After spending a fair bit of time stuck in analysis paralysis trying to decide which noise-cancelling earbuds to get around the $50 price point, I finally landed on the Soundcore Space A40 by Anker — and I haven’t looked back since. These earbuds have become my daily drivers, and while there are technically better (and far more expensive) earbuds out there, I honestly believe these can’t be beaten for the money.
🎧 Noise Cancelling: Surprisingly Effective
One of the biggest reasons I chose the Space A40s was for active noise cancelling, and they’ve absolutely delivered. I’ve now enjoyed multiple flights with them, and the ANC is good enough that I can fade into a movie or music and totally forget about the drone of the engines or the chatter of passengers around me. The auto-adjusting ANC is a great touch — it tailors itself to your surroundings, whether you’re commuting, working in a café, or flying.
🔊 Sound Quality: Impressive for the Price
Thanks to the double-layer diaphragm drivers, these earbuds produce a rich, balanced sound with solid bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. For those who want even more, LDAC support enables Hi-Res Wireless Audio when used with compatible devices. And with the soundcore app, you can personalize the sound through HearID Sound 2.0 or choose from 22 EQ presets to match your taste.
🎮 Latency: Not for Gamers
One downside worth mentioning is the noticeable latency, which makes the Space A40 less than ideal for gaming or anything that requires real-time audio sync. That said, they’re still perfectly fine for watching films or casual videos, where the lag isn’t as distracting.
🔋 Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Reliable
Battery performance is another win. You get 10 hours on a single charge (8 with ANC), and the case gives you up to 50 hours total. A quick 10-minute charge nets you an extra 4 hours — perfect when you’re rushing out the door.
💡 Comfort & Design: Lightweight and Travel-Ready
These are some of the lightest and most comfortable earbuds I’ve used. At just 4.9 grams per earbud, they sit comfortably even during long listening sessions. You get five different ear tip sizes, which makes finding a perfect fit easy. Plus, the IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and light rain without issue — another reason they’ve become my daily choice.
📱 Extra Features: Thoughtful Touches
- Multipoint Bluetooth makes it easy to switch between two devices (like your phone and laptop).
- 6 microphones with AI ensure clear calls in most environments.
- Wireless charging and USB-C provide flexible charging options.
- The transparency mode is handy for staying aware of your surroundings or chatting without taking an earbud out.
✔️ Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- Reliable noise cancelling, especially for flights
- Rich sound with customizable EQ
- Long battery life with quick charge
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Multipoint connection and wireless charging
❌ Cons:
- Noticeable latency makes them less suitable for gaming
- No auto-pause when removing earbuds
- Touch controls can be sensitive
- LDAC support depends on your device
📝 Verdict:
If you’re looking for noise-cancelling earbuds under $50, the Soundcore Space A40 is a no-brainer. They offer a stellar combination of features, comfort, and sound quality — and for around $50, they’re frankly hard to beat. You can spend twice this and still not get as good! They’ve earned a permanent spot in my everyday carry, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for great performance at a budget-friendly price.
Ideal for travelers, commuters, or anyone who just wants solid ANC without breaking the bank — just skip them for competitive gaming.