Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony LinkBuds
The Verdict
These headphones serve completely different use cases, making direct comparison challenging. Anker's Space Q45 is an over-ear design at 260g with 50-hour battery life, LDAC hi-res audio support, and active noise cancellation with 6 microphones for adaptive performance. Sony's LinkBuds are lightweight earbuds (4.1g each) featuring an innovative open ring driver design that lets ambient sound pass through naturally, ideal for staying aware of surroundings. The Anker excels for long listening sessions, travel, and serious audio quality, offering exceptional value with ANC and hi-res wireless codec support. LinkBuds prioritize ambient awareness and convenience with touch controls and auto-pause when you speak, plus multipoint connection on both models. Battery longevity strongly favors the Anker at 50 hours versus 5.5 hours per charge on Sony, though the case extends Sony's total to 17.5 hours. Sound signature differs fundamentally: Anker delivers closed, immersive audio with ANC, while LinkBuds intentionally allow environmental blend-in. Choose Anker if you want noise-canceling power and extended battery for commutes or work. Choose LinkBuds if you need all-day awareness and prefer earbuds' portability for active use. The Anker represents better overall value at $149.
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 Sony LinkBuds if…
- →Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- →Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- →Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
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
Sony LinkBuds
Pros
- Unique open ring design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.1 g — barely noticeable in the ear
- Wide Area Tap lets you control playback by tapping your face
- Multipoint for seamless switching between devices
- IPX4 for rain and light sweat
Cons
- Open design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leak
- 5.5-hour battery is shorter than most competitors
- Bass response is inherently limited by the open driver
- Unusual fit may not work for all ear shapes
- $179 is pricey given the sound quality limitations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Sony LinkBuds |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 5.5 hrs (17.5 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 5-min quick charge for 4 hrs playback | USB-C |
| 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 | Open ring driver design — hear surroundings naturally, Wide Area Tap for touch-free controls, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive volume control, Multipoint connection |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Drivers | — | 12mm ring driver (open design) |
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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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