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Anker Space Q45
Over-Ear Wireless ANC

Anker

Space Q45

Class-leading noise cancellation and battery life marred by inconsistent audio and fragile hinges.

2022Updated Jul 2026

At a Glance

The Anker Space Q45 is a pragmatic choice for frequent travelers who prioritize silence and longevity over acoustic fidelity. The ANC effectively isolates engine hums and office chatter, while the battery life remains a benchmark for the industry.

Audiophiles and professional users should look elsewhere. The treble is often described as pitchy or artificial, and the microphone array frequently fails in noisy environments, leaving users sounding muffled or distant during critical calls.

Pros
  • Exceptional 50-hour plus battery life
  • Top-tier ANC performance for the sub-$200 category
  • Extensive EQ customization via the Soundcore app
Cons
  • Inconsistent treble and muddy mid-range detail
  • Subpar microphone performance in outdoor settings
  • Fragile plastic construction prone to hairline fractures

Source Breakdown

Compare scores and insights across source types

Reddit Sentiment

Analyzed 6 threads & 5 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
78
Best Quote

"The Q45’s ANC is fairly strong, knocking out engine hums, office chatter, and environmental noise... for everyday commuting, working, or travel, the Q45s have impressed me consistently."

Users consistently report that the ANC is strong and effective for everyday use and travel, though not quite matching top-tier competitors.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
65
Best Quote

"The Q45s are not reference grade mids can sometimes feel a touch muddy, and detail retrieval isn’t as sharp as higher end models."

The sound is generally considered enjoyable and punchy, especially for genres like hip-hop and EDM, but lacks the clarity and detail of higher-end models, with some muddiness in the mids.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
80
Best Quote

"Comfort is where they shine: I can wear them for hours without fatigue, thanks to the plush earcups and a headband that distributes weight evenly."

Many users find the headphones comfortable for extended wear due to plush earcups and good weight distribution, though some note thin headband padding.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"Even after two years, battery life remains excelle"

The battery life is overwhelmingly praised, with users reporting it lasts exceptionally long, even after years of use.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
55
Best Quote

"their build quality is just okay, but converges to the cheap side, and they are chunky."

While some users appreciate the premium feel and sturdy construction for the price, others describe the build quality as average, cheap, or prone to wear.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
30
Best Quote

"I work from home and lately I've been getting more and more complaints from colleagues that I sound muffled or distant on calls when using the Q45."

Multiple users report significant issues with call quality, describing the microphone as muffled or distant, making them unreliable for remote work.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
75
Best Quote

"The EQ system is flexible and effective, with both presets and full manual control.The UI is smooth, intuitive, and packed with features you’d expect on headphones twice the price"

The Soundcore app offers extensive customization and features, and connectivity is generally stable, though some users experienced pressure from high ANC levels.

Editorial News

Analyzed 10 major publications

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
78
Best Quote

"The Anker Soundcore Space Q45's active noise cancellation is among the most effective I’ve heard."

Reviewers consistently praise the ANC for its effectiveness, especially considering the price point, though it's noted that higher-end models offer superior performance and some minor hiss can be present.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
55
Best Quote

"The treble range is where the Q45 really falls apart. The treble is pitchy and inconsistent, making it the weakest link for us."

While some reviewers find the sound full-bodied with rich lows and bright highs, many others criticize it for being uneven, particularly the treble, and lacking clarity or sounding artificial without EQ adjustments.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
65
Best Quote

"The Space Q45 are reasonably comfortable compared to many other headphones in this price range. ... the materials tend to run hot and press against the arms of glasses, making them less comfortable during extended wear periods."

The headphones are generally described as comfortable with good padding, but some users experience issues with heat, pressure on glasses, and a headband that could use more padding.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"The battery life is absolutely incredible, and definitely a standout feature of these headphones."

The battery life is universally praised as excellent, with reviewers consistently noting it far exceeds expectations and competitors.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
80
Best Quote

"Despite the plastic construction, the headset lend a very premium feel."

The build quality is frequently described as premium and durable for the price, with sturdy hinges and a pleasant matte finish, though some minor creaking or susceptibility to scratches is mentioned.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"The dual-mic system works reasonably well—we didn't have any issue understanding every word in a test recording from an iPhone."

Call quality is generally considered adequate, with microphones that do a decent job of canceling background noise in quieter environments, but can struggle in noisy conditions.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
85
Best Quote

"The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is a great pair of active noise canceling (ANC) headphones, and the $150 USD price tag only sweetens the deal."

The headphones offer solid connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support, and multipoint pairing, along with a useful app for customization, though some find the app experience finicky and note the absence of aptX codecs.

YouTube Creators

Analyzed 16 detailed reviews & 186 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
85
Best Quote

"The noise cancelling is insanely good. Nice job letting us know how it actually is rather than you just telling us."

Reviewers consistently praise the ANC as outstanding and very good, often stating it's surprisingly effective for the price point and rivals more expensive brands.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
65
Best Quote

"The Sony sounded better. While the Q45 sounded like it was playing inside a bucket"

While many find the sound good, especially with EQ adjustments, a significant portion of users describe it as artificial, flat, or even sounding like it's 'playing inside a bucket' compared to competitors.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
75
Best Quote

"It's very comfortable and can fit my big ears, and its ANC is supreme."

Most users find the headphones comfortable, with some noting thicker ear cushions, though a few mention the headband cushion could be wider or that they can feel heavy after long periods.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"They didn't die after watching hours of movies, and listening to podcasts for the duration of each flight."

The battery life is consistently highlighted as a major strength, with users reporting it lasts for very long periods, easily covering long flights or multiple days of use.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"i liked the Q45 but it is made with bad plastic, mine created hairline fractures at first and then completely broke apart at the hinge after 4-5 months."

Several users report issues with the plastic build quality, including hairline fractures and hinges breaking after only a few months, suggesting it's not as durable as higher-end options.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
40
Best Quote

"Voice quality is noticeably poorer and trying to have a call outside / next to traffic is awful for the person on the other end as you sound like you're speaking under water"

While some find the mic quality acceptable or natural, others describe it as mediocre, with one user stating calls outside are awful and sound like speaking underwater.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"The Q45 is comfortable (but so is the XM4) and offers great battery life, but the XM4 offers noticeably better sound quality and vastly superior ANC (and better navigation, but that's just a minor thing in my opinion)."

The headphones offer good features like app customization and LDAC support, but some users miss features from previous models like auto-pause and find multipoint connection can require manual switching.

The Silence Specialist

The Anker Space Q45 enters the market as a direct challenge to premium incumbents, leaning heavily on its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities. For commuters and office workers, the isolation is undeniable. The hardware successfully filters out low-frequency drones and ambient speech, punchy performance that rivals units costing twice as much. This is complemented by a battery that refuses to quit, providing enough juice for multiple long-haul flights without a recharge.

Initial Impressions vs. Long-Term Reality

Tech blogs initially praised the Q45 for its premium matte finish and sturdy hinges. However, long-term user data from Reddit and YouTube reveals a starkly different trajectory. While reviewers enjoyed the out-of-the-box feel, owners reporting after six months of use highlight significant durability concerns, specifically regarding the plastic housing. One user noted a catastrophic failure in the materials:

i liked the Q45 but it is made with bad plastic, mine created hairline fractures at first and then completely broke apart at the hinge after 4-5 months.

Furthermore, while professional reviews often focus on the convenience of the dual-mic system, real-world users find the call quality lacking when subjected to actual traffic or wind noise. The discrepancy suggests that while the Q45 excels in controlled environments, it struggles under the rigors of daily, long-term wear.

The Audio Compromise

Sound quality remains the most divisive topic. While the Soundcore app allows for granular EQ adjustments, the base tuning is often criticized for a lack of transparency. The inclusion of LDAC support is a high-end touch, yet the physical drivers struggle to deliver the clarity that high-bitrate audio demands. As one Reddit user bluntly stated:

The Q45s are not reference grade mids can sometimes feel a touch muddy, and detail retrieval isn’t as sharp as higher end models.

This sentiment is echoed by YouTube reviewers who compared the unit directly to Sony's flagship offerings. The consensus points toward a soundstage that feels confined and artificial. One reviewer summarized the experience with a harsh comparison:

The Sony sounded better. While the Q45 sounded like it was playing inside a bucket