The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and OnePlus Buds 4 are two popular true wireless Bluetooth earphones with active noise cancellation in the budget segment. This detailed comparison helps you understand the key differences between these noise cancelling earbuds.
Many buyers search for “Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs OnePlus Buds 4” when looking for reliable ANC earbuds under $150. The Liberty 4 NC stands out for long battery life and wireless charging, while the OnePlus Buds 4 offers newer Bluetooth features and stronger water resistance.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- Value for Money Compared to Other Similar Earphones
- Sound Quality
- Reliability of the Brand
- What Type of User Each Earphone Would Be Ideal For
- Do the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
- What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Liberty 4 NC?
- How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Liberty 4 NC?
- Does the Soundcore App Offer Full EQ Control for the Liberty 4 NC?
- Is the Liberty 4 NC Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
- Do the OnePlus Buds 4 Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
- What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the OnePlus Buds 4?
- How Do Phone Calls Sound on the OnePlus Buds 4?
- Does the OnePlus App Offer Full EQ Control for the Buds 4?
- Is the OnePlus Buds 4 Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
Specifications
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC features 11mm custom-tuned drivers with Adaptive ANC 2.0. The OnePlus Buds 4 uses dual drivers with real-time adaptive ANC up to 55dB and supports advanced audio features.
- Active Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC 2.0 with up to 98.5% noise reduction for the Liberty 4 NC; Real-time adaptive ANC up to 55dB with voice enhancement for the OnePlus Buds 4.
- Case: Compact USB-C case with wireless charging and up to 50 hours total playback for the Liberty 4 NC; compact USB-C case without wireless charging and up to 45 hours total for the OnePlus Buds 4.
- Bluetooth version: 5.3 with multipoint pairing for the Liberty 4 NC; 5.4 with multipoint pairing and low latency for the OnePlus Buds 4.
- App control and EQ? Yes, full Soundcore app with HearID personalised sound, custom EQ, and presets for the Liberty 4 NC; yes, OnePlus app with Golden Sound personalisation, Sound Master EQ, and presets for the OnePlus Buds 4.
- Water resistance rating: IPX4 splash and sweat protection for the Liberty 4 NC; IP55 dust and water resistance for the OnePlus Buds 4.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours single charge or 50 hours total for the Liberty 4 NC; up to 11 hours single charge (ANC off) or 45 hours total for the OnePlus Buds 4.
Both Bluetooth earphones support high-resolution codecs (LDAC on Liberty 4 NC, LHDC on OnePlus Buds 4) and include multiple microphones for calls. The OnePlus Buds 4 also adds 3D spatial audio options.
Value for Money Compared to Other Similar Earphones
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC typically sells for around $80 USD (£75 GBP) while the OnePlus Buds 4 often goes for about $100-130 USD (£80-100 GBP). In the under $150 Bluetooth earphones category they compete with models like the EarFun Air Pro 4 and CMF Buds Pro 2.
The Liberty 4 NC provides longer total battery life and wireless charging at a lower price point. The OnePlus Buds 4 offers better water and dust resistance plus newer Bluetooth 5.4 for the extra cost.
Both noise cancelling earbuds deliver strong value compared to many generic options with their app support and codec choices. Buyers often weigh battery duration and wireless charging against durability and low-latency performance.
This in-depth comparison video tests sound quality, ANC performance, call clarity, and everyday use between the two Bluetooth earphones.
Sound Quality
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers bass-forward sound with noticeable depth through its 11mm drivers and supports LDAC for Hi-Res audio on compatible Android devices. It suits listeners who enjoy energetic bass in music and podcasts.
The OnePlus Buds 4 produces a clean and balanced sound with good separation and 3D spatial audio options. Some users find it more relaxed and detailed compared to the bass emphasis of the Liberty 4 NC.
Both Bluetooth earphones allow EQ customisation in their respective apps. The Liberty 4 NC can feel more energetic for certain genres while the OnePlus Buds 4 offers a smoother, neutral profile.
Reliability of the Brand
Anker and Soundcore have a strong reputation for durable and consistent budget Bluetooth earphones. Users frequently report stable connections and minimal issues with the Liberty 4 NC after months of daily use.
OnePlus provides reliable audio products backed by regular software updates, especially within its ecosystem. Both brands respond effectively to common support queries about pairing or battery performance.
The Liberty 4 NC and OnePlus Buds 4 generally avoid early failures common with some lesser-known noise cancelling earbuds. They offer dependable performance for everyday listening.
What Type of User Each Earphone Would Be Ideal For
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC suits commuters and frequent travellers who need long battery life, strong noise blocking, and wireless charging on the go. It works well for those who prefer customisable sound profiles and extended playback time.
The OnePlus Buds 4 fits active users or people in outdoor or variable weather conditions who value IP55 resistance and low latency for videos or gaming. It appeals to listeners who enjoy spatial audio and a more balanced sound signature.
Both Bluetooth earphones perform well for Android users who take advantage of advanced codecs. Casual listeners on a budget can choose based on whether battery life and ANC depth or durability and modern connectivity matter more to them.
Top 5 Most Common Questions for Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Do the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, Adaptive ANC 2.0 reduces up to 98.5% of external noise and adjusts automatically to your ears and surroundings. It performs particularly well on low-frequency sounds like engine rumble or traffic.
Transparency mode passes ambient sound naturally when needed. Many users find it effective for travel and focused work sessions.
What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the Liberty 4 NC?
The earbuds last around 10 hours per charge with ANC off or about 8-9 hours with it on. The case extends total playback to roughly 50 hours without ANC.
Quick charging adds several hours from a short top-up. Results stay close to listed figures at moderate volumes.
How Do Phone Calls Sound on the Liberty 4 NC?
Six microphones with AI processing keep voices clear on both ends in moderate background noise. Call quality holds up during walks or light activity.
Performance can pick up more wind in very loud settings. It works reliably for daily calls and meetings.
Does the Soundcore App Offer Full EQ Control for the Liberty 4 NC?
Yes, the app includes HearID personalisation along with a fully adjustable equaliser and multiple presets. You can also adjust ANC strength and touch controls.
Firmware updates continue to refine features. Setup takes just a few minutes on most phones.
Is the Liberty 4 NC Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
The IPX4 rating protects against sweat and light splashes during gym sessions or short runs. The fit stays secure for most activities with the right ear tips.
Comfort remains high for extended wear. Avoid heavy rain or full submersion.
Top 5 Most Common Questions for OnePlus Buds 4
Do the OnePlus Buds 4 Have Strong Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes, real-time adaptive ANC reduces up to 55dB of noise with improved voice cancellation. It adjusts quickly to surroundings and handles a wide frequency range.
Transparency mode sounds natural in most situations. Users report solid performance for commuting and office environments.
What Is the Real-World Battery Life of the OnePlus Buds 4?
The earbuds deliver up to 11 hours per charge with ANC off or around 6-9 hours with it active. The case brings total playback to 37-45 hours depending on settings.
Fast charging provides several hours from a short session. Results align closely with listed figures in typical use.
How Do Phone Calls Sound on the OnePlus Buds 4?
Multiple microphones with AI processing keep voices clear in everyday settings. Call quality performs well indoors or during light activity.
Performance can vary in very loud or windy conditions. It remains usable for daily conversations.
Does the OnePlus App Offer Full EQ Control for the Buds 4?
Yes, the OnePlus app includes Golden Sound personalisation and the Sound Master EQ with multiple presets. You can also control ANC modes and other features.
Updates improve functionality over time. Most users find the interface straightforward.
Is the OnePlus Buds 4 Suitable for Workouts or Light Rain?
The IP55 rating handles sweat, rain, and dust effectively during exercise or outdoor use. The secure fit stays in place for most activities.
Comfort supports longer sessions for many users. Avoid full submersion as the rating focuses on resistance rather than complete waterproofing.
