Soundcore launches Space One Pro headphones at IFA 2024: Foldable ANC that won’t break the bank

Soundcore by Anker has unveiled its latest noise canceling headphones, the Space One Pro. Building on the success of their previous Space One, the new headphones introduce several improvements while maintaining a competitive price point.

A helpful upgrade on the Space One Pro is its new folding design, which the company calls “FlexiCurve.” This new mechanism allows the headphones to fold into a compact donut shape, reducing their size by half. The design, comprising a five-segment headband and a three-joint earcup rotator base, should make finding room in your backpack a little easier for travelers and commuters.

Soundcore claims to have significantly upgraded the noise cancelation capabilities with a four-stage system, a step up from the standard ANC in the original Space One. This new system includes real-time noise detection using six microphones (an increase from the previous three), an expanded chamber design for better noise absorption, and an Adaptive ANC algorithm that adjusts to the user’s wearing conditions three times per second.

Audio quality has also improved. The Space One Pro boasts new 40mm drivers, which the company says will deliver clearer sound with less distortion than the previous model. The headphones also allow users to EQ their audio through the Soundcore app, a feature carried over from the original Space One.

Call quality, an area where the original Space One already performed well, has been further enhanced. The Pro version now uses a four-microphone system, up from three, along with AI algorithms designed to improve voice clarity while reducing ambient noise. A new smart chat function automatically lowers music volume and reduces ambient noise during conversations, adding convenience for users who frequently take calls.

Battery life looks to be the same. The previous Space One lasted nearly 43 hours in our testing with ANC on, and Soundcore claims a comparable 40 hours of playback with ANC on and 60 hours with it off. The headphones also support fast charging via USB-C, providing an additional eight hours of use from a 5-minute charge.

The Space One Pro is priced at $199.99 in the US, a $100 increase from the Space One. This positions it as a more affordable alternative to high-end noise canceling headphones from brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple while offering features that aim to compete with these premium options. The Soundcore Space One Pro is available in Jet Black and Cream White colors. It can be purchased from Amazon, Soundcore, and select retailers starting today in the US and UK, with availability in Germany following September 19, 2024.