Compare Nothing Headphone (a) vs Soundcore Anker Space 2 Pro

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.

Music quality divides opinion more than calls or comfort. Some love the powerful sound after personalization; others hear dark, bass-heavy tuning and distortion that EQ cannot fully fix.

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

Wear detection generally behaves reliably, pausing and resuming playback without distracting delay.

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.

Spatial audio earns praise for movie depth and a wider presentation on suitable recordings. Several listeners prefer it for video rather than ordinary music.

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

Customized wireless sound is praised as lively and dynamic. A comparison finds passive wired playback less dynamic than powered listening.

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.

Stock tuning is often described as dark and bass-heavy rather than neutral. Some achieve much better balance through personalization, while others find uneven emphasis persists.

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

Most noisy-call tests praise unusually strong separation of speech from chatter, street noise, or simulated construction. A less enthusiastic test still hears drilling behind an intelligible voice.

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

One account praises responsive gaming use, while another reserves its endorsement for everyday video and calls. Competitive gaming suitability receives less consistent support.

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.

Some hear broad width and depth, especially after EQ or in instrumental tracks. Others describe compact staging or wish vocal recordings sounded more open.

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 earns broad praise for reducing office chatter, transit rumble, and other distractions at a midrange price. Premium rivals sometimes remain quieter, and one head-to-head test preferred the cheaper Space 2.

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

The plush earcup seal provides useful isolation even with the headphones powered off. Several accounts find this passive blocking makes a meaningful contribution to quietness.

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

Several call tests maintain clear speech in windy conditions, and adjustable wind reduction is welcomed. One outdoor test finds the setting disrupts transparency as the wind changes.

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

Video, streaming, and everyday calls generally feel well synchronized. The positive latency reports support casual entertainment use more clearly than competitive gaming.

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

Spacious presentation and convincing depth make movies and some music feel enveloping. Results depend on tuning and content, with intimate staging appealing to another listener.

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 is powerful and enjoyable for many listeners, especially after personalization. Others hear excessive boom, woolliness, or masking that prevents the low end from sounding well controlled.

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

High-volume clarity is a weakness in the critical listening tests, with distortion becoming noticeable well before the volume reaches its maximum.

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

Replaceable cushions are praised both for longevity and for easy removal and reinstallation.

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

Pad replacement is welcomed as a practical way to maintain the headphones. Praise centers on the ear cushions rather than a replaceable headband.

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

Wear sensing is praised for convenient, reliable playback response. Several accounts report quick pauses and resumes when taking the headphones off or putting them on.

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

Replaceable ear cushions make routine upkeep more practical. Easy removal and refitting are praised as a way to extend useful life without replacing the whole headset.

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

Automatic pausing and resuming are welcomed conveniences, with several tests finding the response quick and reliable. The function needs to be enabled in the app.

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

Removal-triggered auto-pause is appreciated and usually responds promptly in tested use. Enabling it in the app adds welcome everyday convenience.

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

Generous, soft headband cushioning distributes weight comfortably and supports long listening sessions.

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

Several listening tests find ample volume without needing to push the headphones harder. Available loudness is praised separately from the distortion reported at higher settings.

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

Headband adjustment is praised for accommodating larger heads and holding its selected position securely.

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

The accessory package is held back by soft storage rather than a standard hard case. Included cables are practical, but the lack of protective travel storage repeatedly disappoints.

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

Fit stability varies with head shape and movement. One firm-fitting pair stays put when bending over, while another slips during running or vigorous head movement.

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

The lack of water- or sweat-resistance certification is repeatedly treated as a reason for caution outdoors and at the gym.

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

Soft coverings and plush padding make the headphones pleasant to handle. One comparison still prefers the feel of the plastics on the costlier Sony and Bose pairs.

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

USB-C fast charging is praised for convenient top-ups. The port’s lack of USB audio is a disappointment for those wanting digital wired listening.

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

Minimal logos and muted styling appeal to shoppers who want headphones that blend into meetings. Others find the same anonymous appearance bland.

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.

The simpler preset selection is easier to navigate for some, although the new labeling confuses others. Stock tuning itself remains a concern, particularly for buyers who never customize the sound.

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 and swiveling make the headphones reasonably easy to pack. The folded shape can still be bulky or fiddly compared with the predecessor.

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.

An extended glasses-wearing session remains comfortable, with no pressure pushing the frames into the head.

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

Analog wired listening provides a useful alternative to Bluetooth and works with airplane entertainment. The lack of USB audio disappoints buyers who want another wired option.

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

The black finish can attract visible grease, making smudge resistance a minor appearance drawback.

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

These are most readily recommended for calls, office focus, and long wear. Buyers prioritizing music may prefer a cheaper model or a better-tuned alternative, depending on how successful personalization is for them.

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

The analog input is a useful fallback for airplane entertainment and listening when the battery is depleted. Passive playback can sound less dynamic than powered listening.

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 retrieval is highly dependent on tuning: some hear crisp instruments and subtle texture, while others find stock bass hides quieter information. HearID or manual EQ helps several listeners recover clarity.

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

Comfort, useful ANC, and analog airplane connectivity make the headphones appealing for travel. The soft pouch and less compact fold remain practical packing concerns.

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

Google Fast Pair is appreciated for convenient setup, and a mixed Android/iOS handoff test works smoothly.

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 high-resolution support, and one comparison hears slightly improved treble refinement and detail. It brings a battery-life tradeoff rather than guaranteeing better tuning.

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

A tested handoff between Android and iOS devices works smoothly without unusual switching problems.

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

Swiveling helps adjustment and packing, but the cups do not rotate flat in both directions. Several users find that restriction less convenient than the earlier design.

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

The built-in microphone system is a major strength for clear speech in busy environments. Extreme noise can introduce audible voice processing, and one call test is less impressed by the remaining background sound.

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 soft pouch is the most consistent accessory complaint. Buyers spending around $200 repeatedly want a hard case for travel and impact protection.

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.

Many listeners hear clean, present vocals, especially with HearID or custom EQ. Others find stock bass bleeds into the mids or leaves voices and acoustic instruments thin and recessed.

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

Plush memory foam, soft covering materials, and roomy cups receive strong praise. Deep ear space helps several users avoid contact with the speaker wall.

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

The reported Guinness call-quality recognition is treated as an appealing sign of the microphone technology’s strengths. Enthusiastic accounts also praise the call samples themselves.

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

Some tests find pass-through clear and natural enough for conversation. Others notice hiss and a slightly artificial sound, particularly without music playing.

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

Personalized listening often produces crisp, lively highs without harshness. Critical stock-tuning tests instead hear dull percussion and lost shimmer.

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.

Positive listening tests hear vocals and instruments stay distinct, particularly after EQ. Other tests find the stock bass dominates the mix and obscures separation.

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

Several listening tests praise accurate instrument placement and believable depth, especially after sound personalization. Even a strongly critical sound assessment finds spatial positioning a relative strength.

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.

Overall reactions range from enthusiastic enjoyment to qualified approval. Comfort, calls, and cancellation support satisfaction, while tuning and unreliable AI keep some accounts from fully endorsing the package.

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

High-resolution playback support is welcomed, and one listening comparison finds a slightly more refined high end with LDAC. The improvement is modest rather than a complete change in sound character.

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

Smart pausing is widely welcomed, and tested responses are generally quick enough to feel convenient.

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

Assistant experiences range from welcome convenience to failed basic commands and unfinished chat. Reliability, response delay, and battery drain keep it from being a dependable headline feature.

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

Clear calling is the most consistently praised strength, with several tests finding performance competitive with or better than expensive headphones and business headsets. Processing can sound audible under extreme conditions.

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

The software package offers extensive customization and listening extras, but AI chat draws complaints about unfinished behavior. Buyers who prioritize the core headphone functions are generally happier than those relying on the assistant.

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.

HearID and manual EQ can dramatically improve clarity, balance, and bass control for many listeners. More critical tests find the fixed bands cannot fully target the main tuning problems.

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

Pairing and app navigation are generally approachable, and guided sound personalization helps users avoid manual sliders. One tablet setup is slower than expected.

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 commonly praised for easy, tactile control without accidental touch inputs. Customization opinions differ, with some finding full playback control straightforward and another frustrated by its limits.

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

The app earns praise for accessible settings, HearID personalization, and extensive sound controls. Its ordinary headphone tools are more dependable than the built-in AI chat experience.

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

Wireless connections usually stay stable, and several tests praise easy pairing or useful range. One longer setup demonstration takes extra steps before connecting a tablet.

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.

Nap-mode relaxation extras are welcomed, while smart voice control carries a battery penalty. These features add convenience but are not the main reason most accounts recommend the headphones.

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

Cosmetic durability remains a caveat, with nicks and scratches still possible despite favorable first impressions of construction.

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.

Most accounts find the pressure comfortable or forgiving enough for long wear. Larger heads can experience initial tightness, while a firmer fit helps another user keep the headphones in place.

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.

Low weight and comfortable distribution help the headphones fade into the background during long sessions.

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.

Soft padding and low weight make these comfortable for long work sessions in many accounts. Initial clamp pressure, individual head shape, and warmth can still affect the fit.

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 clean matte finish and restrained branding attract plenty of praise. The limited colors and anonymous earcups also leave some shoppers wanting more character.

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.

Some accounts praise solid construction and good materials; others notice a wobbly headband or plastics below premium rivals. The folding structure can feel sturdier than the earlier model despite being less compact.

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.

Endurance is generally useful for workdays and commuting, with roughly 26–30 hours in several ANC-enabled accounts. LDAC and voice controls reduce runtime, and the cheaper Space 2 can last considerably longer.

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

Fast charging is a clear convenience for busy days and last-minute trips. Short top-ups are praised for providing several hours of extra use.

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.

The price looks compelling for strong calls, comfort, and near-premium cancellation. Its value is less convincing when stock music quality, the missing case, or the cheaper Space 2’s endurance matters most.

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 support is considered well equipped, with LDAC and high-resolution capability welcomed alongside standard wireless options.

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

Phone-and-computer or phone-and-tablet switching is generally stable and convenient. Automatic and manual switching options are appreciated, although transitions can take a few seconds.

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.

Warm ears are a recurring extended-wear caveat. Air-conditioned rooms are more comfortable than hot conditions for long sessions.

Translation is welcomed as a potentially useful extra rather than a main reason to buy. Its appeal comes with reservations about the reliability of the broader assistant experience.

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

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.

One account finds the advertised AI assistant unfinished at launch, with even suggested questions failing. That undermines confidence despite strong core headphone performance.

The optional safe-volume setting is welcomed by one account as a useful way to protect hearing.

The attractive box presentation and direct arrangement of the headphones receive praise during unboxing.

One critical listening test finds bass notes linger longer than they should, making the low end less precise.

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

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

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

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

Critical listening tests report audible distortion as volume rises, adding fatigue to already bass-heavy stock tuning.

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

Local processing of core voice and audio functions is praised for reducing the need to send personal audio to cloud services.

The newer Bluetooth generation is welcomed as a connectivity upgrade. One account particularly appreciates seeing it rather than an older version in similarly positioned headphones.

Strong call-noise suppression can make the voice sound noticeably processed in extreme conditions. That is the tradeoff behind otherwise impressive clarity.

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

Power management draws conflicting experiences: configurable idle shutdown is welcomed, while another account reports finding the headphones dead after leaving them on overnight.

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