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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high-quality sound and are willing to spend more, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 offers superior overall sound quality, better soundstage, and higher build quality. However, for everyday use, the Soundcore Space A40 provides nearly as good sound quality, better battery life, and superior noise isolation at a significantly lower price. Both feature active noise cancelling and are wireless; the Pi7 S2 has aptX Adaptive for better sound over Bluetooth which is an advantage for audiophiles, but the Space A40 comes with a longer battery life in the charging case, which is practical for extended use without access to a charger. 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 Pi7 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has no clear advantages over the Soundcore Space A40.
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2.
Key differences
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.0
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is only fair for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$127
$80
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $127 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.7
The Soundcore Space A40 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both good for music.
Gaming
5.3
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
4.8
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$127 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 13 | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 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 | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the Soundcore Space A40
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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