Soundcore Space One: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-08
Summary
The Soundcore Space One (model A3035) is a $99.99 over-ear noise-cancelling headphone, and the complaints that repeat across independent tests are call quality in noise, battery life that lands well below the 40-hour claim, and a default sound nobody calls neutral. Running costs stay low because nothing has to be replaced on a schedule and the app is free, but the sources give no electricity tariff, so no yearly amount can be calculated. At or below $99.99 it is a good buy for a commuter who wants ANC, LDAC and multipoint on a budget, and a weak buy for critical listening or heavy call use.
Common problems and fixes
- Noise cancelling gives up on very loud or changing noise - PCMag found it cut low-frequency rumble well but struggled with white noise, and its Wind Reduction mode did not help; TechGearLab measured about 13.3 dB of reduction at low frequency, 23.6 dB at mid and 35.4 dB at high, against the manufacturer’s lab claim of up to 98%. There is no fix; expect it to work on plane cabin rumble and traffic, not on an engine room. [3][5][1]
- LDAC and multipoint cannot be used at the same time - turning LDAC on disables multipoint, so a two-device setup drops to one device whenever hi-res audio is switched on. Turn LDAC off in the app when you need both devices. [6][1]
Parts and consumables
- No consumables and no subscription - there are no filters or cartridges to replace and the Soundcore app is free; upkeep is cleaning, and the FAQ says to clean leather with 75% medical alcohol and dry it in a ventilated place. [1][2]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data for a yearly amount. The only recurring cost is electricity: the manufacturer quotes a charging current of 530-560 mA from a 5 V supply, a full charge takes about 2 hours, and 5 minutes of charging is said to give 4 hours of playback, so the annual figure is your charging hours per week times that draw times your own tariff. The sources give no electricity tariff and no pad or cable price, so no dollar total can be stated here, and nothing in the parts list has a fixed replacement cycle. [1][2][3]
When it is a good buy
Soundcore’s US store lists the Space One at $99.99 with a $15 off badge (October 2026), and PCMag and SoundGuys both give $99.99 as the US MSRP; Trusted Reviews lists UK RRP £89.99, EU €99.99 and CA $129.99. PCMag named it a best wireless headphone under $100, and Trusted Reviews recommends it at under £100/$100. At or below $99.99 it is a reasonable buy for a commuter who wants ANC, LDAC, multipoint and wear detection on a budget; above about $100, and especially near the CA$129.99 Canadian RRP, one of the alternatives below is the better value.
- Soundcore Space Q45 - the better choice if you can spend a little more and want a more balanced sound than the Space One’s bass-forward default. [2][3][5]