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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
As you're considering earbuds and headphones, remember that the Sony WH-1000XM5, being pricier, generally offers superior noise cancellation and sound quality compared to the Soundcore Space One. However, the Soundcore product may offer better value, as it provides good performance at a lower price point. The Sony might also have more advanced features like touch controls, a better microphone, and additional customization through an app. If you're on a budget and want decent performance for everyday use, the Soundcore might suffice, but if you're seeking top-tier sound and noise cancellation for frequent travel or a noisy environment, and are willing to invest more, the Sony could be more suitable for you. 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 One
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
5.6
4.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space One are both poor for gaming, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
5.5
4.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space One are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
4.7
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space One is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.0
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Soundcore Space One is very good.
Battery
40.3 Hours
30.0 Hours
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space One has 30 hours of battery life.
Cost
$398
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a price of $398 and the Soundcore Space One costs $100.
Build Quality
8.8
8.0
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space One both have very good build quality, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.2
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the Soundcore Space One is good.
TV and Video
5.8
5.3
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Soundcore Space One are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Soundcore Space One compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Soundcore Space One |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$398 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 4.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 40.3 Hours | 30 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 4.8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 263 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 One
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | September 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space One noise-cancelling headphones are stylish, comfortable, and affordable. They offer better active noise cancellation than we expect for the price, and their sculpted audio impresses thanks to the adjustable EQ and support for the hi-res LDAC codec. Overall, they’re an excellent value and well worth your attention if you're on a budget."
Get a great deal on the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Soundcore Space One
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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