Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
The Verdict
Soundcore Space Q45 and AirPods 3 serve different listening preferences at similar price points. The Soundcore delivers superior battery endurance with 50 hours of ANC playback versus AirPods' 6-hour earbud runtime, plus it offers LDAC hi-res audio and genuine noise cancellation with 6-mic adaptive ANC. Its over-ear design provides passive isolation and comfort for extended wear. AirPods 3 excel in ecosystem integration, especially for Apple users, with seamless automatic switching across devices, spatial audio with head tracking, and a more compact form factor. The Soundcore weighs 260g while AirPods are feather-light at 4.28g each. AirPods lack traditional ANC but compensate with transparency mode and force sensor controls. For Sony/Android users or anyone prioritizing multi-hour listening sessions and audio quality, Soundcore wins decisively. For Apple ecosystem devotees valuing portability and spatial features, AirPods remain the natural choice. Budget-conscious audiophiles should lean Soundcore, which punches above its price with LDAC support and marathon battery life.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 if…
- →Outstanding value — LDAC and ANC at a budget price
- →Remarkable 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled
- →Bluetooth multipoint and LDAC are rare features at this price
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Pros
- Outstanding value — LDAC and ANC at a budget price
- Remarkable 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled
- Bluetooth multipoint and LDAC are rare features at this price
- IPX4 sweat resistance makes it gym-friendly
- Quick charge adds 4 hours in just 5 minutes
Cons
- ANC quality does not match Sony or Bose at higher price points
- Sound tuning is V-shaped and lacks midrange clarity
- Build quality and materials feel budget-grade
- App experience is less polished than Sony or Bose
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.28 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Features | LDAC hi-res wireless audio at $149, Adaptive ANC with 6 microphones, Adaptive EQ, Transparency mode, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Foldable design with carrying case included | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Drivers | — | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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