Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Nothing Ear (1)
The Verdict
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and Nothing Ear (1) serve different use cases despite both offering ANC at budget prices. The Space Q45 delivers 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled, LDAC hi-res audio support, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, making it ideal for travel and extended listening sessions. Its over-ear design provides passive isolation and comfort for all-day wear, though at 260g it's heavier. Nothing Ear (1) takes the portable route with lightweight 4.7g earbuds, Qi wireless charging, and clean industrial design. However, battery life drops to 4 hours with ANC on, limiting standalone usage. The Space Q45 supports superior codecs (LDAC) for audiophiles, while Nothing Ear (1) lacks multipoint pairing and offers only standard AAC/SBC codecs. For frequent travelers or commuters needing marathon listening, the Space Q45's 50-hour runtime and built-in case justify the $50 premium. For gym sessions, casual commutes, or those prioritizing portability and wireless charging convenience, Nothing Ear (1) offers excellent value. Choose Space Q45 if you need all-day endurance and hi-res audio; pick Nothing Ear (1) if you want compact lightweight earbuds for short bursts and daily charging flexibility.
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 Nothing Ear (1) if…
- →Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- →ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- →Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
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
Nothing Ear (1)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with unique aesthetic
- ANC and wireless charging at just $99 is outstanding value
- Comfortable and lightweight at 4.7 g per earbud
- Squeeze gesture controls are intuitive and precise
- Qi wireless charging case adds convenience
Cons
- 4-hour ANC battery life is quite short
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- ANC is mild — doesn't match premium competitors
- Limited codec support — AAC and SBC only
- Transparent case shows dust and scratches easily
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Nothing Ear (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.7 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 4 hrs (ANC on), 5.7 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| 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 with two modes (Light and Maximum), Transparency Mode, In-ear detection for auto play/pause, Nothing app with EQ customization, Squeeze gesture controls on stems |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Drivers | — | 11.6mm 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.
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