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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're deciding between the Apple Airpods Max and the Soundcore Space One, consider the following: The Airpods Max offer a generally higher sound quality and are known for their seamless integration with other Apple devices, which is great if you're already using Apple products. They have impressive active noise cancellation and a premium build quality but come at a higher price. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space One, while typically much less expensive, still delivers good sound quality and noise cancellation, with the added benefit of supporting LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming, a feature the Airpods Max lacks. They also boast a longer battery life, which is handy for extended use without the need to recharge. In summary, choose the Airpods Max for a premium audio experience with better device integration if you use Apple products, and opt for the Soundcore Space One for good performance at a more affordable price with added codec support and longer battery life. 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 Max
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space One
- The Soundcore Space One has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
4.8
The Apple Airpods Max and Soundcore Space One are both poor for gaming, though the Apple Airpods Max is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.2
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space One is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
4.7
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space One is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Soundcore Space One is very good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
30.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space One has 30 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Soundcore Space One costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Space One has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.8
The Soundcore Space One and Apple Airpods Max are both good for music.
TV and Video
5.7
5.3
The Apple Airpods Max and Soundcore Space One are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Soundcore Space One compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Soundcore Space One |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 30 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 4.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Soundcore Space One
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PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space One noise-cancelling headphones are stylish, comfortable, and affordable. They offer better active noise cancellation than we expect for the price, and their sculpted audio impresses thanks to the adjustable EQ and support for the hi-res LDAC codec. Overall, they’re an excellent value and well worth your attention if you're on a budget."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the Soundcore Space One
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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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