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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a primary concern, Apple Earpods are more affordable and offer decent quality for everyday non-critical listening. However, if you're seeking better noise isolation, longer battery life, or superior sound quality for music and video content, the Soundcore Space A40 may justify the extra expense. The Soundcore earbuds also typically include more advanced features like touch controls and app integration. On the other hand, Apple Earpods are known for their ease of use with Apple devices. Consider these tradeoffs in relation to where and how you'll be using your earbuds most frequently. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.3
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.8
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.9
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
5.3
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, 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 Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Soundcore Space A40 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.7
The Apple Earpods and Soundcore Space A40 are both good for music.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Soundcore Space A40
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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 Earpods 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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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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