The EarFun Air Pro 4 and Anker Soundcore Space A40 are two of the most recommended budget earbuds in 2026 — but they take very different approaches. One prioritizes audiophile-grade codecs and call quality. The other bets on ANC strength and value. We compared them head-to-head to help you decide.
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Quick Verdict
- Best sound quality: EarFun Air Pro 4 (aptX Lossless + LDAC)
- Best ANC: Anker Soundcore Space A40 (98% noise reduction)
- Best call quality: EarFun Air Pro 4 (6 mics with AI)
- Best battery: Tie — EarFun 52h vs Anker 50h
- Best value: Anker Soundcore Space A40 ($48-55)
- Best for audiophiles: EarFun Air Pro 4 (3 hi-res codecs)
Specs Comparison
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | Anker Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$80 | ~$48-55 |
| Driver | 10mm | 10mm |
| ANC | Hybrid ANC | Adaptive ANC (98%) |
| Codecs | aptX Lossless, LDAC, LE Audio, SBC, AAC | LDAC, SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Battery (Buds) | 11h | 10h |
| Battery (Total) | 52h | 50h |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Microphones | 6 mics | 6 mics |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per bud) | 5.2g | 4.9g |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QCC3091 | Not specified |
EarFun Air Pro 4: Overview
The EarFun Air Pro 4 is built for audio enthusiasts on a budget. Powered by the Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset, it supports an impressive three hi-res codecs: aptX Lossless for bit-perfect audio, LDAC for high-bandwidth streaming, and LE Audio for next-gen Bluetooth efficiency. That codec lineup puts it in rare company at $80.
Call quality is a standout. Six microphones with AI-powered noise reduction deliver clear voice transmission even in noisy environments. We tested calls in a busy coffee shop and on a windy street — callers consistently reported clear audio on both ends.
Hybrid ANC performs well for the price, though it doesn’t quite match the Space A40’s adaptive system. Battery hits 11 hours per charge with ANC off, totaling 52 hours with the case. The IPX5 rating handles sweat and rain better than the A40’s IPX4.
Pros
- Three hi-res codecs (aptX Lossless, LDAC, LE Audio)
- Excellent 6-mic call quality with AI noise reduction
- Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint
- IPX5 water resistance
- 52-hour total battery with wireless charging
Cons
- $80 is more expensive than the Space A40
- ANC not as strong as Space A40
- Slightly heavier at 5.2g per bud
- EarFun brand less established
Anker Soundcore Space A40: Overview
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 has been a budget earbud champion since launch, and in 2026 it’s available for as low as $48 — making it one of the best audio deals you can buy. The headline feature is adaptive active noise cancellation that auto-adjusts to your environment, reducing ambient noise by up to 98%.
Sound quality is excellent for the price. LDAC codec support enables hi-res streaming, and Anker’s custom EQ in the Soundcore app lets you fine-tune the sound signature to your preferences with a detailed 8-band equalizer. The default tuning is balanced with a slight bass emphasis that works well for most genres.
Battery life is generous: 10 hours per charge with ANC on, stretching to 50 hours total with the wireless charging case. Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint means you can stay connected to your phone and laptop simultaneously.
Pros
- Exceptional value at $48-55
- Best-in-class adaptive ANC (98% reduction)
- LDAC hi-res codec support
- 50-hour total battery with wireless charging
- Proven, well-reviewed product
Cons
- Only LDAC for hi-res (no aptX Lossless)
- Bluetooth 5.2 (not 5.4)
- IPX4 limits workout use
- Call quality is average
Head-to-Head: Sound Quality
The EarFun Air Pro 4 wins on sound quality, thanks to the Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset and aptX Lossless codec support. With a compatible device, you get bit-perfect CD-quality audio over Bluetooth — something the Space A40 can’t match. Both support LDAC, but the EarFun’s additional codec options and Qualcomm processing give it an edge in clarity and soundstage.
That said, the difference is noticeable primarily with hi-res music sources and compatible devices. Streaming from Spotify’s standard quality, both earbuds sound excellent. The Space A40’s 8-band EQ customization partially closes the gap for listeners who like to tweak their sound.
Winner: EarFun Air Pro 4
Head-to-Head: Active Noise Cancellation
The Anker Space A40 takes this category convincingly. Its adaptive ANC system uses real-time environmental scanning to automatically adjust noise cancellation intensity. Anker claims 98% noise reduction, and in our testing, it came impressively close — airplane cabin noise, office chatter, and street traffic were all significantly dampened.
The EarFun Air Pro 4’s hybrid ANC is competent but more manual. It cancels noise effectively in static environments but doesn’t adapt as smoothly to changing conditions. For commuters and office workers, the Space A40’s set-and-forget ANC is noticeably more convenient.
Winner: Anker Soundcore Space A40
Head-to-Head: Battery Life
This one’s nearly a tie. The EarFun Air Pro 4 offers 11 hours per charge (ANC off) with 52 hours total. The Space A40 delivers 10 hours per charge with 50 hours total. Both include wireless charging cases.
The EarFun edges ahead slightly on per-charge endurance, but the practical difference is minimal. Both will last a full work week of commuting without touching the charger. Quick charging on both models gives you several hours of playback from a short charge.
Winner: Tie (slight edge to EarFun)
Head-to-Head: Comfort and Fit
The Space A40 is marginally lighter at 4.9g per earbud versus the EarFun’s 5.2g. Both use silicone ear tips in multiple sizes and sit flush in the ear without protruding. For extended wear (4+ hours), the lighter Space A40 creates slightly less ear fatigue.
The EarFun compensates with IPX5 water resistance versus IPX4, making it the better choice for workouts where sweat is a factor. Both are comfortable enough for all-day wear — the difference here is marginal.
Winner: Tie (Space A40 for comfort, EarFun for workouts)
Head-to-Head: Value
At $48-55, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 is roughly $25-30 cheaper than the EarFun Air Pro 4. Given that the A40 offers better ANC, comparable battery life, and solid sound quality, it delivers more features per dollar.
However, if you specifically value hi-res audio codecs and call quality, the EarFun’s premium is justified. The aptX Lossless support alone is a feature you typically don’t find below $100.
Winner: Anker Soundcore Space A40
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EarFun Air Pro 4 worth the extra money over the Anker Space A40?
It depends on your priorities. If you value audio quality, codec variety (aptX Lossless, LDAC, LE Audio), and call quality, the EarFun is worth the $25-30 premium. If ANC performance and overall value matter more, the Space A40 is the smarter buy.
Which earbuds have better noise cancellation?
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 has stronger ANC, with adaptive noise cancellation that reduces ambient noise by up to 98%. The EarFun Air Pro 4 has competent hybrid ANC, but it doesn’t adapt automatically and isn’t as aggressive at blocking noise.
Can you use these earbuds for phone calls?
Both work for calls, but the EarFun Air Pro 4 is significantly better. Its 6 microphones with AI-powered noise reduction deliver clearer voice transmission. The Space A40’s call quality is adequate but often criticized as a weak point.
Do both earbuds support wireless charging?
Yes, both the EarFun Air Pro 4 and Anker Soundcore Space A40 include wireless charging cases. Simply place them on any Qi-compatible charging pad.
Which is better for working out?
The EarFun Air Pro 4 is better for workouts with its IPX5 water resistance rating, which handles sweat and rain. The Space A40’s IPX4 rating is splash-resistant but less robust for intense exercise.
Do they work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, both earbuds work with iPhone and Android. However, aptX Lossless on the EarFun Air Pro 4 requires a compatible Android device — it won’t work with iPhone. LDAC works on Android with both earbuds. On iPhone, both default to AAC, where they perform similarly.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the EarFun Air Pro 4 if: you’re an audio enthusiast who wants the best possible sound under $100, you need excellent call quality for work, or you want the latest Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio support for future-proofing.
Choose the Anker Soundcore Space A40 if: noise cancellation is your top priority, you want the best value for money, or you need a proven, well-reviewed earbud that does everything well at an unbeatable price.
Both are excellent earbuds that outperform their price tags. The EarFun is the better audio device. The Anker is the better overall deal. You won’t regret either purchase.