Is the OnePlus Buds 2 Pro worth the upgrade from the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro?
Verdict
Downgrade
The OnePlus Buds 2 Pro actually scores 8.0 points below the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in battery (7.5 to 8.5). You do give up ground on sound (8.5 to 7.5) and calls (8.0 to 7.0). On paper: drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: battery life goes 10 h to 9 h and battery life (anc on) goes 7.5 h to 6 h. It is at least $65 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.57.5
- Noise cancelling8.08.0
- Battery7.58.5
- Calls8.07.0
- Value8.57.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Liberty 4 Pro | Buds 2 Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 10 h | 9 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LHDC, LC3 | |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IP55 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 7.5 h | 6 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 | |
| Wear detection | Yes | No | |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive | |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 4 h | 10 min = 2 h | |
| Call noise reduction | AI noise reduction | AI call noise reduction | |
| Driver | dynamic | 11mm + 6mm dual drivers | |
| Frequency response | 14 Hz - 40 kHz | 10 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Liberty 4 Pro to Buds 2 Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.