Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless  Headphones Review

Reviewed Dec 23, 2022 at 08:32am
Writing modified Sep 20, 2023 at 03:49pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5 
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless

Track

0.0
Neutral Sound 
0.0
Commute/Travel 
0.0
Sports/Fitness 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Wireless Gaming 
0.0
Wired Gaming 
0.0
Phone Calls 

Track

 2

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless are wallet-friendly in-ears. Like the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, they support multi-device pairing and LDAC, which is Sony's proprietary codec for Hi-Res audio. They also can access Anker's Spatial Audio feature, which offers speaker modeling and head tracking to help create a more immersive audio experience and have a built-in heart-rate sensor you can then monitor in the app. On the downside, our unit's L/R drivers are mismatched, skewing audio to the right.

Our Verdict

0.0
Neutral Sound 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are mediocre for neutral sound. Out of the box, they have a very bright sound profile, which is a bit piercing and painful. They have extra bass, but to balance out the rest of their sound profile, Anker also boosted their high-mid to treble range. Unfortunately, this results in harsh vocals and instruments while sibilants like cymbals are piercing. Luckily, you can finetune their sound to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. The app also offers a spatial audio feature, which allows the headphones to track your head movements for a more immersive experience.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ and presets available in companion app.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
0.0
Commute/Travel 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are decent for commute and travel. These buds are comfortable, well-built, and lightweight. They're also small enough to fit into most bags or cases without an issue. That said, even though they have an adaptive ANC system, they struggle to block out the low rumble of bus engines. Their over six-hour continuous battery life may not last through long trips, but their carrying case has an additional two charges.

Pros
  • Stable, comfortable, and well-built.
Cons
  • Struggles to block out the low rumble of bus engines.
0.0
Sports/Fitness 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are great for sports and fitness. They have a comfortable and well-built fit that's certified IPX4 for resistance against splashes of water. They also have a built-in heart-rate monitor and you can use the app to track it. Even though they don't have stability fins, once you get a good fit, they should stay in place during moderate activities like a jog in the park. Unfortunately, the buds can pop out of your ears while you're chewing or talking, which is a bit annoying.

Pros
  • Stable, comfortable, and well-built.
  • IPX4 for water resistance.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
0.0
Office 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are fair for office use. These buds have a comfortable fit suitable for long days at the office and their ANC system can tackle ambient sound like coworkers chatting around you. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can connect the buds to your phone and PC simultaneously. While they last over six hours and may need a top-up throughout the workday, their carrying case holds two extra charges if you need it.

Pros
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
  • Stable, comfortable, and well-built.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
  • Mic has mediocre recording quality.
0.0
Wireless Gaming 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are Bluetooth headphones and can't connect to PlayStation or Xbox consoles. Their latency is also likely to be too high for wireless gaming on PCs.

0.0
Wired Gaming 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are truly wireless headphones and can't be used wired.

0.0
Phone Calls 

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are alright for phone calls. They have an integrated mic that does a mediocre job of capturing your voice clearly. It does a better job of separating your voice from background noise though, so if you need to take a call from a busy street, you'll be heard clearly. These buds also have an ANC system that can help block out a fair amount of ambient noise.

Pros
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
Cons
  • Mic has mediocre recording quality.
  • 0.0
    Neutral Sound
  • 0.0
    Commute/Travel
  • 0.0
    Sports/Fitness
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Wireless Gaming
  • 0.0
    Wired Gaming
  • 0.0
    Phone Calls
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Sep 20, 2023: Added a comparison to the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless in the Noise Isolation box.
    2.  Updated May 18, 2023: Added a comparison to the Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless in the Noise Isolationbox.
    3.  Updated Dec 23, 2022: Review published.
    4.  Updated Dec 20, 2022: Early access published.

    Check Price

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 come in two color variants: 'Midnight Black' and 'Cloud White'. We tested the 'Midnight Black' variant and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussion section below and we'll update our review. 

    Popular Headphones Comparisons

    The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are wallet-friendly in-ears that are similar in design to the Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless. Like the P3, they have robust sound customization features and have ANC to help block out background noise. However, their noise isolation performance falls short compared to other similarly-priced in-ears such as the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. In addition, they have a pretty bright sound profile that's piercing. On the upside, they support LDAC, which is a proprietary codec by Sony for Hi-Res audio.

    Check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best wireless earbuds for Android.

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless

    Track

    The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are an upgraded version of the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless. The Liberty 4 NC have significantly better noise isolation performance and a longer battery, making them more suited for use at the office and during a commute. That said, you can customize either earbuds' mix in their companion app to suit your tastes. On the other hand, the Liberty 4 NC don't have as good of a mic as the Liberty 4.

    Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless

    Track

    The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are better in-ears than the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless. While both buds are well-built and comfortable, the Space A40's ANC system does a significantly better job of blocking out background noise across the full range. They also have better battery performance. However, the Liberty 4 have a virtual soundstage feature to help immerse you in your audio, and their companion app offers more overall features.

    Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless

    Track

    The Anker SoundCore Life P3 Truly Wireless and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless have different strengths and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. Although both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the P3 have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their ANC is able to block out a superior amount of background noise. However, the Liberty 4 support multi-device pairing, have a more robust companion app, and can access Anker's Spatial Audio for a more immersive audio experience.

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Truly Wireless

    Track

    The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Liberty 3 have a more neutral and balanced sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they're able to block out significantly more ambient noise. However, the Liberty 4 have a better battery and mic performance. 

    Show more 
    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!
    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!

    Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.

    You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    TypeLockedIn-ear
    EnclosureLockedClosed-Back
    WirelessLockedTruly Wireless
    TransducerLockedDynamic

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Comfort
    WeightLockedLock lbs
    Clamping Force
    LockedLock lbs

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Controls
    OS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of UseLockedLocked
    FeedbackLockedLocked
    Call/Music ControlLockedLocked
    Volume ControlLockedLocked
    Microphone ControlLockedLocked
    Channel Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Noise Cancelling ControlLockedLocked
    Talk-Through
    LockedLocked
    Additional ControlsLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Portability
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Transmitter RequiredLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Case
    TypeLockedLocked
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Stability

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Headshots 1
    Headshots 2
    Top
    In The Box

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Sound
    Sound Profile
    Bass Amount
    LockedLock dB
    Treble Amount
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Frequency Response Consistency
    Avg. Std. Deviation
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Raw Frequency Response
    0.0
    Bass Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Low-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    High-Bass
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Mid Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    High-Mid
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Treble Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    High-Treble
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Peaks/Dips
    Peaks
    LockedLock dB
    Dips
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Imaging
    Weighted Group Delay
    LockedLock
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Frequency Mismatch
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Passive Soundstage
    PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Distance
    LockedN/A
    Openness
    Locked
    0.0
    Acoustic Space Excitation
    Locked
    0.0

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Speaker Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Room Ambience
    LockedLocked
    Head Tracking
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    WHD @ 90
    LockedLock
    WHD @ 100
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Test Settings
    Firmware
    LockedLocked
    Power
    LockedLocked
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Codec
    LockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    ANC
    LockedLocked
    Tip/Pad
    LockedLocked
    Microphone
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Isolation
    0.0
    Noise Isolation
    Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Overall Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Noise CancellingLockedYes
    Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Treble
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Leakage
    Leakage Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    LockedLocked
    In-Line
    LockedLocked
    Boom
    LockedLocked
    Detachable Boom
    LockedLocked
    MicLockedYes
    0.0
    Recording Quality
    Recorded Speech
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    LFE
    LockedLock Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    LockedLock dB
    HFE
    LockedLock Hz
    Weighted THD
    LockedLock
    Gain
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Noise Handling
    SpNR
    LockedLock dB
    Noise Gate
    LockedLocked
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Active Features
    0.0
    Battery
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Continuous Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Additional Charges
    LockedLock
    Total Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Charge Time
    LockedLock hrs
    Power-Saving Feature
    LockedLocked
    Audio While Charging
    LockedLocked
    Passive Playback
    LockedLocked
    Charging PortLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    App Support
    App NameLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    WindowsLockedLocked
    Equalizer
    LockedLocked
    ANC Control
    LockedLocked
    Mic ControlLockedLocked
    Room Effects
    LockedLocked
    Playback Control
    LockedLocked
    Button MappingLockedLocked
    Surround Support
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Connectivity
    0.0
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth Version
    LockedLocked
    Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    NFC Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Line Of Sight Range
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    PC Latency (SBC)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX)
    LockedN/A
    PC Latency (aptX HD)
    LockedN/A
    PC Latency (aptX-LL)
    LockedN/A
    iOS Latency
    LockedLock ms
    Android Latency
    LockedLock ms

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Non-Bluetooth Wireless
    Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
    LockedN/A
    Non-BT Latency
    LockedN/A
    0.0
    Wired
    Analog Audio
    LockedLocked
    USB Audio
    LockedLocked
    DetachableLockedLocked
    LengthLockedN/A
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Analog/USB Audio Latency
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Base/Dock
    Type
    LockedLocked
    USB Input
    LockedLocked
    Line In
    LockedLocked
    Line Out
    LockedLocked
    Optical Input
    LockedLocked
    RCA Input
    LockedLocked
    Dock Charging
    LockedLocked
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.