I loved traveling with these clever folding headphones

When a company introduces a pair of headphones that can fold up into a compact shape and feature active noise cancellation (ANC), they are perfect for travel.

The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro checks both of these boxes. So, when I received a pair to test out, I decided to bring them along on a trip to see how they perform.

Headphone specification

Here’s what you should know about the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro before I share my experience: These over-ear headphones come in Jet Black and White Cream colors and feature 40mm drivers and support for Bluetooth codecs such as AAC, SBC, and LDAC. The 700mAh battery provides up to 40 hours of use with ANC, and a quick-charge function gives you eight hours of use with just five minutes of charging.

The Space One Pro boasts six microphones and AI technology that enhances the ANC compared to the Soundcore Space One headphones. Anker claims that the Adaptive ANC can cancel out a wider range of noise when you’re on the move. Four of the microphones are dedicated to handling calls. What sets the Space One Pro apart is its design and compact shape, made possible by a new five-segment headband and rotating cups.

By twisting the cups, turning one in the opposite direction, and squeezing the whole thing together, the Space One Pro transforms into a surprisingly compact shape. It comes with a pouch for storage, but you also have the option to purchase a carry case similar to the Apple AirPods Max. When folded, the Space One Pro is very convenient and remains compact in your bag without unraveling, even without using the pouch.

Perfect size for travel

The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro easily fit into my backpack for my trip to IFA 2024 in Berlin. Since I didn’t plan on checking any bags for the flight, maximizing the space in my backpack was crucial. The headphones never felt bulky or added unnecessary weight. Even when I wasn’t sure if I’d have the opportunity to use them, they could stay in my bag rather than in the hotel room. They are incredibly convenient.

I used the ANC before departure, during the flight, and at various times after landing. I found it effective, but I personally prefer a strong ANC that significantly reduces external noise. The Space One Pro didn’t quite achieve this level of noise cancellation when I was listening to podcasts. It provided a softer effect in minimizing the sound of the aircraft engines but didn’t block out conversations around me in a cafe or hotel bar as much as I would have liked.

I didn’t experience any discomfort wearing them, but they can get quite warm. Even walking outdoors in the evening during summer temperatures in the U.K. made them very sweaty, so I don’t think they would be suitable for intense physical activity. However, for general indoor use while sitting down, I found them to be very comfortable for extended listening sessions. I appreciate the physical buttons over touch controls, as they make it quick and easy to start or stop playback or adjust the ANC.

How is the sound quality?

In addition to various presets, you can customize the equalizer (EQ) using the Soundcore app. For the best sound tailored to your ears, I recommend running the HearID Sound check. After listening to a series of test sounds, the app creates a custom EQ setting that enhances the Space One Pro’s sound quality.

Listening to Le Sserafim’s Crazy EP, which has a strong EDM influence, I immediately noticed the Space One Pro’s powerful bass response, even though it had been adjusted down for my HearID custom setting. If you prefer heavy bass, you’ll appreciate the Soundcore Signature setting. The default sound of the Space One Pro lacks subtlety, and vocals may get overshadowed by the bass until you fine-tune the equalizer settings.

I’ve been using the Space One Pro before its official launch and have encountered some issues with the dual device connection. Notifications on my Apple MacBook Air M1 sometimes interrupted playback from my Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (but not the other way around), and I also had trouble getting sound to play from my laptop at times. These issues, along with the overly aggressive signature sound, may be addressed in a future software update.

Availability of the Soundcore Space One Pro

The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro is now available for purchase in the U.S. and other regions, starting September 5, with a price tag of $200. These over-ear headphones offer a convenient design that is perfect for travel, and the ANC performs well in noisy environments. While the limited codec support may be a drawback, the customizable EQ helps offset this limitation. Overall, I have enjoyed using the Space One Pro during my trip and believe they are a solid choice. However, they face stiff competition in the headphone market. For more recommendations, you can explore other headphone options.