Soundcore Space 2

Comfort and Fit

The foldable Soundcore Space 2 can be folded flat for easy transport, weighs 263 grams, and offers a high level of wearing comfort. The fit is neither too tight nor too loose, giving the over-ears solid stability during outdoor use and keeping them in place even during a quick sprint. Passive isolation is notably strong, blocking out a good deal of the surrounding environment while keeping sound leakage to a minimum. As with most closed-back designs, some heat does build up around the ears over time, though it never becomes excessive.

Battery Life

Using the AAC codec, the Soundcore Space 2 achieves a runtime of 70 hours in standard mode and 50 hours in ANC mode according to the manufacturer, which seems realistic. A five-minute quick charge provides nearly six hours of playback without ANC, while a full charge takes 95 minutes.

Alongside Bluetooth, wired use is also possible via the 3.5mm input, both passively with a depleted battery and actively with the electronics on, keeping noise cancellation and transparency mode available. A welcome touch. The headphones also come with a mini jack cable and a short USB-C charging cable.

Comparison: Soundcore Space One vs. Soundcore Space 2

The second generation feels more premium overall, with metal replacing plastic in high-wear areas such as the hinges. Beyond the longer battery life, the Soundcore Space 2 also adds surround sound, AI assistance and translation, and a sleep mode. The new model also features Bluetooth 6.1, which brings a noticeably extended wireless range.

Shared features include the foldable design, a 3.5mm audio input, button-based controls, and wear detection with a calibration function. Both models also offer Hear ID, multipoint connectivity, and support for the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. One area of surprisingly significant difference is ambient sound control: the Soundcore Space One offers extensive customization options, while the successor opts for a simpler transparency mode paired with improved adaptive noise cancellation. The Easy Chat function is also exclusive to the Space One.

Controls

The three-button cluster on the right earcup handles playback control, call management, track navigation, and volume adjustment. The microphone can also be muted when needed. These controls follow a fixed layout but can be extended with one additional function. Options available through the app include the paired device’s native voice assistant, Soundcore’s own Anka AI, an AI translation function, and a sleep mode that plays nature sounds while noise cancellation is active.

A dedicated NC button on the left earcup switches between ANC and transparency mode, with the option to include standard mode in the rotation. Double-pressing can also be assigned to the BassUp function. One thing worth noting is that the button controls feel slightly sluggish in response. Wear detection, on the other hand, performs flawlessly and can be toggled on or off as preferred.

Soundcore App

The companion app (available for Android and iOS) offers a well-stocked sound customization section. You can choose from 21 preconfigured settings or dial in your own preferences using an eight-band EQ, which can be saved as presets. There’s also the option to create a personal Hear ID profile by testing your hearing and expressing preferences through an A/B comparison. This sound profile can then be further adjusted using the EQ or any of the 21 presets, which is a nicely implemented feature. 3D Sound is available as an additional option.

A particularly thoughtful inclusion is the hearing protection feature, which lets you set a maximum volume limit with the help of an on-screen decibel scale. Multipoint connections and voice prompts are also configurable, and you can switch between adaptive noise cancellation, transparency mode, and standard operation. LDAC can be enabled on compatible Android devices, though this requires a firmware update first.

AI Assistant and Translation

Soundcore’s AI voice assistant is called Anka and can be activated through the app’s AI chat settings to respond to “Hey Anka”. The AI interpreter requires a separate registration and is divided into a face-to-face translation mode for conversations and a real-time translation mode designed for one-way use cases such as lectures. Over 100 languages are supported in total, though the conversation translation feature was not available during the review period.

Speech is transcribed in the original language with a slight delay, then displayed as written text before being read aloud by a male voice. The results are not error-free, and the time delay is not insignificant, both of which are worth keeping in mind. When using the AI translation feature, short and simple sentences are strongly recommended.

Call Quality

Three AI-powered microphones are designed to ensure clear, intelligible voice transmission on the Soundcore Space 2, and they largely succeed. Loud background noise is attenuated enough to keep your voice clearly in the foreground and understandable for the person on the other end. In windy outdoor conditions, wind noise is almost entirely filtered out, though this comes at the cost of voice quality, which reaches the other side sounding noticeably more distant and muffled.

Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode

The adaptive noise cancellation activates automatically when switched on, produces a relatively low background hiss, and proves genuinely effective in combination with the headphone’s strong passive isolation. Low-frequency external noise in particular is reduced very intensively, making a meaningful difference with aircraft and train noise during travel and commuting. Voices are attenuated to a lesser but still clearly noticeable degree, losing their foundation and receding into the background.

Given the price point, results with keyboard noise, lawnmowers, and street traffic are also very good. One potentially irritating side effect is a noticeable bass boost that kicks in when ANC or transparency mode is active.

The transparency mode carries a moderate background noise floor, but during playback pauses it’s easy enough to follow announcements or hold a conversation. While music is playing, though, the amplification of external sounds could stand to be more pronounced to better counteract the headphones’ strong isolation. A transparency mode with two or three adjustable intensity levels would be a welcome addition.

3D Sound

With the spatial audio option enabled, the virtual soundstage shifts noticeably deeper into the room. Modern music styles often come across as slightly reverby and thin, while quieter rock ballads and atmospheric sounds tend to benefit more, making for quite varied results overall. Reasonably good results are also achievable with gaming and film content, though voices feel more natural in the standard sound mode. It’s also worth knowing that 3D Sound cannot be combined with LDAC or the EQ.

Sound

The Soundcore Space 2 is tuned somewhat leaner and aimed more at a detailed, spacious presentation than the noticeably warmer and fuller sound of the first generation. One thing that stands out, however, is a sub-bass that feels a little overdone, which sits somewhat at odds with the otherwise tightly defined bass that sounds great and is genuinely enjoyable.

The midrange comes across as pleasantly clear and assertive, with vocals and lead instruments given plenty of room to breathe. Nothing feels pushy or fatiguing, as the headphones don’t chase a particularly forward or weighty midrange presentation. This leaves space that gets used to bring out detail, rewarding attentive listening with small discoveries.

The treble leans toward the restrained side. It doesn’t sound tentative exactly, but it’s not energetic either, remaining relaxed and easygoing even at higher volumes. Harshness and sharpness are simply not in the picture. Sibilance is rendered very defensively and should cause no discomfort even for sensitive ears. Those who want a more open, airy top end can boost it in the EQ, and the personal hearing profile can also help bring more presence to the sound.

Verdict

The Soundcore Space 2 make a strong case with their comfortable fit, effective noise cancellation, and highly customizable sound. Further strengths include the outstanding battery life, LDAC support, and a 3.5mm audio input that works both passively and actively, all of which add up to an excellent value proposition for these portable over-ears. The moderate background hiss in transparency mode is something you’ll need to accept, and call quality in windy conditions leaves room for improvement.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Soundcore Space 2

How long does the battery last?

70 hours in standard mode, 50 hours in ANC mode with AAC. Quick charge: 5 minutes for nearly 6 hours without ANC. Full charge in 95 minutes.

Are the Soundcore Space 2 foldable?

Yes, the foldable design allows for compact storage, and the headphones weigh 263 grams. Comfortable fit, neither too tight nor too loose. Strong passive isolation.

Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?

Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC. Multipoint connectivity and a noticeably extended range compared to the first generation. LDAC requires a firmware update.

What is the AI translation feature?

Face-to-face translation for conversations and real-time translation for presentations, supporting over 100 languages. The time delay is not insignificant and results are not error-free. Short, simple sentences are recommended.

Can the headphones be used wired?

Yes, the 3.5mm audio input works both passively (with a depleted battery) and actively (with noise cancellation and transparency mode available). A mini jack cable is included in the box.