Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 Wireless and Anker Soundcore Space A40 target different user preferences and budgets. Beats delivers superior battery life at 40 hours, Apple W1 integration for seamless pairing, and Fast Fuel charging, making them ideal for Apple ecosystem users prioritizing longevity between charges. Soundcore Space A40 earbuds excel in features, offering adaptive ANC, multipoint connectivity, LDAC codec support, wireless charging, and IPX4 water resistance at less than half the price. Sound quality on Beats leans toward warm, bass-forward tuning, while Soundcore provides customizable EQ through its app. For casual listeners valuing portability and features on a budget, Space A40 wins decisively. Apple-centric users willing to pay more for convenience and extended battery should choose Beats Solo 3. Given the significant price difference and superior feature set, Soundcore Space A40 delivers exceptional value, though Beats suits specific use cases better.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant 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
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
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 | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Anker Soundcore Space A40 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 4.9 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 10 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 10mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | 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 | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 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 Beats products or all Anker products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Anker Soundcore Space A40.