Soundcore Space Q45 noise cancelling headphones: features and specs

The Soundcore Space Q45 (model A3040) is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones with adaptive active noise cancelling. It is built for travel and commuting, with a long battery life, Hi-Res wireless support through LDAC, and an app that controls most of its settings.

Three-stage noise cancelling

Soundcore describes a three-stage system that targets low, mid and high frequencies separately. Its hybrid noise cancelling is said to reduce low-frequency sounds, such as aircraft engines and traffic, by up to 98%. The other two stages are aimed at mid and high frequencies, such as crying babies and barking dogs. That 98% figure is the brand's; in practice, noise cancelling tends to be most effective on steady, low-pitched sound.

Adaptive mode and five levels

Adaptive noise cancelling detects the sound around you and adjusts. Soundcore says it switches to maximum on flights or trains, reduces wind noise outdoors and uses a lower, comfortable level indoors. If you prefer manual control, the app offers five noise cancelling levels.

Transparency and Talk mode

Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings, with five levels adjustable in the app. Talk mode is meant to make it easy to speak with people nearby without removing the headphones.

Battery and fast charging

The brand rates playtime at up to 50 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 65 hours in normal mode. A five-minute fast charge is said to give four hours of playback. Those figures put a long-haul trip or a few weeks of commuting within one charge, though volume and settings will change the result.

Drivers and LDAC

Each ear cup has a 40 mm driver with a double-layer diaphragm made from silk and ceramic materials. Soundcore says this produces extended bass, rich vocals and crisp treble. The headphones support LDAC, a codec that Soundcore says carries up to three times more data than standard Bluetooth codecs. Your phone or player must also support LDAC to use it. The connection is Bluetooth 5.3.

Fit and comfort

The listing mentions aluminum alloy hinges, a cushioned headband with a seamless sliding extension, and wider ear cups with soft cushioning intended for different ear sizes.

App features and multipoint

The soundcore app offers 22 EQ presets, noise cancelling and transparency control, a volume limit, and customizable controls. Multipoint connection lets the headphones stay connected to two devices at once, handy for switching between a laptop meeting and phone music.

What to check before you buy

• Size and clamp: confirm the headphones feel comfortable for long sessions, especially with glasses.
• Whether your devices support LDAC.
• How you will carry them: they measure roughly 6.3 x 3.5 x 7.4 inches.
• Whether you need the app on your phone's operating system.
• That you are comfortable using noise cancelling in situations where you need to hear traffic.
• Charging cable and any case included.

The short version

• Over-ear Bluetooth 5.3 headphones with hybrid, adaptive noise cancelling.
• Up to 50 hours with noise cancelling, 65 without; five minutes charges to four hours.
• 40 mm silk-and-ceramic double-layer drivers and LDAC support.
• App with 22 EQ presets, five ANC levels, transparency and multipoint.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.