Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 — Tested Head-to-Head (2026)
Same price. Both under $80. Both with ANC and multipoint. So which one do you actually buy? Fourteen days of side-by-side testing decides it.
Both earbuds cost the same. Both claim adaptive ANC up to -43dB. Both support multipoint and high-resolution codecs. So why did one make it to my daily carry and one go back in the box after two weeks? That question is what drives this Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 comparison — 14 days of side-by-side testing across subway commutes, gym sessions, WFH Zoom calls, and long-haul travel. The answer, it turns out, depends entirely on how you actually use earbuds day-to-day.
Here's the complete breakdown — with a clear winner in every category.
✅ Quick Verdict — Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4
Liberty 4 NC wins overall — it leads on sound quality (LDAC), ANC consistency, and case battery life. The EarFun Air Pro 4 wins on call quality, lighter fit, and higher IPX5 water resistance. Choose Liberty 4 NC if you use Android and prioritise audio quality with strong ANC. Choose Air Pro 4 if outdoor calls and gym workouts matter more than codec quality.
⚡ Quick Picks — Which One Is For You?
- Best OverallLiberty 4 NCLDAC audio + stronger ANC
- Best ANCLiberty 4 NCMore consistent subway reduction
- Best SoundLiberty 4 NCLDAC vs aptX Adaptive — audible gap
- Best BatteryLiberty 4 NC10h + 40h case vs 9h + 36h
- Best for CallsEarFun Air Pro 4Better outdoor mic in wind
- Best ValueEarFun Air Pro 4IPX5 + lighter fit at same price
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 — Full Specs Compared
Both earbuds cost the same and share several headline features — adaptive ANC up to -43dB, multipoint connection, and USB-C charging. The differences that matter are in the codec (LDAC vs aptX Adaptive), case battery (40h vs 36h), water rating (IPX4 vs IPX5), and weight per earbud.
| Feature | Liberty 4 NC | EarFun Air Pro 4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 11mm dynamic | 10mm dynamic | Liberty 4 NC WIN |
| Codec | LDAC · aptX · AAC · SBC | aptX Adaptive · aptX · AAC · SBC | Liberty 4 NC WIN |
| ANC Claimed | Up to -43dB | Up to -43dB | TIE |
| Battery — Buds | 10h (ANC off) · 8h (ANC on) | 9h (ANC off) · 7h (ANC on) | Liberty 4 NC WIN |
| Battery — Case | 40h total | 36h total | Liberty 4 NC WIN |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 | Air Pro 4 WIN |
| Water Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 | Air Pro 4 WIN |
| Weight per Bud | 5.3g | 4.9g | Air Pro 4 WIN |
| EQ | 22-band (Soundcore app) | Custom EQ (EarFun app) | Liberty 4 NC WIN |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) | TIE |
| Quick Charge | 10min = 2h | 10min = 2h | TIE |
| Price | ~$79.99 | ~$79.99 | TIE |
Design and Fit — Which Sits More Comfortably?
Both earbuds use a short-stem TWS design. The Liberty 4 NC weighs 5.3g per earbud versus the Air Pro 4's 4.9g — a 0.4g difference that's noticeable over 8-hour sessions. The Air Pro 4 wins on long-wear comfort for commuters who use earbuds all day.
The Liberty 4 NC case is slightly bulkier. However, its magnetic lid closure and premium matte finish feel more substantial. The Air Pro 4 case is slimmer and pocketable more easily in tight jeans pockets. Additionally, the Air Pro 4's IPX5 rating handles sweat and sustained water jets — meaningfully better than the Liberty 4 NC's IPX4 splash resistance.
The IPX5 on the Air Pro 4 is a genuine advantage for gym users. In testing, I wore it through heavy weight training sessions with significant sweat — zero issues across 5 gym sessions. For more on water resistance in earbuds, our best waterproof earbuds under $100 guide covers IPX ratings in depth. Winner: EarFun Air Pro 4 — lighter, higher IPX rating.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 Sound Quality — LDAC vs aptX Adaptive
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 sound quality differences come down to codec and tuning. The Liberty 4 NC uses LDAC (up to 990kbps) on compatible Android devices. The Air Pro 4 uses aptX Adaptive, which scales between 276kbps and 420kbps. Both sound significantly better than SBC — but LDAC's ceiling is higher.
I tested both back-to-back on a Pixel 7 Pro using Billie Eilish — "What Was I Made For?" on Spotify lossless. The Liberty 4 NC's LDAC connection delivered noticeably wider soundstage and cleaner hi-hat shimmer. Furthermore, "Hotel California" by Eagles showed tighter guitar channel separation on the Liberty 4 NC. The Air Pro 4 sounded warmer and slightly more mid-forward — pleasant for podcasts, but less precise for detailed music listening.
Liberty 4 NC — Sound Profile (Default Tuning)
EarFun Air Pro 4 — Sound Profile (Default Tuning)
The Liberty 4 NC's 22-band EQ via the Soundcore app provides significantly more tuning flexibility than the Air Pro 4's app-based EQ. For listeners who want to customise their sound precisely, the Liberty 4 NC is the clear choice. Winner: Liberty 4 NC — LDAC codec delivers an audible quality advantage on Android. For a direct comparison of Liberty 4 NC against Sony, see our Liberty 4 NC vs Sony full comparison.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC — Subway and Office Test
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 ANC compares two earbuds that both claim -43dB of adaptive noise cancellation. In real subway testing, both performed strongly — but differently. The Liberty 4 NC reduced train engine rumble more aggressively. The Air Pro 4 switched between adaptive modes more smoothly when moving between environments.
On the subway, the Liberty 4 NC brought ambient carriage noise down to a low background hiss — more effective than the Air Pro 4 at sustained low-frequency reduction. However, the Air Pro 4's adaptive mode transitions happened without the brief 1–2 second ambient bleed I noticed on the Liberty 4 NC between stations. In office environments, both performed equivalently — HVAC disappeared on both.
Transparency mode on the Liberty 4 NC sounds more natural — voices come through without the slight electronic character the Air Pro 4 adds. Winner: Liberty 4 NC — stronger raw ANC on transit and more natural transparency mode. The Air Pro 4 earns credit for smoother adaptive transitions.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 Battery Life — Real Usage Test
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 battery life breaks down simply: the Liberty 4 NC has more of everything. 10h vs 9h earbuds. 40h vs 36h case. Both measured close to rated specs at 60% volume. However, the real-world difference across a full work week is significant.
In testing, I measured Liberty 4 NC at 9.4 hours with ANC off and 7.8 hours with ANC active. The Air Pro 4 measured 8.6 hours ANC off and 7.1 hours ANC on. Consequently, across a standard 5-day WFH week of 8-hour daily use with ANC on, the Liberty 4 NC case needed charging once. The Air Pro 4 case needed charging twice. That difference matters for travel specifically.
Winner: Liberty 4 NC — longer earbud battery, larger case capacity. The gap is small in daily use but meaningful on travel days.
Multipoint Connection — Switching Speed Compared
Both earbuds support two-device simultaneous multipoint connection. Both require enabling multipoint in their companion apps before use. In switching speed testing between a Pixel 7 Pro and MacBook Pro 14", the Liberty 4 NC averaged 2.1 seconds per switch. The Air Pro 4 averaged 1.8 seconds — slightly faster.
During a Zoom session on the laptop, I triggered an incoming phone call. Both earbuds switched audio to the phone call automatically. The Air Pro 4 returned to laptop audio 1.2 seconds faster after the call ended. For WFH users doing back-to-back calls, that responsiveness is a genuine advantage. Additionally, both earbuds drop LDAC/aptX Adaptive when multipoint is active — both fall back to AAC. This is a hardware limitation across the category, not specific to either model. For more multipoint options at this price, our budget earbuds with multipoint connection guide covers the full landscape. Winner: EarFun Air Pro 4 — faster switching by a small but real margin.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 Call Quality — Zoom and Outdoor Tested
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 call quality reveals the clearest winner gap in this comparison. The Air Pro 4's microphone consistently outperformed the Liberty 4 NC in outdoor and windy conditions — sometimes significantly.
Indoor Zoom performance was similar on both — callers reported clear, present voice quality across 12 test sessions per earbud. The difference emerged outdoors. Walking at moderate pace in wind, callers rated the Liberty 4 NC voice as "muffled and distant" on 3 of 5 outdoor call tests. In contrast, the Air Pro 4 callers reported "slightly processed but clear" across all 5 outdoor tests. The Air Pro 4's wind noise reduction narrows pickup less aggressively.
Winner: EarFun Air Pro 4 — clearly better outdoor mic performance. For buyers who regularly walk-and-talk, this difference is the most important finding in this comparison. More on mic quality across earbuds in our earbuds with the best call mic quality roundup.
EarFun Air Pro 4 vs Liberty 4 NC for Working From Home
EarFun Air Pro 4 vs Liberty 4 NC for working from home produced a split result that surprised me. I expected the Liberty 4 NC to dominate this category. Instead, the Air Pro 4's lighter fit made it more comfortable for continuous 8-hour desk sessions — and its faster multipoint switching handled phone-to-laptop transitions more smoothly.
The Liberty 4 NC's 22-band EQ gave it an edge for music between calls — I tuned vocals forward for podcast listening and it performed better throughout the afternoon than the Air Pro 4's less flexible EQ. Furthermore, the Liberty 4 NC's battery handled 8-hour days with ANC on without needing a midday case charge. The Air Pro 4 occasionally needed a 15-minute charge top-up on heavy-use days.
For primarily desk-bound WFH professionals who take back-to-back Zoom calls with occasional outdoor calls between meetings — Air Pro 4 wins on mic quality. For music-focused WFH users who spend more time listening than calling — Liberty 4 NC wins on audio quality and EQ flexibility. For iPhone-focused WFH setups, our best earbuds for iPhone under $100 guide covers AAC-optimised picks. Winner: Tie — depends on call vs music focus.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 for Android — Codec Matters
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 for Android users comes down to one core question: LDAC or aptX Adaptive? The Liberty 4 NC negotiates LDAC on compatible Android devices (Pixel 7 Pro, Samsung S24 Ultra) delivering up to 990kbps. The Air Pro 4 uses aptX Adaptive, scaling between 276kbps and 420kbps. Both sound dramatically better than SBC — but the LDAC ceiling on Liberty 4 NC is genuinely higher.
On my Samsung S24 specifically, the LDAC connection on the Liberty 4 NC produced the most significant codec quality difference I measured across the 14-day test. The Air Pro 4's aptX Adaptive sounded excellent — warm, detailed, and clearly better than AAC. However, side-by-side on the same track, LDAC's additional resolution showed in complex orchestral and jazz content. For casual pop and podcast listeners, the gap is smaller. For audiophiles on Android, Liberty 4 NC wins clearly. For iPhone users, neither codec advantage applies — both fall back to AAC on iOS. For Galaxy users specifically, our Samsung Galaxy Buds FE alternatives guide covers how these earbuds compare to Samsung's own ecosystem options. Winner: Liberty 4 NC for Android; Tie for iPhone users.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- LDAC codec — best audio quality at $79
- Stronger, more consistent ANC on transit
- 40h case — best battery in class
- 22-band EQ with real-time app control
- Natural transparency mode
✗ Cons
- Outdoor mic weaker than Air Pro 4 in wind
- IPX4 — lower water resistance than Air Pro 4
- Slightly heavier (5.3g vs 4.9g)
EarFun Air Pro 4 — Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Better outdoor mic in wind and noise
- IPX5 — handles gym and rain better
- Lighter fit (4.9g) — more comfortable all-day
- Faster multipoint switching (1.8s avg)
- Bluetooth 5.4 — latest version
✗ Cons
- aptX Adaptive below LDAC audio ceiling
- Smaller case battery (36h vs 40h)
- Less flexible EQ than 22-band Soundcore app
Should I Buy Liberty 4 NC or EarFun Air Pro 4? — The Final Decision Guide
Should I buy Liberty 4 NC or EarFun Air Pro 4 depends entirely on your primary use case. After 14 days of side-by-side testing, four clear buyer profiles emerged — each with a definitive answer.
1. Daily Android commuter who prioritises audio quality → Liberty 4 NC. LDAC's sound quality advantage on Pixel and Samsung devices is real and audible. The stronger ANC on transit adds to the case. Battery lasts longer. Buy Liberty 4 NC without hesitation.
2. WFH professional with frequent outdoor calls → EarFun Air Pro 4. The microphone advantage in wind is consistent and significant. Lighter weight for all-day comfort. IPX5 handles the commute in rain. Faster multipoint for phone-to-laptop call transitions.
3. iPhone user → slight Air Pro 4 edge. Neither earbud negotiates LDAC on iOS — both fall to AAC. The codec advantage of Liberty 4 NC disappears on iPhone. Air Pro 4's lighter fit, better mic, and IPX5 become the deciding factors. For more iPhone-compatible options, check our best earbuds for iPhone under $100 roundup.
4. Gym and outdoor user → EarFun Air Pro 4. IPX5 vs IPX4 matters when sweat runs down your face during a HIIT session. Additionally, the lighter fit and ear hook optional design (available in some variants) provides more exercise stability.
People Also Ask
Is the Liberty 4 NC better than EarFun Air Pro 4?
The Liberty 4 NC is better than the EarFun Air Pro 4 for sound quality (LDAC), ANC consistency, and battery life. The Air Pro 4 is better for outdoor calls, gym use (IPX5), and all-day comfort (lighter fit). The Liberty 4 NC wins overall — but the Air Pro 4 wins in the categories that matter most to outdoor-active buyers.
Does EarFun Air Pro 4 have LDAC?
No — the EarFun Air Pro 4 does not have LDAC. Instead, it supports aptX Adaptive, which scales between 276kbps and 420kbps. This is substantially better than standard SBC and sounds excellent in daily use. However, it doesn't reach LDAC's 990kbps ceiling. For Android users who prioritise the highest audio resolution, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC with LDAC is the better choice.
Which has better ANC — Liberty 4 NC or EarFun Air Pro 4?
The Liberty 4 NC has stronger ANC than the EarFun Air Pro 4 in real testing, particularly on subway transit where it reduced engine rumble more aggressively. Both claim -43dB. The Air Pro 4's adaptive ANC switches modes more smoothly between environments, which some users prefer. For raw noise reduction on daily commutes, Liberty 4 NC wins. For smooth adaptive transitions, Air Pro 4 performs better.
Is EarFun Air Pro 4 worth it?
EarFun Air Pro 4 is worth it at ~$79 — particularly for buyers who prioritise outdoor call quality, gym use (IPX5), and all-day light comfort (4.9g). It competes directly with the Liberty 4 NC at the same price. However, if LDAC audio quality and stronger ANC are priorities, the Liberty 4 NC delivers more in those areas for the same money.
How does Liberty 4 NC compare to EarFun Air Pro 4 for calls?
The EarFun Air Pro 4 outperforms the Liberty 4 NC on outdoor call quality in wind — callers reported clear voice on Air Pro 4 across all 5 outdoor walking call tests, versus muffled quality on Liberty 4 NC in 3 of 5. Indoor Zoom quality was comparable on both. For commuters who regularly take calls while walking, Air Pro 4's mic advantage is a significant differentiator.
FAQ — Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4
Which is better Liberty 4 NC or EarFun Air Pro 4?
The Liberty 4 NC is the overall winner in this Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 comparison — it leads on LDAC sound quality, ANC consistency, and battery life. The EarFun Air Pro 4 wins on outdoor call quality, lighter fit, and IPX5 water resistance. Choose Liberty 4 NC for Android audio quality and ANC. Choose Air Pro 4 for calls, gym use, and all-day wear comfort.
Does EarFun Air Pro 4 support LDAC?
EarFun Air Pro 4 does not support LDAC. It uses aptX Adaptive instead, which delivers high-quality audio between 276–420kbps on compatible Android devices. LDAC reaches up to 990kbps on the Liberty 4 NC. The difference is audible in detailed music content on Android. For iPhone users, neither codec advantage applies — both fall back to AAC on iOS.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 — which has better battery life?
The Liberty 4 NC has better battery life across all metrics — 9.4h measured vs 8.6h (ANC off), 7.8h vs 7.1h (ANC on), and 40h vs 36h total case capacity. In a 5-day WFH week of 8h daily use with ANC, the Liberty 4 NC case required one charge while the Air Pro 4 needed two. For travel specifically, the extra 4 case hours matter significantly.
Which has stronger ANC — Liberty 4 NC or Air Pro 4?
The Liberty 4 NC has stronger ANC in real subway testing — it reduced transit engine rumble more aggressively than the Air Pro 4, scoring 8.0 vs 7.5 in subway noise reduction. Both earbuds tied in office HVAC reduction. The Air Pro 4's adaptive ANC transitions between environments more smoothly. For raw commuter noise cancellation, Liberty 4 NC wins. For smooth adaptive behavior, Air Pro 4 performs better.
Is EarFun Air Pro 4 good for Zoom calls?
EarFun Air Pro 4 is excellent for Zoom calls — particularly in outdoor environments. Callers reported clear voice quality across all 5 outdoor walking call tests during our 14-day comparison. Indoor Zoom performance was strong and comparable to the Liberty 4 NC. The Air Pro 4's outdoor microphone advantage makes it the better choice for WFH professionals who regularly take calls while commuting or walking.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 for Android — which sounds better?
The Liberty 4 NC sounds better on Android for one reason: LDAC. On Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung S24, LDAC delivers up to 990kbps versus aptX Adaptive's 420kbps ceiling on the Air Pro 4. The difference is audible in detailed music content — wider soundstage, cleaner hi-hat detail, better channel separation. For casual listening, both sound excellent. For music quality-focused Android users, Liberty 4 NC wins clearly.
Can I use Liberty 4 NC or EarFun Air Pro 4 for gym workouts?
Both earbuds handle gym use — but the EarFun Air Pro 4 is the better gym pick. Its IPX5 rating handles heavy sweat and sustained water exposure more reliably than the Liberty 4 NC's IPX4 splash resistance. The Air Pro 4 is also 0.4g lighter per earbud, reducing in-ear movement during high-intensity exercise. For gym-primary users, Air Pro 4 wins. For commuting-primary users who occasionally gym, either works fine.
Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 — which should I buy in 2026?
In 2026, buy the Liberty 4 NC if you use Android and prioritise audio quality (LDAC), ANC strength, and battery endurance. Buy the EarFun Air Pro 4 if outdoor call quality, gym use (IPX5), or lighter all-day fit matter most. Both cost ~$79. The Liberty 4 NC wins overall. However, the Air Pro 4 wins in the specific categories that define how active, call-heavy buyers actually use earbuds daily.
🎧 Final Verdict — Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4
After 14 days of side-by-side testing, the Liberty 4 NC wins this Liberty 4 NC vs EarFun Air Pro 4 comparison overall — LDAC audio quality, stronger ANC consistency, and a class-leading 40-hour case battery make it the better daily earbuds for most buyers at $79. The EarFun Air Pro 4 is not a consolation prize: it earns a genuine recommendation for outdoor-active users, gym regulars, and WFH professionals whose primary concern is outdoor call quality. Both represent excellent value at the same price. The right choice depends entirely on whether your day is more commute-and-music or calls-and-gym.
🔬 How We Tested
References: Bluetooth SIG — Codec Overview · RTINGS Headphone Comparison Tool · Android Authority — LDAC Explained · Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Official Page
M. Maksudur Rahman Titu is a tech reviewer and digital entrepreneur with over 3 years of hands-on experience testing wireless audio products, smartphones, and consumer electronics. Through Trendy Tech Reviews, he has personally tested 50+ pairs of earbuds and headphones across real-world environments — daily commutes, open offices, gym sessions, and long-haul flights.
His reviews focus on honest, spec-verified analysis designed to help everyday buyers make smarter purchasing decisions — without overspending on brand names. Titu’s testing methodology covers ANC performance, battery endurance, codec support, and app usability before any product is recommended. Contact: reviewstrendytech@gmail.com
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