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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize noise cancellation and overall sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 could be the better choice, particularly if you frequently travel or work in noisy environments. However, they are more expensive. On the other hand, if you're looking for good quality at a more affordable price and can compromise slightly on the noise cancellation capabilities, the Soundcore Space A40 might be ideal. The Sony's are over-ear, typically offering better comfort for long periods, whereas the Soundcore's are in-ear buds that are more compact and portable. Additionally, consider if battery life, design, and brand reputation are important to you when making your choice. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Advantages of the Soundcore Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Key differences
Music
8.2
7.7
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Gaming
5.6
4.9
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.5
4.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
4.9
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Battery
40.3 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$398
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a price of $398 and the Soundcore Space A40 costs $80.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.8
5.3
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space A40 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$398 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.6/10 | 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 | 6.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 40.3 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 6/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
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 WH-1000XM5 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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