As WIRED's go-to expert for all things audio, I'm constantly asked about finding great headphones without breaking the bank. My consistent advice? Wait for a sale or snag a pair from Soundcore. This budget-friendly brand has earned a solid reputation for delivering audio quality that far exceeds its price point, and right now, their favorite over-ear model, the Soundcore Space 2, is at its lowest price ever.
The Soundcore Space 2 headphones, which originally launched in April, are currently $24 off, beating even previous Prime Day deals. They’ve become my top pick for budget-conscious buyers thanks to a host of features that make them a standout choice.
These headphones are designed for comfort and practicality. They boast an understated look, are lightweight enough for extended wear, and feature user-friendly physical buttons for easy control. Plus, they fold down neatly, making them perfect for tossing into a bag.
Don't let the affordable price fool you – the sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Space 2 are genuinely impressive. The ANC effectively muffles external noise, allowing for a more comfortable listening volume than many other budget alternatives. And the battery life is exceptional, offering 50 hours with ANC on and a whopping 70 hours with it off, outperforming many premium competitors from brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple.
Beyond the Space 2, Soundcore has other compelling deals available. The Liberty 5 earbuds offer a great sub-$100 option, providing a comfortable fit and solid performance, though their call quality isn't quite on par with the Liberty 5 Pro. Additionally, the older AeroFit 2 open-ear earbuds are available for $80, making them an accessible way to explore the open-ear design without a significant financial commitment.
