soundcore Space 2 by Anker ANC Headphones

The soundcore Space 2 is Anker's flagship over-ear noise cancelling headphone for 2026, and it makes a compelling case for itself at £129.99. Built on Bluetooth 6.1 — one of the first consumer headphones to use the latest standard — the Space 2 offers more stable connections and lower latency than its predecessor. The headline feature is the 4-stage adaptive noise cancellation system. Unlike simpler ANC implementations that apply a fixed level of cancellation, the Space 2 analyses your environment in real time and blocks low-frequency noise — think aircraft engines, air conditioning, and traffic — before it reaches your ears. For commuters, frequent flyers, and open-plan office workers, this is genuinely useful. Audio quality is where the Space 2 punches above its price class. LDAC support means when paired with an Android phone or any LDAC-capable source, you're getting up to 990kbps of wireless audio — three times the data rate of standard Bluetooth codecs. Combine that with soundcore's Custom EQ in the app and the Space 2 can hold its own against headphones costing considerably more. Battery life is exceptional: 50 hours with ANC off, and a still-impressive runtime with ANC on. The quick-charge feature (likely 5 minutes for several hours of playback) means running out of battery mid-commute is not a real concern. The Nap Mode is a thoughtful addition — dimming the EQ signature, boosting ANC, and blocking incoming calls so you're not disturbed. Wearing Detection automatically pauses playback when you take the headphones off and resumes when you put them back on. These aren't gimmicks; they're quality-of-life features that add up. Build-wise, the Space 2 uses protein leather ear cushions with a slow-rebound memory foam core and a pressure-relieving headband — the kind of design you'd typically see at twice the price. For long listening sessions, this matters. For anyone looking for premium ANC headphones without the premium price tag of Sony XM6 or Bose QC45, the soundcore Space 2 is the most compelling option at £129.99.