Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Sony's WF-1000XM4 and Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC occupy different price tiers, yet both deliver genuine quality. Sony charges $279 for premium audio refinement, including their Integrated Processor V1, LDAC support, and proven ANC excellence across diverse environments. Battery life reaches 8 hours with ANC enabled, or 12 hours without, plus 24 hours total with the case. Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC costs just $79, making it exceptional value. The 11mm composite driver outperforms Sony's 6mm driver on paper, and the 50-hour total battery life doubles Sony's capacity. Adaptive ANC achieves 98.5% noise reduction, though Sony's processing typically handles complex audio scenarios with more finesse. Both support LDAC hi-res audio, multipoint Bluetooth, and IPX4 water resistance. Call quality favors Soundcore with six microphones per bud versus Sony's single setup. Sony edges ahead in sound character, app ecosystem, and consistent real-world ANC performance, justifying the premium for audiophiles. However, Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC represents remarkable value for budget-conscious buyers willing to sacrifice some sonic polish. For most users prioritizing battery life and affordability, Soundcore wins decisively. Premium audio enthusiasts should choose Sony.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM4 if…
- →Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- →LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- →8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless 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
Sony WF-1000XM4
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- 8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
- Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you start talking
- Foam ear tips provide excellent passive noise isolation
Cons
- Foam ear tips degrade over time and need replacement
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance — not suitable for heavy sweat
- At 7.3 g per earbud they are slightly heavier than competitors
- Charging case is bulky compared to AirPods Pro
- Touch controls can be oversensitive on the small surface area
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 WF-1000XM4 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 7.3 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 6mm dynamic driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Integrated Processor V1 for ANC and audio, LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app | 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 | AAC, SBC, LDAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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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