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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) offer a good balance between sound quality and comfort, with a larger emphasis on ease of use for Apple device owners, including features like ear/head detection and easy pairing. They support wireless charging and have a stem design which some users may find more secure in the ear. In contrast, the Soundcore Space A40 not only cost less but also boast superior overall sound quality, alongside longer battery life for both the earbuds and the case. They feature app-based customization, a more compact design without stems, and active noise canceling, which the Airpods lack. If cost is a significant factor and you prefer a customizable listening experience with better sound isolation, the Soundcore Space A40 is the better choice. However, if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and value the integration and convenience it offers, you might find the additional cost of the Airpods justifiable. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.7
The Soundcore Space A40 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the Soundcore Space A40 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Space A40 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
4.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Soundcore Space A40
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Smart | May 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is an excellent deal if you want affordable noise canceling earbuds with great sound. The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from plus the ability to customize your sound profile makes it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Soundcore Space A40
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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Why trust us
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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