Why Anker Soundcore Space NC Is Winning The Noise Cancellation Battle Over JBL Live 660NC
In the quest for the ultimate noise-canceling headphones, two brands often come up: Anker and JBL. Both have their loyalists and their skeptics, but when it comes down to which one truly offers the best noise-canceling experience, Anker's Soundcore Space NC seems to take the lead over JBL's Live 660NC. But why? In this blog, we'll dive into the details, exploring how Anker manages to edge out JBL in the noise cancellation department, all without diving into overly technical jargon.
The Basics of Noise Cancellation
Before we get into the specifics, let's cover the basics of how noise cancellation works. Essentially, noise-canceling headphones listen to the sounds around you and generate "anti-noise" signals to cancel those out. The end goal is to leave you in a peaceful bubble of silence or with only the sound of your music, podcast, or audiobook of choice.
Design & Build
First things first, both Anker Soundcore Space NC and JBL Live 660NC boast sleek designs and are built for comfort. However, Anker takes a lead with its intuitive touch controls and overall comfort. The padding on the Space NC is generous, making it easier to wear for long periods. But, while comfort and design are crucial, they're only the tip of the iceberg.
The Battle of Noise Cancellation
Both headphones promise superior noise cancellation, but Anker Soundcore Space NC delivers a more immersive experience. Here's why:
-
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Anker employs what's known as Hybrid ANC. This means it uses multiple microphones on both the inside and outside of the ear cups to catch more ambient sounds and counter them more effectively. JBL Live 660NC doesn't lack in effort, but Anker's approach provides a cocoon-like effect, better insulating you from environmental noise.
-
Customizable Listening Experience: The Soundcore app takes things up a notch. It allows users to adjust the level of noise cancellation and even tune it to focus on reducing specific types of sounds, like voices or traffic. This granularity in customization is something that users of the JBL Live 660NC might find lacking.
-
Transparency Mode Quality: Both headphones offer a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. However, Anker's version is more natural and less digitally processed, making it easier to have conversations or remain aware of your environment without a jarring switch in audio quality.
Battery Life and Charging
When you're relying on active noise cancellation, battery life becomes a key concern. Anker's Soundcore Space NC shines with up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC on and an impressive 50 hours with it off. While the JBL Live 660NC doesn't lag far behind, the longer duration of Anker ensures you're less likely to find yourself caught out with drained headphones.
Sound Quality
While noise cancellation is the focus, sound quality cannot be ignored. Anker has fine-tuned its audio delivery to offer crisp, balanced sound across a range of genres. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the highs are clear without being piercing. JBL Live 660NC also offers commendable sound quality, but Anker's detailed attention to audio balance gives it an edge.
Price Consideration
Price is often the deal-breaker for many, and here, Anker also has an advantage. Being priced more competitively, the Soundcore Space NC offers excellent value for its features, including superior noise cancellation. The JBL Live 660NC, while not exorbitantly priced, sits at a higher price point which might not justify the marginal differences for some users.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, both the Anker Soundcore Space NC and the JBL Live 660NC are solid choices for anyone looking to dive into the world of noise-canceling headphones. However, for those prioritizing the effectiveness of noise cancellation, battery life, sound quality, and value for money, Anker's offering takes the crown. It stands as a testament to Anker's dedication to innovative noise-canceling technology, wrapped up in a package that's hard to beat. Whether you're trying to focus in a noisy office, enjoy music during your commute, or just zone out of the world for a bit, the Soundcore Space NC is worth considering.