Sony LinkBuds S vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Sony's LinkBuds S command a premium price for their exceptional lightweight design (4.8g per bud) and cutting-edge Bluetooth LE Audio with LC3 codec support, alongside LDAC hi-res wireless and dual proprietary chips for processing. However, Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC deliver substantially better value, featuring larger 11mm drivers, longer total battery life (50 hours with case versus 20 hours), stronger ANC performance (98.5% noise reduction), and six-mic call clarity—all at just $79. While the Sony's smaller form factor and advanced codec suite appeal to portability enthusiasts, the Liberty 4 NC's superior audio drivers, longer stamina, and budget-friendly pricing make them the smarter choice for most listeners. Soundcore wins decisively on value and practical performance metrics.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony LinkBuds S if…
- →Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- →LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- →Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
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
Sony LinkBuds S
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight — barely noticeable when worn
- LDAC hi-res audio support at a sub-$200 price
- Solid ANC performance for such a small form factor
- Multipoint Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE Audio support
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control are genuinely useful
Cons
- Smaller driver means less bass depth than larger rivals
- ANC is good but not as powerful as Sony WH-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM5
- IPX4 only — not suitable for heavy sweat or rain
- Small ear tips may not seal well for all ear shapes
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 | Sony LinkBuds S | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.8 g (per bud) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds (ANC on), 14 hrs additional with case | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 5 mm dynamic driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Integrated Processor V1 + QN1e chip, Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Smallest and lightest Sony ANC earbuds, Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) | 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, LC3, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | 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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