I’ve been testing the Anker Soundcore Space A40 for a few weeks now and I kept asking myself the same question every time I switched from phone to gym to gaming rig: can these truly stack up against the Apple AirPods Pro when it comes to low latency gaming and sweatproof gym use? Spoiler: they’re impressively capable for the price, but the answer depends on what you value most — absolute latency floor and ecosystem convenience, or value, battery life, and flexible connectivity.
Why compare these two?
The AirPods Pro set the bar for compact ANC true wireless earbuds with excellent integration into Apple devices, low-latency performance especially on Apple platforms, and a snug, reliable fit for many users. The Anker Soundcore Space A40 targets a different segment: value-minded users who still want features like active noise cancellation, IPX-rated protection, long battery life, and a dedicated gaming mode. I wanted to see whether a sub-£100 option could cover both gaming and gym routines without compromises that matter in day-to-day use.
What I tested and how
I evaluated both earbuds across three practical scenarios:
For latency measurements I used a simple audio-visual sync test (watching a 60fps test video with a visual cue timed to a sound) and some lightweight gaming (mobile FPS and platformers). I also relied on subjective impressions: do gunshots and voice lines feel delayed? Is lip-sync off during streaming? For gym testing I wore the A40s for ~90 minutes sessions, including sprints and jump ropes, and checked for slippage and water ingress.
Key specs at a glance
| Anker Soundcore Space A40 | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen baseline) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC (up to ~40 dB claimed) | Adaptive ANC |
| Latency / Gaming Mode | Gaming mode ~60ms (manufacturer claim ~40–50ms), selectable | Low latency on Apple devices ~30–40ms (no explicit "gaming mode") |
| Water/Sweat Resistance | IPX5 (sweat & water resistant) | IPX4 (sweat & water resistant) |
| Battery (earbuds) | ~9 hours (ANC off), ~6 hours (ANC on) | ~6 hours (ANC on for AirPods Pro 2 similar) |
| Case Battery | Up to 36 hours total | Up to 30 hours total |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, Apple’s proprietary enhancements |
| Companion App | Soundcore app with EQ & modes | No dedicated app; system-level settings on Apple devices |
Low-latency gaming — how they performed
On Android phones the Soundcore Space A40’s dedicated gaming mode reduced perceivable lag quite noticeably. In a side-by-side with the AirPods Pro on an Android device, the A40 felt slightly snappier for fast mobile shooters — footsteps and gunshots aligned a bit more tightly to the visuals. On iPhone, the AirPods Pro still had the edge: Apple’s H1 chip and OS-level optimizations reduce latency across the system, which you feel in fast games and streaming video.
On Windows laptop Bluetooth, both earbuds had higher latency compared to using a wired headset or a gaming dongle. The A40’s gaming mode does improve things, but I still measured roughly 50–70ms on average, versus 40–60ms for AirPods Pro when using compatible Bluetooth stacks. That’s good for casual gamers and platformers, but competitive FPS players will prefer a dedicated low-latency wireless dongle or wired solution.
One practical win for the A40 is the ability to toggle modes and use an EQ in the Soundcore app to emphasize mids and highs for clearer in-game dialog — useful in strategy or co-op games where callouts matter. AirPods Pro rely on system audio adjustments and generally keep a flatter, balanced profile.
Sweatproof gym use — fit, durability, and stability
For the gym, the Space A40 surprised me. The IPX5 rating means they handle a solid sweat session without drama — I dialed up intense HIIT, jump rope, and a treadmill sprint, and they stayed put. The ear tips and slightly longer stem help lock them in for most ear shapes I tested. I did, however, notice that if you have very small ear canals you might need to experiment with tips to get the best seal.
The AirPods Pro also fared well, and the venting system keeps pressure low (which I personally prefer for comfort over long sessions). Their IPX4 rating is slightly lower than the A40, but in real-world gym tests both survived sweat-heavy sessions with no issues.
Where the A40 stands out: battery life. I can easily get through a couple of heavy gym days on a single charge thanks to its long earbud runtime and case top-ups. For long travel or back-to-back workouts, that’s meaningful. The Soundcore app also allows sound pass-through tweaking so you can keep some ambient awareness — handy for outdoor runs.
ANC and call quality
ANC on the A40 is surprisingly competent for a mid-range pair. It does a good job with low-frequency hums (gym AC, transit rumble) but struggles slightly with complex, fluctuating mid-range noise compared to AirPods Pro which generally keep dialogue and washout better handled. In phone calls the A40’s microphones are clear; however, Apple’s beamforming mics and spatial audio with voice isolation often deliver a more natural-sounding result on iPhones.
Real-world recommendations — who should buy which?
Final impressions during testing
I came into this review skeptical that a budget-friendly pair like the Soundcore Space A40 could creep up on the AirPods Pro in meaningful ways. After weeks of switching between devices and modes, I’ll say this: in practical everyday use for gym sessions and casual gaming the A40 covers nearly everything most people need — strong battery life, a secure fit, and a gaming mode that genuinely lowers perceived lag. But if you prioritize ultra-low latency across Apple devices, the AirPods Pro still hold sway thanks to tight integration and slightly better ANC/call clarity.
If you're on the fence, think about where you spend most of your time: if it's gym and mobile gaming with mixed-device use, save the cash and get the A40. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and want the smoothest experience with occasional gaming, the AirPods Pro justify their premium.