In the world of wireless earbuds, finding the perfect balance between sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and price can be tricky. Enter the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that promise premium features without breaking the bank. But do they live up to the hype, or are there better options out there? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and how these stack up against the competition.
What to Expect in This Review
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- Design and Comfort
- Sound Quality and Audio Performance
- Noise Cancellation Features
- Battery Life
- Connectivity and App Integration
- Price vs. Value
By the end, you’ll know whether the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the right fit for your needs.
Design and Comfort: A Sleek Fit for Everyday Use
When it comes to earbuds, comfort is non-negotiable. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC doesn’t disappoint here. They’re lightweight, with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the ear. The package includes multiple sizes of ear tips to ensure a snug fit for different ear shapes, which is particularly useful during workouts or long listening sessions.
The charging case is compact and easy to slip into a pocket, and it has a satisfying snap when it closes. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it does the job without any fuss. Compared to other earbuds in this price range, like the Jabra Elite 75t or the Sony WF-1000XM3, the Liberty 4 NC holds its own in terms of both portability and style.
Competitor comparison: While the design may not stand out as much as the Rtings review mentions, it’s functional, which many users will appreciate.
Comfort Verdict:
The earbud design hits a sweet spot for most users, offering a comfortable and secure fit. However, if you prefer more premium-feeling materials or a unique aesthetic, other models like the Apple AirPods Pro might be more appealing.
Sound Quality: Impressive Clarity, Bass, and Depth
Sound quality is where the Liberty 4 NC really shines. With 11mm dynamic drivers, the earbuds offer rich bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re listening to pop, rock, or classical, the audio comes through with great clarity. The bass is particularly notable—punchy without overwhelming the rest of the mix, which is often a problem with cheaper earbuds.
One area where the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC stands out is its support for LDAC, a codec that allows for higher-resolution audio when paired with compatible devices. This feature puts the Liberty 4 NC ahead of many competitors in the same price bracket, like the Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro and even some pricier models from Bose and Sony.
Sound Profile Customization:
Using the Soundcore app, you can tweak the EQ settings to match your preferences or use one of the many pre-set profiles. The app also offers a “hearID” feature that customizes the sound profile based on your personal hearing sensitivity, which is a unique touch.
Competitor comparison: In contrast to the SoundGuys review, we believe the customization features set the Liberty 4 NC apart in this price range, especially with the inclusion of LDAC.
Sound Verdict:
If you’re after solid all-around audio performance with a particular focus on bass, the Liberty 4 NC is a fantastic option. While audiophiles might still lean towards premium options like the Sony WF-1000XM5, most users will be pleased with the balance and depth these earbuds offer.
Noise Cancellation: How Good Is It?
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is solid but not groundbreaking. Using hybrid ANC technology, these earbuds block out a decent amount of external noise, making them great for commuting or working in busy environments. While they won’t completely isolate you in a noisy cafe, they reduce ambient noise to a manageable level.
There are multiple levels of noise cancellation, which you can adjust through the Soundcore app. If you’re in a quieter space, you can switch to a milder setting, conserving battery life while still reducing background hum. For outdoor use, there’s a Transparency Mode that allows ambient sounds to come through, so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
Competitor comparison: When compared to Sony WF-1000XM4 or the AirPods Pro, the noise cancellation isn’t as robust. However, considering the price, it’s more than adequate for casual users who need decent noise isolation.
Noise Cancellation Verdict:
While the ANC isn’t class-leading, it’s impressive given the price. Casual listeners will find it sufficient, but audiophiles or frequent travelers might prefer higher-end options like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.
Battery Life: Can It Keep Up?
The battery life is another strong point. Anker claims up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an additional 30 hours available from the charging case. In real-world use, these numbers hold up well. Even with ANC activated, you can expect around 7 hours of listening time, which is above average for this price range.
The fast-charging feature is a handy bonus. Just 10 minutes in the case gives you about 2 hours of playback, making them perfect for users on the go.
Competitor comparison: Compared to options like the Jabra Elite 85t, the Liberty 4 NC’s battery life is superior, especially with ANC turned on.
Battery Verdict:
The long battery life and fast charging make these earbuds an excellent choice for users who don’t want to be tethered to a charger constantly.
Connectivity and App Integration: User-Friendly Features
The Soundcore app enhances the overall user experience. It’s intuitive, offering easy control over ANC levels, EQ settings, and firmware updates. Pairing is seamless, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, and the multipoint connection feature allows you to connect to two devices at once, a feature typically found in more expensive models.
Another noteworthy feature is the in-ear detection. The earbuds automatically pause your music when you remove one from your ear, resuming playback when you put it back in.
Competitor comparison: Unlike the Rtings review, which highlights some connectivity hiccups, we found the pairing and multipoint connection stable in our testing.
Connectivity Verdict:
The smooth app integration and multipoint connection make the Liberty 4 NC stand out in terms of usability. These features add a level of convenience that you don’t always see in budget-friendly earbuds.
Price vs. Value: Are They Worth It?
With a price tag hovering around $100, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers exceptional value. You get great sound, solid ANC, long battery life, and a user-friendly app—all without the premium price tag of high-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or AirPods Pro.
Competitor comparison: Compared to the similarly priced Jabra Elite 75t and Samsung Galaxy Buds2, the Liberty 4 NC offers better noise cancellation and sound quality for the price.
Price Verdict:
For budget-conscious buyers, these earbuds offer fantastic bang for your buck. While they don’t have the polish of premium models, they provide most of the key features casual users are looking for.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC?
If you’re looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that deliver strong audio performance, decent noise cancellation, and great battery life at an affordable price, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is a solid choice. They may not be perfect, but they offer a lot of value for the price, especially when compared to more expensive competitors.
In conclusion, these earbuds are perfect for:
- Casual listeners who want good sound without spending a fortune.
- Commuters and travelers who need decent noise cancellation on a budget.
- Users who appreciate customization options and solid app integration.
For the price, it’s hard to beat what the Liberty 4 NC brings to the table.