JBL Reflect Aero vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
JBL Reflect Aero commands a significant price premium ($149 vs $79) but delivers superior durability with IP68 waterproofing, making them ideal for intense workouts and water sports where the Liberty 4 NC's IPX4 rating falls short. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC compensates with larger 11mm drivers, LDAC hi-res audio support, and exceptional battery longevity (50 hours total vs 21 hours), plus six-mic call clarity that outperforms JBL's offering. Both share 7-hour ANC battery life and multipoint connectivity. Sound purists and wireless charging users may prefer Liberty 4 NC's technical specifications and value proposition, while athletes prioritizing waterproofing should choose Reflect Aero. For most listeners seeking balanced performance without water-intensive activities, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers substantially better value at half the price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Reflect Aero if…
- →IP68 rating is the most waterproof of any ANC earbuds
- →Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment automatically
- →Wireless charging case at $149 is value-packed
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
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
JBL Reflect Aero
Pros
- IP68 rating is the most waterproof of any ANC earbuds
- Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment automatically
- Wireless charging case at $149 is value-packed
- Secure fit with oval tube tips stays in place during workouts
- Multipoint for seamless device switching
Cons
- Sound quality is good but not audiophile-grade
- 7-hour ANC battery is average — not class-leading
- Slightly bulky fit may protrude from smaller ears
- Touch controls have limited customization
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 | JBL Reflect Aero | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.4 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs ANC on (21 hrs total with case) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C or Qi wireless | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 6.8mm dynamic driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Ambient Aware and TalkThru, JBL Headphones app with customizable EQ, Oval tube ear tips for secure fit, Qi wireless charging case, IP68 — most waterproof earbuds available | 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 | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
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 JBL products or all Soundcore products. View full details for the JBL Reflect Aero or the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.