Spending over $200 on earbuds just to get decent noise cancellation feels like a lot, especially when you’re not even sure they’ll live up to the hype. That’s where things get interesting.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC has been turning heads in the budget ANC space, and for good reason. It brings features that usually come with a much higher price tag, all packed into a compact, everyday pair of earbuds.
But does it actually hold up in real use? This review is here to find out, covering everything from sound quality and ANC performance to battery life and call clarity.
About Soundcore and the Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
Soundcore is the dedicated audio brand from Anker and has built a strong reputation for delivering feature-packed earbuds at competitive prices.
The brand focuses on combining solid sound quality, long battery life, and modern features without pushing products into premium price territory.
The Liberty 4 NC steps into the mid-range noise-canceling market with a clear goal: to give everyday users strong ANC performance and long battery life without spending more.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Features and Specifications
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC packs a solid list of features into a compact, affordable package. From strong noise cancellation to impressive battery life, these earbuds check a lot of boxes for everyday users who want quality without overpaying.
1. Design and Comfort
These earbuds have a clean stem-style look that feels familiar yet polished. They sit comfortably in the ear, even during longer sessions, and the charging case is small enough to slip into any pocket without a second thought.
The earbuds also carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light splashes during workouts or light rain, though they’re not designed for swimming.
- Stem-style design with a modern, minimal finish
- Compact charging case that’s easy to carry daily
- Lightweight build won’t feel heavy even after hours of use
- Comes with multiple ear tip sizes for a secure, personalized fit
My mother tried to use them for months before she finally had to buy something else. They just kept falling out of her ears regardless of what earbud size she used, and she just was not comfortable. – evilbadgrades, Reddit: 3/5
2. Sound Quality
The Liberty 4 NC delivers a well-rounded sound profile that works well across different music genres. Bass hits with noticeable punch.
In real listening tests with genres like electronic music and podcasts, the earbuds maintained good clarity while keeping vocals natural and easy to follow. while mids and highs stay clear enough to enjoy vocals and instruments without muddiness.
- Balanced sound tuning suited for everyday listening
- Strong bass response that adds depth without overpowering
- Clear mids and treble for detailed, natural-sounding audio
- LDAC codec support for higher-quality wireless audio playback
Sound quality is very Soundcore-like; a balanced V-shape tuning with smooth bass. The trebles can be a bit sharp, and mids sometimes muffled, but this is all adjustable in the Soundcore app EQ. Amazing soundstage for the price. – SafeEntrepreneur5266, Reddit: 8/10
3. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The ANC on these earbuds genuinely impressed me. It adapts to your surroundings automatically.
During testing on public transport and busy streets, the earbuds effectively reduced most low-frequency noise, such as engine hum and air-conditioning sounds, which means you don’t have to keep fiddling with settings on a noisy train or in a quiet office.
- Adaptive ANC that reads your environment and adjusts in real time
- Cuts out background noise like traffic, AC hum, and crowd chatter effectively
- Transparency mode lets outside sounds in when you need to stay aware
- Up to 98.5% noise reduction claimed by Soundcore
I was very dissatisfied with this feature at first. I could hear office sounds, traffic, and my kid playing video games. However, once I swapped to memory foam tips, the ANC became one of the best I have ever used. – JLeviuqse, Reddit: 4/5
4. Battery Life and Charging
This is where the Liberty 4 NC really stands out in its price range. Ten hours on a single charge is solid, and the total battery life with the case goes much further, making it ideal for long trips or heavy daily use.
- Up to 10 hours of playback per charge (ANC on)
- Up to 50 hours total with the charging case included
- Fast charging supports a quick 10-minute charge gives about 2 hours of use
- Wireless charging is available for added convenience
What kind of nuclear energy is this pair running? 10 days after regular use: daily video calls, gym, and dual connection with ANC on; the case still has around 30% battery. – JLeviuqse, Reddit: 10/10
5. Call Quality and Connectivity
Call performance is one area where budget earbuds often fall short, but the Liberty 4 NC holds up well. The six-mic setup does a decent job of isolating your voice, especially in moderately noisy spots.
- 6-mic AI noise reduction system for cleaner call audio
- Voice pickup is clear and easy to understand on the other end
- Bluetooth multipoint lets you connect to two devices at once
- Customizable touch controls through the Soundcore app adjust EQ, ANC levels, and more.
I generally stick with name-brand accessories, but I have been very pleased with these earbuds. All features have worked as advertised. They charge quickly and pair easily. I like being able to pair with 2 devices simultaneously. Definitely pleased with the purchase; great quality at a fraction of the price. – AJCFI, Best Buy: 5/5
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs. Competitors
If you’re deciding between a few options in the ANC earbuds space, it helps to see how they stack up side by side.
| Feature | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | EarFun Air Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $80-$100 | $240–$270 | $70–$90 |
| ANC Quality | Strong, Adaptive | Excellent | Good |
| Battery (Buds) | 10 hours | 6 hours | 9 hours |
| Total Battery | 50 hours | 30 hours | 45 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connect | Yes | No | Yes |
| LDAC Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| App Support | Yes (Soundcore App) | Yes (iOS only) | Yes |
| Best For | Budget buyers, travelers | Apple users | Budget ANC seekers |
The Liberty 4 NC competes in a crowded market, going up against the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at the premium end and the EarFun Air Pro 3 at a similar price point.
While the AirPods Pro 2 leads in ecosystem integration and overall polish, the Liberty 4 NC punches above its weight in battery life and ANC performance.
The EarFun Air Pro 3 is a close rival, but the Soundcore edges it out in total playtime and app customization.
Pros and Cons of Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Here’s a quick look at where the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC gets it right and where it leaves a little room for improvement.
Pros
- Strong ANC for the price: blocks out daily noise like traffic and office chatter surprisingly well
- Long battery life: 50 hours total is hard to beat at this price point
- LDAC support: lets you stream high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, which most rivals skip at this range
- Feature-rich app: the Soundcore app gives you real EQ control, ANC adjustments, and more
Cons
- Transparency mode feels average: it works, but sounds slightly unnatural compared to pricier options
- Plastic build: feels a bit light in hand; doesn’t quite give that premium, solid feel
- Fit can be inconsistent: some ear shapes may struggle to get a secure seal
- Bass can feel heavy: for detail-focused listeners, the low end occasionally overshadows the mids
Who Should Buy Soundcore Liberty 4 NC?
If you commute daily or travel often, these earbuds are built with you in mind. The combination of adaptive noise cancellation and long battery life makes them practical for long commutes and travel.
Anyone looking for a reliable ANC earbud under $100 will find a lot to like here. You get features that usually cost twice the price, without stretching your budget.
Android users, in particular, will appreciate the LDAC support. It allows higher-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, something most earbuds in this price range simply don’t offer.
That said, if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem or prioritize a premium build feel, you might want to look elsewhere. But for most everyday listeners, the Liberty 4 NC covers all the right bases.
Final Verdict
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC brings a lot to the table for its price. Solid ANC, impressive battery life, LDAC support, and a well-built app make it one of the strongest options available under $100.
It won’t outperform the AirPods Pro 2 in sound refinement or build quality, but it doesn’t need to; it’s playing a different game and winning it well.
If you want a capable, feature-packed earbud without spending big, this is a straightforward recommendation. Pick these up, spend a week with them, and there’s a good chance you won’t feel the need to upgrade anytime soon.
