Anker Soundcore Space A40 Review

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 have become the default recommendation for anyone who wants proper noise cancelling without spending flagship money. At around £40-£80 depending on the deal, they undercut the big names by a wide margin while borrowing features you would normally expect much higher up the range. Independent laboratory testing rates them one of the best budget noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy, and very good for commuting and travel in particular.

The headline is the ANC. The test praised the Space A40's full-range noise isolation as amazing for the money, with an adaptive system that clamps down hard on the low-frequency drone of bus and aircraft engines. This is the sort of performance that used to cost three or four times as much, and it is the single biggest reason these earbuds punch so far above their weight. For a daily commute or a long flight, they block out far more than their price suggests they should.

Endurance is another strength. The test measured over eight hours of continuous playback from the earbuds alone, with the carrying case holding roughly four extra charges — comfortably enough for a week of commuting or a long-haul trip between top-ups. The case is compact and pocketable, and wireless charging is included, which is rare at this price. LDAC support is on hand too, so Android listeners can stream at higher quality than the usual budget codecs allow.

The test found the Space A40 comfortable and well-built, with a design that feels a cut above the price. The one real caveat is stability: they lack the wing tips or fins that lock some sport earbuds in place, so during vigorous movement they can work loose or pop out. For sitting, commuting and general listening they stay put, but dedicated runners may want something more secure. On sound, the default tuning is enjoyable and, importantly, adjustable — the companion app includes sound-customisation and EQ features, letting you shape the balance and even tailor it to your hearing, so you are not stuck with the out-of-the-box signature.

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 are the value benchmark in our best wireless earbuds guide. Within Anker's own range they sit alongside the Soundcore Liberty 4 and the step-up Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, and they make a natural budget rival to the Nothing Ear (3a). Spend more and you move into premium territory with the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Technics EAH-AZ100, which add better sound and calling — but not necessarily better value. Check the price on Amazon

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 remain one of the smartest buys in wireless audio: genuinely excellent noise cancelling, long battery life, wireless charging, LDAC and a flexible app, all for a price that shames far dearer rivals. The lack of stability fins is the only meaningful drawback, and only if you plan to run in them. For everyone else after big-brand features on a small budget, these are still the pair to beat.

This review is based on independent laboratory testing rather than our own hands-on trial.