Anker Soundcore Space A40 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds Review

Back in August 2022, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 was positioned as a mid‑range set of true wireless earbuds that promised flagship‑level features at a fraction of the cost. Retailing around £69.99–£89.99, they undercut premium rivals while offering a surprisingly complete package. Compact and lightweight at 4.6g per earbud, with a case weighing 58g, they are designed for comfort and portability. The understated design avoids flashy accents, appealing to users who prefer subtle styling.

Performance and Everyday Use

The Space A40 uses double‑layer diaphragm drivers to deliver balanced audio. The sound signature leans warm, with bass that adds weight without overwhelming mids. Treble is present but not as crisp as higher‑end sets, although the Soundcore app provides 22 EQ presets and a custom EQ, allowing listeners to tailor the profile. HearID further personalises sound by analysing hearing sensitivity, creating a bespoke EQ curve. Support for LDAC codec ensures high‑resolution playback on Android devices, transmitting up to three times more detail than standard SBC or AAC. This makes the A40 particularly appealing to audiophiles on a budget. However, LDAC reduces range and stability, and it cannot be used simultaneously with multipoint pairing. Adaptive ANC is a headline feature, automatically adjusting cancellation strength based on surroundings. It reduces up to 98% of ambient noise, handling low‑frequency rumble and office chatter effectively. Transparency mode is clear, allowing conversations without removing the earbuds. ANC does slightly alter the sound signature, softening bass impact, but the trade‑off is worthwhile for commuters and travellers.

Battery life is a standout: 10 hours per charge, 50 hours with case, and fast charging delivers four hours from a ten‑minute top‑up. Even with LDAC enabled, endurance remains competitive. The case supports both USB‑C and Qi wireless charging, adding flexibility. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 allows connection to two devices simultaneously, useful for switching between laptop and phone. Stability is strong, yet LDAC sacrifices multipoint. The earbuds are rated IPX4, protecting against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and daily use. Call quality is handled by six microphones with AI noise reduction, which improve clarity but remain average compared to premium rivals. Voices sound intelligible but lack richness, and wind noise can intrude outdoors. For casual calls they suffice, but professionals may prefer higher‑end options.

Real‑World Scenarios

In commuting, the Space A40 shines. Adaptive ANC reduces train rumble and bus noise, while transparency mode makes announcements audible. Battery endurance covers long journeys without worry. For students, the combination of multipoint pairing and wireless charging makes them practical for switching between lectures, laptops, and phones. At home, LDAC playback reveals extra detail in high‑resolution tracks, but the earbuds’ tuning favours casual listening over analytical precision. Gamers benefit from low latency, although they lack dedicated gaming modes. Fitness users will appreciate the IPX4 rating, however sweat resistance is less robust than IPX5 or IPX7 competitors.

Market Position

At under £100, the Space A40 competes with mid‑range earbuds like the Sony WF‑C700N and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. Sony’s model offers stronger microphones and a more refined ANC, but lacks LDAC. Samsung’s Buds FE integrate tightly with Galaxy devices but fall short on battery life. The Space A40 combination of LDAC, multipoint, adaptive ANC, and wireless charging is rare at this price, giving it a clear edge for value‑conscious listeners. Compared to Soundcore’s own Liberty 4, the A40 earbuds are lighter and cheaper, but lack wear sensors and spatial audio. They sit neatly as the practical, everyday option in Soundcore’s line-up, balancing features and affordability.

Design and Ergonomics

The earbuds’ compact form factor ensures a secure fit without protrusion. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the case’s rounded edges make it pocket‑friendly. The absence of wear sensors means playback does not pause automatically when removing an earbud, a minor inconvenience compared to rivals. Controls are handled via touch surfaces, customisable in the app. Responsiveness is good, yet accidental touches can occur during adjustments. The app’s integration is strong, offering firmware updates, EQ control, ANC modes, and battery monitoring.

Drawbacks

Despite its strengths, the Space A40 has limitations.

– Microphone quality is serviceable but not premium, limiting appeal for frequent callers;
– Sub‑bass is weaker than flagship sets, reducing impact in bass‑heavy genres;
– No wear sensors means playback must be paused manually;
– ANC impact on audio slightly reduces bass presence;
– LDAC trade‑offs include reduced range and incompatibility with multipoint.

These compromises are expected at the price, but they are worth noting for users seeking perfection. The Soundcore Space A40 delivers a strong mix of adaptive ANC, LDAC audio, multipoint Bluetooth, wireless charging, and long battery life at a price well under £100. For commuters, students, and everyday listeners, it offers a taste of premium features without the premium cost. However, compromises are evident. Microphone quality is average, limiting appeal for frequent callers. Sub‑bass lacks depth, treble is less refined than rivals, and the absence of wear sensors feels like a missed convenience. ANC flattens bass slightly, and LDAC sacrifices multipoint pairing and range stability. These trade‑offs mean the A40 is not a true audiophile or professional‑grade option, but rather a well‑rounded budget performer.

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