Soundcore products consistently deliver active noise cancellation, long battery life, and solid audio quality at prices £30–£170, making them genuinely competitive against pricier rivals. The brand focuses on practical features over premium branding, which means you're paying for performance, not the name.
Why Soundcore?
Soundcore is Anker's dedicated audio brand, launched to challenge premium headphone and speaker makers without the premium price tags. They specialise in active noise cancellation (ANC), adaptive sound technology, and battery endurance—typically offering 30–50 hours of playback on flagship models. What sets them apart: transparent pricing (no hidden subscription services), reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and USB-C charging across the range. They don't pretend to compete on luxury materials or brand cachet; they compete on engineering and value.
Top Picks
Soundcore Space Q45 — £110.00
Best for: Daily drivers who want premium features at a mid-range price. This is the strongest all-rounder in the range. Space Q45 headphones deliver dual-driver audio, LDAC codec support for lossless streaming, and ANC that rivals headphones costing £200+. Battery life reaches 50 hours with ANC off, 10 hours with it on. The over-ear design is comfortable for long sessions, and the foldable construction fits easily into bags.
Soundcore Space One — £106.99
Best for: Commuters and office workers prioritising voice clarity and noise reduction. Space One headphones feature what Soundcore claims is 2x stronger voice reduction than competitors in the same price bracket—critical if you take calls in noisy environments. ANC targets low-frequency rumble effectively, and the 40-hour battery (ANC on) is genuinely impressive at this price. Lighter than Space Q45, so better for all-day wear.
Soundcore Liberty 5 — £96.99
Best for: Those who prefer earbuds over over-ear headphones but want ANC and strong microphones. Liberty 5 true wireless earbuds pack adaptive ANC, 20W USB-C fast charging, and a 38-hour total battery (8 hours per charge + case). The form factor trades comfort for portability compared to headphones—ideal if you move between office and gym.
Soundcore P31i — £34.99
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or anyone wanting a backup pair. P31i earbuds deliver immersive adaptive ANC (rare at this price point) and 24-hour total battery for under £35. They lack the polish of Liberty 5, but the noise cancellation is genuinely effective and the price is hard to beat.
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus — £169.99
Best for: Portable speaker enthusiasts who want serious bass and weatherproofing. Boom 2 Plus is IP67-rated (fully waterproof), produces 80W of sound, and lasts 24 hours on a single charge. Best-in-class for outdoor and poolside use within Soundcore's range.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Space Q45 | £110 | Balanced, all-day listening | 50-hour battery + LDAC lossless codec | | Space One | £106.99 | Voice calls & commuting | 2x stronger voice reduction vs. competitors | | Liberty 5 | £96.99 | Earbuds + fast charging | 20W USB-C + 38-hour total battery | | P31i | £34.99 | Budget ANC earbuds | Adaptive ANC under £35 | | Boom 2 Plus | £169.99 | Outdoor portability | IP67 waterproof + 80W output |
What to Look For
- Battery endurance: Soundcore's headphones typically offer 40–50 hours, but earbuds max out around 10 hours per charge. Check whether total battery (with case) meets your charging habits.
- ANC type: Soundcore uses adaptive ANC on most models—it adjusts to ambient noise in real time rather than offering fixed profiles. This is more effective than static ANC but less customisable than app-based tuning on premium brands.
- Codec support: Space Q45 supports LDAC for lossless wireless audio; cheaper models use standard SBC/AAC. Only matters if your phone/player supports LDAC and you're using hi-fi streaming services.
- IP rating: Liberty 5 and P31i lack water resistance; Boom 2 Plus is IP67. Choose accordingly if you'll use them near water or during intense exercise.
The Bottom Line
Soundcore Space Q45 (£110) is the pick for most people—it combines ANC that punches above its price, excellent battery life, and comfort for extended wear. If you're budget-conscious, P31i earbuds (£34.99) deliver surprising ANC quality at a fraction of the cost. Neither is a luxury choice, but both offer better value than premium competitors at the same price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soundcore actually good value for money?
Yes. Soundcore consistently undercuts premium brands by £80–£150 on equivalent features. Space Q45 headphones cost £110 but deliver ANC and battery life comparable to models from Sony or Bose priced at £200+. You lose premium materials and brand prestige, but the core audio engineering is solid.
How long do Soundcore batteries last compared to other brands?
Soundcore batteries are genuinely among the longest-lasting in the mid-range. Space Q45 offers 50 hours (ANC off) versus Sony WH-CH720's 35 hours at a similar price. Earbuds are more typical—8–10 hours per charge—but Liberty 5's 38-hour total is competitive. Budget models (P31i) offer 24 hours total, which is still respectable.
Do Soundcore products work with both Android and iPhone?
Yes. All Soundcore headphones and speakers use standard Bluetooth 5.3 and work with both platforms. Some features (like touch controls or companion app ANC tuning) may vary slightly between Android and iOS, but core audio functionality is identical. The Soundcore companion app (free on both platforms) unlocks customisation for most models.
Which Soundcore product is best for noisy offices?
Space One (£106.99) is the best choice—its voice reduction specifically targets speech clarity in background noise, making it ideal for video calls and open-plan environments. Space Q45 (£110) runs a close second if you also value comfort for 8+ hour days. Both have physical silencing outperforming cheaper alternatives at this price.
