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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The choice between Apple AirPods (2nd generation) and Soundcore Space Q45 depends on your preferences and use cases. If you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods offer seamless integration with other Apple devices which might be a significant advantage for convenience and ease of use. However, if you prioritize features such as noise cancellation, longer battery life, and potentially better sound quality, the Soundcore Space Q45 could be more suitable, albeit at a slightly higher cost. Also, consider how important comfort and fit are to you; earbuds like AirPods may not fit all ear types securely, whereas over-ear headphones like the Q45 typically offer more stability and comfort for extended periods. Keep in mind that the AirPods come without noise cancellation at this model level, so if you frequent noisy environments, the Q45 could grant you a more peaceful listening experience. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space Q45
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.1
The Soundcore Space Q45 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Soundcore Space Q45 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Soundcore Space Q45 is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
41.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space Q45 has 41 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$130
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Soundcore Space Q45 costs $130.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Soundcore Space Q45 has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Soundcore Space Q45 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Soundcore Space Q45 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 41 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Soundcore Space Q45
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Sound Guys
Riley Ballantyne | June 2023
"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. Unlike many mid-tier wireless headphones, the Q45 microphone system rejects quite a bit of background noise, making this a great work headset too."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Soundcore Space Q45
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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