Soundcore Q45
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Soundcore Q45 is generally regarded as a strong contender in the budget Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) category, though user opinions on its sound profile and comfort are notably mixed. While many praise its ANC and transparency modes for the price point, others find the sound signature either 'tinny' in the highs or 'boomy' in the bass, often requiring app-based EQ adjustments to reach a satisfactory level.
Pros
- Solid ANC performance for the price point
- Decent transparency mode
- Highly customizable sound via the companion app
- Good detail and music performance for a budget-friendly model
Cons
- Poor microphone quality; users report sounding muffled or distant on calls
- Polarizing comfort; can feel heavy or bulky and may cause discomfort for glasses wearers
- Inconsistent sound signature, with some reporting tinny highs or overpowering bass
- Large physical footprint compared to competitors
Caveats
- Requires the Soundcore app to optimize sound quality and EQ
- While ANC is excellent for its class, it does not match the performance of premium flagship models like the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bass response is a point of contention among users, with some finding it lacking and others finding it too dominant
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing noise cancellation
- Users who enjoy tweaking their audio via a mobile app
- General music listening in noisy environments
Avoid if
- You need a high-quality microphone for professional calls or remote work
- You wear glasses and are sensitive to headphone clamping pressure
- You prefer a lightweight or compact headphone design
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older, with a median source age of approximately 379 days, which may affect relevance for fast-changing tech products.
Sentiment
8 positive (50%) · 6 mixed (38%) · 2 negative (13%)
Trust + time weighted score: +36% · raw score 38%
What redditors said (10 of 16)
The biggest problems Q45 have are in the highs so I can't see why someone would complain about the lows. They're not perfect, but they're about as good as they get in budget ANC headphones.
Q45 was popular for a while because it has a decent transparency mode, but apart from it it's pretty mid.
I have liked the Soundcore company with their Space 1 or Q45.
I also like the 1 More Sonoflow Pro or Soundcore Q45, or JBL Live 770 nc.
The Soundcore Q45s I personally found very uncomfortable and they hurt my head after a short time of using them. Sound also had some weird tinny aspect to it.
Soundcore Q45 or Space 1, Sony 720, Sennheiser Accentum Plus,1 More Sonoflow, Edifier 830, JBL live 770nc are all good in their own way.
Soundcore Q45. Have given a few sets as presents and all have been well used. Needs the app to get the best out of them.
The Q45 seems good too. I heard it is a bit heavier, but it may have a bit more detail re music.
Soundcore Q45 has the best sound but it's not comfortable to wear with glasses.
From my experience, the ANC on the Q45 is solid for its price, but it's not at the same level as the Sony XM5. The microphone on the Q45 is indeed a weak point, and you'll find a massive improvement with the XM5.
Compare
Soundcore Q45 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2Soundcore Q45 vs Apple AirPods ProSoundcore Q45 vs Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
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