We’ve got an in-depth comparison of the Sony WH-XB910N and Soundcore Space Q45 – two impressive headphones, each offering a unique value proposition. We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty, exploring how each headset shines in delivering booming bass, maintaining a strong connection, and ensuring your beats last as long as your day does. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are the budget ANC darlings. The WH-XB910N are Sony’s latest Extra Bass offering. We cover all the standout features of each to make sure you my the right noise-cancelling headphones for your use case.
- Battery Life: 30 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Good ANC
- Sound: Full and Bass-Heavy
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 50 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Good Performance
- Sound: Bassy and Exciting
- Cost: $$$
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony WH-XB910N
| Features | Sony WH-XB910N | Soundcore Space Q45 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Headphones | Over-the-head | Over-the-head |
| Weight | 8.88 ounces | 10.4 ounces |
| Total Battery Life | 50 hours (30 w/ ANC) | 65 hours (50 w/ ANC) |
| ANC Support | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | 10-minute charge = 4.5 hours | 5-minute charge = 4 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-Type C | USB-Type C |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App Support | Sony Headphones Connect App | Soundcore App |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Included Case | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life & Charging
With Sony’s WH-XB910N’s great battery life, you’re guaranteed up to 50 hours of non-stop tunes. With active noise cancelling enabled, you still have an impressive 30 hours of playtime. Ideal for extended trips or enduring a work week without reaching for the charger, these headphones keep your beats alive, diminishing battery anxiety.
But, if you think that’s impressive, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 (what a mouthful) steps it up a notch. This audio champion offers an astounding 65 hours of total battery life and 50 hours with active noise cancelling on. A clear victor in terms of longevity, the Q45 is a powerhouse, promising continuous entertainment for those long-haul air travel or marathon study sessions.
Charging is a breeze with both headsets adopting the newer USB-Type C connection. A USB-C connection means less cable clutter, and more convenience, especially for those of us juggling two devices or more. But the real game-changer lies in their fast charging capabilities. The WH-XB910N rejuices swiftly; a mere 10-minute charge grants an additional 4.5 hours of rhythm. The Q45, however, edges ahead slightly in this area; with a 5-minute charge, you get a solid 4 hours of playtime. For those always on the move, these headphones offer not just portability, but the assurance that your music will keep pace with you.
Connectivity & App Support
Seamless connectivity in headphones is a must for any modern audio enthusiast, and the Sony WH-XB910N and Soundcore Space Q45 rise to the challenge. Whether it’s for music playback, playing games, or a quick voice chat, a reliable connection is key.
Both pairs of wireless headphones offer wired listening, a boon when the battery is out of juice or for those keen on lossless, uncompressed audio. Sony’s WH-XB910N keeps you connected with Bluetooth 5.2 and supports Bluetooth Multipoint, enabling you to switch seamlessly between two devices with ease. Connected to one device for phone calls and another for music? No issue.
As for codecs, it’s not just SBC and AAC on the roster, but LDAC too, unlocking richer, high-quality wireless audio. The Soundcore Space Q45 mirrors these specs but ups the ante with Bluetooth 5.3, lending it a slight edge in terms of potential range and efficiency.
What truly differentiates these noise-cancelling headphones, however, is their dedicated companion apps. Sony’s WH-XB910N syncs with the Sony Headphones Connect App, allowing users to tweak the EQ to their heart’s content. On the flip side, the Soundcore Space Q45 pairs with the Soundcore app, offering extra features and EQ customization as well. The flexibility to tailor the sound profile puts the user in the driver’s seat, enhancing the overall listening experience. Both apps also offer many EQ presets. Sony, in particular, offers a separate Clear Bass feature to adjust bass notes. In sum, the Sony WH-XB910N and Anker Soundcore Space Q45 both share great connectivity features without much distance between them.
Design & Comfort
The Sony WH-XB910N offers a minimalistic and modern aesthetic, available in three color options: black, blue, and gray. Weighing a mere 8.8 ounces, they offer a comfortable fit, owing to sufficient cushioning on the headband and ear cups. The build quality, while predominantly plastic, is good. These ANC headphones also score high on portability, thanks to their ability to fold and lie flat, making them a compact companion for those always on the move. Moreover, the touch controls on the right earcup and a physical button on the left for ANC modes are very convenient. To top it off, they come with a protective hard case.
On the other hand, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 headphones blend decent comfort with a visually pleasing, improved modern design. Their weight at 10.4 ounces, while slightly heavier, is still manageable for extended listening sessions. Though the headband could benefit from extra cushioning, its overall plastic yet sturdy build, available in black, blue, and white, feels pretty good. Like their Sony counterparts, these wireless headphones are portable and foldable, with physical controls for playback and noise cancelling on the earcups. The volume rocker and play/pause button lives on the right ear cup. An ANC button and power button can be found on the left ear cup. A hard case is also part of the package for on-the-go protection.
While both headphones are commendable in their design, they also offer similar comfort and good build quality. Your favorite headphone design between these two will depend on your preferences. While both have a nice aesthetic, the Sony WH-XB910N is a little more understated, but not quite as bulky as the Soundcore Space Q45.
Sound Quality
Sony WH-XB910N, part of Sony’s Extra Bass lineup, is known for its bass-heavy sound signature, creating a sub-bass rumble that truly stands out. This feature caters to bass heads who want more bass, but it may not appeal to all due to its intensity. The wireless headphones also exhibit an overemphasis on the upper midrange frequencies and treble. Although this might seem like a counterbalance to the elevated lower frequencies, it results in forward vocals and bright instruments. Still, the overall sound quality and details are commendable, potentially making up for some of the frequency response.
On the flip side, the Soundcore Space Q45 stands out with its v-shaped sound signature, characterized by heavy bass. But its lower frequencies still aren’t nearly as emphasized as the Sony WH-XB910N. It’s still more bass than some will prefer, but not overpowering. There are also notable peaks in the midrange and treble range. These peaks might make some instruments and vocals sound a bit too forward at times. However, the sound quality and imaging are still impressive. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers better sound quality than more expensive competitors. EQ customization through the Soundcore app is also possible, adding a layer of personalization to the listening experience.
While both headphones lean towards a bass-heavy sound signature, the Sony WH-XB910N takes it to another level, potentially overwhelming for some listeners. On the contrary, the Soundcore Space Q45 is a more balanced default EQ to listen to, while both headphones allow the ability to tailor the sound to individual preferences through the app. This has limitations though. When listening via a wired connection or a computer, these settings won’t always carry over. This could make the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 a more appealing choice for those who appreciate both bass and balance in their audio experience.
Which Are The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Active noise cancellation for headphones is an essential feature for many listeners that provides isolation from distracting background noise. The Sony WH-XB910N and the Soundcore Space Q45 both come equipped with active noise cancelling, but they offer different levels of ANC performance.
The Sony WH-XB910N provides good noise cancelling capabilities, especially for midrange frequencies. If you’re in an environment with nearby conversations or moderate office chatter, these headphones could be a good fit. However, they somewhat struggle with lower frequencies, which might be a drawback for users hoping to drown out the rumble of trains, car engines, or air-conditioning hums. ANC performance with higher frequencies is just decent.
On the other hand, the Soundcore Space Q45 excels at noise cancelling, showing an edge over the Sony WH-XB910N. The largest gap is the Anker Soundcore Space Q45’s superior handling of low-frequency noises. This translates to a more tranquil listening experience in environments with car motors, plane engines, and other rumbly noises. This makes them a more ideal choice for air travel, commuters, or anyone seeking to create a personal soundscape amidst noisy surroundings. While it’s closer comparison, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 also has better ANC performance at higher frequencies.
In addition to blocking ambient noise, both wireless headphones also support ambient or transparency mode. Transparency mode utilizes the same microphones as ANC technology to help users hear more of their surroundings. In contrast to active noise cancellation, ambient mode allows more background noise to be heard for enhanced situational awareness.
In conclusion, while both headphones offer valuable noise cancelling features, the Soundcore Space Q45 outperforms the Sony WH-XB910N, especially in handling low-frequency ambient noise. It’s a testament that pricing isn’t always indicative of superior performance – a crucial point to bear in mind when you want to find the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones and save money at the same time.
Final Verdict: Comparing the Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-XB910N
Both the Sony WH-XB910N and the Soundcore Space Q45 offer compelling features, but they shine in different areas. The Sony WH-XB910N stands out for their comfort and lightweight design, and they pack a punch with a bass-heavy sound. However, they might be overpowering for those preferring a more balanced audio profile. The Soundcore Space Q45 excels in active noise cancellation with better performance than the Sony WH-XB910N. It also has a superior battery life and fast-charging capability.
When you account for the more affordable price tag, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 really separates itself from Sony’s latest Extra Bass headphones. In addition to being the better overall, they’re the better option for those who want the best noise-cancelling headphones for a brutal commute or frequent travel. Its noise cancellation performance is approaching the level of premium ANC options. Those who really want that extra oomph for bass-heavy genres will still be happy with the Sony WH-XB910N. They still offer good noise cancellation, good battery life, a great app, and a ton of special features.
- Battery Life: 30 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Good ANC
- Sound: Full and Bass-Heavy
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 50 Hours w/ ANC
- ANC: Good Performance
- Sound: Bassy and Exciting
- Cost: $$$
Quick Feature Comparison: Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony WH-XB910N
Headphone Design:
Both Sony WH-XB910N and Soundcore Space Q45 are over-the-head headphones, a design that generally ensures optimal sound quality and comfort. Both headphones have a relatively minimal and modern aesthetic. The choice between the two will primarily come down to personal aesthetic preferences.
Weight:
When it comes to weight, Sony WH-XB910N (8.8 ounces) takes the lead, being lighter than Soundcore Space Q45 (10.4 ounces). This could make Sony a bit more comfortable during extended listening sessions.
Active Noise Cancelling:
Both headphones utilize onboard microphones and processors to support active noise cancelling (ANC) technology. This vital feature helps block out ambient noise, providing a more immersive audio experience. While the Sony WH-XB910N has good noise cancellation performance, the Soundcore Space Q45 will reduce background noise more effectively.
Passive Playback:
The Sony WH-XB910N and Soundcore Space Q45 both offer wired connection support. This feature is handy if you run out of battery and need to plug in to enjoy your music.
Supported Codecs:
Both headphones support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. This ensures high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, with LDAC offering the highest audio resolution for wireless audio. Neither of the two seems to have an edge over the other in this aspect.
Fast Charging:
Fast charging is a lifesaver when you’re in a rush. Sony WH-XB910N provides 4.5 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge, whereas Soundcore Space Q45 gives you 4 hours with a 5-minute charge. Here, Sony WH-XB910N slightly edges out with a longer playtime for a short charge.
Charging Connection:
Both headphones employ a USB-C charging port, a modern connection that’s becoming a standard due to its high speed and efficiency.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Bluetooth 5.2 in Sony WH-XB910N is pitted against Bluetooth 5.3 in Soundcore Space Q45. Both noise cancelling headphones also support Bluetooth Multipoint.
App Support:
Each headphone has a companion app – Sony Headphones Connect App for Sony WH-XB910N and Soundcore companion app for SoundCore Space Q45. Both allow EQ customization, offering the flexibility to tailor your audio experience to your liking.
Included Case:
Both the Sony WH-XB910N and SoundCore Space Q45 come with a hard case. This is a significant plus, protecting your headphones during travel or when not in use.