Soundcore Space 2: Budget Headphones Debut at MWC 2026
▼ Summary
– Soundcore has announced the Space 2 ANC headphones, launching in the US on April 21st for $129.99, which is $30 more than the previous model.
– The headphones feature a full-band noise cancellation upgrade focused on low-frequency sounds, achieved through optimized microphone placement and material improvements.
– They incorporate redesigned 40mm dual-layer drivers for improved sound accuracy and support LDAC high-res audio, while connecting via Bluetooth 6.1 and including a 3.5mm jack.
– Battery life is increased to up to 50 hours with ANC on and 70 hours with it off, and a five-minute charge provides four additional hours of listening.
– The Space 2 retain popular features like HearID 3.0 sound personalization and wear-detection sensors, but face higher expectations due to the price increase and competition in the budget ANC market.
The Soundcore Space 2 has officially arrived, bringing a significant update to the popular budget-friendly headphone line. Announced at MWC 2026, these over-ear headphones will launch in the US on April 21st for $129.99, a noticeable $30 increase over the original Space One’s debut price. They will be available in three color options: linen white, jet black, and seafoam green.
A key focus of this new model is an enhanced noise-canceling experience. Soundcore states the Space 2 features a full-band noise cancellation upgrade, with specific improvements targeting low-frequency sounds like the rumble of airplane, train, and bus engines. Interestingly, the number of microphones used for ANC remains the same as the Space One. The performance boost instead comes from optimized microphone placement and improvements to the headphones’ internal structure and materials.
Audio quality also receives attention with a driver redesign. The new 40mm drivers incorporate a dual-layer design, pairing a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic. This construction aims to deliver a faster transient response, meaning the drivers can react more quickly and accurately to sudden sounds, resulting in better-balanced audio reproduction. While the Space One was already praised for its sound, these changes promise greater accuracy. Support for LDAC high-resolution audio is carried over from the previous model.
Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.1, though the headphones do not support the newer Auracast broadcast technology. For those who prefer a wired connection, a 3.5mm audio jack is included. Battery life sees a welcome improvement, now rated for up to 50 hours with ANC active and 70 hours with it turned off. This is a solid jump from the Space One’s 40 and 55 hours, respectively. A quick five-minute charge provides an additional four hours of playback.
Many of the user-friendly features from the Space One make a return. The HearID 3.0 personalization system uses a series of sound samples to tailor the audio profile to an individual’s hearing, which was effective in softening harsh high frequencies on the earlier model. An auto-pause sensor detects when the headphones are removed and automatically stops playback, resuming when you put them back on. One point of contention remains the included carrying solution; the Space 2 once again comes with a color-matching cloth bag rather than a hard case, which offers less protection for travel.
The original Soundcore Space One set a high bar for value in the affordable ANC headphone category. With the Space 2’s price moving above the $100 mark, expectations are naturally higher. The budget headphone market is fiercely competitive, with constant improvements in ANC performance and pricing from brands like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. The success of the Space 2 will hinge on whether its active noise cancellation can match current rivals while maintaining the excellent sound quality and comfort of its predecessor. If it delivers on those fronts, it is poised to become a top recommendation once again.
(Source: The Verge)
