Compare Nothing Headphone (a) vs Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

Sound quality receives everything from enthusiastic praise to criticism of harshness, flatness, and uneven bass. EQ is frequently the route to a more satisfying presentation, and pop tends to fare well in genre-specific testing.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

Tonal accuracy is a concern in the more critical assessments, which describe an uneven frequency response and unnatural reproduction. EQ or a different listening mode can improve the balance.

Sound leakage is context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

One listening test reports no audible leakage at its usual listening volume. That makes the headphones appealing for shared spaces where disturbing others matters.

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

The sound can feel tight and lively, but one assessment hears less impact and fidelity with ANC enabled. Dynamic satisfaction depends on settings and the material being played.

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

Casual gaming is enjoyable for several users, but Bluetooth delay is a limitation for competitive play. A wired connection is suggested when immediate response matters.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

Most video tests report little or no noticeable lip-sync delay. Some sources detect a small lag, and one finds the delay too substantial for gaming.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

Several listeners hear substantial changes in bass and treble when switching ANC modes, sometimes making the sound boomy, thin, or harsh. Others hear little change or prefer the sound with ANC engaged.

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

ANC can change the listening experience as well as quiet the room. Reports range from minimal sonic impact to reduced openness, uneven bass, and movement-related volume fluctuations.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

Noise cancellation is the main attraction for commuting and flights, particularly against steady engine hum and lower frequencies. Voices and sharp sounds can still break through, and a poor seal reduces its effectiveness.

ANC itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

ANC hiss divides opinion: some barely notice it, while others find the highest setting distracting. Lower cancellation levels can reduce hiss at the cost of less noise suppression.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

Several listeners enjoy a wide, open presentation, while others hear a small or boxed-in space. ANC settings can reduce openness, and premium rivals sometimes provide more depth.

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

Some listeners find music immersive and concert-like, with convincing space and emotional impact. A richer low end and spacious presentation are particular strengths in positive accounts.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

The over-ear seal can reduce conversation, typing, and room noise even without ANC. A loose fit or gaps around glasses reduce that benefit.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

Bass can be deep, punchy, and enjoyable, especially after tuning. Others find it weak, overly boomy, or inconsistent across songs and ANC modes, with BassUp sometimes overwhelming the mix.

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

Wind handling is strongly praised in some tests and disappointing in others, particularly during calls. The reduction setting helps certain users but does not consistently eliminate interference.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

Background-noise rejection is impressive in several street and office tests. Busier environments can still introduce interference, muffling, or sudden bursts of outside noise.

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

The matte paint finish is specifically praised for avoiding visible fingerprints. That helps the headphones keep a neat appearance during everyday handling.

The drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

The included protective case is a valuable travel extra, especially at this price. Its plastic insert, tight packing space, exterior finish, and limited cable storage attract some criticism.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

Folding cups and a compact case make packing straightforward. The folding range is useful, although newer designs can collapse into a smaller package.

The plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

Matte plastic, brushed metal, and reinforced components often feel more expensive than the price suggests. A few reviewers still find the materials and controls noticeably cheap.

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

The sliding headband and flexible construction fit many large heads well. A few users cannot shorten the fit enough and find the cups sitting too low.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

Available loudness satisfies some listeners and improves with their EQ settings. Another user wants more output than the headphones can provide.

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

The included cables draw complaints about flimsy construction, short lengths, and the USB-A charging end. A few sources are more positive about their appearance or tangle resistance.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

Detail and clarity impress several listeners, particularly after EQ adjustments. Others hear enough individual parts but remain dissatisfied with tonal accuracy or the overall presentation.

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

Headband padding is the main physical comfort dispute: some find it soft and sufficient, while others feel the band through it. Sensitive heads and long wear make the thinner cushion especially noticeable.

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

A secure grip works well for walking and some workouts. Fit varies enough that one user loses the seal when moving their head.

The cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

Folding and rotation are useful for storage and wearing the headphones around the neck. Limited rotation and spring-loaded tilting frustrate users who want freer movement or a more relaxed fit.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

A user misses the automatic switching across iCloud devices available on Apple headphones. Multipoint provides a useful substitute for two connected devices but does not reproduce that ecosystem convenience.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

One detailed assessment finds sound placement accurate for the price, while others describe a more distant or merely adequate presentation. Positioning is useful without consistently feeling intimate.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

The analog jack is welcomed as a useful backup and a way to connect older devices. Wired sound receives praise, but accounts disagree about whether playback works with an empty battery.

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

Included audio and charging cables are appreciated as useful extras. The lack of an airplane adapter disappoints one traveler.

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

Several sources report clarity without crackling or distortion at high levels. One video assessment warns that pushing to maximum volume costs some sound quality.

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

Earpad replacement can be difficult because of the secure plastic attachment, with one user reporting warped parts during removal. Official replacement color choice also draws criticism.

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

Pad replacement is possible but does not feel easy to every user. The attachment design and limited official color options are the main complaints.

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

Restrained branding and a neat headband appeal to some buyers, while the protruding cups and bulky profile draw criticism. These are substantial headphones even when their finish looks understated.

The preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

Soundcore Signature, acoustic, and podcast settings find fans, while other listeners dislike the available presets or hear little improvement. BassUp is particularly divisive, adding enjoyable thump for some and muddiness for others.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

Soft, roomy memory-foam cushions are a frequent comfort highlight. Firmer foam, limited depth for some ears, and a less spacious fit than certain rivals create exceptions.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

The strongest recommendations favor budget-conscious commuters, travelers, and everyday listeners. More critical sources suggest alternatives when default sound, fit, or call quality is the top priority.

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

Several glasses wearers find the roomy cushions comfortable without frame pressure. Others notice extra pressure on the arms or a weaker seal that reduces bass and cancellation.

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

Android compatibility is praised for straightforward use and access to LDAC. General playback is also reported to work well alongside iOS devices.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

Hi-res playback is appreciated as an unusual bonus at this price. Compatible recordings can reveal more detail, although the overall tuning remains more important to satisfaction.

The feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

Use across phones, computers, and other devices is a practical strength, especially for people switching ecosystems. Most video playback tests across platforms find little noticeable delay.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

Changing pads can stress the plastic mounting parts, with one user reporting that both sides warped during removal. Easier replacement would improve the experience of maintaining the headphones.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

Treble is clear and detailed to many ears, but unusually divisive. Some hear harsh sibilance and fatigue, while others want more sparkle or find EQ brings it to life.

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

The built-in microphones are usable for calls and meetings in many accounts, with particularly positive reports of clear speech. Others hear muffling, a robotic tone, or merely average performance.

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

USB-C charging is welcomed for its familiar connection and convenience. Users appreciate having the current charging standard rather than needing a specialized connector.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

Vocals are often clear and engaging, but some listeners hear recessed, thin, shouty, or artificial mids. EQ can improve their presence, though boosting too far can make voices sharp.

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

LDAC is welcomed for higher-quality wireless listening on compatible devices, though not everyone hears a clear improvement. It can reduce endurance and range, and cannot run alongside multipoint here.

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

One assessment sees the lack of a water-resistance rating as acceptable for non-workout use. That judgment does not establish protection against sweat or water.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

Transparency can sound natural and make conversation easy, particularly with its adjustable levels. Others hear hiss, a tunnel-like effect, weak voice pickup, or a less open sound than competing models.

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

Instrument separation can be clear and revealing, especially with EQ. Other assessments hear weaker layering and less distinction than stronger audio-focused alternatives.

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

The combination of strong cancellation, long endurance, folding cups, and a protective case makes travel a leading use case. These strengths are repeatedly valued for flights and everyday commuting.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

Having both wired and wireless listening is specifically welcomed as useful flexibility. It lets buyers choose how to connect rather than relying exclusively on Bluetooth.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

Most overall impressions are positive about the combination of comfort, cancellation, and endurance. A few users remain dissatisfied enough to prefer another model or return the headphones.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.

Voice-assistant performance varies widely. Some get reliable quick commands, while others encounter missed activation, misheard requests, lag, or very quiet responses.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

Spoken battery status is helpful to some, but coarse battery levels and similar connection tones frustrate others. Disabling alerts can also leave a user surprised when the headphones shut down.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier conditions.

Call quality ranges from clear, reliable conversations to muffled or processed speech. Quiet rooms are the safest use case, although several users also report good results outdoors.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

Extra software tools earn praise for personalization and focus, although HearID and soundscape availability vary across accounts. Some listeners find automated tuning less useful than their own adjustments.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

Physical buttons are widely preferred for their tactile feedback and dependable operation. Small controls, similar positions, and shared volume/track functions can cause mistaken presses.

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

Wireless range and connection stability generally impress, including use across rooms. Occasional dropouts, slow pairing, and reconnection hassles keep the experience from being uniformly smooth.

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

Pairing and navigating the app are straightforward for many users. A minority find setup fiddly or dislike needing adjustments before the headphones sound right.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

The Soundcore app is widely liked for bringing listening modes, sound tuning, and controls together. A few users find the experience cheap, fiddly, or unnecessary for their preferred plug-and-play use.

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

The EQ is a major advantage for shaping bass, vocals, and treble to taste, with adjustments carrying across listening devices. Some users want more control, particularly over treble or combining BassUp with custom settings.

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

Talk mode can make short conversations easier by bringing voices forward or reducing music volume. Quick attention features removed from older models are missed, and newer alternatives offer more convenient chat tools.

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

Clamping pressure is comfortable and secure for many heads, but fit is highly personal. Some experience tightness and jaw pressure, while another cannot get enough grip for a reliable seal.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

Many users find the weight easy to wear, especially given the battery endurance. Comparisons with lighter rivals make the extra mass more noticeable for others.

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

Many users wear the headphones for hours with little discomfort. Thin headband padding, pressure around the jaw, heat, and mismatched sizing make long sessions harder for others.

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

Aluminum hinges generally inspire confidence when folding and packing the headphones. Several users consider them a useful build upgrade over cheaper models.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

A year-long user reports little visible wear and preserved sound quality. Shorter-term impressions also suggest the headphones hold up well, although some durability expectations remain predictions.

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

Metal reinforcement, aluminum hinges, and improved plastic make the build feel convincing for the price to many users. Others still notice creaks, rattles, or materials that feel distinctly budget-oriented.

The retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

The matte finish, metal accents, and understated branding are frequently admired. Some would change the logo treatment, and the overall size limits how sleek the design feels.

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

Two-device switching is frequently praised for moving between phone calls and computer audio. Dropouts, clunky switching, and the inability to mix both audio streams disappoint some users.

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

Most users see unusually strong value in the cancellation, battery, and feature mix. Those unhappy with fit or sound question the full price and are more favorable toward a sale.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

Codec options are welcomed, particularly LDAC, but the lack of aptX leaves a gap for some computers. One long-term assessment explicitly praises the available codec selection.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

Heat and sweat buildup are recurring reasons to avoid hard workouts or hot weather. Ordinary desk use is comfortable for many, with a few reporting little heat even during long sessions.

Fast charging is excellent: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

Fast charging earns repeated praise for restoring useful listening time before a trip or commute. Long endurance and short top-ups make battery management feel easy.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

Long battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with many listeners going a week or longer between charges. LDAC and heavier use shorten endurance, but most still find it generous.

ANC pressure is comfortable or barely noticeable for some listeners, but high settings feel oppressive to others. Reducing the level can ease that sensation while retaining useful cancellation.

The ability to use the app without creating an account is a welcome convenience. One detailed walkthrough specifically praises access to settings without account registration.

Bluetooth 5.3 is viewed as a welcome connectivity update, with praise for range and a sense of futureproofing. Its version number does not eliminate the latency or pairing limitations reported elsewhere.

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

Missing aptX support disappoints listeners who want better codec options on Windows. LDAC helps compatible Android devices but does not resolve that particular limitation.

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

Channel balance receives strong praise in the detailed listening assessment. That consistency helps sounds occupy stable positions within the presentation.

Firmware updates can improve behavior and are sometimes quick to install. Others report an undesirable BassUp change or worry that software support fades sooner than with Sony.

A hearing-aid wearer benefits from extra space around the ears, avoiding the pressure and whistling experienced with a previous headset. This is a useful reported fit advantage for that user.

Volume limiting and monitoring are appreciated as ways to keep listening levels in check. One assessment likes the limiter but cautions that the on-screen meter can appear reassuring at uncomfortable levels.

Pop playback receives praise for clean rhythms and drums that snap through the mix without dominating it. That balance helps lively tracks feel organized and engaging.

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

One hands-on assessment does not detect the unusual plastic odor mentioned in outside customer comments. The headphones smell ordinary to that user.

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.

Several listeners report clean playback without distortion, including at high volume. A dissenting assessment describes an artificial, distorted texture that makes familiar recordings feel wrong.

Some users appreciate the absence of creaks when moving, including during recording. Others still hear plastic creaking, so quiet handling is not universal.

Two users report distracting noise when music is quiet or absent, including subtle popping and a persistent static-like layer. These experiences can make quiet listening less enjoyable.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

A dedicated power-off function and good standby behavior make the headphones convenient to live with. Configurable automatic shutdown is appreciated for conserving battery.

A replacement unit reduced the reported pressure-related problem slightly but did not resolve it. The support remedy therefore left the original complaint substantially intact.