Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 deliver a premium experience with refined dual-driver sound and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration, while Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer exceptional value with superior battery life and advanced features at half the price. The Galaxy Buds2's two-way speaker system (11mm woofer plus 6.5mm tweeter) produces more balanced audio with better separation compared to the Liberty 4 NC's single 11mm composite driver. Samsung's 5-hour ANC runtime matches the Liberty 4 NC, but the Soundcore stretches to 7 hours with ANC enabled and provides 50 total hours versus 20 hours. Liberty 4 NC also includes multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, LDAC hi-res audio support, and a higher IPX4 water rating versus IPX2. For call quality, the Liberty 4 NC's six-microphone array outperforms Samsung's setup. Galaxy Buds2 excel in active noise cancellation with three adjustable levels and 360 Audio immersion, plus Qi wireless charging feels more convenient. At $149 versus $79, the choice depends on priorities: choose Samsung if you prioritize sound quality and Galaxy phone integration, but the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC represent dramatically better value with multipoint support, longer battery life, and adequate ANC performance that satisfies most users. The Soundcore wins for budget-conscious buyers and frequent travelers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 if…
- →Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- →ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- →Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC 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
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Pros
- Two-way speaker system delivers surprisingly detailed audio
- ANC at $149 with three adjustable levels is great value
- Lightweight at 5 g each — among the lightest ANC earbuds
- Wireless charging case included
- Compact, low-profile design sits flush in ears
Cons
- IPX2 only — not suitable for heavy workouts or rain
- 5-hour ANC battery life is below average
- No multipoint — limited to Samsung's auto-switch within Galaxy ecosystem
- Call quality suffers in noisy environments
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 Buds2 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs ANC on (7.5 hrs off), 20 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 speaker (11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter) | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation with 3 levels, Ambient Sound mode, Two-way speakers for balanced sound, Galaxy Wearable app with EQ, 360 Audio, Qi wireless charging case | 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 | 5.2 | 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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