones create.

Weight distribution feels remarkably balanced during wear. The headphones weigh approximately 250 grams, which sits comfortably in the lightweight category. The weight distributes evenly between the ear cups and headband, preventing neck strain. Most users forget they’re wearing headphones after a few minutes.

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Sound Quality and Audio Performance

The Soundcore Space One delivers surprisingly refined audio for its price bracket. The 40mm dynamic drivers produce a balanced sound signature that suits most music genres. Bass response provides impact without muddying the midrange frequencies. Electronic and hip-hop tracks benefit from the controlled low-end punch.

Midrange clarity stands out as a particular strength. Vocals sound natural and present without artificial enhancement. Instruments maintain their distinct character in busy mixes. Acoustic music reveals impressive detail that rivals more expensive headphones. The separation between different elements remains clear even in complex passages.

High frequencies extend smoothly without harshness. Cymbals and hi-hats sparkle naturally without causing listening fatigue. The treble response avoids the brittle quality common in budget headphones. Detail retrieval in the upper frequencies impresses during classical and jazz listening.

Soundstage presentation creates a reasonably spacious listening experience. While not matching open-back headphones, the Space One provides decent width and depth. Instrument placement feels defined within the stereo field. Gaming and movie watching benefit from this spatial quality.

Noise Cancellation Performance

The adaptive ANC system represents the Space One’s most impressive technical achievement. The headphones use multiple microphones to monitor ambient noise continuously. The system automatically adjusts the ANC strength based on your environment. This intelligent approach delivers optimal noise cancellation in various situations.

Low-frequency noise like airplane engines gets blocked exceptionally well. The Space One performs admirably during flights, reducing droning sounds to barely noticeable levels. Bus and train commutes become more peaceful with the ANC engaged. Traffic noise fades into the background effectively.

Mid-range sounds like conversations and office chatter receive significant reduction. While not completely eliminated, voices become much less distracting. The ANC makes it easier to focus on work or entertainment in busy environments. Coffee shop noise becomes manageable rather than overwhelming.

Transparency mode allows ambient sound when needed. The five-level transparency control lets you fine-tune how much outside noise you want to hear. This feature proves useful when crossing streets or conversing without removing the headphones. The microphones capture external sounds clearly without distortion.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance exceeds expectations with an industry-leading 40 hours of ANC playback. This endurance outlasts most competitors in any price range. You can use these headphones for an entire work week without needing to recharge. The battery indicator provides clear feedback on remaining power.

With ANC disabled, battery life extends to an astounding 55 hours. This makes the Space One ideal for long trips where charging opportunities are limited. The extended playtime reduces anxiety about running out of power during critical moments.

Fast charging delivers impressive results in minimal time. Just five minutes of charging provides four hours of listening time. This feature proves invaluable when you forget to charge overnight. A full charge takes approximately two hours using the included USB-C cable.

Connectivity and Bluetooth Performance

The Soundcore Space One uses Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. This latest version provides improved stability and range compared to older standards. Connection drops remain rare even in crowded wireless environments. The technology ensures reliable performance in busy urban areas.

Pairing process happens quickly and intuitively. First-time setup takes just seconds using your device’s Bluetooth menu. The headphones remember up to eight paired devices for easy switching. Voice prompts guide you through the pairing process clearly.

Wireless range extends to approximately 50 feet in open spaces. The connection remains stable even when moving between rooms. Obstacles like walls reduce range somewhat, but performance stays solid in typical home environments. The connection rarely drops during normal use.

Microphone Quality and Call Performance

The dual microphone system delivers impressive call quality for budget headphones. Your voice comes through clearly to the other party during phone calls. The microphones capture natural vocal tone without sounding processed or distant. Conference calls and video meetings work well with these headphones.

AI-powered noise reduction filters background sounds effectively during calls. Ambient noise like traffic, keyboard typing, and general office sounds get suppressed. Your voice remains prominent while distractions fade into the background. This technology makes the Space One suitable for professional use.

Wind noise handling during outdoor calls performs admirably. The microphones manage to filter wind sounds while preserving voice clarity. Outdoor conversations remain intelligible even on moderately windy days. This capability proves useful for those who take calls while walking.

App Features and Customization

The Soundcore companion app enhances functionality significantly. Available for both iOS and Android, the app provides extensive control over headphone settings. The interface design feels intuitive and responds quickly to inputs. Regular updates add new features and improvements over time.

EQ customization offers detailed control over sound signature. The app includes several preset EQ curves for different music genres. Custom EQ creation allows you to fine-tune frequencies to your preference. Changes take effect immediately, letting you hear adjustments in real-time. The custom settings save to the headphones, working even when the app isn’t running.

ANC mode control provides adjustment between different noise cancellation levels. You can switch between maximum ANC, transparency mode, and normal mode. The five-level transparency adjustment lets you fine-tune ambient sound awareness. Custom presets can be created for different environments.

Value Proposition and Price Comparison

At the $99 price point, the Soundcore Space One offers extraordinary value. The combination of features typically costs twice as much from other brands. You get adaptive ANC, long battery life, good sound quality, and solid build quality. Few competitors match this feature set at this price.

Comparing to premium brands reveals significant savings. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 costs over $300, triple the Space One’s price. While the Sony offers better overall performance, the difference doesn’t justify the price gap for many users. The Space One delivers 80% of the performance at 33% of the cost.

Against direct competitors in the budget segment, the Space One holds advantages. The battery life exceeds most alternatives significantly. The ANC performance matches or beats similarly priced options. Build quality feels more premium than many budget alternatives.

Pros and Cons

The Strongest Advantages: The Soundcore Space One excels in several key areas that matter to users. Battery life leads the category with 40 hours of ANC playback. The adaptive noise cancellation performs exceptionally well for the price. Comfort remains excellent during extended wear sessions. Sound quality delivers a balanced signature that suits most music genres.

Build quality impresses with solid construction and quality materials. The foldable design adds portability without compromising durability. LDAC codec support enables high-resolution wireless audio. The companion app provides extensive customization options. Fast charging delivers hours of playback from minutes of charging.

Notable Weaknesses deserve consideration before purchase. The headphones lack wear detection sensors for automatic pause. Some users find the ANC slightly less effective than flagship models. The bass response may feel underwhelming to bassheads. Gaming latency remains higher than wired alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Soundcore Space One compare to more expensive headphones

The Soundcore Space One delivers impressive performance that challenges headphones costing two or three times more. While premium models from Sony, Bose, and Apple offer slightly better ANC and audio quality, the differences feel smaller than price gaps suggest.

The Space One provides 70-80% of flagship performance at 30% of the cost. For most users, this performance level meets their needs perfectly. The battery life actually exceeds many premium models, offering practical advantages. Build quality feels solid enough for daily use, though premium models use more luxurious materials. The Space One represents the sweet spot between performance and value.

Can you use the Soundcore Space One for gaming

The Soundcore Space One works for casual gaming but has limitations. Bluetooth latency creates noticeable delays in competitive gaming scenarios. This lag affects timing in rhythm games and fast-paced shooters. Using the included audio cable eliminates latency completely. The wired connection provides zero-lag audio suitable for serious gaming.

Sound quality works well for gaming with good positional audio. The balanced sound signature lets you hear footsteps and environmental cues clearly. The microphone quality suffices for casual team communication. However, dedicated gaming headsets offer features specifically designed for gaming like virtual surround sound.

How comfortable are the Space One headphones for extended wear

The Soundcore Space One ranks among the most comfortable options in its price range. Memory foam ear cushions provide gentle cushioning without creating pressure points. The clamping force balances security with comfort effectively. Most users report wearing them for 3-4 hours without discomfort.

The lightweight design prevents neck strain during extended sessions. The breathable ear cup design minimizes heat buildup. Some users with larger ears find the cups slightly small. Taking occasional breaks helps maintain comfort during marathon listening sessions. Overall, comfort exceeds expectations for budget headphones.

What is the effective range of the Bluetooth connection

The Soundcore Space One achieves approximately 50 feet of wireless range in open spaces. This distance covers most home and office environments comfortably. Walls and obstacles reduce range somewhat but performance remains solid. The Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides stable connections even in crowded wireless environments.

You can typically move between adjacent rooms without connection drops. The range suffices for walking around your home while your phone stays stationary. Connection stability matters more than absolute range for daily use. The Space One maintains reliable connections during normal usage patterns.

Does the Space One work well for phone calls and video conferences

The Soundcore Space One performs admirably for calls and conferences. The dual microphone system with AI processing captures your voice clearly. Background noise gets filtered effectively during calls. Your voice comes through naturally without sounding processed or distant. Call partners rarely complain about audio quality or background noise.

The headphones work well for professional video meetings and casual phone calls. Outdoor wind noise handling exceeds expectations for this price range. The microphone quality rivals standalone headsets costing considerably more. You can confidently use these headphones for work calls and virtual meetings.

How long does the battery actually last in real-world use

The Soundcore Space One consistently delivers battery life matching or exceeding specifications. With ANC enabled, users regularly achieve 38-42 hours of playback. This exceeds the 40-hour specification in many cases. With ANC disabled, battery life extends beyond 50 hours comfortably.

Real-world testing confirms the impressive endurance claims. Volume level affects battery life somewhat, with higher volumes reducing runtime. The battery indicator provides accurate remaining power estimates. Most users charge once weekly with daily commute use. The exceptional battery life represents one of the Space One’s strongest features.