Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro Review: Killer Sound and ANC, But Broken AI Holds It Back

Introduction

When Anker introduced the original Soundcore Space One Pro in 2025, it shattered expectations by delivering high-end performance at a mid-tier price point. Now, the tech giant is back with its successor, the Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro. Released at $199 / £199, these over-ear headphones maintain much of what made the previous generation successful—including rich, bass-forward sound and great active noise cancellation (ANC). However, a few lingering quality-of-life oversights and heavily marketed AI features that simply fail to function prevent this new model from securing a top-tier recommendation.

Price and Availability

The Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro are priced at $199 in the U.S. and £199 in the U.K., mirroring the launch price of their predecessors. This firmly positions them in the mid-range market. While competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2 and Beats 360 demand upward of $349 to $359, Anker provides an affordable alternative that rivals their acoustic output. For buyers seeking lower-tier pricing, Anker also offers the standard Space 2 at $99, while budget-conscious audiophiles might also consider legacy models like the Sony WH-1000XM4.

Design, Comfort, and Controls

Sporting a sleek, inconspicuous profile—particularly in the attractive grayish mauve colorway—the Space 2 Pro are exceptionally comfortable. Weighing in at just 9.2 ounces, they are a full ounce lighter than both the Space One Pro and the Beats 360, ensuring zero head strain even after hours of continuous wear with glasses. Unfortunately, Anker skipped an official IP rating for water resistance, meaning they lack the splashproof protection found on rivals like the Nothing Headphone (a) or the sweat resistance of the Beats 360.

Physical buttons are used instead of touch controls, which many users will appreciate. However, button customization is surprisingly limited. Anker has omitted key configuration options for basic audio controls like skip forward/backward or pause, prioritizing AI commands and voice assistants instead.

Connectivity and Bluetooth 6.0

Connectivity is a massive win for the Space 2 Pro. Equipped with Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC support for high-resolution streaming on Android devices, they offer a stable connection and impressive range. Multipoint connectivity works seamlessly, allowing users to transition between a laptop and smartphone effortlessly.

Sound Quality

Powered by 35mm dynamic drivers, the Space 2 Pro lean heavily into a rich, bass-forward sound signature. Tracks like Limp Bizkit's "Hot Dog" shine with crunchy, heavy guitars and a prominent low end that never drowns out the vocals. Similarly, electronic tracks like Floating Points' "Bias" benefit from a punchy sub-bass response and clear, well-separated higher-frequency details. Users can also utilize Anker's HearID feature within the app to personalize their EQ.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Call Quality

The active noise cancellation is robust, effectively muting typing clatter, ambient office noise, and standard street chatter. While extreme noises like construction drilling can still faintly bleed through, the overall isolation is impressive for the price. Call quality, backed by Anker's strong environmental sound reduction, ensures your voice remains crystal clear even in loud environments.

The App and the AI Feature Flop

The companion app offers standard customization features, including manual EQ tuning and ANC toggles. However, the inclusion of Anker's new "Thus AI" assistant—dubbed "Anka"—falls flat. Promoted as a tool to adjust EQs, take notes, and tell jokes, the feature largely fails to function or answer basic pre-programmed prompts. Releasing a product with non-functional AI features leaves a disappointing impression.

Battery Life

Battery performance is solid, offering up to 60 hours of playback with ANC turned off and 30 hours with ANC enabled. While competing models from brands like EarFun offer even larger battery capacities, 30 hours with ANC on is more than enough for a typical work week. Note, however, that the headphones lack an automatic sleep mode for dormancy, meaning manual power-downs are necessary.

Verdict

The Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro are undeniably great-sounding headphones with plush comfort, strong ANC, and stellar battery life. However, because their headline AI features fail to work and the upgrades over the previous generation are minimal, users may be better off snapping up a discounted Space One Pro instead.