soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds, 98.5% Noise Reduction, Adaptive Noise Cancelling to Ears and Environment, Hi-Res Sound, 50H Battery, Wireless Charging, Bluetooth 5.3
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC wireless headphones emerge as compelling contenders in the affordable noise-canceling earbuds arena, boasting impressive features like active noise cancellation (ANC), long battery life, and a robust app, making them a value-driven choice for various user types.
Pros:
Cons:
Features & Functionality
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The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC stands out among affordable noise-canceling earbuds, boasting a diverse array of features that enhance the listening experience. Its Adaptive Noise Cancelation (ANC) dynamically adjusts to the environment, offering optimal noise reduction without creating an overwhelming vacuum sensation. This feature, coupled with wind reduction, ensures a more immersive audio experience while maintaining comfort.
Anker’s Soundcore app serves as a control hub, offering extensive customization options. Users can fine-tune their experience through a Fit Test for the best seal, choose from 22 EQ presets, and access an eight-band equalizer for precise adjustments. Supporting Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, the Liberty 4 NC ensures stable connectivity and high-quality audio streaming for both Android and iOS users.
The earbuds feature touch controls for seamless playback and call management, complemented by in-ear detection to prevent accidental inputs. While generally responsive, occasional inaccuracies may occur. However, the app’s customization options enable users to reassign commands and lock controls, adding convenience.
In terms of battery life, these earbuds excel, providing nearly 10 hours of playback with ANC enabled and an additional 50 hours from the charging case. Fast-charging capability grants four hours of use from a quick 10-minute charge, ensuring uninterrupted listening on the move. With an IPX4 waterproof rating and a design reminiscent of popular models, the Liberty 4 NC offers comfort and durability, though their suitability for intense physical activities might be limited due to the design not specifically tailored for sports use.
Design & Build Quality
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Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC showcases an attractive design available in various colors, with the Cosmic Blue variant offering an iridescent finish. Despite a sturdy construction, the case tends to gather scuffs easily, although this might be less noticeable with certain color options. The earbuds themselves mimic popular designs like the AirPods Pro, providing a comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes to accommodate different users.
The case maintains a sturdy yet slightly chunky profile, measuring 55mm x 30mm x 55mm, ensuring it fits into pockets without entirely disappearing. Its magnetic closure secures the earbuds, preventing accidental dislodging. While not specifically tailored for intense physical activities due to the design, they’re still portable and suitable for daily use and moderate activities.
The capacitive touchpad placed atop the earbuds offers convenient control, though occasional insensitivity or misfires might occur. Despite this, the accompanying app allows for comprehensive customization of controls, ensuring users can fine-tune their interaction and even lock controls based on in-ear detection, enhancing overall usability and convenience.
Power & Performance
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Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 NC impresses with exceptional battery performance. These earbuds boast an impressive battery life of nearly 10 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated on a single charge. Moreover, the charging case provides approximately 50 additional hours of power, ensuring extended usage before needing a recharge. The case supports both USB-C charging and wireless charging via a Qi-compatible pad, offering flexibility in recharging options. Additionally, the fast-charging capability grants four hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, ensuring quick replenishment on the go.
The standout feature of these earbuds is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), providing effective noise isolation in various environments. Anker has gone beyond standard ANC by incorporating adaptive features and customization options within their Soundcore app. Users can choose between adaptive ANC, manual adjustments for different levels of noise cancellation, wind reduction features, and even transportation-specific ANC settings. While the plethora of options might seem overwhelming, it allows users to tailor their experience based on specific needs, environments, and personal preferences.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers sound quality that caters to bass enthusiasts, offering a boosted bass and a clear midrange. The default EQ settings tend to emphasize bass frequencies, which might overpower other elements in the music. However, the Soundcore app offers an extensive range of EQ presets—22 in total—allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their liking. Despite the default settings skewing towards bass, adjusting the EQ presets or using the eight-band equalizer provides versatility for different music genres and personal preferences.
Compatibility & Connectivity
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Boasting Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility and multiple codec support, including LDAC, AAC, and SBC, the Liberty 4 NC ensures seamless connectivity across a wide range of devices. The Soundcore app offers extensive control over the earbuds’ features, allowing users to personalize their experience through detailed customization of controls, ANC levels, and EQ settings.
Bluetooth multipoint functionality enables simultaneous connection to multiple devices, enhancing convenience for users frequently switching between devices. However, occasional inconsistencies in touch controls and minor connectivity issues might be encountered.
What’s the Alternative?
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Choosing between the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC hinges on your priorities and budget. The Sony WF-1000XM5, priced at $299.99, excels with its exceptional ANC, high-resolution audio support, and comprehensive customization options through the Sony Headphones Connect app. It offers over 30dB noise reduction, LDAC codec compatibility, and features like 360 Reality Audio and Speak-to-Chat, catering especially to audiophiles and users who prioritize premium sound quality and immersive listening experiences. While its higher price may be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers, the WF-1000XM5 delivers superior ANC performance and advanced features that justify the investment for those seeking top-tier wireless earbuds.
On the other hand, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC presents a more affordable option without sacrificing essential features. Priced lower than its Sony counterpart, these earbuds still offer effective ANC, support for LDAC and AAC codecs, and a durable design with an IPX4 waterproof rating, suitable for everyday use and moderate activities. The Soundcore app enhances user experience with customizable EQ settings and an eight-band equalizer, though it doesn’t match the WF-1000XM5 in ANC effectiveness or high-resolution audio capabilities. If you’re looking for reliable ANC earbuds on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC provides solid performance and value, making it a practical choice for many users.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC stands as a commendable option for individuals seeking feature-rich, budget-friendly noise-canceling earbuds. These earbuds excel in delivering an array of functionalities typically found in higher-priced models, including effective ANC, extensive customization options through the app, and a durable design.
While not specifically tailored for high-intensity workouts, the Liberty 4 NC caters to a wide audience, from budget-conscious consumers to audio enthusiasts looking for customizable sound profiles. Its bass-heavy sound signature might not appeal to audiophiles seeking a neutral sound profile, yet for its price, the overall package, including battery life, ANC performance, and customization options, makes it a compelling choice for most users.
