Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review: Great ANC, Mixed Fit
Starting with a surprising twist, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds have earned a reputation for delivering audio quality that rivals far more expensive models, yet they’re dogged by recurring complaints about fit and call performance. Across platforms, users score them around an 8.3/10—praising their adaptive ANC and LDAC-enabled sound, but noting flaws that could be deal-breakers depending on use case.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent for budget-conscious audiophiles and commuters, risky for those prioritizing perfect fit or crystal-clear calls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong ANC for price point | Fit instability for some ear shapes |
| Rich, customizable sound with LDAC | Subpar mic performance in noisy environments |
| Long battery life (up to 50h with case) | Transparency mode less clear than competitors |
| Sturdy IPX4 build with wireless charging | Buggy multipoint pairing |
| Attractive design and colors | Touch controls can be finicky |
| Excellent value during sales | Case feels cheap to some users |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts “98.5% noise reduction” with adaptive ANC 2.0, promising real-time adjustments to ear shape and environment. While many users confirm impressive isolation for the price, the gap emerges in high-frequency performance. Reddit user u/Accomplished*** admitted: “ANC is solid… but on the train, voices still cut through,” echoing Tom’s Guide’s verdict that mid- and high-frequency sounds remain audible.
Soundcore also promotes “crisp sound with 3× more detail” via 11mm drivers and LDAC support. Here, reality aligns more closely—Reddit user u/Due-fig-9415 enthused: “When LDAC is activated… deeper, more articulated bass, better separation of instruments… I am always blown away by the difference.” However, without LDAC, several buyers on Best Buy reported the sound as merely “good” rather than exceptional.
Multipoint connection is pitched as seamless, but multiple reports reveal glitches. Tom’s Guide noted “the feature is buggy—buds struggled to pinpoint my primary audio source,” while Reddit user u/KhuyPh echoed: “Multipoint is pretty bad… OnePlus Buds 3 might be more polished.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation is the standout. Rtings.com measured excellent low-frequency attenuation, blocking the rumble of buses and planes. Commuters and travelers benefit most—Best Buy reviewer “MarkM” compared them to industrial earplugs and found “the noise canceling… actually quieter.” Reddit’s u/Angel_of_Communism called them “the best ANC… cost about the same as L3 Pro.”
Sound quality is another high point, especially for Android users leveraging LDAC. Reddit’s u/Critical_Switch advised bass lovers to “check out… Liberty 4 NC… worth checking out.” HearID personalization and 22 EQ presets give audiophiles fine control. Tom’s Guide praised HearID’s effect on midrange clarity: “Snares hit hard, horns were vibrant.”
Battery life consistently impresses. Real-world endurance matches or exceeds spec—Best Buy’s “Tup7” logged “more than 8 hours to music… battery backup lasts so long.” Reddit user u.Impossible_Ninja_232 confirmed “excellent ANC, great battery life… under $100.”
Common Complaints
Fit instability is the most frequent gripe. Rtings.com warned they “don’t fit very deep… can move around depending on ear shape.” Reddit user u.AttackingEren007 found they “start slipping out… after 10 minutes of light walk.” Best Buy’s “Samyy” said “no matter what size bud… fell out my ears.”
Microphone performance draws criticism in noisy environments. Despite six beamforming mics, Rtings.com rated mic quality 6.3/10, noting voices sound “dark and muddy.” Reddit user u.GunnerLanka bluntly stated “call quality isn’t that great,” and u.Andalas reported “voices are not clear” on trains.
Transparency mode divides opinion. While some praise improvements after firmware updates, others still find it veiled. Reddit’s u.MyRealSoundcoreReview called it “usable… but just not good,” contrasting it with competitors like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.
Divisive Features
Touch controls polarize users. Some enjoy customization via the app, while others find the small contact area easy to miss—Reddit’s u.MyRealSoundcoreReview complained: “Triple tap… easy to mess up… buds sometimes confuse it with double tap.”
Build quality gets mixed reviews. Many appreciate the sturdy hinge and IPX4 rating, but “Candid_Refuse_6522” on Reddit felt “case and light features feels cheap.” Best Buy’s “DeeZee” rated them 1 star over “bad design” ear tips that fall off.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories inspire confidence. Reddit’s u.JollyAnne admitted to “accidentally put it in the washing machine twice… still work fine.” Best Buy reviewer “Betty1943” praised comfort after “4 hours without irritation” and vowed to stick with the brand for future purchases.
However, the combination of fit issues and multipoint bugs raises concerns for heavy daily use. Tom’s Guide flagged “buggy connectivity” as a recurring problem. That said, Soundcore’s active customer service responses on Best Buy suggest willingness to address defects and provide replacements.
Alternatives
The Liberty 4 NC often gets compared to OnePlus Buds 3—better mic and controls, but weaker ANC—and Earfun Air Pro 4, which some find more secure for workouts but with less refined sound. Bose QC Ultra and Sony WF-1000XM5 offer superior ANC and transparency but cost triple. For budget peers, Nothing Ear (a) earns praise for sound but falls short in ANC.
Price & Value
At full MSRP of $99.99, they’re competitive, but deep discounts are common—Reddit users report snagging them for $55–$60, and eBay certified-refurbished units go for $59.99 with a two-year warranty. Given performance parity with $150+ models in ANC and battery life, resale value holds moderately, especially in refurbished markets.
Buying tips from Reddit: wait for Amazon or holiday sales, and invest in third-party tips like SpinFit CP100+ to address fit issues.
FAQ
Q: Do the Liberty 4 NC work well for phone calls in noisy places?
A: They’re passable in quiet settings, but multiple users report voices sounding muffled in noise. Six mics help, but processing can chop voice clarity.
Q: Can I use LDAC and multipoint at the same time?
A: No. LDAC disables multipoint pairing, a limitation noted by both manufacturer FAQs and user reports.
Q: How is the fit for workouts?
A: Stability varies by ear shape. They’re fine for light jogging or gym machines, but HIIT or cycling may cause slippage.
Q: Is the transparency mode as good as AirPods Pro 2?
A: No. While improved via updates, users describe it as less clear, with ambient sound slightly muffled.
Q: Does battery life meet the advertised 10/50 hours?
A: Yes, for music at moderate volume without LDAC. ANC or LDAC use shortens playtime to 5–8 hours per charge.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-conscious listener seeking high-quality ANC and customizable sound, especially for commuting or office use. Avoid if secure fit and pristine call quality are critical—look to OnePlus Buds 3 or AirPods Pro 2 in that case. Community pro tip: pair LDAC with HearID for a “huge difference” in sound, and swap ear tips early to lock in comfort.
