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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and don't mind using wired headphones at a higher cost, the HifiMan Edition XS offers top-notch sound and an expansive soundstage suitable for critical listening, though they lack convenience features such as a built-in microphone or controls and are not suited for exercise or travel due to their open design and size. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space A40 provides good sound quality in a wireless, more portable form factor with handy features like active noise cancelling and a built-in mic, making them a versatile choice for everyday use, calls, exercise, and travel at a more affordable price, albeit with less impressive soundstage and overall sound quality compared to the HifiMan. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.7
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Gaming
7.4
4.9
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
4.9
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
9.5
5.3
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class 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 HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Battery
N/A
8.0 Hours
The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.0
4.8
The HifiMan Edition XS and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 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 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Soundcore Space A40
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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 HifiMan Edition XS or the Soundcore Space A40
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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