Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the cheaper of the two at $79 versus $449, a difference of about $370. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is praised for anc, ldac, multipoint, and wireless charging for just $79 — insane value. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if…
- →ANC, LDAC, multipoint, AND wireless charging for just $79 — insane value
- →50-hour total battery with case is class-leading
- →98.5% noise reduction is competitive with earbuds at three times the price
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Pros
- ANC, LDAC, multipoint, AND wireless charging for just $79 — insane value
- 50-hour total battery with case is class-leading
- 98.5% noise reduction is competitive with earbuds at three times the price
- HearID hearing profile customization improves audio quality
- Lightweight at 5 g per bud — barely noticeable in-ear
Cons
- Build quality and case feel budget compared to premium brands
- Call quality is acceptable but not exceptional
- Soundcore app is functional but cluttered with upsells
- Sound quality is good but lacks the refinement of Sony or Apple
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Adaptive ANC with 98.5% noise reduction, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, HearID personalized sound profile, Wireless charging case, 6 microphones per bud for clear calls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 11 mm composite driver |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Soundcore products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.