Nothing Ear (open) vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Nothing Ear (open) and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC target different listening preferences at distinct price points. Nothing's open-ear design prioritizes ambient awareness with directional audio and 14.2mm titanium drivers, delivering 8.5 hours of playback plus 30 hours total with case. Soundcore counters with true ANC featuring 98.5% noise reduction, achieving 7 hours with ANC enabled and impressive 50-hour total battery life. Both support LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3. Sound leakage is minimized on Nothing's design, while Soundcore excels in isolation with six microphones for call clarity. Soundcore adds wireless charging convenience, whereas Nothing emphasizes open-ear comfort and situational awareness. At $149 versus $79, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers exceptional value with active noise cancellation and longer endurance, making it ideal for commuters and travelers. Nothing Ear (open) suits users prioritizing comfort and ambient sound interaction over isolation. For most users seeking versatile daily drivers, Soundcore's feature-rich package at half the price makes it the smarter purchase.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nothing Ear (open) if…
- →Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- →LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- →8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
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
Nothing Ear (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
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 | Nothing Ear (open) | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 8.1 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer | 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 | LDAC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 | 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 Nothing products or all Soundcore products. View full details for the Nothing Ear (open) or the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.