The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
stemmed earbuds with a dynamic driver that perform well for music, gaming, and exercise, the JBL Tune Flex would suit you well, but the mic quality is poor. The Soundcore Space A40, also with a dynamic driver, boasts excellent noise isolation and has a longer battery life with wireless charging, making them ideal for air travel; however, they are not the best option for gaming or watching TV. Both have app customization, but if you value mic quality or will be making calls often, the Soundcore's mic is also rated as fair. Choose the JBL Tune Flex for a versatile experience or the Soundcore Space A40 for quieter environments and longer usage without charging. 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 JBL Tune Flex
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the JBL Tune Flex.
Key differences
Gaming
8.5/10
4.9/10
The JBL Tune Flex is very good for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Phone Calls
6.3/10
4.8/10
The JBL Tune Flex is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.0/10
4.9/10
The JBL Tune Flex is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.3/10
The JBL Tune Flex is good for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.5/10
9.1/10
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Tune Flex is only fair.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The JBL Tune Flex has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$60
$80
$50
$60
$70
$80
$90
$100
The JBL Tune Flex has a price of $60 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
"JBL is offering a similar design and arguably better resolution than the more expensive AirPods 3rd Generation. Add to that a comfortable and versatile fit, an equalizer and pretty decent ANC, and you’ve got a quality wireless earphone. I would have loved longer battery life and more crystal calls, but for the price, you can’t complain. A solid deal overall."
"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 JBL Tune Flex or the Soundcore Space A40
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
127,100
Recommendations made
19,065
Consumer hours saved
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.