Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Space Q45
In the competitive landscape of wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Soundcore Space Q45 stand out as prominent choices for US consumers seeking high-quality audio experiences. The Sony WH-1000XM4, a previous generation leader, offers a compact design and a premium feature set that is almost identical to its successor, the XM5, but at a more attractive price point. With a noteworthy 4.7 out of 5.0 rating from over 52,000 reviews, it appeals to users prioritizing travel-friendly design and high-end ANC performance. On the other hand, the Soundcore Space Q45 positions itself as an exceptional value-based alternative, delivering approximately 90% of Sony's performance at half the cost. With its remarkable 50-hour battery life and adaptive noise-canceling capabilities, the Q45 is particularly appealing to budget-conscious consumers who do not wish to compromise significantly on sound quality. The Q45's app-driven EQ customization and Hi-Res Audio support via LDAC further enhance its appeal to tech-savvy users eager for a tailored audio experience. Both products cater to distinct market segments: the WH-1000XM4 is ideal for audiophiles with a penchant for brand recognition and compact design, whereas the Soundcore Space Q45 targets pragmatic buyers seeking maximum value and extended battery life for prolonged use.
Sony WH-1000XM4
4.7
Soundcore Space Q45
4.5
Sony WH-1000XM4

Battery Life: 30 hours
ANC Performance: High End
Multipoint Connection: Yes
Drivers: 40mm Drivers
Soundcore Space Q45

Battery Life: 50 hours (ANC On)
ANC Performance: Adaptive Noise Cancelling
Multipoint Connection: Yes
Drivers: Double-layer Diaphragm
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Space Q45

Sony WH-1000XM4

Soundcore Space Q45
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Soundcore Space Q45 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7 | ★4.5 |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 50 hours (ANC On) |
| ANC Performance | High End | Adaptive Noise Cancelling |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 40mm Drivers | Double-layer Diaphragm |
| Weight | 254g | 290g |
| Charging | USB-C Fast Charging | LDAC Hi-Res Audio Support |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
Check on Amazon→ | Check on Amazon→ |

Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Folds completely (compact for travel)
- • Often on sale for a great price
- • Feature set is 95% identical to the newer XM5
✗ Cons:
- • Microphone quality is average compared to XM5
- • Earpads can get warm

Soundcore Space Q45
✓ Pros:
- • Incredible value for money
- • Huge battery life
- • App allows deep EQ customization
✗ Cons:
- • Bass can be overwhelming out of the box
- • Microphone struggles in windy conditions
Which one is better?
The Soundcore Space Q45 takes the lead in battery life with 50 hours compared to Sony's 30 hours, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in ANC performance and travel convenience due to its foldable design. Overall, the WH-1000XM4 wins for those prioritizing high-end noise cancellation and compactness, while the Q45 is unbeatable in battery capacity and price value.
Who should buy each?
Choose Sony WH-1000XM4 if: - You prioritize high-end noise cancellation performance. - You need a foldable, compact design for travel. - You appreciate a proven track record with thousands of positive reviews. Choose Soundcore Space Q45 if: - You require extended battery life for long listening sessions. - You're looking for great value without sacrificing too much on performance. - You want deep EQ customization through an app. They're equally matched on: - Both offer multipoint connection capabilities, allowing seamless device switching.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
FAQs
+ Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value folds completely (compact for travel). Soundcore Space Q45 is better if you prioritize incredible value for money. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+ Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+ Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.
