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Sony WF1000XM4
Soundcore Space A40
Lowest price for this product:
$80 at Target
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024· Prices updated 24 hours ago
If you prioritize top-of-the-line noise cancellation and sound quality, and don't mind the higher cost, the Sony WF1000XM4 might be your choice. These are typically praised for their industry-leading active noise cancellation capabilities, which could make them ideal for travel or busy environments. However, if you're looking for solid performance with a more budget-friendly price tag, the Soundcore Space A40 can be a great option. These earbuds still offer good sound quality and active noise cancellation, though it may not be as powerful as Sony's. The battery life might also be longer with the A40s, which is a key consideration if you're often away from a charger. Keep in mind that Sony's model might have features like better call quality and additional customization through an app, while Soundcore may provide more value for money. Give Feedback
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM4.
Key differences
Music
9.0
7.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Gaming
5.6
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WF1000XM4 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.7
4.8
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
10.0
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
6.0
5.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 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 Sony WF1000XM4 is very good.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$220
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Sony WF1000XM4 has a price of $220 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM4 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
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Sound Quality Score
Price
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8.5
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Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM4 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$220 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 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 | 5.4/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM4
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What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Soundcore Space A40
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Pricing last updated 24 hours ago |
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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."
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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
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.