When it comes to wireless earbuds in 2024, we're truly spoiled for choice. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Apple AirPods 4 ($179-199) and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs.
Modern wireless earbuds have evolved significantly since the first AirPods launched in 2016. They're no longer just about playing music - they're sophisticated mini-computers that handle calls, noise cancellation, spatial audio (which creates a theater-like surround sound experience), and even health monitoring.
The key features that matter most to users today are:
The AirPods 4 and Liberty 4 Pro represent two different philosophies in earbud design. Apple continues with their open-ear design, while Soundcore opts for a sealed in-ear approach with silicone tips.
The AirPods 4 launched in late 2024, bringing improvements like:
The Liberty 4 Pro, released earlier in 2024, brought:
The AirPods deliver clean, balanced sound that works well for most music types. While they can't produce deep bass due to their open design, they compensate with excellent clarity in mid and high frequencies. They're particularly good for podcasts and acoustic music.
These earbuds offer a more traditional "high-end" sound signature with punchy bass and detailed highs. The included app lets you adjust the equalizer (EQ) settings to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. The LDAC support is particularly impressive for Android users who want the highest quality audio possible.
The AirPods 4 shine brightest in the Apple ecosystem. They automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and Siri integration feels natural. The setup is literally one tap away - open the case near your iPhone, and you're ready to go.
The Liberty 4 Pro works well with both Android and iOS, though you'll need to install the Soundcore app to access all features. They support Google Fast Pair for Android users, making connection almost as seamless as AirPods with iPhone.
Both models offer quick charging, but there's a clear winner in longevity. The Liberty 4 Pro provides:
The AirPods 4 offer:
For home theater use, both earbuds support spatial audio, but they implement it differently. The AirPods 4's implementation feels more natural, with better head tracking and a wider soundstage. However, the Liberty 4 Pro's sealed design provides better immersion for movie watching, especially in noisy environments.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers more features per dollar, including:
The AirPods 4 justify their higher price through:
Consider these scenarios:
If you're primarily an Apple user who:
If you want maximum features and:
Both earbuds excel in their intended use cases. The AirPods 4 are the perfect choice for Apple users who value simplicity and integration above all else. The Liberty 4 Pro offer more features and better value for those willing to spend time customizing their experience.
Having tested both extensively, I can say that the Liberty 4 Pro offer better pure audio quality and features for the price, but the AirPods 4's seamless integration with Apple devices can't be beaten if you're in that ecosystem. The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and how you'll use them most often.
Remember to consider your specific needs and use cases when making your decision. Both are excellent products that represent the current state of the art in wireless audio technology.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179-199) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129) |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Limited due to open design | Strong ANC with adaptive adjustment, blocks up to 98.5% noise |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day usage without recharging | |
| 5 hours per charge, 30 hours with case | 7.5 hours per charge, 40 hours with case |
| Sound Quality - Determines overall listening experience | |
| Balanced sound, limited bass due to open design | Rich sound with strong bass, LDAC support for Hi-Res Audio |
| Device Integration - Affects ease of use and switching between devices | |
| Seamless Apple integration, H2 chip for instant pairing | Universal compatibility, multipoint connection for any two devices |
| Fit and Comfort - Critical for long-term wearing comfort | |
| One-size open design, lighter at 4.3g | Multiple ear tip sizes (XXS-XL), slightly heavier at 5.5g |
| Sound Customization - Allows tailoring audio to personal preference | |
| Limited to Adaptive EQ | 22 EQ presets, 8-band custom EQ, HearID sound personalization |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout and rain protection | |
| IP54 rated | IPX5 rated |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups before use | |
| 1 hour playback from 5 min charge | 4 hours playback from 5 min charge |
| Special Features - Additional functionality that may matter to specific users | |
| Spatial audio with head tracking, Siri integration | LDAC codec, touch bar on case, real-time noise adaptation |
For home theater use, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro provides better sound isolation and deeper bass, making it superior for movie watching. While the AirPods 4 offer good spatial audio, their open design lets in more ambient noise, potentially disrupting the viewing experience.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers superior battery life with 7.5 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, compared to the AirPods 4 at 5 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case.
The Liberty 4 Pro provides significantly better noise cancellation due to its sealed design and advanced ANC technology. The AirPods 4 have limited noise isolation due to their open-ear design.
The AirPods 4 ($179-199) are worth the premium over the Liberty 4 Pro ($129) only if you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless device switching.
The Liberty 4 Pro work better with Android devices, offering LDAC support and more customization options. The AirPods 4 lose many features when not paired with Apple devices.
The AirPods 4 provide more refined spatial audio with better head tracking, making them superior for 3D sound experiences. The Liberty 4 Pro offers spatial audio but with less precise tracking.
Both can be used for gaming, but the Liberty 4 Pro has lower latency in gaming mode. The AirPods 4 work best for gaming when paired with Apple devices.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers richer sound with stronger bass and customizable EQ settings. The AirPods 4 provide balanced sound but with limited bass due to their open design.
The AirPods 4 are lighter and more comfortable for some users, but their one-size design doesn't fit everyone. The Liberty 4 Pro offers multiple ear tip sizes for a more customizable fit.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Liberty 4 Pro offers better connectivity options for non-Apple TVs, while the AirPods 4 work seamlessly with Apple TV.
The AirPods 4 excel at voice calls with better microphone quality and noise rejection. The Liberty 4 Pro perform adequately but aren't quite as clear for calls.
The AirPods 4 offer more precise virtual surround sound with Apple devices, but the Liberty 4 Pro's better noise isolation and stronger bass provide a more immersive movie experience.
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: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.com - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
