⚡️ Quick Verdict - ANKER SOUNDCORE Liberty 4 NC (2023)
- Best For: Commuters, travelers, and office workers seeking strong noise cancellation.
- Strengths: Exceptional noise cancellation, long battery life, customizable sound.
- Drawbacks: Case size, occasional app connectivity issues.
- Verdict: An excellent value proposition for robust ANC performance.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Users consistently report outstanding noise reduction, effectively muting external sounds like engine hum and office chatter. The adaptive ANC feature is praised for adjusting to different environments. | Some users found the transparency mode to sound less natural compared to premium alternatives, sometimes introducing a slight hiss. |
| Sound Quality | The customizable EQ via the Soundcore app allows users to fine-tune the sound profile to their preference, with many reporting punchy bass and clear vocals after adjustments. Supports LDAC for high-resolution audio. | A few listeners felt the default sound profile lacked a certain vibrancy or required immediate EQ modification to truly shine. |
| Comfort & Fit | Most users experience a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions, thanks to the ergonomic design and multiple ear tip sizes. They generally stay put well. | Some individuals with smaller ear canals found the earbuds to be slightly bulky, leading to minor discomfort after several hours. |
| Battery Life | Exceptional battery longevity is frequently highlighted, with the earbuds providing long playback times on a single charge and the case offering numerous recharges, significantly reducing the need for frequent charging. | While the overall battery life is excellent, the charging case itself is somewhat larger than some competitors, which can be less pocket-friendly. |
| Connectivity & App | Users appreciate the stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection and the feature-rich Soundcore app, which offers extensive customization options for ANC, EQ, and controls. Multipoint connectivity works reliably for seamless device switching. | Occasional reports describe minor app glitches or infrequent, momentary connection drops, particularly when switching between devices. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds | The core product, providing the audio playback and noise-cancelling technology. |
| Charging Case | Protects the earbuds and provides significant additional battery life, crucial for portability and extended use. |
| Multiple Sizes of Ear Tips (XS/S/M/L) | Ensures a customizable and secure fit for various ear canal sizes, which is vital for optimal sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort. |
| USB-C Charging Cable | Standardized charging cable for convenience and compatibility with modern chargers. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation Performance | Users find the ANC performance to punch above its price point, often rivaling or surpassing more expensive earbuds, offering excellent value for noise reduction. | While excellent for the price, it may not perfectly match the absolute peak performance of ultra-premium models in niche scenarios. |
| Feature Set | The inclusion of LDAC, multipoint connectivity, and extensive app customization at this price point is seen as a significant value adder, providing features often found in higher-tier products. | Some users might desire wireless charging for the case, a feature present in some competitors at a similar or slightly higher price. |
| Build Quality & Design | The earbuds feel sturdy and well-constructed for their cost, offering a premium feel without the premium price tag. | The charging case, while functional, is somewhat basic in design and larger compared to some sleek alternatives. |
| Long-Term Value | Given the robust battery life and effective ANC, the earbuds are expected to remain relevant and functional for daily use over a long period, providing sustained value. | Potential long-term software updates are reliant on manufacturer support, which could be a minor uncertainty for future feature enhancements. |
🔁 ANKER Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance | Good for its generation, but not universally class-leading. | Significantly enhanced, offering market-leading noise cancellation in its category. |
| Design & Case | More unique, somewhat larger earbud design with a sliding case. | More streamlined earbud profile and a more conventional, albeit larger, flip-open case. |
| Sound Profile | Emphasized Hi-Res Audio with ACAA 2.0 and LDAC support. | Excellent sound quality with a focus on powerful bass and highly customizable EQ, retaining LDAC support. |
| Feature Focus | Balanced features, including hearID ANC and spatial audio. | Primary focus on maximizing Active Noise Cancellation and battery efficiency. |
| Battery Life (Buds + Case) | Around 8/32 hours (ANC on/off). | Up to 10/50 hours (ANC on/off). |
⚔️ Alternatives vs ANKER SOUNDCORE Liberty 4 NC
| Aspect | Sony WF-C700N | Jabra Elite 4 Active | ANKER SOUNDCORE Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance | Solid for its class, effective for daily commute. | Decent, suitable for general use but not top-tier. | Class-leading in its segment, highly effective against broad range of noises. |
| Sound Quality | Balanced, natural sound with DSEE upscaling. | Clear, but can be a bit flat without EQ adjustment. | Powerful and highly customizable via extensive EQ options; LDAC support. |
| Battery Life (Buds + Case) | Approx. 7.5 + 7.5 = 15 hours. | Approx. 7 + 21 = 28 hours. | Approx. 10 + 40 = 50 hours (ANC off). |
| Durability/IP Rating | IPX4 | IP57 (dust and water resistant). | IPX4 |
| Key Features | DSEE, Multipoint, good call quality. | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough, Spotify Tap, Google Fast Pair, IP57. | Adaptive ANC 2.0, LDAC, Multipoint, customizable EQ, extensive app control. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the Liberty 4 NC support multipoint connectivity?Yes, the ANKER SOUNDCORE Liberty 4 NC supports multipoint connectivity, allowing it to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch seamlessly between them.
- Is the sound customizable?Yes, the sound profile is highly customizable through the Soundcore app, which includes a comprehensive equalizer (EQ) and various preset sound modes.
- Are they suitable for workouts?With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the Liberty 4 NC earbuds are resistant to splashes and light sweat, making them suitable for most workouts but not for submersion. The secure fit also aids in stability during physical activity.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The noise cancellation on these earbuds is truly impressive, silencing my daily train commute almost completely, making my music much more enjoyable.
- I can wear these for hours without discomfort, and the different ear tip sizes really help get that perfect seal for the best sound and ANC.
- The battery life is outstanding; I rarely have to worry about charging them during a busy week of use.
- The Soundcore app is fantastic, letting me tweak the sound exactly how I like it and even adjust the ANC intensity.
- Call quality is surprisingly good, even in noisy environments, which is a big plus for my work calls.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- While the earbuds themselves are comfortable, the charging case is a bit bulky and doesn't fit as easily into my pocket as some smaller cases.
- I've experienced a few instances where the app had trouble connecting to the earbuds, requiring me to restart it, which can be a minor annoyance.
- The default sound profile is a little too bass-heavy for my taste; it definitely needs adjustment through the EQ to get a balanced sound.
- Transparency mode isn't as natural sounding as I hoped; it makes voices sound a bit artificial, unlike some other brands.
- There's no wireless charging for the case, which would have been a convenient feature to have at this price point.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 11mm custom dynamic drivers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Audio Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC 2.0 |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 10 hours (ANC off), 8 hours (ANC on) |
| Total Battery Life (with Case) | Up to 50 hours (ANC off), 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Connectivity Features | Multipoint connection, Google Fast Pair |
| App Support | Soundcore App (customizable EQ, controls, ANC modes) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The ANKER SOUNDCORE Liberty 4 NC (2023) earbuds stand out primarily for their exceptionally strong active noise cancellation, which is often lauded as best-in-class within their price segment.
- Users seeking to significantly reduce ambient noise during commutes, travel, or in busy environments will find these earbuds highly effective.
- Their long battery life further enhances their appeal for extended use, making them a reliable companion for long days or flights.
- While the sound quality is robust and highly customizable via the intuitive Soundcore app, some users may need to fine-tune the EQ from the default settings to match their preferences.
- The comfortable fit and stable connectivity, including multipoint, add to their everyday usability.
- Despite a somewhat larger charging case and minor app quirks reported by a small number of users, the Liberty 4 NC offers a compelling package of features and performance for its value, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing top-tier noise cancellation without a premium price tag.
