Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two compelling wireless earbuds: the premium Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 ($249) and the feature-packed Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130). I've spent extensive time testing both models across various scenarios, from daily commutes to home theater use.
The wireless earbud market in 2024 has evolved significantly from its early days. Gone are the connectivity issues and mediocre sound quality that plagued first-generation products. Today's earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages, with features like spatial audio (which creates a virtual surround sound experience) and adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) that automatically adjusts to your environment.
Both the Pi6 and Liberty 4 Pro represent the latest generation of this technology, though they take different approaches to serving their target audiences.
The Pi6 uses 12mm bio-cellulose drivers - think of these as tiny speakers made from naturally-derived materials that are lighter and stiffer than traditional materials. This results in cleaner, more detailed sound reproduction. In testing, I found the Pi6's sound signature to be notably refined, with excellent separation between instruments and voices.
Soundcore took a different route, using a dual-driver system that combines a 10.5mm dynamic driver with a separate tweeter (a specialized speaker for high frequencies). While this approach might seem more complex, it allows for powerful bass without sacrificing clarity in higher frequencies.
Having tested both models extensively, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Liberty 4 Pro edges ahead here with its superior noise cancellation. Its seven-sensor system adapts every 0.3 seconds, making it particularly effective on trains and buses. The Pi6's noise cancellation is good but not quite as adaptable.
Both earbuds support low-latency codecs (technical standards for transmitting audio), which is crucial for keeping video and audio in sync. The Liberty 4 Pro supports LDAC (a high-quality audio codec) which is great for Android users, while the Pi6's aptX Adaptive works well across most devices.
The Pi6's more neutral sound signature excels for long listening sessions, while the Liberty 4 Pro's more customizable EQ lets you adjust the sound to your preference.
Both offer quick charging, but the Liberty 4 Pro's case includes a helpful display showing battery levels.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers more bells and whistles:
The Pi6 focuses on core features:
The price difference is significant - the Pi6 costs nearly twice as much as the Liberty 4 Pro. This price gap reflects different market positioning:
Since their releases, both models have received firmware updates improving their performance. The Liberty 4 Pro's October 2023 update added improved touch controls and better noise cancellation, while the Pi6's December 2023 update enhanced its Bluetooth connectivity.
Consider these factors when choosing between the Pi6 and Liberty 4 Pro:
Both earbuds excel in their respective categories. The Liberty 4 Pro offers exceptional value with its feature set and performance, making it the better choice for most users. However, the Pi6 justifies its premium price with superior sound quality and refined user experience.
For home theater use, both perform admirably, though the Liberty 4 Pro's LDAC support gives it an edge with compatible devices. The Pi6's more neutral sound signature might be preferred for movie dialogue clarity.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your typical use cases, device ecosystem, and budget when making your decision. Both options represent significant improvements over previous generations and stand as excellent choices in their respective price brackets.
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 ($249) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) |
|---|---|
| Driver Design - Impacts overall sound quality and detail | |
| 12mm bio-cellulose single driver (more accurate, refined sound) | Dual driver with 10.5mm dynamic + titanium tweeter (powerful bass, clear highs) |
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Basic adaptive ANC with 3 mics per bud | Advanced 7-sensor system with 0.3s adaptation (noticeably better) |
| Battery Life - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 8h buds + 16h case = 24h total | 10h buds + 30h case = 40h total (class-leading) |
| Codec Support - Affects audio quality, especially for Android | |
| aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC (LDAC offers higher quality on Android) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout use | |
| IP54 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (better sweat protection) |
| Extra Features - Convenience matters for daily use | |
| Basic app, multipoint connection | Touch display case, customizable EQ, find my buds, spatial audio |
| Case Charging - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C only | USB-C and Qi wireless charging |
| Fit Options - Critical for comfort and sound isolation | |
| 4 tip sizes (XS-L) | 6 tip sizes (XXS-XL, better fit range) |
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 ($249) delivers more refined, accurate sound with its bio-cellulose drivers, while the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) offers powerful bass and clear highs. For critical listening and home theater dialogue, the Pi6 has a slight edge.
Both work well for movies, but the Pi6's lower latency and clearer dialogue make it better for home theater use. The Liberty 4 Pro offers spatial audio modes specifically for movies, which some users might prefer for an immersive experience.
The Liberty 4 Pro has superior noise cancellation with its 7-sensor system and faster adaptation. The Pi6's noise cancellation is good but not as advanced.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers significantly longer battery life with 40 hours total (10h buds + 30h case) compared to the Pi6's 24 hours total (8h buds + 16h case).
Both support multipoint connection, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. However, the Pi6 handles switching between devices more smoothly.
The Pi6 works slightly better with iPhones due to its AAC codec optimization. The Liberty 4 Pro works well too but offers some Android-specific advantages that iPhone users won't benefit from.
Neither is ideal for competitive gaming due to bluetooth latency, but both work fine for casual gaming. The Liberty 4 Pro includes a specific gaming mode to reduce lag.
The Liberty 4 Pro edges ahead with its 6-mic system and AI noise reduction for calls. The Pi6 offers good call quality but isn't quite as clear in noisy environments.
The Liberty 4 Pro has better water resistance (IPX5) compared to the Pi6's IP54 rating, making it more suitable for workouts and light rain.
Both work well, but the Pi6's clearer dialogue and aptX Adaptive support make it slightly better for late-night TV viewing. The Liberty 4 Pro's spatial audio can enhance the experience for some content.
For most users, the Liberty 4 Pro offers better value with more features at half the price. The Pi6's premium cost is mainly justified by its superior sound quality and brand reputation.
Both work similarly with Bluetooth-enabled TVs and receivers. The Pi6 has a slight edge in connection stability, while the Liberty 4 Pro offers more customization options through its app.
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: stuff.tv - bowerswilkins.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - bowerswilkins.com - audio46.com - crutchfield.com - baybloorradio.com - skybygramophone.com - nfm.com - ofinet.es - bowerswilkins.com - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
