We compared two noise-cancelling earbuds aimed at buyers who don't want to pay flagship prices: the Anker Soundcore Space A40 and the Sony WF-C710N.
What we looked at
Noise-cancelling claims, stated battery life, call and multipoint features, water resistance, what is in the box, and price.
The verdict
If you want adaptive noise cancelling, a stated 50 hours of total playtime and wireless charging at roughly half the price, the Soundcore Space A40 is the value pick. If you'd rather pay more for AI-assisted call pickup, multipoint pairing and an IPX4 rating, the Sony WF-C710N is the more feature-rich option, though the WF-C710NSA variant listed here ships without a USB-C cable.
Roughly half the price, with adaptive noise cancelling, a stated 50-hour total playtime and wireless charging, but no water-resistance rating in the title.
AI-powered voice pickup, multipoint and IPX4, but it costs nearly twice as much and this variant has no USB-C cable.
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Adaptive Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as lightweight wireless earbuds with adaptive noise cancelling (stated up to 98% noise reduction), Hi-Res sound, 50 hours of total playtime, wireless charging and a customisable app.
What we liked
- Roughly half the price of the Sony WF-C710N on these listings
- Adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts automatically to your surroundings, with up to 98% noise reduction stated
- 50 hours of total playtime stated, with 10 hours from the earbuds alone
- Double-layer diaphragm drivers and Hi-Res sound, plus wireless charging
- Customisable app for sound settings and controls
Worth knowing
- No water-resistance rating in the listing title, unlike the Sony's IPX4
- Lists 10 hours from the earbuds alone, so the case does most of the work for the 50-hour total
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers who want adaptive noise cancelling and a long stated total playtime
- Anyone who likes app-based sound customisation
- Buyers who want wireless charging
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a stated water-resistance rating
- Buyers who prioritise AI-assisted call pickup
Sony WF-C710N Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (WF-C710NSA, Black) — Best for Calls
Intended for: Marketed as lightweight noise-cancelling earbuds with two microphones per earbud, AI-powered call pickup, multipoint connection and up to 40 hours of total battery life.
What we liked
- Enhanced noise cancelling using two microphones on each earbud, with an Ambient Sound Mode
- AI-powered Precise Voice Pickup for clearer hands-free calls
- Multipoint connection to two devices at once, such as a phone and laptop
- Up to 40 hours total battery, 30 hours with noise cancelling on, and 1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging
- IPX4 water resistance, DSEE upscaling and a 5-band EQ in the Sony Sound Connect app
Worth knowing
- Costs nearly twice as much as the Soundcore Space A40 on these listings
- The WF-C710NSA variant listed here does not include a USB-C charging cable
- Stated 40 hours total battery is lower than the Space A40's 50
Best for
- Anyone who takes a lot of calls and wants AI-assisted voice pickup
- Buyers who want multipoint pairing and an IPX4 rating
- People who want the Sony app and EQ
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing price first
- Anyone who needs a charging cable in the box
