Sony WF-C500 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Sony's WF-C500 prioritizes simplicity and all-day listening with 10 hours of playback per charge, making them excellent for commutes and travel without active noise cancellation. Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC flips the script by adding adaptive ANC with 98.5% noise reduction, larger 11mm composite drivers versus Sony's 5.8mm units, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for $20 less. Battery life with ANC enabled drops to 7 hours on Soundcore, but the case holds an impressive 50 total hours compared to Sony's 20 hours. Soundcore also supports LDAC hi-res audio and wireless charging on the case, while Sony relies on standard codecs and wired USB-C charging. The Liberty 4 NC's 6-microphone array per bud handles calls noticeably better. Sound signature differs meaningfully: Sony emphasizes DSEE enhancement and 360 Reality Audio for spatial effects, while Soundcore's HearID creates personalized profiles. If you need ANC and premium features at a lower price, Soundcore dominates. Choose Sony only if you specifically want longer single-charge endurance without noise cancellation and prefer Sony's audio processing ecosystem. For most buyers seeking maximum value and versatility, Liberty 4 NC edges ahead with superior noise isolation, codec support, and wireless charging convenience.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony WF-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio 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
Sony WF-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
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-C500 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5.5 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 5.8mm driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android | 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 | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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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