Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Sony LinkBuds S
The Verdict
Both deliver hi-res LDAC audio at compelling price points, but serve different needs. Anker's Space Q45 excels with 50-hour battery life, superior ANC with 6 microphones, and over-ear comfort for extended sessions,ideal for travel and all-day wear. Sony's LinkBuds S prioritize portability with featherweight 4.8g buds, compact form factor, and innovative Speak-to-Chat technology, plus wireless charging convenience. Sound quality favors Sony's tuning and codec flexibility (LC3 support), while Anker provides better value for battery endurance. Choose Space Q45 if you want marathon listening and robust noise cancellation; pick LinkBuds S for everyday convenience, gym use, and minimal bulk. The $50 price difference narrows significantly when considering Anker's included case versus Sony's wireless charging 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 Sony LinkBuds S if…
- →Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- →LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- →Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
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 S
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
- Multipoint Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control are genuinely useful
Cons
- Smaller driver means less bass depth than larger rivals
- ANC is good but not as powerful as Sony WH-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 only — not suitable for heavy sweat or rain
- Small ear tips may not seal well for all ear shapes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Sony LinkBuds S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.8 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs (ANC on) | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case |
| 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 | LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Integrated Processor V1 + QN1e chip, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smallest and lightest Sony ANC earbuds, Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, LC3, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 (buds) |
| Drivers | — | 5 mm dynamic driver |
Related Comparisons
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 Sony products. View full details for the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 or the Sony LinkBuds S.