Back Headphones
Anker Space One
Over-Ear Wireless ANC

Anker

Space One

Impressive noise cancellation for the price, but muddy audio and plastic build reveal the budget roots.

2023Updated Jul 2026

At a Glance

The Anker Space One is a pragmatic choice for commuters prioritizing silence and battery life over high-fidelity audio. It delivers respectable ANC and 40-55 hours of runtime, making it a strong value proposition for those who frequently travel or work in noisy environments.

Audiophiles and heavy-duty users should exercise caution. The sound profile requires aggressive EQ to fix inherent muddiness, and the all-plastic construction lacks the durability found in more expensive alternatives. If you require a hard-shell case or premium materials, look elsewhere.

Pros
  • Strong ANC performance relative to the sub-$100 price point
  • Exceptional battery life reaching up to 55 hours
  • Comprehensive app support with EQ and wear detection
  • Lightweight design with generous ear padding
Cons
  • Muddy, bass-heavy default sound profile lacking clarity
  • Cheap, plasticky build quality that lacks a hard case
  • Subpar microphone performance in loud environments
  • Significant sound leakage at higher volumes

Source Breakdown

Compare scores and insights across source types

Reddit Sentiment

Analyzed 11 threads & 22 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
78
Best Quote

"The ANC is really good not great like it doesnt cancel all the sounds but if a bit of music is played you can hear nothing..."

Users generally find the ANC to be good for the price, effectively reducing ambient noise, though not on par with premium models and occasionally causing pressure.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
55
Best Quote

"Sounds is...not bad. It's nothing remarkable but gets the job done. EQ makes it better."

Sound quality is described as acceptable or decent, with some users finding it unexceptional and requiring EQ adjustments to improve, while others note a lack of detail compared to higher-end options.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
70
Best Quote

"are very comfortable, bit on the heavier side only, and also this color gets dirty fast."

Comfort is frequently mentioned as a positive, with users finding them comfortable for long wear, though some note they can feel a bit heavy or cause ear sweat.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
60
Best Quote

"Battery life is decent nothing crazy. I am heavy user - ldac and high ANC with a desert cooler running beside me constantly. It holds up well."

Battery life is described as decent or holding up well for heavy users, but not exceptional or as great as advertised by some.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"Soundcore feel cheaper in hand but looks more premium by design"

Build quality receives mixed to negative feedback, with users describing the materials as plasticky and feeling cheaper compared to competitors, raising concerns about durability.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
50
Best Quote

"But call quality is okay imo"

Call quality and microphone performance are not extensively discussed, with one user stating it's 'okay' and another noting it 'gets the job done,' indicating it's not a standout feature.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
65
Best Quote

"It's a fetayrepacked headphone no doubt. Excellent software support. Really good transparency mode that lets you hear outside noise or chatter with more clarit, and the on/off wear device sensor is handy"

The headphones are praised for being feature-rich with good app customization, including wear detection and easy chat, though some features like LDAC are unavailable with dual connection.

Editorial News

Analyzed 10 major publications

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
70
Best Quote

"The Space One headphones offer above-average noise cancellation for the price... they still perform respectably for less than a third of the price."

The ANC is generally considered decent for the price, effectively reducing low-frequency rumble and mid-range chatter, though it's not as refined as premium competitors and can struggle with louder noises.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
45
Best Quote

"The Space One provides a moderate sense of space, though it doesn't deliver the depth and width we'd expect."

The sound profile is consistently described as bass-heavy and muddy, with mids and treble lacking clarity, though the app's EQ offers some ability to adjust this.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
85
Best Quote

"The earpads and headband have generous cushioning, which results in a secure, comfortable fit even over long listening sessions."

Reviewers generally find the headphones comfortable for long listening sessions due to generous cushioning and a lightweight design, though some mention fit issues with larger heads or glasses.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
85
Best Quote

"Per Anker's estimates, the headphones can last around 40 or 55 hours per charge, respectively, with noise cancellation on and off."

The battery life is consistently praised as long, with estimates ranging from 40 to 55 hours with ANC on and off respectively, meeting or exceeding user expectations.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
60
Best Quote

"The finish is understated, avoiding flashy branding, and the build feels solid enough for daily use without tipping into luxury territory."

The build is described as solid enough for daily use but made primarily of plastic, leading some to feel it's less premium than its appearance suggests, and a soft pouch is a drawback for travel.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"The mic array works fairly well. I had no trouble understanding every word from a test recording on my iPhone thanks to the clear signal."

Call quality is considered average at best, with microphones struggling in noisy environments, leading to muffled sounds and clipped words, making them less than ideal for important calls.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
75
Best Quote

"The LDAC option is a relative rarity in this price range and enables hi-res streaming on Android devices."

The headphones offer good features for the price, including LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and a comprehensive app with EQ, but the button layout is criticized as ineffective.

YouTube Creators

Analyzed 19 detailed reviews & 225 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
65
Best Quote

"I am using the Space One, and I think its ANC capability is almost unusable. I can still hear even small voices when the active noise cancellation is turned on. I am really disappointed with it."

While some users find the ANC to be good for the price, a significant portion found it to be inadequate, with voices and small noises still audible.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
55
Best Quote

"These sound garbage for sure! WTF is that. What was Anker thinking? 4:00 a bit of emphasis on bass and treble?!"

Opinions on sound quality are divided, with some finding it surprisingly good for the price, while others criticize a lack of bass and clarity, and some even returning them due to dissatisfaction.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
75
Best Quote

"But ith 2 movies okke straight kandittum no ear pain."

Most users find the headphones comfortable for long listening sessions, with no ear pain reported even after multiple hours, though one user found them to be comically massive.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
85
Best Quote

"40 hours of battery life for 99 dollars is awesome"

Users consistently praise the battery life, with many noting it lasts for extended periods, often exceeding expectations for the price point.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
60
Best Quote

"Build Quality/Durability- Q45 (Better built and Durable due to better materials)"

While some find the build quality to be good for the price and appreciate the modern design, others note it's not as premium as higher-end models and one comparison suggests the Q45 is better built.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
50
Best Quote

"I used to think ANC prevents the other party not to hear background noise during an active call. I was wrong"

Call quality and microphone performance are not extensively discussed by users in the provided comments.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"The space one pauses when you take the headphones off and the Q45 doesnt"

Users appreciate features like auto-pause and the ability to customize sound via EQ, though there is some confusion regarding multipoint connectivity.

The Value Proposition vs. The Audio Reality

The Anker Space One attempts to democratize high-end features like LDAC support and adaptive noise cancellation. On paper, it succeeds. Tech blogs praise the technical specs, noting that the LDAC option is a relative rarity in this price range and enables hi-res streaming on Android devices. However, the hardware often struggles to translate these specs into a premium experience. While the ANC effectively mutes low-frequency rumbles, the sonic output is frequently described as congested.

Initial Impressions vs. Long-Term Reality

Professional reviewers often highlight the sleek design and immediate comfort of the plush earpads. They see a polished product that punches above its weight. As one blog noted:

The earpads and headband have generous cushioning, which results in a secure, comfortable fit even over long listening sessions.

Long-term owners on Reddit and YouTube offer a harsher perspective. After weeks of use, the "premium" look fades into a realization of cost-cutting. Users report that the plastic chassis feels fragile and the lack of a hard-shell case makes travel risky. The most polarizing aspect remains the sound. While a reviewer might call it "warm," a frustrated YouTube commenter was far more direct:

These sound garbage for sure! WTF is that. What was Anker thinking? 4:00 a bit of emphasis on bass and treble?!

Technical Friction and Performance

The software suite is a highlight, offering wear detection and multipoint pairing, though using LDAC disables the latter. This creates a friction point for power users who want both high-fidelity audio and seamless device switching. Furthermore, the ANC is not a universal win. While it handles steady drones well, it fails against sharp, erratic sounds like human speech. One user expressed significant dissatisfaction with this specific limitation:

I am using the Space One, and I think its ANC capability is almost unusable. I can still hear even small voices when the active noise cancellation is turned on. I am really disappointed with it.

Ultimately, the Space One is a study in compromise. It offers the silhouette and feature list of a flagship at a fraction of the cost, but it cannot hide its budget DNA when the music starts playing or the build is stressed.