Soundcore Liberty A3954ZF1

The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro delivers ANC that matches earbuds costing twice as much, plus long battery life and a fast-charging case. Sound is fun and lively, but the fit isn't for everyone and call quality degrades after extended use. If you want top-tier noise cancellation on a budget and can live with a so-so long-term call experience, these are a smart buy.

If you're hunting for noise-canceling earbuds that don't cost $300, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro should be on your radar. They're the latest from Anker's audio brand, packing a 10.5mm driver, a titanium-coated tweeter, and adaptive ANC that rivals flagship models. At $106 to $200 depending on sales, they're a serious value play for travelers, commuters, and anyone who wants to shut out the world without emptying their wallet. The barometric pressure sensor and six-mic array promise better noise handling on planes and trains, and the touch bar on the case is a neat way to tweak ANC levels without pulling out your phone. People searching for "best true wireless earbuds under $150" will find these showing up a lot, and for good reason.

We ran them through our database of hundreds of earbuds. The Liberty 4 Pro lands in the 97th percentile for active noise cancellation, putting it shoulder to shoulder with Sony and Bose flagships. Mic quality is also top-tier, scoring in the 97th percentile. You get 10 hours of playtime per earbud and a total of 40 hours with the case, plus a fast charge that gives you four hours from five minutes. The IPX4 rating means they'll handle sweat and a bit of drizzle, so they're fine for workouts, but don't submerge them.

But there's a catch. While user reviews are overwhelmingly positive about sound and comfort, our own comfort ranking tells a different story. These sit at the 28th percentile—meaning a lot of people find the fit less than ideal for long sessions. That clash between lab scores and owner feedback is worth digging into. Still, for the price, the Liberty 4 Pro is a compelling option that forces you to ask: do you really need to spend twice as much?

Noise cancellation is where these earbuds flex hardest. They use seven sensors total—six for sound and one barometric pressure sensor—to adapt every 0.3 seconds. In our testing, that translated to a 97th percentile ANC score, meaning they're among the absolute best right now. Jet engines, chattery coffee shops, and subway rumble all get clamped down hard. Transparency mode is equally responsive, so you can let the world in when you need to. It's not hyperbole: the Liberty 4 Pro goes toe-to-toe with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WF-1000XM5 in sheer noise-blocking.

Sound quality is solid, if not spectacular. The 76th percentile score puts it above average but not in the audiophile stratosphere. The 10.5mm dynamic driver and titanium tweeter deliver crisp highs and punchy bass that casual listeners will love. You'll hear details in tracks that cheaper buds gloss over, but side by side with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, the Soundcore lacks a touch of refinement in the midrange. Call quality, per our mic testing, is excellent out of the gate—clear and noise-free thanks to six microphones and a wind reduction algorithm. The problem: owners report that after three or four hours of continuous use, the mic performance degrades noticeably, which is a shame for marathon meeting takers.

At $106 to $200, the Liberty 4 Pro operates in a sweet spot where you're getting elite ANC without the flagship tax. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra routinely sit near $300, yet the Soundcore matches or nearly matches their noise-blocking chops. For travelers on a budget, that's a no-brainer. The charging case with fast top-ups and the included app with EQ customization add even more bang for your buck. If you prize silence above all else and don't need the absolute best soundstage, these are the value kings right now. The only wildcard is comfort: if they don't fit your ears, no amount of ANC will matter. So try them on if you can, or buy from a retailer with an easy return policy.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Liberty 4 Pro holds its own on ANC but loses out on overall sound refinement and comfort. Sony's foam tips and smaller profile are far more wearable for hours, and the XM5's audio is leagues ahead in detail. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra also beats the Soundcore in comfort and call longevity, though you'll pay almost double. The Technics EAH-AZ100-K is another strong alternative with slightly better sound and a more secure fit, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 will appeal to audiophiles who demand pristine mids and highs. Among this crowd, the Soundcore is the scrappy underdog that wins on price and ANC performance but asks you to compromise on in-ear feel and long-call reliability. If your priority is blocking out noise cheaply, it's a standout; if music fidelity or all-day comfort matters more, step up to the Sonys or Sennheisers.

Skip the Liberty 4 Pro if you have small or sensitive ears. Our comfort score lands in the bottom third of all earbuds, and while plenty of buyers find them fine, the shape won't work for everyone. Audiophiles chasing the last word in detail and soundstage should look at the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or the Technics EAH-AZ100-K. And if you rely on earbuds for hours-long conference calls every day, the mic degradation after extended use will frustrate you—grab the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Jabra Elite 10 instead for better consistency.

Should you buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro? If you want flagship-level noise cancellation without spending over $200, absolutely. They're near the top of our ANC charts, the battery lasts all day, and the sound is punchy and enjoyable for most genres. Commuters, frequent flyers, and office drones will appreciate the adaptive noise tuning and quick charging. But if you take marathon calls or have ears that protest at bulky earbuds, think twice. The drop in mic quality over time and the below-average comfort score are real, not nitpicks. For pure music lovers, the Sennheiser Momentum TW4 or Sony XM5 will treat your ears better. Yet as a total package for the price, the Liberty 4 Pro is hard to beat—just know what you're signing up for.