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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is paramount to you, both Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 rate similarly; however, the Sony has a slightly better soundstage, which can enhance the perception of music depth and instrument separation. If comfort is a concern, they are equally rated, so personal fit would be the next factor. For microphone quality, both are comparable, which is important for calls. The Sonys stand out for noise isolation and air travel use, giving them the edge in loud environments. Conversely, the Soundcores offer longer battery life and are lighter, which may be preferable for extended use or exercise. The Sony earbuds support virtual surround sound, a benefit for immersive audio experiences while watching movies or playing games. Yet, for gaming or TV where audio lag can be an issue, neither boasts low latency. If budget is a constraint, the Soundcores would be the economical choice without significant sacrifices in quality for general use. 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 WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM5.
Key differences
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$298
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Gaming
5.1
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.0
4.8
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.4
5.3
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.7
9.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Soundcore Space A40 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM5 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$298 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 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 | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
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 WF1000XM5 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.
By the numbers
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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