Sony WF-C700N vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Sony's WF-C700N and Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC both deliver solid ANC in-ears at competitive prices, but they target different priorities. The Liberty 4 NC offers significantly better value with its 11mm composite driver producing richer bass than Sony's 5mm driver, plus LDAC hi-res audio support for audiophiles. Battery performance heavily favors Soundcore: 10 hours ANC off versus Sony's 7.5 hours max, and the wireless charging case provides 50 total hours versus Sony's 15. Soundcore's adaptive ANC with 98.5% noise reduction and six-microphone call clarity outpace Sony's standard ANC implementation. Sony counters with slightly lighter buds (4.6g vs 5g), faster 10-minute quick charging for emergencies, and multipoint connection (though Soundcore has this too). The Soundcore's Bluetooth 5.3 and HearID personalized profiles give it a tech edge. Build-wise, both are IPX4 rated. At $79 versus $119, the Liberty 4 NC provides substantially more features, better audio fidelity, and longer battery life, making it the clear choice for most users. Sony's primarily advantage is brand recognition and the familiar Headphones Connect app, insufficient to justify the $40 premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony WF-C700N if…
- →ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- →Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- →Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
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-C700N
Pros
- ANC at $119 is exceptional value — best noise cancellation under $150
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Multipoint connection handles phone and laptop simultaneously
- IPX4 water resistance for workouts and commuting
- 7.5-hour battery with ANC is competitive at this price
Cons
- No LDAC — limited to SBC and AAC codecs
- ANC is effective but not as strong as WF-1000XM5
- No wireless charging on the case
- Bass can sound slightly thin compared to pricier Sony models
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-C700N | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.6 g (each) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs ANC on (15 hrs total with case) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 5mm driver | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Sound mode, DSEE digital sound enhancement, Multipoint connection, Sony Headphones Connect app EQ customization | 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 | 5.2 | 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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