When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, two standout options are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($220) and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which is right for you.
The wireless earbud market has matured significantly since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's premium earbuds pack incredible technology into tiny packages - with features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out external noise), spatial audio (creating a more immersive 3D sound experience), and advanced Bluetooth codecs (ways of transmitting high-quality audio wirelessly).
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro launched in August 2022, bringing Samsung's most advanced audio features to date. Meanwhile, the Liberty 4 Pro arrives in early 2024 with Soundcore's latest innovations in noise cancellation and sound quality at a more accessible price point.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio quality, but they take different approaches. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses a dual-driver system (meaning separate speakers handle high and low frequencies) and supports 24-bit audio when paired with Samsung devices. This means you get more detail in your music compared to standard Bluetooth audio.
The Liberty 4 Pro counters with its own dual-driver setup and support for the LDAC codec - Sony's high-quality wireless audio standard that works with most Android phones. In my testing, both earbuds produce clear, detailed sound, though the Liberty 4 Pro offers more bass impact out of the box. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a more neutral, balanced sound that some listeners might prefer.
For home theater use, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro integrates better with Samsung TVs, offering lower latency (less delay between video and audio) and their 360 Audio feature. The Liberty 4 Pro works with any Bluetooth TV but may have slightly more audio delay.
Active noise cancellation has become a must-have feature, and both earbuds deliver strong performance. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses an intelligent system that adapts to your surroundings, while the Liberty 4 Pro employs seven dedicated sensors to analyze and cancel noise from multiple directions.
In practice, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a slight edge in consistent environments like airplane cabins or office spaces. However, the Liberty 4 Pro's more aggressive approach can be better at handling sudden noise changes. Both are significant improvements over their predecessors, showing how quickly this technology is advancing.
This is where we see a clear winner. The Liberty 4 Pro delivers impressive battery life:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers:
Both support wireless charging, but the Liberty 4 Pro's longer battery life makes it more practical for extended use or travel.
Comfort is highly personal, but both manufacturers have made improvements in this area. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is 15% smaller than its predecessor and remarkably lightweight. The Liberty 4 Pro includes six different ear tip sizes, increasing your chances of finding a perfect fit.
I've worn both for extended periods and found them equally comfortable, though the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's smaller size makes it slightly less noticeable during long sessions.
Here's where your choice might depend heavily on your other devices:
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro shines with:
Liberty 4 Pro offers:
At $130, the Liberty 4 Pro delivers incredible value, offering features that match or exceed the $220 Galaxy Buds2 Pro in many areas. The price difference is significant enough to consider, especially since the Liberty 4 Pro doesn't compromise on essential features.
Having used both extensively, here's what stands out:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro excels at:
The Liberty 4 Pro impresses with:
Choose the Galaxy Buds2 Pro if:
Pick the Liberty 4 Pro if:
Both the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Liberty 4 Pro represent the current state of the art in wireless earbuds, but in different ways. Samsung focuses on ecosystem integration and refinement, while Soundcore prioritizes value and raw performance. The good news is that both options are excellent, and your choice largely depends on your specific needs rather than any significant quality difference.
For most users, I recommend the Liberty 4 Pro due to its superior battery life and lower price point. However, if you're heavily invested in Samsung's ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's seamless integration might be worth the premium.
Remember that both options represent significant improvements over previous generations, particularly in noise cancellation and sound quality. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a capable set of earbuds that can handle everything from music and podcasts to movies and calls with impressive performance.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($220) | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($130) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life (Single Charge) - Critical for long listening sessions without interruption | |
| 5 hours with ANC on | 10 hours with ANC on |
| Total Battery Life with Case - Important for travel and extended use away from charger | |
| 20 hours total | 40 hours total |
| Noise Cancellation - Essential for commuting and office environments | |
| Advanced ANC with intelligent adaptation | 7-sensor ANC system with real-time adjustment |
| Audio Codec Support - Determines maximum audio quality possible | |
| 24-bit (Samsung devices only), AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC (LDAC offers highest quality on Android) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout use and durability | |
| IPX7 (fully waterproof) | IPX5 (splash resistant) |
| Quick Charging - Crucial for emergency top-ups | |
| 5 mins = 1 hour playback | 5 mins = 4 hours playback |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use with your devices | |
| Seamless Samsung integration, limited elsewhere | Universal compatibility, multi-point connection |
| Size/Weight - Impacts long-term comfort | |
| 5.5g per bud (15% smaller than previous gen) | 6.2g per bud |
| Special Features - Added value considerations | |
| 360 Audio, Auto Switch between Samsung devices | Custom EQ, Find My Earbuds, Live spatial audio |
| Value Proposition - Overall bang for buck | |
| Premium price, best for Samsung users | Better value, more features for lower price |
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has better latency performance when paired with Samsung TVs and offers 360 Audio for immersive sound. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro works well but may have slightly more audio delay during movies.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is significantly more affordable at $130, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro costs $220.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers double the battery life with 10 hours per charge (40 hours with case) compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's 5 hours (20 hours with case).
Yes, both work with Bluetooth-enabled TVs. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro works best with Samsung TVs, while the Liberty 4 Pro connects to any Bluetooth TV but may have slightly more latency.
Both offer excellent noise cancellation, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro performs slightly better in consistent environments like home theaters. The Liberty 4 Pro adapts more quickly to sudden noise changes.
Yes, both support spatial audio. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers Samsung's 360 Audio, while the Liberty 4 Pro has its own spatial audio implementation that works across all devices.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is slightly smaller and lighter, while the Liberty 4 Pro offers more ear tip sizes. Both are comfortable for extended viewing, but individual fit may vary.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers better multi-device support across all brands, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro works best within the Samsung ecosystem.
Both offer excellent sound quality. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a more balanced sound, while the Liberty 4 Pro provides stronger bass and more EQ customization options.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has lower latency with Samsung devices, making it better for gaming. The Liberty 4 Pro has a gaming mode but may experience slightly more delay.
Both perform well, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro has slightly better call quality in quiet environments. The Liberty 4 Pro offers good noise reduction for calls in louder settings.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers better value at $130 with comparable performance to the $220 Galaxy Buds2 Pro. For home theater use, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is worth the premium mainly if you have Samsung 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: samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
