Samsung Galaxy Buds+ vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds+ deliver premium sound through dual-driver design and AKG tuning, offering 11 hours of playback per charge versus Soundcore's 7 hours with ANC enabled. The Buds+ lack active noise cancellation entirely, which is a significant omission at this price point. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC counters with proper ANC technology delivering 98.5% noise reduction, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, LDAC hi-res audio support, and superior water resistance at IPX4 versus IPX2. Battery longevity with case heavily favors Soundcore at 50 hours total compared to 22 hours. At $149, the Buds+ justify premium pricing through audio quality and battery endurance for open-ear listening scenarios. However, Soundcore's $79 price tag makes its feature set exceptional value. For commuters and travelers needing noise cancellation, multipoint switching between devices, and longer case battery, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the clear winner. For Samsung ecosystem users prioritizing sound quality without needing ANC, the Buds+ remain solid, though overpriced relative to Soundcore's capabilities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ if…
- →11-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for true wireless
- →Two-way speaker system produces rich, detailed audio
- →Three microphones per earbud deliver excellent call quality
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
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Pros
- 11-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for true wireless
- Two-way speaker system produces rich, detailed audio
- Three microphones per earbud deliver excellent call quality
- Wireless charging case at no extra premium
- Compact and comfortable for extended listening sessions
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- IPX2 rating barely covers light splashes
- Ambient Sound mode has noticeable white noise
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive and accidentally triggered
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 | Samsung Galaxy Buds+ | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.3 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 11 hrs (22 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 | Two-way driver (11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter) | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Two-way dynamic speakers by AKG, Ambient Sound mode, 3 microphones per bud, Qi wireless charging, Galaxy Wearable app with EQ and touchpad settings | 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, Samsung Scalable Codec | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX2 | 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.
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