Compare Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds vs Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds

Reviewers generally found ANC strong for the price, especially against low, steady noise, though several noted weaker performance against voices, high frequencies, or premium ANC competitors.

ANC is consistently described as effective or good, though several reviewers say rivals can block more noise and sub-bass rumble.

Android users were singled out for benefiting from LDAC and broad device compatibility, while iOS remained limited to other codecs.

Android support is strong through Google Fast Pair and Android-accessible hi-res codec advantages, with multiple reviewers calling this out.

The Soundcore app was widely praised for useful controls, customization, EQ, and feature access, with only minor complexity or multi-device app caveats.

The Connex app is feature-rich and often praised as usable or intuitive, but one review found it ugly and another found parts of the UX clumsy.

aptX support is a strength, with reviewers repeatedly noting aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless as part of the codec package.

Video sync and gaming latency were mostly reported as solid, with several reviewers finding minimal or no noticeable delay.

Video and gaming latency are treated positively, with reviewers citing Game Mode, low latency, or fine video latency.

Bass was usually described as punchy, steady, or adequate, but some reviewers wanted deeper sub-bass or found the default tuning too bass-heavy.

Bass impressions are split: several reviewers found bass light or lacking punch, while others reported strong, deep, or punchy bass with the right fit or tuning.

Battery life was one of the strongest areas, with most reviewers reporting long sessions and strong case endurance despite LDAC or ANC reducing runtime.

Battery life is generally average to mediocre for the price, despite some reviewers noting acceptable totals or better-than-claimed playback.

Bluetooth performance was mostly stable and quick, but one reviewer had frustrating re-pairing issues and another noted manual disconnect hassles.

Bluetooth 5.4 is repeatedly noted and generally treated as a modern connectivity strength.

Build impressions were generally positive for the buds and case materials, though SoundGuys criticized the case hinge security.

Build quality is mostly viewed as solid or well made, though one reviewer criticized the plastic casing as cheap-looking.

Reviewers strongly support the hi-res playback side through Hi-Res certification and LDAC, LHDC, and lossless-capable codec support; no review specifically evaluates a DAC.

Physical controls are customizable and often reliable, but reviewers also mention a learning curve, weak squeeze feel, or slower response.

Case feedback was split: many liked the compact, premium-feeling case and charging support, while others criticized hinge/lid security or closure.

Case feedback is mixed: some reviewers liked its robust, compact, or pocketable feel, while others called it ugly or chunky.

Charging was praised for wireless charging, USB-C, quick-charge usefulness, and a strong charging case, with few complaints beyond battery mode tradeoffs.

Charging is a clear strength because reviewers repeatedly cite wireless or Qi charging alongside USB-C/wired charging.

Codec support was viewed positively because LDAC joins AAC and SBC, though aptX was only factually absent and not scored.

Codec support is one of the strongest consensus positives, repeatedly described as broad, exhaustive, or covering nearly every major hi-res codec.

Long-use comfort was a consistent strength, with most reviewers finding the buds light and wearable for hours, though a few reported pressure or fit-dependent comfort limits.

Long-use comfort is generally positive, with several reviewers wearing them for hours or all day; one found comfort only medium.

Design was consistently described as sleek, compact, premium-looking, or stylish for the price.

Design opinions are divided between modern, futuristic, or individual styling and comments that the look is unattractive or an acquired taste.

Fit was usually secure with a good seal, though reviewers emphasized tip choice and one found the stock XL tips inadequate.

Fit depends heavily on getting a proper seal; many reviewers achieved secure fits, but some noted seal loss or size sensitivity.

The included tip selection was usually praised for offering many sizes, but one reviewer with large ear canals found even the largest tips too small.

Ear tip options are strong, with multiple reviews noting wide sizing from extra small through extra large or several included pairs.

EQ customization was a standout strength thanks to many presets, custom EQ, HearID, and frequent praise for tuning flexibility.

EQ customization is powerful on paper, but reviewers are split because some liked the adjustable bands while others found the EQ limited or not very responsive.

Find My support was treated as a useful bonus, though the evidence centered on beeping-style device finding rather than GPS tracking.

The app includes a find-my-earbuds beep feature, but evidence is limited to one review.

Frequency response was viewed as enjoyable and often balanced for the price, but not fully neutral or accurate enough for critical listening.

Frequency response and tonal accuracy are generally praised for detail and balance through mids and treble, while bass weight remains the main caveat.

The only direct hinge evidence was negative, with SoundGuys saying the case hinge was not tight enough.

Included accessories are solid, with reviewers noting multiple ear tips plus items such as a USB-C cable, pouch, or extra case cover.

Instrument separation was praised in multiple reviews, with instruments and mix elements described as clear, well placed, or easier to distinguish.

Instrument separation is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising clean track separation, detail retrieval, and precise layering.

Integrated microphones were generally considered useful and capable, especially for calls or ANC, though mic quality varied in separate call-quality scoring.

The integrated mic array is well documented, usually as three mics per bud or six total, though call performance varies by environment.

Independent left/right bud use was praised as seamless, with no connection break reported.

LDAC was repeatedly treated as a meaningful advantage for Android or hi-res Bluetooth listening, though it reduced battery life in some testing.

LDAC support is repeatedly confirmed and is part of the broader hi-res codec strength.

Lossless support is strong, with several reviewers citing aptX Lossless or hi-res lossless transmission.

The one direct maximum-volume clarity test was positive, noting no distortion in the lows at top volume.

Microphone noise reduction was mixed: some reviewers praised voice isolation in noise, while others found ambient handling weak or inconsistent.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers heard good background or wind handling, while others called reduction spotty or said it struggled in a cafe simulation.

Call microphone quality was the clearest weakness, ranging from loud and clear to thin, muffled, serviceable, or poor depending on reviewer and environment.

Call quality ranges from clear and coherent to quiet, processed, or merely decent depending on conditions.

Midrange comments were mostly positive for vocals and clarity, though a few reviewers found mids veiled, dull, or slightly lacking.

Midrange and vocals are mostly clear and detailed, though one review noted vocals sometimes dipped in the mix.

Cross-device compatibility was positive, with reviewers using phones, laptops, tablets, iOS, and Android without major platform-specific barriers.

Multi-platform support is supported by Android/iOS app availability and broad chip/device compatibility, though evidence is narrower than for codecs.

Multipoint reliability was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly describing device switching as seamless, reliable, or essential.

Multipoint is widely supported and often works well, but one review reported having to switch devices manually and another noted high-res limitations.

Passive isolation was considered good when fit was right and helped ANC performance, though it remained dependent on a proper seal.

Passive isolation gets limited but positive support, with one review describing decent isolation with a proper fit.

Portability was a consistent strength, especially the small case and compact buds that fit pockets easily.

Portability is positive where mentioned, with reviewers calling the package compact or the case pocketable; foldability is not relevant to this earbud form factor.

Preset EQ quality was useful but mixed: some presets worked well, while bass-boost style presets were criticized for limited or muddy results.

Preset EQ quality is generally usable, especially Dynamic or Electrostatic, but reviewers do not treat the presets as universally ideal.

Case light color customization is repeatedly noted, usually as eight-color or LED customization rather than lighting on the buds themselves.

Sensors were a repeated weakness because multiple reviewers missed wear detection or auto-pause.

Sensors are present and useful, especially wear detection, but performance ranges from working well to laggy or unreliable.

The only smudge-resistance evidence was positive, noting the case finish should resist visible fingerprints.

Smudge resistance has limited but positive evidence from one review praising the matte finish for preventing fingerprints.

Setup and software simplicity were generally praised, with reviewers calling the app simple, the guide sufficient, or setup easy.

Setup and software simplicity are mixed: pairing can be easy, but reviewers also cite sluggish mode switching, finicky setup, or UX rough edges.

Sound leakage evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer saying the buds kept sounds private.

Overall sound quality drew strong praise across the review set for clarity, balance, detail, and value, with only critical-listening caveats.

Sound quality is the core strength, with most reviewers praising detail, clarity, and planar character, while some warn that the tuning is specialized or inconsistent.

Soundstage depth is mixed, with one reviewer finding no depth while others heard a firm foundation, space, or an immersive stage.

Soundstage width was usually praised as wide, spacious, or well-imaged, though one reviewer found the stage narrow.

Soundstage width is usually positive, with reviewers describing expansive, large, open, or better-positioned staging.

Spatial audio is a weakness because one review explicitly says this feature is absent.

Stability was generally strong for walking, workouts, and daily use, but one reviewer warned against serious running or sprinting.

Stability is generally good, with several reviewers describing secure fit during running or workouts, though one had to readjust during runs.

Touch controls were mixed: several reviewers found them responsive and customizable, while others reported delays, missed gestures, or sensitivity issues.

Control responsiveness is mixed, ranging from reliable pressure controls to accidental activation, delay, and sluggish mode changes.

Transparency mode was mixed, from very good vocal/ambient awareness to bright, tinny, hissy, or limited adjustability.

Transparency mode is serviceable but not top-tier; reviewers mention useful voice or awareness modes but also muffled highs and unnatural sound.

Treble was often clear and detailed, but some reviewers noted sibilance, thin cymbals, reduced sparkle, or upper-register sharpness.

Treble clarity is a major positive for detail and sparkle, but brightness, sibilance, or restrained treble can become track-dependent issues.

USB-C was positively tied to easy recharging in the one directly opinionated USB-C quote.

USB-C charging is clearly supported and repeatedly mentioned for the case or included cable.

Value was the strongest consensus point, with nearly every reviewer framing the Space A40 as a standout bargain for features and performance.

Value is strongly divided by region and price: some reviewers justify the price for sound, but many call $299 expensive or a hard sell.

Voice assistant support was split, with one reviewer reporting poor Google/Siri behavior while another found the microphones sensitive enough for requests.

Voice assistant integration is supported through native assistant control or voice-assistant interaction, with limited direct evaluation.

Volume output was considered more than loud enough by reviewers who discussed it, including one who said loud-listeners would be satisfied.

Volume output is a concern in the two reviews that discuss it, with both saying the earbuds are on the lower side or not very loud.

Water and sweat resistance was viewed as useful for rain, sweat, and workouts, but IPX4 was also described as limited or not especially rugged.

Water and sweat resistance is positive, with reviewers consistently citing IP55 or IP54 protection for sweat, rain, dust, or workouts.

Weight comfort was strongly positive, with reviewers repeatedly noting light buds that disappear or avoid fatigue.

Weight comfort is mostly positive because the earbuds are described as lightweight, though one reviewer did not find them especially light in the ear.