Soundcore is one of audio's most exciting up-and-coming brands. In the same way Edifier is changing the speaker game, Soundcore is disrupting the heck out of the headphones game.
Why? It's all because of the Space One Pro. These are the best headphones I've reviewed this year, and the only pair of headphones I'd buy for myself. I wouldn't even think about it. I'd just click "Add to cart".
Blown away by the sound quality
First and foremost, the Soundcore Space One Pro sound like $350 headphones. When I was testing the Space One Pro, I compared them directly to the Bose QuietComfort ($349).
Both headphones have a rich, warm, bassy sound signature, with an infinitesimal difference in the clarity and instrument separation. Basically, the Space One Pro sound like $349 cans, for just $199.
Despite being naturally bassy, the Space One Pro are still faithful across the entire frequency range. "That’s not to say that the bass performance overshadows sounds across the rest of the frequency range," I wrote in my review. "There’s still a fantastic balance between highs and lows, but the lows are more punctuated, more arresting, more final."
Even so, if you're a detail listener, you might be better off with some wired audiophile headphones. I tested the $349 Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen and loved them, but they're not Bluetooth headphones. No mic, no battery, wired-only.
The Space One Pro do have an aux port, though, so you can take advantage of hi-res music streaming services like Qobuz.
In my review, I wrote, "While linked up via aux, I listened to ‘Chez Moi (Waiting For You)’ by CC:DISCO!. The nostalgic ‘90s house intro was atmospheric as ever, with a swirling synth chorus and a thumping house beat translated competently over the Space One Pro."
The aux jack means you can use these headphones out and about and at home for serious listening sessions. This is a common feature on other high-end headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($450), and is also popular on other mid-range options like the JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition ($199).
Even so, the wired connection is great to have on the Space One Pro, and one of the reasons why I love these cans so much.
As flexible as an acrobat
When I first reviewed the Space One Pro, I was a little confused why Soundcore decided to market the headphones as "foldable" when I thought the sound quality was much more impressive.
However, the folding design has really grown on me. In my review, I wrote, "The folding is much easier than the JBL Tour One M2 or the JBL Live 770NC, the former of which is $100 pricier than the Space One Pro."
Most premium headphones I've tested have required a bulky carry case — the $1000+ Dali IO-8, $349 Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 — or no case at all, e.g., Apple AirPods Max ($549).
Not the Soundcore Space One Pro. Not only do these headphones sound premium, but they can also fold up to 50% smaller than their regular size. I recommend them wholeheartedly for commuting or throwing in your gym bag — safe in the knowledge that they won't break.
Best-in-class ANC
Let me just start this off by acknowledging that the best ANC headphones are the $449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2. Bose is known for its game-changing ANC.
I'm not saying the $199 Space One Pro beat the $449 QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2.
What I am saying is that the Space One Pro punch well above their weight.
For just $199, you'd expect middling ANC, right? Or, in the case of the $199 Beats Solo 4, no ANC at all. The Space One Pro blow the Beats offering out of the water.
The $349 Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 let in loads of environmental noise, even with the ANC on the strongest setting. Similarly, the $349 Beats Solo Pro stumble at the ANC hurdle, too. In our review of the Solo Pro, our reviewer wrote the Solo Pro's ANC is worse than "the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, AirPods Max, [and] even the AirPods Pro 2."
Considering these headphones are almost double the price of the Space One Pro, Soundcore's product is seriously undercutting premium rivals. And I'm not mad about it, because they sound so darn good.
And everything else
The Soundcore Space One Pro have so much more going for them. Luckily for you, I've already published a 2,000-word review on the Space One Pro. In that article, I go into depth about every single feature.
I'll just quickly list my honorable mentions: the amazing HearID personalized audio feature, the super-soft, lightweight earcups, the 60-hour battery life, crystal-clear call quality, and wired mode. Aaand breathe.
I utterly adore the Soundcore Space One Pro — they're the perfect all-rounder headphones for commuters, office workers, students, music lovers, and everyone in between.
When my younger sister asked me for headphone recommendations for college, I didn't hesitate. I gifted her a pair of the Space One Pro instantly. And guess what? She loves them.
The ones that didn't quite make it
Let me just address the elephant in the room: the fantastic headphones I've not recommended here.
I tested the FiiO FT13 and the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen and adored them both. However, I've not included them here for one critical reason.
The FiiO and Meze options aren't your regular, commercial, everyday Bluetooth cans. They're audiophile, analog-only headphones designed for serious listening. You wouldn't wear them while sitting on the bus.
So even though I loved them, they're not the best option for most people, and that's fine. They're not supposed to be.
There are a few Bluetooth options I haven't recommended, though, and I'll tell you why.
Earlier this year, I reviewed Bluetooth cans like the Mixx C4, Belkin Isolate, JBL Live 770NC, JBL Tour One M2, and the EarFun Wave Life.
Don't waste your money. And let's leave it at that. If you're particularly curious about why those aforementioned headphones are bad (save the JBL Live 770NC, which are great for bassheads), then by all means, read the full review.
If you want the best bang-for-buck headphones out there, though, do yourself a favor and check out the Soundcore Space One Pro. I promise you: you won't be disappointed.
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