Looking for an honest Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC comparison in 2026? We scored both earbuds on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC comes out ahead 58/100 to 81/100 — a 23-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC undercuts the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation by 92% ($46.99 vs $90), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Soundcore Liberty 4 NC clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 81 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the recommended choice.
Picking Soundcore Liberty 4 NC over Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation means trading these off.
Nada significativo — as especificações são praticamente iguais
$90
Scores are relative within the earbudscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation | Soundcore Liberty 4 NCW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear (TWS) |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 11mm | Dynamic 11mm |
| Driver Size | 11mm✓ | 10mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) | Active Noise Cancelling (-25dB) |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Transparency mode) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (Dolby Atmos) | true |
| EQ App | AirPods app | Soundcore app |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google |
| Battery Life | 5hrs | 9hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | 28hrs✓ |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Fit | In-ear | — |
| Weight | 5.3g | 5g✓ |
| Colors | White | Black, White |
| Price | 90$ | 46.99$✓ |
Buy Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if…
The Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if…
Buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC clearly outperforms the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 81 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the recommended choice.
No, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC scores higher (81 vs 58).
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is cheaper at $46.99 vs $90 for the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation.
The Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC lasts longer with 9 hours vs 5 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.