Sister preparing for college fall semester seeks suitable headphones for studying, and you offer a single recommendation.
Affordable Headphones for College Students: Soundcore Space One Pro Shines
For college students seeking high-quality, affordable Bluetooth headphones, the Soundcore Space One Pro stands out as a compelling choice. These headphones offer a balance of style, active noise cancellation (ANC), comfort, and sound quality, making them suitable for studying in various environments.
Priced at £149 in the U.K., the Soundcore Space One Pro is significantly cheaper than premium competition like Bose, Sony, and Apple. In fact, its sound quality rivals that of the Bose QuietComfort headphones, making it a strong contender in the market.
The Soundcore Space One Pro headphones were bought by the author for their sister, who was highly impressed with the ANC. They are considered stylish, especially the white colorway, and are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to cloud cushion cups and a padded headband. This makes them a good choice for comfortable, portable headphones for long study sessions.
The HearID feature in the Soundcore app is a game-like experience that involves choosing between different EQs to create a personalized listening experience. This feature, along with the headphones' decent ANC, makes the Soundcore Space One Pro an attractive option for students prioritizing both affordability and decent noise cancellation.
However, it's important to note that the Soundcore Space One Pro is not as good at ANC as some premium brands when walking around town. But in quieter environments like offices or libraries, they offer excellent ANC.
When compared to other affordable options, the Soundcore Space One Pro is a strong contender. While Skullcandy headphones are known for their trendy designs and decent sound, they often lack the advanced noise cancellation and audio refinement found in Sony or Soundcore products. They can be a practical choice for budget-conscious students focusing on casual listening and mobility, though they might fall short for those wanting premium ANC or sound fidelity.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4, even when discounted, remains a top choice for noise cancellation and sound quality, albeit at a higher price point compared to others. They offer excellent active noise cancellation, strong sound quality, and premium comfort, making them ideal for study environments around campus and in noisy dorms.
In summary, for college students balancing budget with performance, if you can find the Sony WH-1000XM4 discounted, they are likely the best all-around option due to their superior noise cancellation and sound quality. The Soundcore Space One Pro offers a competitive middle ground with good ANC and sound at a lower price point. Skullcandy suits those who want an even more affordable option with style but may compromise on noise cancellation and premium sound features.
For up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews, the author recommends following Tom's Guide on Google News. But beware of models like the EarFun Wave Pro, which are not recommended due to terrible sound quality.
In conclusion, the Soundcore Space One Pro headphones are a solid choice for college students seeking a balance of affordability, style, comfort, and decent noise cancellation. They are recommended for studying, with sound quality falling to the lower half of the list of priorities for this use case.
If you're a college student interested in expanding your lifestyle beyond just studying, the Soundcore Space One Pro's fashion-and-beauty appeal, with its stylish design and white colorway, makes it a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Furthermore, to add a touch of technology to your home-and-garden space, consider pairing your new headphones with a smart home gadget, such as the Google Nest Audio speaker, for a seamless audio-visual experience.
