soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery Review: The New Champion of Affordable Silence?

There’s a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from being constantly surrounded by noise. For me, it was the daily train commute—the screech of the rails, the cacophony of a dozen overlapping conversations, and the tinny leakage from someone else’s headphones. It was a 45-minute assault on the senses before the workday even began. I tried cheap earbuds, but they just forced me to turn my music up to damaging levels, replacing one noise with another. This quest for a pocket-sized sanctuary, a way to reclaim my focus and peace without spending a fortune, is what led me to explore the burgeoning market of mid-range noise-cancelling earbuds, a category where promises are big but performance can often be a mixed bag.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise Cancelling Headphones

A pair of Noise Cancelling Headphones is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a bubble of personal space in an increasingly loud world. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a busy open-plan office, find serenity on a turbulent flight, or simply immerse yourself fully in your favourite music or podcast, the primary benefit is control over your sonic environment. They work by using microphones to detect ambient sounds and then generating an opposing sound wave to cancel them out, effectively erasing low-frequency drones like engine hums, air conditioning, and the general rumble of city life. This not only enhances your listening experience but can also reduce stress and improve focus.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in noisy environments—commuters, frequent flyers, gym-goers, or anyone working in a shared space. If you value high-fidelity audio and want to hear every detail in your music without cranking the volume, these are for you. However, they might not be suitable for those who need to maintain full awareness of their surroundings for safety reasons, like cyclists or runners on busy streets, although many models now include transparency modes to address this. For users who only listen in quiet environments, the extra cost for active noise cancellation (ANC) technology might be an unnecessary expense; a standard pair of high-quality earbuds could suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Comfort: For earbuds, this is paramount. A poor fit not only causes discomfort over long listening sessions but also compromises the passive noise isolation, making the active cancellation less effective. Look for products that include a wide variety of ear tip sizes (S, M, L, and even XS or XL) to ensure you can achieve a secure and comfortable seal. The weight and shape of the earbud itself also play a crucial role in long-term comfort.
• ANC Performance & Audio Quality: This is the core function. How well do they block out noise? Top-tier models can make a roaring jet engine sound like a distant hum. Also, consider the audio quality. Great noise cancellation is pointless if the music sounds flat and lifeless. Look for features like large drivers (e.g., 11mm), support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC, and a customizable equalizer (EQ) in a companion app.
• Battery Life & Durability: Check the battery life for the earbuds on a single charge (with ANC on and off) and the total battery life provided by the charging case. A good benchmark is 5-8 hours per charge and over 24 hours total. For durability, an IP rating (e.g., IPX4) is important, as it indicates resistance to sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts or commuting in unpredictable weather.
• Connectivity & Features: Modern earbuds should offer the latest Bluetooth version (e.g., 5.3) for a stable connection and better efficiency. Features like multi-point pairing, which allows you to connect to two devices at once (like a laptop and a phone), are incredibly convenient. Also, look at the companion app’s functionality—customizable controls, EQ presets, and firmware updates are signs of a well-supported product.

While the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery is an excellent choice that ticks many of these boxes, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price

Unboxing the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery immediately gives an impression of quality that belies its price point. The packaging is neat, and inside, the charging case is the star of the show. It’s a smooth, matte-finish square with rounded corners that feels substantial in the hand. Pressing the button on the front causes the lid to spring open with a satisfying, dampened action, revealing the earbuds nestled within, illuminated by a cool internal LED. It’s a small touch, but it feels distinctly upmarket. Anker includes four different sizes of soft silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L), which is crucial for finding that perfect seal. Pairing was instantaneous with my Android phone, thanks to Google Fast Pair. The Soundcore app guided me through a fit test to confirm I had the right tips and then straight into the HearID sound personalization process. The entire setup felt polished, intuitive, and focused on getting the best possible experience from the very beginning. For a product in this category, the initial setup experience is truly impressive.

Performance Deep Dive: A Feature-Packed Audio Powerhouse

After spending several weeks testing the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery in every conceivable environment, from silent rooms to bustling city streets and noisy gyms, it’s clear that this isn’t just another mid-range earbud. It’s a genuine contender that punches far, far above its weight, challenging what we should expect at this price.

Drowning Out the World: Adaptive ANC 2.0 Performance

Let’s start with the headline feature: the noise cancellation. Soundcore claims a reduction of up to 98.5% of external noise, a bold statement for any earbud, let alone one in this bracket. In our real-world testing, the performance was nothing short of remarkable. The Adaptive ANC 2.0 system is the secret sauce. Instead of a single, static level of cancellation, it uses internal and external microphones to analyse your ear canal shape and the ambient noise in real-time, constantly adjusting the cancellation profile. On my daily train commute, this was a game-changer. The low, droning rumble of the carriage was almost completely eliminated, transforming a stressful journey into a tranquil one. One user confirmed this, noting they made a “real difference inside a very loud busy gym,” and we have to agree. The clanking of weights and the gym’s thumping music were reduced to faint, distant thuds, allowing me to focus on my own audio.

The Soundcore app offers further manual control, allowing you to select modes for different transport types (Plane, Train, Bus, Car) or set a manual strength from 1 to 5. We found the adaptive mode to be the most convenient and effective for general use. Compared to premium competitors like the Bose QuietComfort series or Apple’s AirPods Pro, the Liberty 4 NC isn’t quite at their level for cancelling out sharp, unpredictable noises like conversations or keyboard clicks. However, as one user astutely noted, while AirPods Pro might reduce ambient noise to 20% of its original volume, these get you down to 40% when idle. But the moment you play music at even a low volume, that difference melts away, and the outside world disappears. For the price, the ANC performance is simply class-leading.

Sound Signature and Hi-Res Audio Customisation

Out of the box, the 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver a sound that is powerful and energetic, but as several users have pointed out, it is significantly bass-heavy. The default “Soundcore Signature” EQ has a V-shape, boosting the low and high frequencies, which can sometimes overwhelm the midrange clarity. While this might appeal to fans of electronic music or hip-hop, we found it a bit much for podcasts or acoustic tracks. However, this is where the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery truly separates itself from the pack: the companion app. The Soundcore app is arguably the best in the business, offering an incredible depth of customisation.

The HearID 2.0 feature is brilliant. It plays a series of tones at different frequencies in each ear to map your personal hearing sensitivity, creating a custom EQ profile tailored specifically for you. The result for us was a much more balanced and detailed soundstage. If you prefer to tweak things yourself, there’s a full 8-band graphic equalizer and over 22 presets to choose from. For Android users, the inclusion of the LDAC codec is a massive bonus. When paired with a compatible device and a high-resolution audio source (like Tidal or Apple Music Lossless), LDAC transmits roughly three times more data than standard Bluetooth, resulting in a noticeably richer, more detailed listening experience. This level of audio fidelity and customisation is typically reserved for earbuds costing twice as much, making it an incredible value proposition for audiophiles on a budget.

The Marathon Battery and Everyday Usability

One of the biggest anxieties with wireless earbuds is battery life. Soundcore addresses this head-on with some truly staggering numbers: up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and a whopping 50 hours total with the charging case. In our tests with ANC active most of the time, we consistently achieved just over 8 hours of continuous playback, which is phenomenal. One user who wears a single bud all day at work confirmed this, stating it “lasts for around 8 hours,” and a quick 15-minute charge during a break brought it back to 80%. We went an entire week of heavy daily use—commutes, gym sessions, and work calls—without needing to plug the case in once. The case itself supports both USB-C fast charging and Qi wireless charging, adding to the convenience.

Beyond the battery, the day-to-day experience is seamless. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is rock-solid, and multi-point support allows for simultaneous connection to my laptop and phone. I could be listening to music on my laptop, and when a call came in on my phone, the audio switched over automatically and flawlessly. Call quality is also a strong point, thanks to the six beamforming microphones and AI noise reduction algorithm. Callers reported that my voice came through clearly, even when I was walking down a breezy street. The IPX4 water resistance provides peace of mind against sweat or a sudden downpour. These aren’t just features on a spec sheet; they are thoughtfully implemented elements that make the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery a reliable and delightful daily companion.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring user feedback, a clear consensus emerges: the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery offers exceptional value. Many users, particularly those upgrading from cheaper earbuds or even switching from more expensive brands, are “impressed” and “surprised” by the performance. One user who previously owned Samsung Buds Pro called them “amazing earbuds” and “100% recommended.” Another compared them directly to his wife’s £220 AirPods Pro, concluding, “You’d never guess these were £140 cheaper.” The powerful ANC, long battery life, and the feature-rich app are consistently praised as standout features.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which align with our own findings. The most common point of contention is the fit. While the multiple ear tips help, some users find the buds can “come loose/fall out a lot” during vigorous exercise or even just while chewing. Another user mentioned the rubber inserts can be hard to fit and have even stayed in their ear when removing the bud. This highlights the importance of experimenting with all the included tip sizes to find a secure seal. The default bass-heavy sound is another recurring theme, though most note that it’s easily corrected within the excellent app. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most critiques being minor issues or personal preference points rather than fundamental flaws.

How Does the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Compare to the Alternatives?

In a crowded market, context is everything. The soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery shines brightest when compared to its rivals, offering a unique blend of features, performance, and price. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.

1. CMF BY NOTHING Buds 2 Wireless Earbuds Hybrid ANC

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 are a direct and compelling challenger, boasting an even higher 48 dB ANC rating and a slightly longer total battery life of 55 hours. CMF, an offshoot of the design-focused brand Nothing, brings a unique aesthetic that will appeal to users looking for something different from the norm. While its ANC may be marginally stronger on paper, the real-world difference is often subtle. The primary decision between these two will likely come down to brand preference, design, and the nuances of their respective sound signatures and app experiences. The CMF Buds 2 are an excellent choice for the style-conscious user who wants top-tier specs in a visually distinct package.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones

Pitting the Liberty 4 NC against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is less about direct competition and more about illustrating value. The Bose headphones are in a completely different league in terms of both price and performance, offering what is widely considered the gold standard in noise cancellation. These over-ear headphones will provide a level of immersion and silence that in-ear buds simply cannot match. They are the choice for audiophiles, frequent long-haul flyers, and anyone for whom absolute best-in-class ANC is a non-negotiable priority. However, they come at a significant price premium and lack the portability of earbuds. The Bose highlights just how much performance Soundcore has managed to pack into a small, affordable package.

3. TOZO Crystal Pods Hybrid ANC Wireless Earbuds

The TOZO Crystal Pods represent a more budget-conscious alternative. With 38dB of ANC and a total playtime of 35 hours, they offer solid features for an even lower price point than the Soundcore. These are a great option for someone who wants to dip their toes into the world of active noise cancellation without a significant financial commitment. While they won’t match the Liberty 4 NC’s sheer ANC power, Hi-Res audio support, or class-leading battery life, they provide a tangible upgrade over standard earbuds. The TOZO Crystal Pods are for the buyer on the strictest budget who still wants effective noise reduction and clear calls.

Final Verdict: Are the soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds Worth It?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is resounding. The soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery represent a new benchmark for value in the wireless earbud market. They deliver a feature set and performance level that, until recently, was the exclusive domain of products costing two or even three times as much. The noise cancellation is profoundly effective, the battery life is truly epic, and the level of sound customisation offered by the app is simply unmatched in its class. While the default sound signature needs a tweak and the fit won’t be perfect for every ear during intense workouts, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding package.

We would wholeheartedly recommend these to anyone seeking premium noise cancellation and audio features without the premium price tag. They are perfect for commuters, students, office workers, and frequent travellers who want to create their own bubble of silence. If you’re tired of the outside world creeping into your audio experience and want a reliable, feature-packed solution that just works, look no further. The value for money here is, frankly, staggering. Check the latest price and see for yourself why these earbuds are generating so much buzz.