When you're looking to invest in premium wireless earbuds, it's easy to get overwhelmed by specs and marketing claims. Let's break down two popular options - the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($249) and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) - to help you make the best choice for your needs.
The wireless earbud landscape has changed dramatically since the Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019. Back then, features like active noise cancellation (ANC) were rare in true wireless earbuds. Fast forward to 2023, and the Liberty 4 Pro represents the modern feature set we now expect: ANC, transparency mode, and advanced audio codecs.
Let's start with what matters most - how they sound. Both models take different approaches to audio:
The Powerbeats Pro delivers energetic, bass-forward sound that works great for workout playlists and modern music. The large drivers create impressive impact in the low end without drowning out vocals. I've found them particularly enjoyable for hip-hop and electronic music.
The Liberty 4 Pro takes a more audiophile approach. It supports LDAC (a high-quality wireless audio format that can transmit nearly 3x more data than standard Bluetooth) and offers extensive EQ customization. The sound signature is more balanced out of the box, but you can tune it to your preferences. For critical listening, these have the edge.
The Powerbeats Pro uses ear hooks that wrap around your ears, providing extremely secure fit. This design is fantastic for workouts but can feel bulky for casual use. The hooks are adjustable, and you get multiple tip sizes to dial in the fit.
The Liberty 4 Pro uses a more traditional stem design with customizable ear tips. While not as secure as ear hooks, they're more comfortable for long listening sessions. The stem design also helps with call quality by positioning microphones closer to your mouth.
Here's where we see the biggest differences between these generations of earbuds:
The Powerbeats Pro focuses on core features:
The Liberty 4 Pro packs in modern features:
Both models offer strong battery life, but with different strengths:
Powerbeats Pro:
Liberty 4 Pro:
I've tested both models in various situations, and here's how they perform:
For workouts: The Powerbeats Pro is the clear winner. The ear hooks provide unmatched stability, and the physical buttons are easier to use while moving.
For commuting: The Liberty 4 Pro excels here. The ANC makes a huge difference on trains and buses, and the multipoint connection lets you seamlessly switch between phone and laptop.
For calls: Both perform well, but the Liberty 4 Pro's more advanced mic array and noise reduction give it a slight edge in noisy environments.
For home theater: The Liberty 4 Pro's LDAC support and lower latency make it better for watching videos. However, neither model is specifically designed for this use case - you'd be better served by dedicated home theater headphones if this is your primary need.
At nearly half the price of the Powerbeats Pro, the Liberty 4 Pro offers significantly more features. However, "value" depends on your specific needs:
If you're primarily using these for workouts, the Powerbeats Pro's secure fit might be worth the premium.
If you want the most versatile option for daily use, the Liberty 4 Pro offers better value with its modern feature set.
Consider these questions to make your choice:
The Powerbeats Pro remains a solid choice for specific use cases, particularly athletics and Apple ecosystem integration. However, the Liberty 4 Pro represents better value for most users, offering modern features at a more accessible price point.
Both products excel in their intended use cases. The Powerbeats Pro is the workout champion, while the Liberty 4 Pro is the more versatile daily driver. Your choice should align with your primary use case rather than just specs or price.
Remember, the "best" choice is the one that fits your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll actually use these day-to-day rather than getting caught up in feature comparisons.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro ($249) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| None (passive isolation only) | Advanced ANC with adaptive adjustment |
| Fit Style - Determines stability during movement | |
| Ear hooks (extremely secure, best for workouts) | Stem design (comfortable but less secure) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use | |
| 9hrs + 15hrs case (24hrs total) | 10hrs + 40hrs case (50hrs total) |
| Water Resistance - Essential for workouts | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (better water protection) |
| Audio Codecs - Affects sound quality, especially for Android | |
| SBC, AAC (standard quality) | SBC, AAC, LDAC (superior for Android) |
| Device Connectivity - Important for multi-device users | |
| Single device, seamless Apple switching | Multipoint (2 devices simultaneously) |
| Sound Customization - Helps match personal preferences | |
| Fixed sound profile | Adjustable EQ, custom sound profiles |
| Fast Charging - Crucial for quick top-ups | |
| 5min = 1.5hrs playback | 5min = 4hrs playback |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use | |
| Apple H1 chip (excellent iOS experience) | Universal compatibility (good for all systems) |
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) is better for home theater use due to its LDAC codec support and lower latency. While the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($249) works fine, it lacks advanced audio codecs that help prevent audio sync issues during movies.
For most users, no. The Liberty 4 Pro offers more features at nearly half the price. However, the Powerbeats Pro might be worth it if you're primarily using them for workouts or are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro has active noise cancellation (ANC) with adaptive adjustment, while the Beats Powerbeats Pro only offers passive noise isolation. For blocking out ambient noise while watching content, the Liberty 4 Pro is significantly better.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Liberty 4 Pro has an advantage with its LDAC codec support, providing better audio quality and lower latency when used with compatible devices.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers 10 hours of playback (50 hours with case), while the Powerbeats Pro provides 9 hours (24 hours with case). For long viewing sessions, both will suffice, but the Liberty 4 Pro lasts longer overall.
The Powerbeats Pro works best with Apple devices due to its H1 chip. The Liberty 4 Pro works equally well with both platforms and offers better audio quality on Android through LDAC support.
The Liberty 4 Pro is typically more comfortable for extended viewing, using a traditional stem design. The Powerbeats Pro ear hooks, while secure, can become noticeable during long sessions.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency. However, the Liberty 4 Pro performs slightly better with its more advanced codec support and lower latency.
The Powerbeats Pro supports spatial audio when used with Apple devices. The Liberty 4 Pro offers its own spatial audio implementation, though it's not as sophisticated as Apple's version.
The Liberty 4 Pro generally offers better sound quality for media consumption due to its LDAC support and customizable EQ. The Powerbeats Pro still sounds good but has a more bass-heavy, less adjustable sound profile.
The Liberty 4 Pro supports multipoint connection, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. The Powerbeats Pro can only connect to one device at a time, though it switches easily between Apple devices.
The Powerbeats Pro has physical buttons that are more reliable for media control. The Liberty 4 Pro uses touch controls that are more feature-rich but can be less consistent.
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: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.com - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
