Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Verdict
Apple AirPods Max and Anker Soundcore Space A40 serve vastly different use cases despite both featuring ANC. AirPods Max deliver premium over-ear comfort with 20-hour battery life, dual H1 chips enabling spatial audio with head tracking, and Apple's computational audio engine. However, they lack multipoint connectivity and water resistance at $549. Soundcore Space A40 in-ears cost $79 and prioritize portability with IPX4 durability, multipoint switching, LDAC codec support, and 50-hour total battery via wireless charging case. Sound quality favors AirPods Max's 40mm drivers for detail and spaciousness, while A40s offer excellent value with solid ANC and customization via app. For frequent travelers and fitness users needing durability and versatility, Space A40 excels. For Apple ecosystem users prioritizing immersive listening experiences at home, AirPods Max justify the premium, though the price gap makes budget-conscious buyers choose A40 without hesitation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) if…
- →Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
Buy the Anker Soundcore Space A40 if…
- →Incredible value at $79 with ANC, LDAC, multipoint, and wireless charging
- →50-hour total battery with case is best-in-class for true wireless
- →LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio streaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen)
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
- Premium aluminium and steel build quality feels genuinely luxurious
- Seamless and instant switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Very heavy at 385 g — can cause fatigue during long listening sessions
- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)
- No Bluetooth multipoint and limited functionality outside Apple ecosystem
- No hard case included — soft Smart Case does not protect well
- Premium price is hard to justify over cheaper alternatives
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Pros
- Incredible value at $79 with ANC, LDAC, multipoint, and wireless charging
- 50-hour total battery with case is best-in-class for true wireless
- LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio streaming
- HearID creates personalized sound profiles based on hearing test
- Compact and lightweight for a secure, comfortable fit
Cons
- ANC is decent but not competitive with Sony or Bose flagships
- Call quality can be inconsistent in noisy environments
- IPX4 rating is basic splash resistance only
- Touch controls are sometimes unresponsive
- Bass can be slightly muddy at default EQ settings
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) | Anker Soundcore Space A40 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 4.9 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | 10 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 10mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple H1 chip per earcup (two chips total), Computational audio for dynamic EQ and ANC, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Seamless Apple device switching, Aluminum earcups and stainless steel headband, Smart Case | Adaptive ANC with multiple levels, Transparency Mode, HearID personalized sound profiles, Multipoint Bluetooth, Wireless charging case, Soundcore app with EQ customization |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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 Apple products or all Anker products. View full details for the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) or the Anker Soundcore Space A40.