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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality sound and brand prestige in a more compact form, choose the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 despite the higher cost. Alternatively, if you're looking for value for money with good sound quality and more features, such as active noise cancellation and a longer battery life, the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones may be a better fit. The Soundcore model usually comes at a significantly lower price, making it an attractive option if your budget is a concern. However, keep in mind that the Bowers and Wilkins earbuds may offer a more premium build and sound 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the Soundcore Space Q45.
Advantages of the Soundcore Space Q45
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Battery
5.0 Hours
41.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space Q45 has 41 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Music
6.7
7.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Space Q45 to be good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
5.4
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
5.9
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.6
5.6
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Soundcore Space Q45 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both very good for noise reduction.
Cost
$129
$130
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $129 and the Soundcore Space Q45 costs $130.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Soundcore Space Q45 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Soundcore Space Q45 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | Soundcore Space Q45 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$129 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 41 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Soundcore Space Q45
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Soundcore Space Q45
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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