Sony ULT Wear vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Sony ULT Wear and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC serve different needs entirely. Sony's over-ear design delivers 30 hours of ANC playback with 40mm drivers, LDAC hi-res audio, and the distinctive ULT button offering dual bass boost levels—ideal for bassheads and marathon listening sessions. Soundcore's compact in-ears provide 7 hours per charge with 98.5% adaptive ANC, 6-mic call clarity, wireless charging, and IPX4 water resistance at a fraction of the price. Sound quality favors Sony's larger drivers and LDAC implementation, while Soundcore excels in portability and practicality. For commuters and gym-goers, Liberty 4 NC is unbeatable value. For critical listeners wanting premium features and extended wear without removal, ULT Wear justifies its premium. Choose Sony for serious audio; choose Soundcore for everyday versatility and budget-conscious buyers.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony ULT Wear | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 255 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio | 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 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in headphones, see all Sony products or all Soundcore products. View full details for the Sony ULT Wear or the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.