soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless Review: The New Mid-Range Champion for Commuters and Creators?

There’s a specific, grating quality to the drone of a packed train during the morning commute. It’s a low-frequency hum punctuated by the sharp chatter of a dozen conversations, the tinny leakage from someone else’s earbuds, and the rhythmic clatter of the tracks. For years, this was the soundtrack to my workday. It was a soundscape of distraction, making it impossible to focus on a podcast, get lost in a new album, or simply find a moment of peace before the chaos of the office began. This daily sonic assault isn’t just annoying; it’s draining. It chips away at your mental energy, leaving you frayed before you’ve even had your first coffee. Finding a tool to reclaim that personal space, to build a fortress of solitude amidst the clamour, isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for modern survival. This is the promise of active noise-cancelling headphones, and it’s a promise the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless aims to deliver without the flagship price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for enhancing focus, creating an immersive entertainment experience, and protecting your hearing in loud environments. By electronically generating sound waves that are the inverse of ambient noise, they effectively erase low-frequency sounds like engine roar, air conditioning hums, and the general rumble of city life. This allows you to listen to your audio at lower, safer volumes and creates a serene environment for work, travel, or relaxation. The primary benefit is control—control over your personal soundscape, enabling productivity in open-plan offices and tranquillity on long-haul flights.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing daily noise pollution—the commuter, the frequent flyer, the student in a bustling library, or the remote worker sharing a living space. They value audio fidelity but prioritize the ability to block out distractions. However, these might not be suitable for those who need constant situational awareness, like cyclists or runners on busy streets, although many models now include excellent transparency modes to mitigate this. Similarly, hardcore audiophiles who prefer the wide, natural soundstage of open-back headphones for critical listening at home might find the closed-back design of ANC headphones slightly restrictive. For them, a dedicated pair of non-ANC, open-back headphones would be a better choice for pure audio quality in a quiet room.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit, Comfort & Portability: Over-ear headphones like these offer the best passive noise isolation, but comfort is paramount. Look for plush, breathable earcups (like slow-rebound memory foam) and a well-padded, adjustable headband that distributes weight evenly. At 272g, the Space One Pro is relatively lightweight, but how it feels after four hours is what truly matters. Portability is also key; a foldable design that reduces the footprint for packing is a massive advantage for travelers.
• Audio & ANC Performance: Don’t just look at battery life; look at the technology driving the sound. Support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC means you’re getting the best possible quality from your wireless source. The effectiveness of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is the star feature. Adaptive ANC, which adjusts its intensity in real-time based on your surroundings, is a premium feature that offers superior performance over a simple on/off system.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your headphones depends on their construction. While most are made from high-quality plastics to keep weight down, look for metal reinforcement in key stress points like the headband. The quality of the leatherette on the earcups will determine how well they stand up to sweat and daily wear, and the feel of the folding mechanism can be an indicator of long-term durability.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: Modern headphones are smart devices. A comprehensive companion app for custom EQ settings and firmware updates is a must. Features like Multipoint Connection, which allows you to be connected to two devices simultaneously (e.g., a laptop and a phone), are game-changers for productivity. Also, consider the charging speed—a quick 5-minute charge providing hours of playback can be a lifesaver.

While the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price

Unboxing the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless feels like a decidedly upmarket experience. The packaging is robust and well-designed, immediately giving the impression of a quality product. Inside, the headphones are nestled alongside a soft fabric carrying pouch, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm auxiliary cable for wired listening. My first thought upon picking them up was how substantial yet lightweight they feel. The matte black finish is sleek, understated, and refreshingly resistant to fingerprints—a small but appreciated detail. As one user aptly noted, they “feel nicely made from high quality plastics,” with a reassuring solidity and no creaks or groans in the frame.

The patented FlexiCurve folding structure is immediately impressive. The headphones collapse inwards, with the earcups tucking neatly into the headband’s curve, significantly reducing their size. The folding joints feel solid and well-engineered, a crucial factor for long-term durability. Wearing them for the first time, the comfort is undeniable. The slow-rebound foam earcups are deep and spacious, easily encompassing my ears without applying undue pressure. This creates an excellent passive seal, which is the first line of defense against noise, even before the ANC is activated. Paired with a well-padded headband, it felt clear that these were built for the long listening sessions they promise. You can see the full design specifications and material details here.

Deep Dive: Deconstructing the Space One Pro’s Performance

After spending several weeks integrating the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless into every facet of my daily routine—from noisy commutes and focused work sessions to late-night movie watching—I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where they excel and where they make their compromises. These aren’t just headphones; they are a carefully balanced package of technology, comfort, and value.

Sound Quality: A Bass-Heavy Powerhouse That Begs for a Tune-Up

Let’s address the elephant in the room first: the sound. Out of the box, with the default “soundcore Signature” EQ, the bass is… a lot. As one long-time soundcore user lamented, “the bass is FAR too overpowering… [it] completely over-powers the track and muddies the mids and treble.” My initial experience mirrored this exactly. Listening to bass-forward tracks felt overwhelming, with the low-end frequencies bleeding into and obscuring the detail in the rest of the mix. However, to judge these headphones on their default tuning would be a massive mistake. The magic lies within the soundcore app.

Diving into the app’s comprehensive EQ is not just recommended; it’s essential. The 8-band graphic equaliser offers granular control, and the various presets provide excellent starting points. After a few minutes of tweaking—pulling down the lower frequencies and slightly boosting the mids and highs—the audio transformed. The powerful drivers, capable of producing that thunderous bass, were tamed, revealing a clean, detailed, and vibrant soundstage. The support for LDAC is a genuine highlight, providing a noticeably higher level of detail and clarity when streaming from a compatible source. Vocals became crisp, instruments had clear separation, and the bass tightened up to provide punch and impact without the mud. Furthermore, the HearID feature—which runs you through a quick hearing test to create a personalized EQ profile—is brilliant. It tailored the sound perfectly to my ears, resulting in a profile that was far more balanced and enjoyable than the default. Once tuned, we found the audio quality to be truly impressive, a sentiment echoed by a user who exclaimed they were “blown away when I put these… I can hear all the instruments in perfect balance.” That end result is achievable, but it requires that initial customisation. It’s a feature that really sets it apart from simpler competitors.

Adaptive ANC and Comfort: Your Personal Cone of Silence

The primary reason for buying these headphones is, of course, the noise cancellation. Soundcore’s 4-stage adaptive system promises to target and cancel a wide range of noise in real-time. In my testing, it performed admirably, especially for its price bracket. On my daily train commute, it almost completely eliminated the low-frequency drone of the engine and the rumble of the tracks. It created a bubble of calm that was immediately noticeable and immensely welcome. In the office, it effectively muted the persistent hum of the HVAC system and distant chatter.

However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. While it significantly attenuates higher-frequency, inconsistent sounds like nearby conversations or sharp keyboard clicks, it doesn’t erase them entirely. As some users have noted when comparing them to premium Sony models, the ANC is a solid 8/10 but lacks that final 10% of “wow factor” that the market leaders provide. For constant, low-frequency noise, it’s brilliant. For silencing a chaotic, unpredictable environment, it’s merely very good. The transparency mode is also well-implemented, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly for quick conversations without sounding overly artificial.

Crucially, the effectiveness of the ANC is bolstered by the superb comfort and passive isolation. I wore these for a 4-hour stretch without any discomfort, confirming a user’s report that they “did well and didnt hurt after 4hrs of wearing.” The memory foam earcups are plush and create a secure seal, which is half the battle in blocking noise. They have a “cocooning effect,” as one reviewer perfectly described it, making them an absolute pleasure to wear for extended periods.

Battery, Portability, and Connectivity: The Ultimate Travel Companion

This is where the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless truly shines and arguably offers the most value. The battery life is simply staggering. A claim of 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours with it off is not an exaggeration. In my testing, I used them for three hours a day with ANC active for over two full work weeks before needing a charge. This endurance completely removes battery anxiety from the equation. Even if you do get caught out, the ultra-fast charging is a lifesaver. Plugging them in for just 5 minutes while making a coffee genuinely provides enough power for a full day’s commute—a feature that feels like magic.

The “Super Foldable Design” is another major win. The FlexiCurve system allows them to fold down into a compact, manageable shape that slips easily into the included pouch and disappears into a backpack. While one user expressed concern that the folding mechanism felt fragile, my experience found it to be robust and well-constructed, with a satisfying click into place. For anyone who travels, this portability is a non-negotiable benefit.

Finally, the connectivity is top-notch. Bluetooth pairing is instantaneous, and the inclusion of Multipoint is a premium feature that works flawlessly. I could be watching a video on my laptop, and if a call came in on my phone, the headphones would switch over automatically. One user called this ability “AWESOME,” and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s a seamless integration that makes a tangible difference to daily workflow. While I did note one user report of “random disconnect spurts,” my unit remained flawlessly connected throughout weeks of testing, suggesting this may be an isolated issue or one that can be rectified with a firmware update via the app. You can check the latest price and user feedback on stability before you buy.

What Other Users Are Saying

The consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising the incredible value for money. The comfort is a recurring theme, with phrases like “an absolute pleasure,” “super comfy,” and “cocooning effect” appearing frequently. Many, like one impressed buyer, were astounded by the sound quality *after* using the app, stating it “blew out my Sony headphone out of the park.” The battery life and fast charging are universally lauded as class-leading.

However, the critique is just as consistent. The most common complaint by a wide margin is the out-of-the-box bass-heavy sound. The user who found it “severely disappointing” until they used the EQ speaks for many first-time listeners. It’s a hurdle that soundcore requires its users to overcome to unlock the product’s true potential. There are also a few scattered reports of minor issues. One user mentioned a “strong smell of glue” upon unboxing which dissipated over time. Another, more critically, experienced persistent connectivity issues, forcing them to knock their rating down to 3 stars after an initial positive experience. This feedback is important, highlighting that while the vast majority of experiences are excellent, isolated quality control issues can occur.

How Does the soundcore Space One Pro Compare to the Alternatives?

The soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless sits in a fiercely competitive market. While it carves out a strong niche, certain users might find a better fit with a different style or feature set. When you’re ready to buy, you can get the best deal on the Space One Pro here, but it’s worth considering these alternatives.

1. Baseus Bass EP10 Pro Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds 55H Playtime

If ultimate portability and workout-readiness are your top priorities, the Baseus Bass EP10 Pro earbuds are a compelling choice. Their in-ear design makes them significantly smaller and more discreet than any over-ear headphones. With an IP55 waterproof rating, they are built to withstand sweat and rain, making them a far better companion for the gym or running. While they also boast impressive features like LDAC and adaptive ANC, the over-ear design of the Space One Pro will almost always provide superior noise cancellation and a wider, more immersive soundstage. Choose the Baseus if you need a tiny, rugged audio solution; choose the Space One Pro for comfort and peak immersion during travel and work.

2. JLab JBuds LUX ANC Wireless Headphones

The JLab JBuds LUX ANC headphones are a direct competitor, vying for the same value-conscious consumer. Their headline feature is an even more colossal battery life, clocking in at over 70 hours. If you are someone who absolutely despises charging your devices, the JLab might just edge out the soundcore. However, the Space One Pro fights back with key technological advantages. The inclusion of the higher-fidelity LDAC codec and soundcore’s more mature and feature-rich companion app (especially the HearID personalisation) arguably give it the edge in pure audio quality and customisation. The choice comes down to priorities: maximum battery endurance with the JLab, or superior audio potential and personalisation with the soundcore.

3. soundcore Anker Q20 Hybrid Noise Cancelling Headphones

For those on a tighter budget, soundcore’s own older model, the Q20, remains a fantastic option. It offers the core soundcore experience—solid hybrid ANC, comfortable fit, and that signature bass-forward sound—at a significantly lower price point. However, the step up to the Space One Pro is substantial. With the Pro, you get a more modern design, vastly superior battery life, game-changing fast charging, the high-resolution LDAC codec, a more compact foldable design, and Multipoint connectivity. The Q20 is the perfect “good enough” choice for basic noise cancellation, but if your budget can stretch, the Space One Pro offers a comprehensive upgrade in almost every single category, making it a much better long-term investment.

The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Package for the Savvy Buyer

After extensive testing, the soundcore Space One Pro Headphones Adaptive ANC 60H Lossless has proven itself to be a true giant-killer in the mid-range headphone market. It masterfully blends premium features with an accessible price tag, creating a package that is incredibly hard to beat. The combination of marathon battery life, lightning-fast charging, superb all-day comfort, and high-fidelity LDAC audio support is a winning formula. It’s the ideal companion for the daily commuter, the frequent flyer, the diligent student, or anyone seeking to carve out a pocket of peace in a noisy world.

The primary caveat remains its aggressive out-of-the-box bass tuning, but this is easily and completely rectified through the excellent soundcore app. While its ANC may not dethrone the absolute best from Sony or Bose, it comes remarkably close, blocking out the most common and intrusive noises with ease. For the vast majority of users, the performance is more than enough. If you’re looking for headphones that deliver 90% of the flagship experience for less than half the price, your search is over. We can wholeheartedly recommend them. Check the latest price and grab your pair today to reclaim your sonic space.