Which Soundcore Product Should You Buy? A Guide to Their Best Headphones and Speakers
Soundcore delivers genuine value across headphones, earbuds, and portable speakers. The Space Q45 (£110) is their strongest ANC headphone, whilst the P31i (£34.99) offers exceptional budget earbud value. Choose based on your use case: commuting, gym, or portable audio.
Why Soundcore?
Soundcore, Anker's audio subsidiary, launched in 2014 and has built a reputation for acoustic performance without premium pricing. They specialise in noise-cancelling technology, proprietary drivers, and multi-device connectivity—the sort of features found in £200+ headphones, priced £30–£170. Their Liberty and Space ranges specifically target commuters and frequent travellers with active noise cancellation (ANC) and 40+ hour battery claims. Soundcore doesn't compete on brand prestige; they compete on specifications and real-world usability.
Top Picks
Soundcore Space Q45 — £110
Best for serious commuters and frequent flyers seeking best-in-class ANC. The Space Q45 delivers LDAC codec support (rare at this price), dual ANC modes, and up to 50 hours battery life. Over-ear design suits long journeys; spatial audio adds immersion for music and films. Verdict: best all-rounder.
Soundcore P31i Wireless Earbuds — £34.99
Best for budget-conscious users who won't compromise on features. Immersive Adaptive ANC, 6-hour battery per charge (24 hours with case), and IPX4 water resistance. Lightweight and genuinely useful for commuting without breaking the bank. Verdict: unbeatable value at under £35.
Soundcore Liberty 5 By Anker — £96.99
Best for users wanting earbuds with a premium charging experience. Includes a 20W USB-C charger block (unusual for earbuds), noise reduction for calls, and wireless charging case. Stronger voice isolation than P31i; better suited to video calls and gaming. Verdict: premium features at mid-range price.
Soundcore P40i Smart ANC — £44.99
Best for gym and outdoor use demanding durability. Smart ANC adapts to environment (gym noise vs. traffic), IPX5 water resistance (better than P31i), and stable Bluetooth connection. Lighter on battery (up to 10 hours with case) but more rugged. Verdict: sport-focused earbud.
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Portable Speaker — £169.99
Best for outdoor entertaining requiring serious bass and volume. 80W stereo output, 15-hour battery, IP67 waterproof rating (dust and water). Larger form factor (suitable for picnics, garden parties). Verdict: most powerful speaker in range.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Space Q45 | £110 | Commuters, frequent flyers | 50-hour battery, LDAC codec | | P31i | £34.99 | Budget buyers | Immersive Adaptive ANC under £35 | | Liberty 5 | £96.99 | Call quality, gaming | 20W USB-C charger included | | P40i | £44.99 | Gym, outdoor sports | Smart ANC, IPX5 water resistance | | Boom 2 Plus | £169.99 | Outdoor entertaining | 80W output, 15-hour battery |
What to Look For
- Battery life: Over-ear headphones (40+ hours) suit travel; earbuds (6–10 hours per charge) suit daily commutes. Check total case capacity if you're gone longer than one charge.
- Water resistance rating: IPX4 (splash-proof) suits indoor use; IPX5 (water-jet resistant) suits gym sweat; IP67 (full dust/water protection) suits poolside or beach use.
- ANC type: Passive isolation (earbuds fit tight) works for planes; adaptive ANC (Smart ANC on P40i) works for varying environments like offices or commutes.
- Codec support: LDAC (on Space Q45) transmits high-res audio—only matters if your source device supports it; otherwise, standard codecs (SBC, AAC) are sufficient.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Space Q45 (£110) if you commute regularly or fly often—its 50-hour battery and dual ANC modes justify the investment. For everyday earbuds, the P31i (£34.99) delivers ANC and 24-hour battery for under £35, making it exceptional value. Spend the extra on Liberty 5 only if you take frequent video calls or gaming matters; otherwise, P31i does the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soundcore good value for money?
Yes. Soundcore specialises in acoustic performance at budget pricing—the P31i proves Adaptive ANC and 24-hour battery are achievable under £35. Flagship models (Space Q45) offer features (LDAC, 50-hour battery) typically found in £150+ rivals. You're paying for audio quality, not brand prestige.
Which Soundcore headphones are best for noise cancellation?
The Space Q45 offers the strongest ANC across the range—dual noise cancellation modes, 50-hour battery, and LDAC codec support. For earbuds, the P31i (£34.99) and Liberty 5 (£96.99) both feature Immersive Adaptive ANC, with Liberty 5 adding stronger voice reduction for calls.
Are Soundcore products waterproof?
No model is fully waterproof, but all earbuds carry IP ratings: P31i and Liberty 5 are IPX4 (splash-proof), whilst P40i is IPX5 (jet-spray resistant, suitable for gym sweat and light rain). The Boom 2 Plus speaker is IP67—fully dustproof and submersible to 1 metre. Check your use case before buying.
Should I buy Soundcore over brand-name alternatives?
If budget matters, yes. Soundcore offers comparable ANC, battery life, and codec support at 40–50% less than premium brands. If you value brand heritage or need boutique customer support, alternatives exist—but you'll pay significantly more for marginal audio improvements.
