Soundcore Space 2

The Anker Soundcore Space 2 has a comically long battery life, shockingly good sound with LDAC, and solid ANC for just $130. Skip the overpriced flagships and buy these instead.

The 40mm drivers with LDAC support genuinely surprised us. In our database, the sound quality sits in the 92nd percentile, which is a standout result for a budget-focused pair of cans. You get punchy, extended bass without it turning into a muddy mess, and the treble has a nice crispness to it. The ANC is also impressive for the price, landing in the 87th percentile. It's not going to beat the silence from a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gens, but it effectively targets and crushes that droning engine hum. The real showstopper, though, is the battery. A 93rd percentile ranking means you can basically forget your charger for a week of commutes.

The obvious giant in the room is the Sony WH-1000XM6. The Sonys will beat the Space 2 on comfort, build quality, and absolute ANC performance, but they'll also cost you more than double. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is another step up in sound refinement and luxury materials. But the competitive field just got more interesting. The Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B is now in the top 5, and it's a direct threat if you want that extra bass slam, though the Space 2 still wins on battery. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a luxury play that costs a fortune and doesn't try to compete on value. The Technics EAH-A800 brings excellent sound and comfort, but again, you're paying a premium. The JBL Tune 670NC is the budget alternative, but it lacks LDAC and can't touch the Space 2's stamina. The Space 2 remains the new benchmark for value, forcing you to ask if the premium from Sony, Bose, or Bowers & Wilkins is really worth it for slightly better silence and a comfier fit.

For $130, this is a no-brainer. You're getting LDAC, a battery that lasts longer than your longest travel day, and ANC that's well above average. The value proposition here is off the charts. Unless you absolutely need the most premium materials and top-tier brand cachet, the Space 2 gives you 90% of the flagship experience for less than half the price.

Anker just dropped the Soundcore Space 2, and for $130, it's a shockingly good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The one thing you need to know is that the battery life is an absolute monster. We're talking 70 hours without ANC and a still-ridiculous 50 hours with it on. That's double what you'll get from headphones costing twice as much. The sound is crisp, the LDAC support is a welcome surprise at this price, and the ANC does a solid job of hushing the low-end roar of a plane or train. It's not perfect, but Anker has made a set of travel cans that punch way, way above their weight class.

If all-day comfort is your number one, non-negotiable feature, these aren't it. The clamping force and padding are just average, and you'll likely feel the need to take a break after a few hours. Go grab a pair of Sony WH-1000XM6s or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gens instead. Your ears will thank you, even if your wallet won't.

Buy these if you want a travel companion that just won't die and sounds fantastic for the money. The Anker Soundcore Space 2 is the new value king in the noise-cancelling world. The only real reason to skip them is if all-day comfort is your absolute top priority, because the fit is just average. For everyone else, especially commuters and frequent flyers on a budget, this is the pair to get.