Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
The Verdict
Anker's Space Q45 and Apple's AirPods 4 target different preferences with meaningful trade-offs. The Q45 is an over-ear design weighing 260g that delivers exceptional value with LDAC hi-res audio support, 50-hour battery life on a single charge, and six-microphone adaptive ANC for $149. Its foldable form factor and included carrying case add practical appeal. The AirPods 4 take a lighter approach at just 4.3g per bud, using Apple's custom low-distortion driver with an open-fit design that prioritizes comfort and natural sound isolation. You get 5 hours per bud with ANC enabled and 30 hours total with the case, plus seamless Apple ecosystem integration, Spatial Audio with head tracking, and wireless charging via Qi or Apple Watch chargers. Battery-wise, the Q45 crushes the AirPods 4 for single-charge longevity, while AirPods 4 excel for portability and Apple device connectivity. Sound quality heavily favors the Q45 given LDAC support versus standard AAC, though AirPods 4 sound cleaner through Apple's driver optimization. If you prioritize maximum playtime, hi-res audio, and all-day wear without charging, choose the Q45. If you live in Apple's ecosystem, value portability over everything, and prefer open-fit comfort, the AirPods 4 justify their $30 premium.
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 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) if…
- →First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- →Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- →Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
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 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Pros
- First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness
- Cheaper than AirPods Pro 2
Cons
- ANC is weaker than tip-sealed earbuds like AirPods Pro 2
- No swappable ear tips means fit may not suit everyone
- AAC only — no hi-res or lossless codecs
- No Precision Finding (no U1 chip in case)
- No wireless charging on the cheaper non-ANC variant (this model has it)
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.3 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-fit (non-tip) design, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, H2 chip, Find My (case speaker, no Precision Finding U1), Voice Isolation for calls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 (buds and case) |
| Drivers | — | Custom Apple low-distortion driver with high-dynamic-range amplifier |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WH-XB910N Extra Bass
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WH-CH720N
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WH-1000XM4
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WH-1000XM3
- Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Sony WF-C700N
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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Anker products or all Apple products. View full details for the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 or the Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation).