How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-29 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Anker Soundcore (Space Q45) biggest strength: Up to 50 hours of playtime with ANC on (65 hours with it off), adaptive noise cancelling that adjusts to your surroundings, LDAC Hi-Res wireless audio, and app control with five noise-cancelling levels.
• Anker Soundcore biggest trade-off: Heavier build at 10.4 ounces, a plastic-and-ceramic over-ear frame that's bulkier for packing, and no foldable design mentioned.
• FiiO EH13 biggest strength: A compact foldable design built for bags and carry-ons, hybrid ANC rated up to -42dB, and dual-device Bluetooth so you can switch between phone and laptop.
• FiiO EH13 biggest trade-off: Shorter 45-hour battery (ANC off), no 3.5mm jack, older Bluetooth 5.0, and no LDAC mentioned in its specs.
• Who each is for: Anker Soundcore for long-haul flights, all-day ANC use, and listeners who want Hi-Res wireless audio; FiiO EH13 for commuters, office workers, and travelers who prioritize a packable, lightweight pair.
The Space Q45 is Anker's noise-cancelling flagship in this matchup, and the numbers back that framing. Its three-stage noise-cancelling system is rated to reduce noise by up to 98%, and the adaptive mode automatically picks a suitable level based on whether you're indoors, outdoors, commuting, or flying. You also get five noise-cancelling levels through the app, which is a genuinely useful feature if you want to dial in exactly how much of the world you let in. The 40mm drivers use a double-layer silk-and-ceramic diaphragm, and the headphones support LDAC for Hi-Res Audio Wireless — that's the headline spec for anyone searching for LDAC headphones.
Battery is the other reason to pick it. Anker rates it at 50 hours with ANC on and up to 65 hours in normal mode, and a 5-minute charge gets you 4 hours of playtime. For a long-haul flight or a full work week of commuting, that's a real advantage over most rivals. The 10.4-ounce weight is on the heavier side, though the ergonomic build and comfort-focused design are meant to offset that over long sessions. You also get a 3.5mm AUX cable and a carrying case in the box.
Who should buy it: Frequent flyers, remote workers who wear headphones all day, and anyone who specifically wants LDAC Hi-Res wireless audio plus deep app customization. Who should skip it: If you pack light and want a pair that folds down small, or you don't care about LDAC or app control, the bulk and weight may not suit you. Note this listing is a Renewed unit with a 90-day limited warranty, so factor that into your decision.
The EH13 takes a different approach. Instead of chasing maximum battery and codec support, FiiO built a travel-first pair: hybrid ANC with dual microphones rated to reduce noise by up to -42dB, a lightweight over-ear fit, and a foldable structure that slips into backpacks and carry-on luggage. That foldable design is the single biggest practical difference between these two, and it matters if you move around a lot.
Sound is handled by 40mm dynamic drivers tuned for clear vocals, balanced mids, and punchy bass — a sensible everyday tuning for music, podcasts, and videos. Battery is rated at up to 45 hours with ANC off, and charging takes about 2 hours. Connectivity is Bluetooth 5.0 with a 10-meter range, and it supports dual-device connection, so you can jump between your phone and laptop without re-pairing. Controls are simple onboard push buttons for music, calls, and volume.
Two trade-offs stand out. There's no 3.5mm jack, so you can't go wired when the battery dies or on a flight's seat-back system. And the specs don't mention LDAC — so if Hi-Res wireless codec support is your priority, this isn't the pick. It does come with a 1-year warranty, which is meaningfully longer than the Soundcore's 90 days.
Who should buy it: Commuters, students, and travelers who want a light, foldable pair with solid hybrid ANC and easy device switching. Who should skip it: If you need LDAC, a wired backup option, or the longest possible battery, look to the Soundcore instead.
• Best for battery life → Anker Soundcore. 50 hours with ANC on, 65 hours off, plus a 5-minute quick charge for 4 hours.
• Best for packability → FiiO EH13. Foldable construction designed to fit backpacks and carry-ons.
• Best for Hi-Res wireless audio → Anker Soundcore. It supports LDAC; the EH13's specs don't list it.
• Best for long flights → Anker Soundcore. The 50-hour ANC battery covers a round-the-world flight, and adaptive ANC handles plane engines.
• Best for switching between phone and laptop → FiiO EH13. Dual-device Bluetooth connection.
• Best for customization → Anker Soundcore. App control with five noise-cancelling levels and adaptive modes.
• Best for lightweight wear → FiiO EH13. A lighter over-ear build, versus the Soundcore's 10.4 ounces.
• Best for wired listening → Anker Soundcore. A 3.5mm jack is included; the EH13 has none.
• Best warranty → FiiO EH13. One year, versus 90 days on the Renewed Soundcore.
In my opinion, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is the stronger buy for most people. The combination of LDAC, 50-hour ANC battery, adaptive noise cancelling, and app control covers the widest range of real-world use — especially travel and all-day listening. I'd only steer you to the FiiO EH13 if a foldable, lightweight design and dual-device switching matter more to you than codec support and battery. Check the current price on Amazon for each before you commit, since that gap often decides it.
what is ldac headphones
LDAC is a Bluetooth audio codec that lets compatible headphones receive higher-resolution wireless audio than standard Bluetooth codecs. Headphones that "support LDAC" — like the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 here — can play Hi-Res Audio Wireless when paired with a source device that also supports it, such as many Android phones.
what is ldac support in headphones
It means the headphones can decode the LDAC codec over Bluetooth, giving you higher-bitrate wireless playback than SBC or AAC. In this comparison, the Anker Soundcore lists LDAC support; the FiiO EH13's specs don't mention it, so its wireless codec support isn't confirmed as Hi-Res.
what is ldac codec in headphones
The LDAC codec is Sony-developed Bluetooth audio technology designed for high-resolution streaming. It requires both the headphones and the source device to support it — if either side doesn't, playback falls back to a standard codec, so LDAC only pays off when your phone or player also supports it.
what is ldac sony headphones
That phrase usually refers to Sony headphones that support the LDAC codec Sony developed. It's worth knowing LDAC isn't exclusive to Sony — other brands license it, and the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 in this comparison supports it too.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: SoundMAGIC E10C vs Luckvan Memory Foam Replacement, Monster Mission ANC200 vs HEGMUXCO Computer Speakers, Dr.meter Kids Ear Protection vs EURPMASK Choose the color of europe Ea, TANALAZ Open Ear Earbuds vs esonstyle Swimming Headphones Underwater