Skip to content
HearWiki

Apple AirPods 3 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro - Great overall at around $150.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods 3
Sound7.5
Battery7.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value8.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods 3 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
SpecApple AirPods 3Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$84$150
HearWiki score76 / 100 · Great84 / 100 · Great
Released20212024
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic
Driver size-10.5 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response0Hz-0kHz14Hz-40kHz
Impedance-15.3 Ω
Wireless
Bluetooth5.05.3
Bluetooth version5.05.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life6 h10 h
Battery life (ANC on)-7.5 h
Battery incl. case30 h40 h
Quick charge-5 min = 4 h
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC typenonehybrid
Transparency modeNoYes
Companion appNoYes
Custom EQYesYes
Wear detectionYesYes
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSirisupports voice assistant via app
Design
Weight4.28 g5.5 g
Case weight37.91 g51 g
Water resistanceIPX4IPX5
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CNoYes
Calls
Microphones36
Call noise reduction-AI noise reduction

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods 3

The Apple AirPods 3 are a notable step up from earlier models, offering richer sound, longer playback, and a more secure fit, all wrapped in a familiar design. They excel at calls and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, but their open fit and lack of noise cancellation mean they won't suit everyone, especially those seeking isolation or heavy bass. For Apple users upgrading from older AirPods, they're a solid choice, though competitors offer more features at similar prices.

  • Pro:Improved sound clarity and detail
  • Pro:Excellent call quality with multiple mics
  • Pro:Comfortable, secure fit for many
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Open fit lets in ambient sound
  • Con:Limited to Apple devices for full features

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro

The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro pack a hefty feature set into a budget-friendly wireless earbud package, including adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging. They deliver solid sound with crisp treble and effective call quality, though the charging case can feel gimmicky and prone to fingerprints, and spatial audio falls short. Overall, they're a well-rounded value pick rather than a flagship-level performer.

  • Pro:Strong active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Wide codec support including LDAC
  • Pro:Multipoint and wireless charging included
  • Con:Charging case feels gimmicky and smudges easily
  • Con:Spatial audio performance is weak
  • Con:Battery life is average for the price

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.