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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For immersive music listening, the Sony WF1000XM3 offers a slightly richer sound quality, but they're not ideal for gaming or watching TV due to higher latency. They have a strong build quality, are comfortable, and feature active noise cancelling, which is perfect for air travel or noisy environments. In contrast, the Soundcore Space A40 has a slightly less impressive overall sound quality but provides a better noise isolation experience. Additionally, they have a significantly longer battery life and support wireless charging, making them more convenient for extended use. They are also sweatproof, making them suitable for exercise. If cost is a major consideration, the Space A40 offers many premium features at a lower price point, but for superior sound and noise cancelling, the Sony may be worth the extra cost. 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 Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM3.
Key differences
Gaming
5.6
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
8.2
4.8
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Space A40 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.7
The Soundcore Space A40 and Sony WF1000XM3 are both good for music.
TV and Video
5.7
5.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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 Sony WF1000XM3 or the Soundcore Space A40
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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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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.
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