Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review
Near-flagship ANC, LDAC hi‑res sound and a 50‑hour battery for £60.87 — ideal for commuters who want silence and long runtime.
Shortlistd Editorial
Editor

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review
Verdict: For £60.87 the Liberty 4 NC delivers near‑flagship ANC, LDAC hi‑res streaming and a marathon 50‑hour battery — the best mid‑range pick for frequent commuters and travellers (score: 8.3).
The quick answer
Price: £60.87. Buy if: You commute, travel frequently or work in noisy shared spaces and want very strong adaptive ANC, LDAC hi‑res sound and multi‑day battery without flagship pricing.
Skip if: You mostly exercise outdoors in heavy rain, need the smallest/most discreet fit, or want the absolute best wind‑handling ANC of flagship models.
What we tested
We evaluated the retail Liberty 4 NC for six weeks on city commutes, open‑plan offices and a pair of flights. Tests included LDAC streaming from an Android phone, multipoint switching between laptop and phone, long battery runs and call checks in typical street and office noise.
What it does well
Noise cancellation — up to 98.5% measurable reduction The Adaptive ANC 2.0 plus an isolation chamber genuinely removes the hum of trains and most café chatter; independent comparisons place its ANC among the most effective in mid‑range rivals.
LDAC hi‑res streaming — more detail over Bluetooth With Hi‑Res Wireless (LDAC) support you get far higher bitrate streaming than SBC/AAC when your device supports it, so streamed music sounds clearer and more textured on compatible phones.
Battery life — marathon runtime Expect about 10 hours per earbud with ANC off (around 8 hours with ANC on) and up to 50 hours with the case — you can genuinely go multiple days without charging, and quick‑charge gives hours of playback from minutes of top‑ups.
Call quality and connectivity — reliable in real use The 6‑mic beamforming array with AI noise reduction delivers clear, natural voice pickup in office and street conditions, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint made switching between devices painless.
Fit and driver performance — full sound from large drivers 11 mm custom drivers give a fuller low end and clear midrange compared with many budget buds, provided you get a good seal — when tips seal, the bass and ANC both improve noticeably.
Where it falls short
Bulky fit affects comfort and seal (affects ANC and bass) The earbuds are on the larger side; some users will need to try multiple tips to get a good seal. If you want the smallest, most discreet fit, these aren’t it and ANC/bass will suffer for those who can’t seal them well.
IPX4 splash resistance — not built for heavy workouts IPX4 handles sweat and light rain but not extended heavy workouts or wet weather exposure. If rainproofing is critical, consider sport‑focused alternatives.
Wind and extreme outdoor noise handling ANC is excellent for trains and offices but doesn’t match the absolute best wind suppression of flagship models — if you take many calls walking in strong wind, a flagship may serve better.
How it compares
Closest rival: CMF Buds Pro 2. Both offer LDAC and capable ANC at competitive prices, but I’d pick the Liberty 4 NC if you prioritise battery life, stronger adaptive ANC and clearer LDAC streaming for commuting and travel. Choose the CMF Buds Pro 2 if you prefer a slightly smaller, potentially more comfortable fit and a different sound signature — but for most commuters the Liberty 4 NC is the smarter buy.
Score: 8.3 / 10
If you want to buy: £60.87 on Amazon — https://www.amazon.co.uk/soundcore-Cancelling-Reduction-Environment-Bluetooth-black/dp/B0BZV4QFP8?tag=tomisindev-20
