Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Well-built wireless noise-canceling earbuds for less

I haven't auditioned the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC wireless earbuds yet, but I've certainly heard the buzz around them. These budget-minded noise-canceling 'buds offer many features found in the higher-tier headphones from more established brands. That includes adaptive noise cancellation circuitry that uses a series of built-in mics and advanced algorithms to hush loud distractions in real time.

Music plays wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, the latest iteration of the popular wireless technology. It offers a strong, reliable connection and support for the LDAC codec so you can stream higher-quality audio files with compatible devices. This helps you get the most from the large 11mm drivers, tuned to deliver well-balanced sound with clear, low-distortion mids and vocals.

Stay safe when you're out and about

When you need to be aware of your surroundings, you can turn off the active noise cancellation and activate two different levels of "transparent" modes. This uses the built-in mic to increase the volume of ambient sounds, so you can hear what's going on around you. You can further adjust the level of noise cancellation versus external sounds with the downloadable Soundcore Soundcore app, free for Apple® and Android™.

Personalize and fine-tune the sound

The app also opens up more features, including Anker's Hear ID 2.0 sound profile. This personal sound calibration checks your fit and assesses your hearing profile, then tailors the sound accordingly. You can also manually adjust the EQ in the app.

Four sets of ear tips included

Earbuds are only as good as their fit, both in terms of comfort and performance. Anker includes four sizes of silicone ear tips, including size "XS" tips for smaller ears. This helps ensure they feel good but can also improve the noise cancellation and bass response.

Solid battery life

You get about ten hours of listening and noise cancellation on a single charge. That's on the higher end of battery life for true wireless earbuds. The case banks enough power to recharge the earbuds three times.