Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Verdict
Soundcore Space Q45 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x serve fundamentally different purposes despite identical pricing. Soundcore excels as a portable wireless solution with 50-hour battery life, LDAC hi-res audio support, and active noise cancellation powered by 6 microphones,ideal for travel and daily use. ATH-M50x remains a wired studio reference monitor with professional-grade 45mm drivers and legendary durability, offering uncolored sound signature preferred by audio engineers and producers. Soundcore's adaptive EQ and multipoint Bluetooth provide consumer convenience, while ATH-M50x's swiveling ear cups and three included cables cater to studio workflows. Choose Soundcore for versatility and wireless freedom; select ATH-M50x if you need unpowered, reference-quality monitoring without battery concerns. Neither genuinely outperforms the other,they address distinct user priorities.
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 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if…
- →Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- →Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- →Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Pros
- Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
- Foldable with swiveling cups for single-ear monitoring
- Exceptional value — professional quality at a consumer price
Cons
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option (ATH-M50xBT2 exists separately)
- Ear pads can get warm and sweaty during long sessions
- Clamping force is tight on larger heads out of the box
- Sound isolation is passive only — no ANC
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 285 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | N/A |
| 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 | Professional studio monitoring, 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets, 90-degree swiveling ear cups for one-ear monitoring, 3 detachable cables included, Foldable design for portability, Circumaural design for sound isolation |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
| Drivers | — | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver |
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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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Anker products or all Audio-Technica products. View full details for the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.