Airpods Pro Vs Soundcore Space A40 Is Apple Still Leading In Noise Cancellation

For years, Apple’s AirPods Pro have set the benchmark for true wireless earbuds—especially when it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC). But with advancements from brands like Anker’s Soundcore, the gap is narrowing. The Soundcore Space A40, released as a direct competitor to premium models, brings aggressive pricing and strong specs to the table. So, is Apple still leading in noise cancellation, or has the competition caught up?

This deep dive compares the AirPods Pro (2nd generation, with USB-C) and the Soundcore Space A40 across key areas: ANC performance, audio quality, comfort, features, and ecosystem integration. We’ll look beyond marketing claims and examine real-world usability to determine where each excels—and who might actually win depending on your priorities.

Noise Cancellation: How Do They Really Compare?

Active noise cancellation is no longer a luxury—it’s expected in mid-to-high-tier earbuds. Both Apple and Soundcore use hybrid ANC systems, combining feedforward and feedback microphones to detect and cancel ambient noise. However, their approaches differ in processing power, tuning philosophy, and adaptability.

The AirPods Pro leverage Apple’s H2 chip, which enables computational audio at a hardware level. This means faster signal processing, better noise modeling, and dynamic head tracking for spatial audio. In real-world environments—subway platforms, airplane cabins, or bustling offices—the AirPods Pro consistently deliver deep, layered noise suppression. Low-frequency rumbles (like engine hum) are nearly eliminated, while mid-range chatter is significantly reduced.

The Soundcore Space A40 uses dual noise-canceling chips and employs a 3-mic system per earbud. Its proprietary ANC algorithm, called Quad-Adaptive Noise Cancellation, adjusts up to 400 times per second based on fit and environment. While not powered by a custom silicon chip like Apple’s, the A40 impresses with its ability to handle both low and high-frequency noise. On a crowded bus or in a noisy café, it holds its own, especially considering its price point.

“Modern mid-tier earbuds now offer 80–90% of what flagship models do in ANC, but fine-tuning and consistency still separate the leaders.” — David Lin, Audio Engineer at HeadFi Labs

Tip: For maximum noise cancellation, ensure a proper seal with the correct ear tip size. Even the best ANC fails with a poor fit.

Audio Quality and Tuning Philosophy

Sound signature matters just as much as silence. Apple tunes the AirPods Pro for balance and clarity, favoring natural tonality over bass-heavy excitement. The result is a neutral-to-slightly-warm profile that works well across genres. Vocals are crisp, instruments are well-separated, and spatial effects in Dolby Atmos content feel immersive.

Apple also benefits from seamless integration with iOS devices, enabling lossless audio via AAC codec optimization. While not Hi-Res certified, the AirPods Pro deliver clean, distortion-free playback even at high volumes.

In contrast, the Soundcore Space A40 offers a more customizable listening experience. With support for LDAC (a high-bitrate Bluetooth codec), Android users can stream near-lossless audio when paired with compatible devices. The default sound profile is bass-forward—a common trait in consumer-focused earbuds—but the Soundcore app includes a 5-band EQ, allowing users to dial in a more balanced response.

Beyond customization, the A40 supports LE Audio and Auracast compatibility (firmware-dependent), giving it a future-proof edge. However, on iOS, LDAC isn’t supported due to Apple’s reliance on AAC, so iPhone users won’t benefit from the higher bandwidth.

Key Audio Differences at a Glance

Feature	AirPods Pro	Soundcore Space A40
Driver Size	Custom 11mm dynamic driver	10mm dynamic drivers with graphene coating
Codecs Supported	AAC	AAC, SBC, LDAC
EQ Customization	Limited (iOS Adaptive EQ)	Full 5-band EQ in app
Hi-Res Audio Support	No	Yes (via LDAC on Android)
Spatial Audio	Head-tracking enabled	Basic 3D sound mode (no head tracking)

Comfort, Fit, and Real-World Wearability

Noise cancellation and sound mean little if the earbuds don’t stay comfortable during extended use. Both models adopt an in-ear design with silicone tips, but their ergonomics differ subtly.

The AirPods Pro feature a shorter stem and a tapered nozzle that aligns naturally with the ear canal. Combined with ultra-soft silicone tips (including XS size), they’re among the most comfortable earbuds for all-day wear. The lightweight build (5.3g per bud) reduces fatigue, making them ideal for long flights or workdays.

The Space A40 is slightly heavier at 5.8g per earbud and has a more protruding stem. Some users report mild pressure after several hours, particularly with larger ears. However, the inclusion of four tip sizes and wing stabilizers improves grip and stability during movement—making them a solid choice for workouts or commuting.

Both offer IPX4 water resistance, protecting against sweat and light rain. Neither is designed for swimming or submersion, but routine exposure to moisture won’t be an issue.

Mini Case Study: Commuter Comparison

Take Sarah, a daily subway commuter in New York City. She upgraded from older AirPods to the Space A40 to save money while maintaining good noise blocking. After two weeks, she noticed the A40 blocked train rumble effectively but struggled more with high-pitched announcements and screeching brakes. Switching back to her friend’s AirPods Pro, she found the difference striking—voices were muffled, and the overall cabin felt quieter. However, she appreciated the A40’s longer battery life and EQ options, which let her boost bass to counteract low-end subway noise.

Her takeaway? The AirPods Pro offered superior silence, but the A40 delivered enough performance for her needs—at half the price.

Battery Life and Charging Ecosystem

Battery longevity is where the Space A40 pulls ahead decisively. With up to 10 hours of playback at moderate volume and ANC on, plus a charging case that provides four additional full charges, total battery life reaches 50 hours. Fast charging gives 5 hours of playtime in just 10 minutes.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro offer around 6 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, and the case provides around 24 additional hours. While sufficient for most users, this falls short of the A40’s endurance. Fast charging delivers 3 hours in 5 minutes—convenient, but less generous than Soundcore’s offering.

Where Apple shines is ecosystem integration. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, pairing is instantaneous. Features like automatic device switching, “Find My” integration, and seamless Siri access add convenience that transcends raw specs. The case also supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging out of the box.

The Space A40 supports wireless charging (Qi-compatible) and includes a USB-C cable, but lacks MagSafe alignment magnets. It also doesn’t integrate with Apple’s Find My network, though the app includes a last-known location tracker and ring-to-find function.

Checklist: Choosing Between AirPods Pro and Space A40

• ✅ Prioritize ANC performance and iOS integration? → AirPods Pro
• ✅ Need long battery life and Android-friendly features? → Soundcore Space A40
• ✅ Want customizable sound via EQ? → Soundcore Space A40
• ✅ Use multiple Apple devices regularly? → AirPods Pro
• ✅ On a budget but want strong ANC? → Soundcore Space A40
• ✅ Value spatial audio with head tracking? → AirPods Pro

Smart Features and Software Experience

Software plays a crucial role in modern earbud performance. Apple tightly controls both hardware and software, resulting in a polished, stable experience. The AirPods Pro support touch-based controls (squeeze stem), automatic ear detection, voice isolation during calls, and Conversation Awareness—which lowers volume when you start speaking.

iOS users benefit from firmware updates delivered seamlessly through the operating system. There’s no need to download a companion app unless accessing advanced settings like noise control toggles (ANC/Transparency mode).

Soundcore requires its mobile app for full functionality. Here, users can adjust EQ, enable HearID hearing personalization, customize touch controls, and update firmware. While powerful, the app experience varies slightly between Android and iOS, and some users report occasional connectivity hiccups during updates.

One standout feature on the A40 is Multipoint 2.0, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. You can be connected to your laptop and phone at once, switching audio sources without re-pairing. The AirPods Pro only recently added limited multipoint support between Apple devices, and it remains less flexible than third-party implementations.

Step-by-Step: Optimizing ANC Performance

1. Run a seal test (on iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > Check Seal) to ensure proper fit.
2. Choose the right ear tip size—most people don’t use large enough tips.
3. Enable Transparency mode when you need situational awareness.
4. Adjust noise control via Control Center or squeeze gesture.
5. Update firmware regularly to benefit from ANC improvements.
6. Use Wind Reduction mode in extreme outdoor conditions to minimize wind noise.

FAQ

Can the Soundcore Space A40 beat AirPods Pro in ANC?

Not quite. While the A40 delivers impressive noise cancellation for its price, the AirPods Pro maintain an edge in consistency, low-frequency suppression, and adaptive tuning. The H2 chip gives Apple a hardware advantage that’s hard to match.

Are the Space A40 worth it for iPhone users?

Yes—if you prioritize battery life and customization. However, you’ll lose key features like seamless pairing, Find My, and spatial audio with head tracking. AAC codec support ensures decent sound, but LDAC won’t work on iOS.

Do both models support wireless charging?

Yes. Both the AirPods Pro case and the Space A40 case support Qi wireless charging. The AirPods Pro also support MagSafe, giving them an edge in convenience for Apple users.

Conclusion: Is Apple Still Leading?

Apple remains the leader in noise cancellation—not necessarily because it cancels every decibel better, but because of its holistic approach. The combination of the H2 chip, computational audio, perfect ecosystem integration, and consistent software updates creates a user experience that feels effortless. For iPhone owners, the AirPods Pro are still the gold standard for plug-and-play excellence.

But leadership doesn’t mean monopoly. The Soundcore Space A40 proves that high-performance ANC is no longer exclusive to premium brands. With smarter tuning, longer battery life, and aggressive pricing, it offers 90% of the AirPods Pro’s ANC capability at roughly half the cost. For Android users or budget-conscious buyers, it’s a compelling alternative.

The real winner depends on your priorities. If seamless integration, spatial audio, and top-tier call quality matter most, stick with Apple. If you want maximum value, longer runtime, and sound customization, the Space A40 deserves serious consideration.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Test both models if possible—or revisit your usage patterns. Whether you choose Apple’s polish or Soundcore’s practicality, today’s market offers excellent options for every listener.