Two of the best budget ANC earbuds go head-to-head. The Soundcore Space A40 brings impressive specs at an aggressive price, while Sony’s WF-C700N offers refined sound from a trusted audio brand. Which deserves your money?
Quick Verdict
| Soundcore Space A40 | Sony WF-C700N | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Battery life, value seekers | Sound quality, Sony ecosystem |
| ANC Quality | Very good (adaptive) | Good (more refined) |
| Battery Life | 10h (50h total) | 7.5h (15h total) |
| Codec Support | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Price (Amazon.de) | ~€70-80 | ~€80-100 |
| Our Pick | Best overall value | Better for sound purists |
Bottom line: The Space A40 wins on features and battery life. The WF-C700N wins on sound refinement. For most EU buyers, the Space A40 offers more for less.
Sound Quality
Soundcore Space A40
Balanced sound signature with punchy bass. Customizable via the Soundcore app with extensive EQ options. LDAC support means hi-res audio streaming on Android devices—a rare feature at this price point.
The default tuning leans slightly bass-heavy, but the app lets you adjust to your preference.
Sony WF-C700N
Sony’s tuning expertise shows here. Warmer, more refined sound with better instrument separation. The bass is present but controlled, and vocals sound natural.
No LDAC (surprising for Sony), only AAC and SBC. Sound quality is excellent for the codec limitations.
Winner: Sony for pure sound quality. Soundcore for flexibility and hi-res potential.
Active Noise Cancellation
Soundcore Space A40
Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment automatically. Claims up to 98% noise reduction. In practice, it handles airplane and train noise very well—better than expected at this price.
Multiple ANC levels available in the app.
Sony WF-C700N
Effective ANC that’s smooth and natural-sounding. Sony’s noise cancellation feels more refined, without the “pressure” sensation some budget ANC causes.
Not as strong as Sony’s flagship models, but solid for the price.
Winner: Tie. Space A40 for raw power, Sony for natural feel.
Battery Life
This isn’t close.
| Space A40 | WF-C700N | |
|---|---|---|
| Earbuds only (ANC on) | 10 hours | 7.5 hours |
| With case | 50 hours | 15 hours |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 4 hrs | 5 min = 1 hr |
Winner: Soundcore Space A40, decisively.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Space A40 | WF-C700N |
|---|---|---|
| LDAC (Hi-Res) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ |
| Customizable EQ | ✓ (22 presets + custom) | ✓ (via Sony app) |
| Transparency mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| IPX rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Find my earbuds | ✓ | ✓ (via Sony app) |
Winner: Soundcore Space A40—more features at a lower price.
Fit and Comfort
Soundcore Space A40
Compact, lightweight design (4.9g per earbud). Comes with 4 ear tip sizes. Stays secure during workouts. Some users find them slightly bulky compared to stem designs.
Sony WF-C700N
Slightly heavier (4.8g) but excellent ergonomic design. Sony’s comfort reputation holds up—these sit well for hours. Also includes multiple ear tip sizes.
Winner: Tie—both comfortable for extended wear.
Call Quality
Neither excels here, but both are adequate.
Space A40: AI-powered noise reduction for calls helps in moderate noise. Not ideal for windy outdoor calls.
WF-C700N: Clear enough for office calls and quiet environments. Similar limitations outdoors.
Winner: Slight edge to Sony for voice clarity.
App Experience
Soundcore App
Comprehensive: EQ customization, ANC levels, touch control mapping, sleep mode, gaming mode. Android and iOS.
Sony Headphones Connect
Polished interface with EQ, ANC settings, and 360 Reality Audio support. Slightly less customization than Soundcore but cleaner.
Winner: Soundcore for features, Sony for polish.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Soundcore Space A40 if you:
- Want the best battery life
- Have an Android phone and want LDAC
- Value features-per-euro
- Need wireless charging
- Travel frequently
Choose the Sony WF-C700N if you:
- Prioritize sound quality over features
- Prefer Sony’s refined tuning
- Use other Sony devices
- Want a more premium feel
- Don’t need extreme battery life
FAQ
Can I use these with iPhone?
Yes, both work with iPhone via AAC codec. The Space A40’s LDAC won’t work with iOS.
Which has better ANC for flights?
Space A40 has stronger noise reduction; Sony feels more natural. Both handle airplane noise well.
Are these good for the gym?
Both are IPX4 rated—sweat and splash resistant. Adequate for workouts but not for swimming.
Do they support Google/Siri voice assistants?
Yes, both support voice assistant activation.
Final Verdict
The Soundcore Space A40 offers exceptional value: longer battery, more features, hi-res codec support, and wireless charging—usually for less money than the Sony.
- PRIVACY EXTENDED BY 98%: The improved noise cancellation system specifically reduces a wider range of noise – from aircr…
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- 50 HOURS OF MUSIC: That’s enough battery power to enjoy up to 1000 songs or 25 movies! 10 minutes charging = 4 hours of …
The Sony WF-C700N wins on sound refinement and brand trust, but the feature gap is hard to justify unless sound quality is your only priority.
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- JEDER BEAT IN HOHER QUALITÄT: DSEE gibt Musik mit authentischen Stimmen und kraftvollen Bässen wieder; Der Sound kann zu…
For most EU consumers, the Space A40 is the smarter buy.
Related: Wireless Earbuds Buying Guide | Best Budget Earbuds Under €50
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