Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Sony's WH-1000XM4 delivers exceptional over-ear comfort with industry-leading ANC, LDAC hi-res audio via multiple codec support, and an impressive 30-hour battery life—justifying its premium $349 price tag for serious audiophiles. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches well above its weight at $79, offering true wireless convenience, solid adaptive ANC with 98.5% noise reduction, LDAC support, and remarkable 50-hour total battery with case plus IPX4 water resistance. The Sony excels in ANC sophistication, sound quality depth, and wired/wireless flexibility, while the Soundcore provides superior portability, wireless charging, and exceptional value for everyday listeners. Choice depends on priorities: invest in Sony for premium noise cancellation and audio fidelity in stationary use; choose Soundcore for versatility, durability, and budget-conscious active lifestyles.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 254 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hrs (ANC on) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs playback | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 30 mm | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Industry-leading ANC with Dual Noise Sensor technology, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wearing detection | 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, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM4
Pros
- Class-leading active noise cancellation that blocks almost all ambient sound
- LDAC support delivers hi-res wireless audio quality
- Exceptional 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Comfortable over-ear fit with plush earcups for long sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the same price
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- No IP rating — avoid using in rain or at the gym
- Microphone quality is average for calls
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 WH-1000XM4 or the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.