When shopping for premium wireless earbuds in 2024, two standout options are the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179) and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Wireless earbuds have evolved significantly since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Modern earbuds offer features that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago - things like spatial audio (which creates a virtual surround sound experience), adaptive noise cancellation (technology that automatically adjusts how much outside noise is blocked), and advanced features like heart rate monitoring.
The key considerations have shifted from "do they stay connected?" to nuanced preferences about sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, and how well they integrate with our daily lives. Let's explore how these two models approach these challenges.
The AirPods 4 continue Apple's distinctive open-ear design but with some notable improvements. Unlike traditional earbuds that create a seal in your ear canal, AirPods sit more loosely in your ear. This design choice is intentional - it allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings while listening. The latest version features a slightly shorter stem and improved ergonomics that help them stay in place better than previous generations.
In contrast, the Liberty 4 Pro uses a traditional sealed design with silicone ear tips (they include six different sizes, from XXS to XL). This creates a physical barrier that blocks outside noise even before the active noise cancellation kicks in. While this approach typically provides better sound quality, especially for bass frequencies, some users find sealed earbuds less comfortable for long sessions.
From personal experience testing both, I've found the AirPods more comfortable for long work sessions where I need to frequently interact with others. However, when I'm focusing on music or trying to work in a noisy environment, the Liberty 4 Pro's superior isolation makes them the clear winner.
Sound quality is where these earbuds take notably different approaches:
For home theater use, the Liberty 4 Pro has an advantage when watching action movies or bass-heavy content. However, the AirPods 4's spatial audio implementation works exceptionally well with Apple TV+ content and provides a more consistent experience across Apple devices.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by creating sound waves that cancel out external noise. Both earbuds handle this differently:
The AirPods 4 use real-time adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment. While effective for consistent noise like airplane engines or air conditioners, the open design limits overall noise reduction. They excel at maintaining awareness while reducing fatigue from constant background noise.
The Liberty 4 Pro combines physical isolation with powerful ANC, reducing noise by up to 81% in testing. Their sealed design helps block high-frequency sounds that ANC typically struggles with, while the active cancellation handles low-frequency rumble effectively.
Battery life continues to be a crucial factor:
Both support fast charging, but the Liberty 4 Pro's implementation is particularly impressive - just 5 minutes of charging provides 4 hours of playback. Both cases support wireless charging and can be topped up using standard Qi chargers.
This is where the products diverge significantly in their approach:
AirPods 4 excel at Apple ecosystem integration:
Liberty 4 Pro offers more platform-agnostic features:
At $179, the AirPods 4 carry a premium price tag but deliver unique features for Apple users. The Liberty 4 Pro at $129 offers more raw features and better sound quality specs for less money.
Choose AirPods 4 if you:
Choose Liberty 4 Pro if you:
Both products represent excellent choices for different users. The AirPods 4 excel at being a seamless part of the Apple ecosystem, while the Liberty 4 Pro offer superior raw audio performance and features at a lower price point.
For most users, the decision will come down to ecosystem preference and how they plan to use the earbuds. Apple users who frequently switch between devices will appreciate the AirPods 4's seamless integration. Those primarily focused on audio quality or using multiple platforms will find more value in the Liberty 4 Pro.
Remember that personal preference plays a huge role in earbud selection - if possible, try both or purchase from a retailer with a good return policy to ensure you're happy with your choice.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Affects noise isolation, comfort and awareness | |
| Open-ear design (less isolation, more awareness) | Sealed in-ear design (better isolation, less awareness) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Important for noisy environments | |
| Moderate (limited by open design) | Strong (combines physical seal with ANC, ~81% reduction) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use | |
| 5 hours per charge, 20 total with case | 10 hours per charge, 40 total with case |
| Sound Quality - Key factor in overall satisfaction | |
| Balanced, natural sound, limited bass | Rich bass, supports LDAC, fully customizable EQ |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use | |
| Seamless Apple integration, instant pairing | Universal compatibility, multi-point connection |
| Additional Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial audio, Find My network, Siri | Custom EQ, HearID personalization, wind reduction |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 1 hour playback from 5 min charge | 4 hours playback from 5 min charge |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (water resistant) |
| Fit Options - Affects comfort and seal | |
| One size fits most | 6 ear tip sizes (XXS to XL) |
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129) provides better movie watching experience due to stronger bass response and superior noise isolation. However, the AirPods 4 ($179) offers excellent spatial audio specifically optimized for Apple TV+ content.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers better value at $129, while the AirPods 4 costs $179. The price difference reflects Apple's ecosystem integration rather than audio quality advantages.
The Liberty 4 Pro significantly outperforms with 10 hours per charge (40 total with case) compared to AirPods 4's 5 hours per charge (20 total with case).
The Liberty 4 Pro provides superior noise cancellation due to its sealed design and advanced ANC technology. The AirPods 4 offers moderate noise cancellation limited by its open-ear design.
The Liberty 4 Pro works equally well with all phones and supports LDAC for high-quality Android audio. The AirPods 4 loses several key features when not paired with Apple devices.
For home theater use, the Liberty 4 Pro delivers better overall performance with stronger bass and superior noise isolation. However, AirPods 4 excels when used with Apple TV for spatial audio content.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers superior sound quality with stronger bass, customizable EQ, and LDAC support. The AirPods 4 provides good but less customizable audio with lighter bass response.
The AirPods 4 typically offers better long-session comfort due to its lighter weight and open design. The Liberty 4 Pro provides multiple fit options but some users find sealed designs less comfortable over time.
Both perform well, but the AirPods 4 excels in voice clarity and seamless iOS integration. The Liberty 4 Pro offers good call quality with additional wind noise reduction.
Yes, both the AirPods 4 and Liberty 4 Pro support Qi wireless charging through their cases.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers better security during exercise with its sealed design and IPX5 water resistance. The AirPods 4 has IPX4 rating and may require more frequent adjustment during workouts.
The Liberty 4 Pro supports standard multi-point connectivity for any two devices. The AirPods 4 offers automatic switching, but only between Apple devices.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
