Compare · Updated 18 Oct 2026
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case vs Soundcore Space A40
Get the Soundcore Space A40. Unless ear tips bother you or calls matter, and you have an iPhone — then the AirPods 5.
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
The best open-fit earbuds, with good noise cancelling and great calls. Short battery life.
Soundcore Space A40
Strong noise cancelling, balanced sound and long battery for a fraction of the price.
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The short answer
The Space A40 block more noise and last about 8 hours against 5, for a fraction of the price. The AirPods 5 have no ear tips, far better calls and seamless iPhone features.
Get the AirPods 5 if
- —Ear tips feel uncomfortable or blocked-up to you.
- —You have an iPhone.
- —Calls matter: the mics are excellent.
Get the Soundcore Space A40 if
- —You want real noise cancelling for little money.
- —You take a lot of trains or buses.
- —You'd rather not worry about losing expensive earbuds.
Key differences
Noise cancelling
Very good for an open fit
AirPods 5
Excellent for the price
Soundcore Space A40
Fit
No tips, one size
AirPods 5
Ear tips, light
Soundcore Space A40
Battery (noise cancelling on)
About 5 hours
AirPods 5
About 8 hours
Soundcore Space A40
Calls
Excellent
AirPods 5
Poor in noisy places
Soundcore Space A40
Pros and cons
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
- +No ear tips: light, open fit
- +Strong noise cancelling for an open design
- +Excellent calls and iPhone features
- −Battery is about 5 hours with noise cancelling, and the open fit lets in more noise than tipped earbuds.
- −One size only: they don't stay put in every ear.
- −AAC only, and most features need an iPhone.
Soundcore Space A40
- +Excellent noise cancelling for the price
- +About 8 hours a charge, 40+ with the case
- +Multipoint and wireless charging
- −The mic is poor in noisy places.
- −There's no wear sensor, so music doesn't pause when you take one out.
- −Multipoint switches off when LDAC hi-res is on.
- −Only splash resistant (IPX4).
Ready to choose?
- Is the AirPods 5 worth it?
- Is the Soundcore Space A40 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 18 Oct 2026How we decide