So, you’re in the market for some true wireless earbuds, huh? Well, you might want to check out the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the Jabra Elite 8 Active.
These two earbuds have been making waves in the market lately, offering some pretty cool features and performance.
But, which one should you get? No worries, we’ll explore the key differences between the two earbuds to help you make a decision that you won’t regret.
Price and availability
When it comes to the price tag, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the Jabra Elite 8 Active are fairly comparable, with the Soundcore earbuds being priced at $99.99 and the Jabra Elite 8 Active retailing for $199.99.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer a remarkable value proposition, packing features like ANC, Transparency Mode, and fast pairing at a budget-friendly price point. For those on a tighter budget or who don’t necessarily need the most premium features, the Soundcore earbuds are an excellent choice.
On the other hand, the Jabra Elite 8 Active, while more expensive, deliver a more comprehensive set of features, including better noise cancellation, a more secure and durable design, and superior call quality. For those willing to invest in a more premium pair of workout earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active provide excellent value for the money.
It’s worth noting that both brands are known for offering frequent discounts and sales, so you may be able to find either of these earbuds at an even more attractive price point depending on when you’re shopping.
Winner: Tie – The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer unbeatable value for the price, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active justify their higher cost with superior features and performance.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Jabra Elite 8 Active: Specs comparison
| Features | Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $199.99 |
| Design | Stem-style, plastic and silicone | In-ear, silicone-coated |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (earbuds) | IP68 (earbuds), IP54 (case) |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive, manual, and transportation modes | ANC with HearThrough mode |
| Audio Customization | 8-band EQ, sound presets, HearID personalization | EQ adjustments |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC and SBC codecs |
| Multipoint Connectivity | No | Yes, up to 10 devices |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (earbud), 50 hours (with case) | 8 hours (ANC on), 14 hours (ANC off), 32 hours (with case) |
| Fast Charging | 4 hours from 10 minutes | 4 hours from 10 minutes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Call Quality | Clear but with some echo | Clear and audible |
Design and Fit
Starting with the aesthetics, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC follows the tried-and-true AirPods template, featuring a stem-style design. This design choice helps guide the earbuds into the ear at the right angle, providing a stable and comfortable fit for most users.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active, on the other hand, opts for a more rounded, in-ear approach. This design prioritizes stability and grip, making them a better choice for active lifestyles and intense workouts.
In terms of materials, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC utilizes a combination of plastic and silicone, while the Elite 8 Active features a soft, silicone-coated exterior. This silicone coating on the Jabra earbuds not only provides a more secure and comfortable fit, but also adds to their overall durability.
The Soundcore earbuds, while still well-built, may not offer the same level of grip and stability during more strenuous activities.
When it comes to the charging cases, both follow a similar egg-shaped design, with the Soundcore case being slightly wider.
The Jabra case, however, has a higher IP54 rating, making it more resistant to water and dust compared to the IPX4 rating of the Soundcore case.
Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active – The combination of a more secure, sports-focused design and a more durable charging case gives the Jabra earbuds the edge in the design and fit category.
Features and Connectivity
Both the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the Jabra Elite 8 Active offer a host of features, but there are some notable differences.
Starting with noise cancellation, the Soundcore earbuds provide adaptive, manual, and transportation modes, allowing you to customize the ANC performance based on your environment.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active, on the other hand, offer a more straightforward ANC implementation, but one that still manages to perform well, blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise.
In terms of audio customization, the Soundcore earbuds shine with their robust Soundcore app. Here, you’ll find an 8-band equalizer, various sound presets, and even a personalized HearID feature that tailors the audio profile to your individual hearing.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active also offer some EQ controls through their companion app, but the options are not as extensive as the Soundcore’s.
When it comes to connectivity, both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, which allows for stable and reliable connections.
However, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC takes the lead by supporting the higher-quality LDAC codec, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active are limited to AAC and SBC. This means the Soundcore earbuds can potentially deliver higher-resolution audio, but the real-world impact may vary depending on your source and listening preferences.
Another feature worth mentioning is the Jabra Elite 8 Active’s multipoint connectivity, which allows you to seamlessly switch between up to 10 paired devices. This can be particularly useful for those who need to transition between a smartphone, laptop, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices throughout the day.
Winner: Tie – Both earbuds offer a comprehensive set of features, with the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC excelling in audio customization and the Jabra Elite 8 Active shining in connectivity and multi-device support.
Audio Performance
Audio quality is a crucial factor when choosing true wireless earbuds, and both the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the Jabra Elite 8 Active deliver commendable performances, albeit with some differences.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are praised for their generally well-balanced sound, with a smooth and pleasant mid-range and detailed highs. However, the low-end can be described as “massive,” to the point where it may bleed into the mid-range on certain tracks. This can be mitigated to some extent by using the custom EQ settings in the Soundcore app.
In contrast, the Jabra Elite 8 Active offer a more powerful, bass-heavy sound profile that is well-suited for energetic workouts and electronic music. While the mids and highs may not be as refined as the Soundcore, the overall sound signature is still engaging and enjoyable. The lack of support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX may be a downside for audiophiles, but the majority of listeners will still appreciate the sound quality.
When it comes to call quality, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC face a slight challenge, with a noticeable amount of echo on the user’s voice during calls. The Jabra Elite 8 Active, on the other hand, handle calls better, with clear and audible voice reproduction.
Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active – Both earbuds deliver impressive audio performance, catering to different listener preferences. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offer a more balanced sound, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active excel in the bass-heavy department, making them better suited for active lifestyles.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration, especially for those who rely on their earbuds for extended use or frequent travel.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC boast an impressive 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 40 hours of juice, for a total of 50 hours of playtime. The Jabra Elite 8 Active, on the other hand, offer 8 hours of battery life with ANC on, or 14 hours with ANC off, with the charging case providing a total of 32 hours of usage.
While the Soundcore earbuds have a slight edge in overall battery life, the Jabra Elite 8 Active make up for it with their fast-charging capabilities. Just 10 minutes of charge time can provide an additional 4 hours of usage, making them a suitable choice for those who need to top up their earbuds quickly before a workout or a commute.
Both earbuds support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without the need for a wired connection.
Winner: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC – The longer overall battery life, combined with the fast-charging capabilities, gives the Soundcore earbuds a slight advantage in this category.
Durability and Water Resistance
For active individuals or those who regularly expose their earbuds to the elements, durability and water resistance are essential considerations.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they are splash-resistant and can withstand light rain or sweat. The charging case, however, does not have any water resistance rating, so it will need to be kept away from water.
In contrast, the Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds boast an impressive IP68 rating, which means they are both dust-resistant and waterproof, able to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The charging case, while not as durable as the earbuds, still maintains an IP54 rating, making it more resistant to water and dust than the Soundcore case.
This level of water and dust resistance makes the Jabra Elite 8 Active the clear winner in this category, making them a better choice for those who lead an active lifestyle or need to use their earbuds in more challenging environments.
Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active – The IP68 rating for the earbuds and the IP54 rating for the charging case make the Jabra earbuds the more durable and water-resistant option.
Conclusion: The Best Choice for You
So, if you’re on a tighter budget but still want a reliable pair of earbuds with decent noise cancellation and audio quality, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is an excellent choice. They offer a well-rounded feature set and performance that punches above their price tag.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest a bit more and prioritize a secure, durable, and sports-focused design, as well as top-notch noise cancellation and connectivity, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is the clear winner. Their IP68 rating, comfortable fit, and powerful sound make them a great companion for active lifestyles.
Also see: Beats Studio Buds Plus vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
