Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
98% noise reduction, LDAC, 10hr + 28hr, multipoint. Budget ANC earbuds that over-deliver.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
Industry-leading ANC, LDAC, 8hr battery, multipoint, adaptive sound. The noise-cancelling benchmark.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds | Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.3★ (14,200) | 4.5★ (6,800) |
| Verdict | Great | Excellent |
| ANC | 6-mic (98% claimed) | Industry-leading |
| Codec | LDAC (990kbps) | LDAC (Android) |
| Battery | 10hr + 28hr case | 8hr + 24hr case |
| Multipoint | 2 devices | 2 devices |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 8.8/10. Industry-leading ANC, LDAC, 8hr battery, multipoint, adaptive sound. The noise-cancelling benchmark. That said, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds is worth considering if 98% noise reduction, LDAC, 10hr + 28hr, multipoint. Budget ANC earbuds that over-deliver..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds
- 98% claimed noise reduction using 6-mic ANC — competitive with earbuds 3x the price
- LDAC codec support enables hi-res 990kbps wireless audio — rare at this price
- 10 hours per charge + 28-hour case covers most users' full week
- Multipoint connection handles two devices simultaneously
- Under £50 — most affordable earbuds with LDAC and strong ANC
- 98% reduction is marketing language — real-world performance trails Bose QC Earbuds 2
- Comfort fit less refined than Sony or Bose premium alternatives
- App is functional but less polished than Sony Headphones Connect
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
- Industry-leading active noise cancellation — quieter than AirPods Pro 2 in independent testing
- LDAC codec support delivers near-lossless audio quality for Android devices
- 8-hour battery per charge with 24 hours total via case
- Adaptive Sound Control adjusts ANC based on location and activity automatically
- Multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously — laptop and phone without re-pairing
- Premium pricing competes with AirPods Pro 2 for Apple users
- Smaller fit may not suit all ear shapes despite multiple tip sizes
- LDAC benefit only realised on Android — iPhone users get AAC
FAQ
Which is better, Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or Sony WF-1000XM5?
Both are strong choices, but the Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds edges ahead with a 9.4/10 vs 8.8/10. Industry-leading ANC, LDAC, 8hr battery, multipoint, adaptive sound. The noise-cancelling benchmark. That said, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Earbuds is worth considering if 98% noise reduction, LDAC, 10hr + 28hr, multipoint. Budget ANC earbuds that over-deliver..
Is the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC worth the extra cost?
The Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.
Also Worth Considering
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
H2 chip, adaptive ANC, USB-C, hearing aid feature, spatial audio, 6hr battery. The Apple earbud.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Best-in-class ANC, Immersive Audio spatial, 24hr battery, plush comfort, over-ear. The comfort ANC king.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
JBL Tune Flex Wireless Earbuds
ANC, open/closed fit options, 32hr battery, JBL Pure Bass, IPX4. Best-value ANC earbuds.
Check Price ↗ Full Review