Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review: Best Budget ANC Earbuds?

Introduction — Why the Liberty 4 NC Matters

The true wireless earbud market has exploded in recent years, with premium options from Sony, Apple, and Bose commanding prices well over $200. But what if you could get 80% of the performance at less than half the price? Enter the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Anker's latest attempt to democratize premium audio features.

At just $99, the Liberty 4 NC packs features that were unthinkable at this price point two years ago: adaptive active noise cancellation, LDAC codec support, and a staggering 50-hour total battery life. These earbuds represent a significant leap forward in the budget ANC space, challenging the notion that you need to spend big for great noise cancellation.

In this thorough review, we'll dive deep into every aspect of the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC to determine whether they're truly the best budget ANC earbuds money can buy — or if you should save up for something more premium.

Design & Comfort

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC features a refreshed design that moves away from the stem-style look of its predecessor. The earbuds now adopt a more compact, rounded in-ear form factor that's both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. The matte finish on the earbuds feels premium and resists fingerprints, while the glossy accents add a touch of elegance.

Case Design

The charging case is notably compact, fitting comfortably in a pocket without the bulkiness seen in some competitors. It features a USB-C port for wired charging and supports wireless charging — a welcome addition at this price point. The case has a satisfying snap closure and includes an LED indicator for battery status.

Ear Tip Options & Fit

Soundcore includes an extensive array of ear tip options in the box. You get four sizes of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) plus two sizes of ear wings for added stability during movement. This extensive selection ensures that most users can achieve a secure, comfortable fit.

In our testing, the medium tips provided an excellent seal for most ear sizes. The earbuds remained comfortable during extended listening sessions (3+ hours) without any fatigue. The ear wings are optional but recommended if you plan to use these during workouts or commuting.

Sound Quality

Audio performance is where the Liberty 4 NC truly shines, especially considering its budget-friendly price tag. These earbuds feature custom 11mm drivers that deliver a warm, engaging sound signature that works well across genres.

LDAC Support

One of the standout features is LDAC codec support, which allows for high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990kbps. This is a rare find in earbuds under $150 and puts the Liberty 4 NC in league with much more expensive options. If you're using an Android device, you'll get the best possible audio quality.

HearID & EQ Presets

The Soundcore app includes HearID, a personalized audio calibration feature that analyzes your hearing sensitivity at different frequencies and creates a custom EQ curve. This technology, found in higher-end Soundcore products, now makes its way to the budget segment.

Beyond HearID, the app offers over 20 preset EQ options including Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Vocal, and genre-specific profiles. There's also a fully customizable 8-band equalizer for audio purists who want fine-grained control over their sound.

Sound Signature Analysis

Out of the box, the Liberty 4 NC delivers V-shaped sound signature with emphasized bass and treble. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, providing satisfying thump for hip-hop and electronic music. The midrange is clear and present, though vocals can occasionally feel slightly recessed depending on the track.

The treble response is crisp and detailed without becoming harsh, even at higher volumes. Soundstage is surprisingly wide for closed-back earbuds, creating an immersive listening experience. Overall, the sound quality rivals earbuds costing twice as much.

Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation is the headline feature of the Liberty 4 NC, and it doesn't disappoint. Soundcore's adaptive ANC technology uses external microphones to analyze your environment and adjust noise cancellation levels in real-time.

Adaptive ANC Performance

In practice, the adaptive ANC performs admirably for everyday scenarios. It effectively reduces background chatter in offices, dulls the roar of public transportation, and minimizes the hum of air conditioning units. The technology excels at canceling consistent, low-frequency noises.

vs. Sony WF-1000XM5

While the Liberty 4 NC's ANC is solid, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the Sony WF-1000XM5 — the current gold standard in true wireless noise cancellation. The Sony earbuds provide about 15-20% better isolation, particularly with challenging low-frequency sounds like airplane engines.

However, when you consider the $150+ price difference, the Liberty 4 NC delivers noteworthy performance. For most users in most environments, the ANC will be more than sufficient for comfortable, immersive listening.

Transparency Mode

The transparency mode is equally solid, using the microphones to pipe in external sounds when you need awareness of your surroundings. Conversation awareness automatically pauses your music and enables transparency when it detects you speaking — a thoughtful touch that enhances usability.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Liberty 4 NC truly excels, offering endurance that rivals — and in some cases exceeds — premium competitors. The earbuds provide up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC enabled, extending to 10 hours with ANC off.

Total Battery Life

The charging case adds an additional 40 hours of battery life, bringing the total to an solid 50 hours. This means you could potentially go a full week without needing to plug in, depending on your listening habits. Even heavy users will find themselves charging the case only once or twice per week.

Charging Options

Charging options include USB-C wired charging and wireless charging. A 10-minute quick charge provides up to 4 hours of playback — perfect for when you're rushing out the door. The case itself takes about 2 hours to fully charge via USB-C.

Call Quality

The Liberty 4 NC features a 6-microphone array with AI-powered noise reduction for call quality. Each earbud houses three microphones working in tandem to isolate your voice from background noise.

Performance in Different Environments

In quiet indoor environments, call quality is excellent with clear voice reproduction. The earbuds handle moderate background noise (caf— chatter, office sounds) well, maintaining voice clarity. However, in challenging conditions — particularly windy outdoor environments — the microphones can struggle to isolate your voice effectively.

Wind Noise Handling

Wind noise remains the Liberty 4 NC's weak point for calls. While the AI noise reduction helps, strong gusts can result in distorted or muffled voice transmission. If you frequently take calls while walking outdoors in windy conditions, you may want to consider premium alternatives with better wind handling.

Features & App

The Soundcore app (available for iOS and Android) transforms the Liberty 4 NC from a great product into an impressive one, offering extensive customization options and features.

Soundcore App

The app provides access to all major features including ANC modes, EQ settings, touch control customization, and firmware updates. The interface is intuitive and well-organized, making it easy to tailor the earbuds to your preferences.

Multipoint Connection

Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously — perfect for switching between your laptop and phone without re-pairing. This feature works smoothly in our testing, handling transitions between devices without interruption.

Gaming Mode

Gaming mode reduces latency to around 55ms, providing acceptable performance for casual mobile gaming. While audiophiles might notice slight audio delay in competitive games, casual gamers will find it perfectly serviceable.

IPX4 Water Resistance

The IPX4 rating means the earbuds can handle sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for gym sessions and light rain. They're not built for swimming or heavy rain exposure, but will survive most workout scenarios.

Who Should Buy This

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is an excellent choice for several types of users:

• Budget-conscious buyers who want premium features without the premium price
• Commuters who need reliable ANC for daily travel
• Android users who want LDAC support for high-resolution audio
• Long-haul travelers who value impressive battery life
• Podcast and audiobook listeners who appreciate clear voice reproduction

If you're willing to spend more for the absolute best ANC available, the Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2 might be worth considering. But for everyone else, the Liberty 4 NC represents incredible value.

Comparison with Alternatives

Let's see how the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC compares well against the competition:

The Liberty 4 NC holds its own against these premium alternatives, offering comparable features at a significantly lower price point. While the AirPods Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 85t offer marginally better ANC and call quality, the value offering of the Liberty 4 NC is hard to beat.