Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Space Q45
The Soundcore Space Q45, a mid-range option, excels with an impressive 50 hours of battery life with ANC, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers 30 hours. If longevity is your priority, the Q45 is worth considering. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4's top-tier ANC really shines, making it ideal for noisy environments like airplanes or crowded cafes. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 10.30 oz and Battery: 30h (ANC On) vs 50h (ANC On).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM4 (premium flagship) and Soundcore Space Q45 (mid-range) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Soundcore Space |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.3★ (12,933 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Exceptional battery life (50H ANC / 65H Standard) |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | No IP water-resistance rating |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Soundcore Space Q45
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired)
5.3
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Space Q45
Sony WH-1000XM4
Soundcore Space Q45
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Soundcore Space Q45 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.3(12,933)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (3-stage system) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Talk-through, Custom, and Ambient modes via app) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40mm double-layer diaphragm drivers (Metal-Ceramic) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 40 kHz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 2 mics with AI algorithm (calls) / Hybrid ANC array |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | 50 hours (ANC On) / 65 hours (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 10.3 oz (292 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical buttons + Soundcore app |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Soundcore App (HearID Sound 2.0 + Custom EQ) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Travel case included; Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified; NFC pairing |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
Soundcore Space Q45
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired)
5.3
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (3-stage system)
Yes (Talk-through, Custom, and Ambient modes via app)
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (50H ANC / 65H Standard)
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification with LDAC support
Cons
- No IP water-resistance rating
- Lacks on-ear detection (auto-pause/play)
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC crushes the Soundcore Space Q45. However, the Q45 wins on battery life with 50 hours vs 30 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want the best Active Noise Cancellation, need a comfortable fit for long listening sessions, or prioritize high-quality audio. (8.96 oz weight, 30h battery)
Choose the Soundcore Space Q45 if: you need 50 hours of battery life, want to save money, or plan to use headphones for extended periods without frequent charging. (10.30 oz weight, Bluetooth 5.3)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 12,933 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Soundcore Space
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Soundcore Space
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.3★. However, Soundcore Space Q45 remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Soundcore Space Q45?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Soundcore Space Q45 wins if you value exceptional battery life (50h anc / 65h standard). Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.3★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Soundcore Space Q45?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while Soundcore Space Q45 stands out with exceptional battery life (50h anc / 65h standard). Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, Soundcore Space Q45 no ip water-resistance rating. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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