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Tom’s Guide’s October 3, 2026 review makes a persuasive case for the Soundcore Space 2 Pro as a lower-priced alternative to Bose’s QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2: the review listed the Soundcore at $199 and the Bose at $359, a $160 difference at publication. The Space 2 Pro’s reported strengths include adjustable, bass-forward sound, effective everyday noise cancellation and long-session comfort. Its biggest warning is that reviewer Erin Bashford could not get the advertised Anka AI features to perform as intended. Those prices are a dated comparison, not a promise of what either model costs now.
What the Space 2 Pro review found
Erin Bashford’s Tom’s Guide review describes the Space 2 Pro as a capable pair of noise-cancelling headphones whose appeal rests on sound, comfort and battery life—not its AI assistant. The review’s observations are based on listening to music on Qobuz, using ANC in an office and while walking in a city, an eight-hour wear session with glasses, and a call test. They are the reviewer’s reported experiences, not independent laboratory findings.
The review listed the headphones at $199 in the US and £199 in the UK through Amazon on October 3, 2026. Availability and street prices can change, so check current listings before comparing them with Bose or other alternatives.
How do they sound?
Bashford describes a bass-forward sound with clear detail. That emphasis may suit listeners who like weight and impact, but it may be too prominent for people who prefer a more neutral balance. The Soundcore app provides EQ adjustments and HearID personalization, giving listeners options to tune the presentation rather than accept the default sound.
#1 Best Overall
- The World's Clearest Calls: A proud Guinness World Records title holder for the clearest wireless over-ear headphones for calls — delivering unprecedented voice quality.
- AI-Powered Clear Call Clarity：Thus AI Chip drives a 6-microphone array with real-time voice separation — Your voice cuts through, the background doesn't.
- Adaptive Deep ANC：8-microphone omnidirectional capture with 384K processing and Adaptive ANC 3.0 — precisely cancels mixed dynamic noise (voices, keyboards, HVAC) in open workspaces.
- Personalized Audio：HearID 5.0 audiometric calibration generates a per-ear frequency response curve, delivered over a Hi-Res/LDAC lossless signal path.
- All-Day Comfort： Engineered with an ergonomically optimized headband and soft, skin-friendly ear cushions — delivering pressure-free weight distribution for zero-fatigue extended wear.
The review also mentions LDAC support. Its specifications table lists 35 mm dynamic drivers, 16-ohm impedance and 120 dB sensitivity; these are review-reported specifications and were not corroborated by a manufacturer source in the available evidence.
How effective are ANC and call performance?
In Bashford’s reported office and city use, ANC handled typing, conversation and general urban noise well. Construction drilling remained audible, so the review does not establish that the headphones can erase louder or more intrusive sounds.
Rank #2
- The World's Clearest Calls: A proud Guinness World Records title holder for the clearest wireless over-ear headphones for calls — delivering unprecedented voice quality.
- AI-Powered Clear Call Clarity：Thus AI Chip drives a 6-microphone array with real-time voice separation — Your voice cuts through, the background doesn't.
- Adaptive Deep ANC：8-microphone omnidirectional capture with 384K processing and Adaptive ANC 3.0 — precisely cancels mixed dynamic noise (voices, keyboards, HVAC) in open workspaces.
- Personalized Audio：HearID 5.0 audiometric calibration generates a per-ear frequency response curve, delivered over a Hi-Res/LDAC lossless signal path.
- All-Day Comfort： Engineered with an ergonomically optimized headband and soft, skin-friendly ear cushions — delivering pressure-free weight distribution for zero-fatigue extended wear.
For calls, the reviewer tested against a drilling-noise track reported at 75 dB. The other caller could hear Bashford clearly, but also heard the drilling in the background. That result is specific to the review’s test setup; it does not establish performance in every noisy environment.
Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?
Bashford reports wearing the headphones for eight hours while wearing glasses without discomfort. As she put it: “I wore the headphones for eight hours while donning glasses, and the cups never pushed my glasses into my skull.” Comfort is personal, but this is a useful sign for glasses wearers considering extended sessions.
Rank #3
- The World's Clearest Calls: A proud Guinness World Records title holder for the clearest wireless over-ear headphones for calls — delivering unprecedented voice quality.
- AI-Powered Clear Call Clarity：Thus AI Chip drives a 6-microphone array with real-time voice separation — Your voice cuts through, the background doesn't.
- Adaptive Deep ANC：8-microphone omnidirectional capture with 384K processing and Adaptive ANC 3.0 — precisely cancels mixed dynamic noise (voices, keyboards, HVAC) in open workspaces.
- Anti-Scratch: The durable woven fabric surface withstands interactions with keys, coins, and other potential scratch-inducing items in your bag, resisting scratches that can occur from regular use.
- Water and Dust Resistant: The water-resistant coating, woven fabric surface, and tightly stitched zipper keep your headphones safe from splashes and dust, providing reliable protection.
Battery, controls and connectivity
Tom’s Guide reports battery claims of up to 60 hours with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC on. These are figures stated in the review, not runtime measurements independently verified here. The reviewer also notes that the headphones do not automatically sleep after inactivity and that button customization is limited—practical drawbacks if you want less manual power management or more control over shortcuts.
The review describes multipoint connectivity and wear detection, and mentions LDAC. It does not provide manufacturer confirmation for these details. Its specification table says Bluetooth 6.1, while the review body says Bluetooth 6.0, so a precise Bluetooth version cannot be stated confidently from this source alone. The table also says there is no IP rating.
Rank #4
- 4-Stage Adaptive ANC: Senses your surroundings and adjusts noise cancellation in real time, blocking more frequencies than standard ANC. Auto noise reduction perfect for airports, offices, and city streets.
- Hi-Res Audio Experience: Triple-composite drivers deliver Hi-Res certified audio to 40 kHz with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Enable LDAC in the free soundcore app for CD-quality wireless streaming.
- All-Day Comfort: Flexible headband self-adjusts without clamping. Soft protein leather and slow-rebound foam cradle your ears through long flights and full workdays.
- 60H Battery + 5-Min Fast Charge: 40 hours with ANC on, 60 hours with ANC off. 5 minutes of charging delivers 8 hours of playtime.
- Folds 50% Smaller: Space One Pro's compact foldable design compresses to half the size, fitting any backpack pocket, carry-on bag, or desk drawer.
Should you ignore the AI features?
The review’s central caveat is Anka AI. Bashford says the assistant failed to carry out advertised tasks, including answering suggested questions. That is a dated observation from the review published October 3, 2026; it does not establish how the feature behaves on other units or after later software updates. If AI functionality is a key reason you are considering these headphones, the review does not support buying them on that basis.
How do they compare with Bose and other alternatives?
The $160 Bose saving is the arithmetic difference between the review’s listed prices: $359 for Bose QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2 and $199 for the Space 2 Pro. Both figures were reported on October 3, 2026, and neither should be treated as a current offer. Tom’s Guide also names Beats 360, Sony WH-1000XM4, Soundcore Space 2 and Space One Pro as alternatives, but the review does not provide equivalent controlled head-to-head evidence for each model.
Best Value
- The World's Clearest Calls: A proud Guinness World Records title holder for the clearest wireless over-ear headphones for calls — delivering unprecedented voice quality.
- AI-Powered Clear Call Clarity：Thus AI Chip drives a 6-microphone array with real-time voice separation — Your voice cuts through, the background doesn't.
- Adaptive Deep ANC：8-microphone omnidirectional capture with 384K processing and Adaptive ANC 3.0 — precisely cancels mixed dynamic noise (voices, keyboards, HVAC) in open workspaces.
- Anti-Scratch: The durable woven fabric surface withstands interactions with keys, coins, and other potential scratch-inducing items in your bag, resisting scratches that can occur from regular use.
- Water and Dust Resistant: The water-resistant coating, woven fabric surface, and tightly stitched zipper keep your headphones safe from splashes and dust, providing reliable protection.
| Comparison point | What the review establishes about Space 2 Pro | What to check when comparing alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 US and £199 UK through Amazon, as listed by Tom’s Guide on October 3, 2026 | Current local street price; the review’s Bose comparison price was $359 on that date |
| Sound | Reviewer describes bass-forward sound with clear detail; app EQ and HearID personalization are available | Whether the model’s default tuning suits you and how much EQ control it offers |
| Noise cancellation | Reviewer reports good handling of office typing, conversation and general city noise; drilling remained audible | Performance in the environments that matter to you; the review gives no equivalent controlled comparison for the named alternatives |
| Comfort | Reviewer reports an eight-hour session with glasses without discomfort | Fit and comfort for your head, ears and glasses over long sessions |
| Calls | Reviewer was heard clearly, but drilling noise from a reported 75 dB test track was also audible to the caller | Call quality in your usual surroundings; no equivalent alternative-model call test is provided |
| Battery with ANC | Review reports up to 30 hours with ANC on and up to 60 hours with it off | Runtime under the ANC setting you actually use; the figures here are review-reported claims |
| Controls and extras | Limited button customization and no automatic sleep after inactivity; review mentions multipoint, wear detection and LDAC | Control customization, connectivity and codecs, and whether AI features matter to you |
| Water resistance | No IP rating listed in the review’s specification table | Whether the alternative has a stated IP rating suited to your use |
Who should consider the Space 2 Pro?
- Consider it if you want a bass-forward sound you can adjust, useful noise cancellation for routine office and city noise, and the reviewer-reported long-session comfort.
- Look elsewhere or compare carefully if you need strong suppression of construction noise, want extensive button customization or automatic sleep, or require a stated water-resistance rating.
- Do not pay extra for the AI promise alone on the strength of this review: the tested Anka functions did not work as advertised for Bashford.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
