Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Anker Soundcore Space Q45

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest from the flagship line of XM noise-cancelling headphones, the Soundcore Space Q45 is a more affordable competitor. Does it block enough background noise and provide sound quality for more budget shoppers? That the questions we aim to answer in this ANC headphone comparison. We have a quick summary comparison below followed by a full comparison with more detail.

Product Highlights: Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Soundcore Space Q45: Key Factors

Battery Life and Charging

While some users will prioritize great battery life more than others, it’s always important when comparing wireless headphones. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 ANC headphones really impress with a maximum battery life of 65 hours and 50 hours with active noise cancellation enabled. That beats the Sony WH-1000XM5, which maxes out at 40 hours of battery life and only provides 30 hours when ANC is active. Both devices are charged via a USB-C connection and have fast charging capabilities. A 5-minute charge of the Sony Space Q45 will give users 4 hours of battery life, while a 3-minute charge of the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides 3 hours of playback.

Verdict: Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Connectivity and App Support

While the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 has Bluetooth version 5.3, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has version 5.2. Both over-ear headphones have strong and reliable Bluetooth connections and can facilitate a wired connection for audio playback. Both wireless headphones also support Bluetooth multipoint. This allows users to conveniently connect these headphones and switch between two devices via Bluetooth. While recent Soundcore and Sony headphones have supported NFC pairing, it’s a glaring omission on both of these Bluetooth headphones. It also isn’t a good sign for this feature going forward. As it’s removed from more offerings, companies will have little incentive to include it on their wireless headphones.

On a more positive note, both of these noise cancelling headphones support LDAC for higher-resolution streaming. This will improve sound quality with wireless streaming. Many services like Tidal already offer lossless streaming and its rumoured Spotify HiFi will launch soon. In addition to LDAC, the Sony WH-1000XM5 also supports DSEE Extreme to improve audio from compressed or lossy sources. It should be noted that using either of these features will result in shorter battery life.

Utilizing companion apps can really extend the functionality of your ANC headphones. Sony and Soundcore both offer some of the best app support for their wireless headphones. The Headphones Connect app supports the Sony WH-1000XM5, while the Soundcore app is used for the Space Q45. Both apps are available on Android and iOS devices. Each app can be used to facilitate updates, adjust ANC, customize EQs, utilize EQ presets, and more. Both apps look good, add value, and outperform similar apps from most competitors. Jabra’s companion app deserves a mention too. I just don’t utilize it as much since I retired my Jabra Elite 75t earbuds.

Verdict: Tie

Design and Form Factor

While both noise-cancelling headphones have a design inspired by their predecessors, both have undergone some changes. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 design has gone through smaller changes but the updated design looks cleaner and more premium. On the other hand, we were already big fans of the WH-1000XM4 design. The revamped design of the Sony WH-1000XM5 looks even better. The sleek design makes WH-1000M5 makes them one of the best-looking ANC headphones I’ve ever seen.

The build quality on both headphones is good, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 definitely feels more premium with the stronger material and hinges. This isn’t necessarily a surprise for a flagship pair of noise-cancelling headphones with this price tag. While lightweight and comfortable, the headband and earcups on both headphones have a little less padding than their predecessors. Most will be fine listening to either pair of headphones for long commutes and work sessions.

The onboard controls of both of these noise-cancelling headphones are extensive and easy to learn. Touch controls are available on Sony WH-1000XM5. On the left ear cup, there is a power button that can also be held to begin Bluetooth pairing. The custom button is also on the left ear cup. This button can be used to switch between ANC modes (active noise cancelling, transparency mode, and ANC disabled) or activate your preferred voice assistant. You can designate which option you want within the Sony Headphone Connect app. The touch gestures to control phone calls and music playback are on the right ear cup of the WH-1000XM5. These are the same touch gestures found on many recently released over-ear Sony Headphones. Below is a breakdown of the WH-1000XM5’s control scheme.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Touch Controls:

• Swipe Forward – Skip to Next Song
• Swipe Back – Go To Previous Song
• Double Tap – Pause/Play Audio and Answer/End Call
• Swipe Down – Decrease Volume (hold to continue reducing volume)
• Swipe Up – Decrease Volume (hold to continue increasing volume)
• Cover Entire Ear Cup – Activate speak-to-talk mode
  

Physical buttons are used to control the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. Similar to the WH-1000XM5, the power and pairing button is on the left ear cup along with the ANC button. The Space Q45’s ANC button switches between ANC off, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode to hear ambient noise. On the right ear cup, there are multiple buttons for the remaining controls. There is a volume rocker with two buttons (+ and -) and a Play/Pause for the below functions.

Soundcore Space Q45 Button Controls:

• Play/Pause:
  • Press 1x: Play/Pause or Answer/End Call
  • Press 2x: Activate Voice Assistant
  • Hold: Rejects Phone Call
    
• Volume Buttons:
  • Press + 1x: Increase Volume
  • Press + 2x: Skip To Next Song
  • Press – 1x: Decrease Volume
  • Press – 2x: Go To Previous Song
    

Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5

Which Headphones Have Better Sound Quality?

The Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 have dynamic sound quality that most consumers will enjoy. Both over-ear headphones also have LDAC support and apps that allow users to alter their sound profile based on their preferences. When it comes to their sound signature, both are headphones with bass-heavy EQs with the WH-1000XM5 having slightly more bass. Each provides extra sub-bass and low-end rumble. This will make them particularly enjoyable for bassy music, watching movies, and playing games. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 sound profile actually has slightly less bass than its predecessor, the Soundcore Life Q35. Those looking for ample bass and more cost-savings may want to consider the Q35 ANC headphones instead.

Where the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 separates itself is how it doesn’t allow lower frequencies to overpower midrange and high frequencies. More critical listeners will notice superior detail and instrument separation when listening to music on the Sony WH-1000XM5. With an EQ heavy on bass, higher frequencies are naturally less prominent. Despite this dynamic, both over-ear headphones can still produce clear vocals and instruments. But the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 was a little more inconsistent with this. The result is higher frequencies that can sound a little recessed at times.

This is a pretty in-the-weeds comparison of each device’s audio quality though. When you consider the much lower price point of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45, its sound quality is pretty impressive. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels at producing clarity and more refined details, the difference won’t matter as much for less critical listeners. This is especially the case when both the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 both add great features to improve and tweak audio quality.

Both of these ANC headphones work solidly as a headset for zoom calls or a quick voice chat. Each of the devices has integrated microphones that do okay reproducing your voice but don’t expect miracles. Wireless headphones often tout features to improve voice chats, but many still struggle to reproduce truly full-sounding voices. The microphones will also have difficulty dealing with loud background noises. They’re perfectly acceptable for phone calls in a traditional office environment or mostly quiet spaces.

Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5

Soundcore Space Q45 vs WH-1000XM5: Which Has Better Noise Cancelling?

Good ANC performance is what really sets a great pair of wireless headphones apart. Whether you want to reduce background noise on your commute or air travel, quality noise cancelling headphones are a must. We’re happy to report both of these over-ear headphones are capable of great ANC performance. And the small differences in overall noise cancelling performance are extremely impressive considering the low price of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45.

When it comes to blocking ambient noise, ANC headphones typically make the most obvious impact with low frequencies. Only the best ANC headphones have active noise cancellation that’s also as effective against higher audio frequencies. The Sony WH-1000XM5 along with its two processors and 8 total microphones improve upon the WH-1000XM4’s active noise cancellation. It excels in reducing low-frequency ambient noise like the running engine of a plane or metro train. When it comes to cancelling mid-range and high frequencies background noise, the Sony WH-1000XM5 new tech also shines. Along with better active noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM5 also have new padding on the ear cups. The ear cups do a better job with passive noise cancelling of higher frequencies. The end result is a pair of headphones with exceptional ANC performance to reduce all types of background noise from office chatter to your home air conditioner.

In comparison, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 also have ANC performance that’s both objectively good and amazing for the price. The Space Q45 headphones fight ambient noise pretty well in the lower and higher frequency ranges with its new adaptive ANC technology. But the passive and active noise cancelling of the WH-1000XM5 outpace the Anker Soundcore Space Q45, especially when it comes to mid-range and treble frequencies. There’s a smaller gap when comparing how the Space Q45 and WH-1000XM5 low-end frequencies, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 is still superior.

When comparing noise isolation in a crowded metro station, the Sony WH-1000XM5 noticeably cut slightly more surrounding chatter and train noise. But the WH-1000XM5 ANC headphones are more than twice as much as the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. Which makes this an impressive feat for Soundcore. It should be noted that the Sony WH-1000XM5 have an AI-optimized ANC. Some users have reported inconsistent performance because of ANC changes after slight movements. This was a feature Sony allowed users to disable with the Sony WH-1000XM4 and hopefully, they add this functionality in the future. Both the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 have transparency mode allowing users to hear ambient noise for additional situational awareness. This can be convenient when playing games or commuting. The Soundcore Space Q45 does allow for adjusting noise cancelling levels with the Souncore app.

For those who just want good active noise cancelling headphones for a commute or office work, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 has superior noise cancellation, I don’t honestly think the extra cost is warranted for most consumers. Frequent travelers, people with brutal commutes, and those who just want the best ANC headphones should opt for the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5

Conclusion & Alternate Noise Cancelling Headphones

After many device comparisons, it’s hard to come away with clear conclusions. That’s not the case with these two ANC headphones. Both the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are quality active noise cancelling headphones. The premium price of the Sony WH-1000XM5 shows in its design and build quality. But the Space Q45s hold their own on the design front and offer better battery life. While the WH-1000XM5 has superior sound quality that can be heard by some, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 headphones sound good themselves.

That brings us to the active noise cancellation performance. The Sony WH-1000XM5 knock it out of the park when it comes to reducing background noise. But I believe the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offer good ANC that performs well enough for most. And way above its price point. To put it clearly, if good noise cancelling headphones are the goal, buy the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and save some money. The value they provide is just outstanding. If your use case requires top-of-the-line noise cancellation, go with the Sony WH-1000XM5.

The first alternatives that come to mind are the Soundcore Life Q35. They compare well to the WH-1000XM4, offer more bass than the Q45, and have similarly great battery life and app support. While the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a great substitute, the new price hasn’t dropped much. Those looking for great noise cancelling can get a discount if you can find them on sale or used. We also like the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 which has solid ANC, great battery life, and a more neutral sound profile.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: FAQs