True wireless earbuds have become a must-have accessory for anyone seeking a high-quality audio experience on the go. Two prominent players in the true wireless earbuds market are Anker with its Soundcore Liberty 4 and Sony with the WF-1000XM4. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll analyze the key aspects of these earbuds, including design, sound quality, features, battery life, and more, to help you decide which one is the better choice for your needs.
Design and Build
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 boasts a sleek and minimalist design. These earbuds are compact, lightweight, and comfortable for extended wear. They feature touch-sensitive controls for easy playback, call management, and activating voice assistants. The charging case is compact, pocket-friendly, and supports USB-C charging. While it doesn’t have the premium feel of some high-end options, the Liberty 4’s design is functional and unobtrusive.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s WF-1000XM4, on the other hand, exudes a premium and sophisticated design. These earbuds feature a glossy exterior and a comfortable fit that comes with a range of ear tip options. They incorporate touch controls for playback and call management. The charging case is also compact and supports USB-C charging. Sony’s attention to detail is evident in the WF-1000XM4’s design, which combines aesthetics and comfort seamlessly.
Sound Quality
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 offers impressive sound quality with its 11mm PureNote driver. It delivers clear and dynamic sound with deep bass, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. These earbuds feature BassUp technology for enhanced low-frequency response. While the sound quality is excellent, it may not be on par with premium options like the Sony WF-1000XM4.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s WF-1000XM4 is renowned for its exceptional sound quality. These earbuds are equipped with industry-leading noise-canceling technology and a high-resolution audio processor, which results in clear and detailed sound with a wide soundstage. The WF-1000XM4 is ideal for audiophiles who demand the best in sound quality and noise cancellation. It outperforms most competitors in this category.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Liberty 4 offers hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces external noise for a more immersive audio experience. While not at the same level as the Sony WF-1000XM4’s ANC, it is still quite effective in blocking out ambient sounds.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s WF-1000XM4 sets the standard for ANC in true wireless earbuds. Its noise-canceling technology is top-notch, making it one of the best options for blocking out external noise. The WF-1000XM4 excels in providing a quiet and undisturbed listening experience, even in noisy environments.
Battery Life
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Liberty 4 offers impressive battery life, providing up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC enabled and up to 8 hours without ANC. The charging case extends the total playtime to approximately 24 hours with ANC on and 26 hours without ANC.
Sony WF-1000XM4: Sony’s WF-1000XM4 offers competitive battery life, delivering up to 8 hours of playback with ANC and up to 12 hours without ANC on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional three full charges, resulting in a total battery life of up to 24 hours with ANC and 36 hours without ANC.
Connectivity and Features
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Liberty 4 features Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable connection and supports aptX for high-quality audio streaming. It has touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistants. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Sony WF-1000XM4, it offers a reliable and straightforward user experience.
Sony WF-1000XM4: The WF-1000XM4 offers industry-leading features, including LDAC for high-resolution audio, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, and custom sound profiles through the Sony Headphones Connect app. These earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and provide a seamless and customizable user experience.
Price
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4: The Liberty 4 is known for its competitive pricing, offering a great balance between cost and features. It’s an excellent choice for users seeking high-quality sound and noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
Sony WF-1000XM4: The WF-1000XM4 is positioned in a premium price range, reflecting its advanced features, exceptional sound quality, and top-tier noise cancellation. It’s a significant investment for those who prioritize the best audio experience.
Conclusion
Both the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 and Sony WF-1000XM4 have their own set of strengths, making them suitable for different audiences.
Choose the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 if:
- You’re on a budget but still want good sound quality and reliable ANC.
- You prefer a minimalist design and straightforward functionality.
- You need a balance between cost and features.
Choose the Sony WF-1000XM4 if:
- You’re an audiophile who demands the highest sound quality and top-tier noise cancellation.
- You appreciate advanced features, customization options, and a premium design.
- You’re willing to invest in a premium audio experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific priorities and budget. Both options deliver impressive performance in their respective categories, ensuring a satisfying true wireless earbud experience.