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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is your priority and you primarily listen in a quiet environment, the HifiMan Edition XS would be a superior choice due to its higher overall sound quality, particularly its exceptional soundstage, which provides an immersive experience. However, they are open-back and wired, lacking features like noise-canceling and are not optimal for activities like exercising, commuting, or use in noisier environments. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space Q45 are more versatile with active noise canceling, wireless connectivity, and a foldable design that enhances portability. They are also more suitable for use during exercise or travel and have a much longer battery life, yet the sound quality and soundstage are not on par with the HifiMan. Additionally, the Q45 supports features that can be optimized through an app, offering a more personalized experience, whereas the HifiMan lacks these kinds of customizations. The decision hinges on whether you value top-tier sound in a stationary, quiet setting over flexibility and feature-rich use in various environments. 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 Q45
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.1
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is good.
Gaming
7.4
5.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
5.9
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is poor.
TV and Video
9.5
5.6
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space Q45 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Soundcore Space Q45 is very good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Battery
N/A
41.0 Hours
The HifiMan Edition XS does not have a battery. The Soundcore Space Q45 has 41 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$130
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the Soundcore Space Q45 costs $130.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.0
4.9
The HifiMan Edition XS and Soundcore Space Q45 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The HifiMan Edition XS and Soundcore Space Q45 both have very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the Soundcore Space Q45 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | Soundcore Space Q45 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $130 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 41 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
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 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 Q45
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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 HifiMan Edition XS or the Soundcore Space Q45
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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