Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds: noise cancelling and specs

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (model A3947) is a pair of wireless earbuds that combines active noise cancelling with high-resolution wireless audio. It is built for commuting, travel and calls. Here is a plain-language look at its features.

Adaptive noise cancelling

Soundcore says the Liberty 4 NC cancels up to 98.5% of noise, using a high-sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver and a noise isolation chamber. Adaptive ANC 2.0 is described as making real-time calculations to suit your ear canals and the environment around you. Active noise cancelling typically works best on steady, low-pitched sounds such as engines and air conditioning, and less well on sudden noises. A good seal from the ear tips also helps.

Sound and LDAC

The earbuds have 11mm custom-tuned drivers. Soundcore says they support Hi-Res wireless audio through LDAC, which transfers about three times as much data as regular Bluetooth. LDAC needs a phone or player that supports it, and it is mostly found on Android devices. Otherwise the earbuds use a standard Bluetooth codec.

HearID 2.0 and the equaliser

HearID 2.0 builds a sound profile to suit your listening preferences. You can also use the fully adjustable EQ or pick from 22 presets. This is useful if you find the default tuning too bright or too bass-heavy.

Battery and charging

Soundcore quotes 10 hours of playtime from the earbuds and up to 50 hours with the charging case, and the case supports wireless charging. Playtime typically drops with noise cancelling on and at higher volumes, so treat the figures as the top of a range.

Connections and calls

Bluetooth 5.3 provides quick pairing, auto-play and pause when you wear or remove the earbuds, and multipoint connection to two devices at once. For calls there are 6 beamforming microphones and an AI algorithm designed to lift your voice and reduce background noise. The earbuds are rated IPX4, meaning they resist splashes of water, such as light rain, but not immersion.

Who it suits

They suit commuters, frequent travellers and desk workers who want noise cancelling in a pocketable case, and Android users who want to make use of LDAC.

What to check before you buy

• Fit: try the supplied ear tips to find a snug seal, since fit affects noise cancelling.
• LDAC support: check that your phone supports LDAC if that matters to you.
• Condition: this listing is for a renewed unit, so check what the seller states about its condition and what is in the box.
• Case charging: confirm you have a suitable charger or a wireless pad for the case.
• Water: IPX4 is splash resistance only.

The short version

• Wireless earbuds with Adaptive ANC 2.0, rated by Soundcore at up to 98.5% noise cancelling.
• 11mm drivers, LDAC Hi-Res audio, HearID 2.0 and 22 EQ presets.
• 10 hours of playtime per charge and up to 50 hours with the case, which charges wirelessly.
• Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, IPX4 water resistance and 6-mic AI calls.

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