I’ve been using both the OnePlus Buds 4 and the Soundcore Liberty 5 for a while now, and it’s fair to say they’re two of the strongest options in the mid-range wireless earbuds market.
They tick most of the right boxes—good sound, reliable connectivity, and plenty of modern features. But choosing between them isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Each pair brings something different to the table, which makes the decision less about which one is “better” and more about which one is right for you.
If you’re stuck trying to decide, this head-to-head comparison will walk you through everything that matters, from audio performance to comfort, battery life, and extra features.
Let’s dive in.
Price & Availability
The OnePlus Buds 4 were first unveiled in June 2025 and officially hit the shelves on July 8, 2025, with a retail price of $129.99.
Soundcore, on the other hand, launched the Liberty 5 a bit earlier in May 2025. Pricing is nearly identical, coming in at $129.
OnePlus Buds 4 vs Soundcore Liberty 5: Specs Comparison
| Features | OnePlus Buds 4 | Soundcore Liberty 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Dual-driver (11 mm + 6 mm) | Single 9.2 mm dynamic |
| Earbud Weight | ≈ 4.7 g | ≈ 4.6 g |
| Case Weight | ≈ 40 g | ≈ 50 g |
| ANC | Yes (~-55 dB) | Adaptive ANC 3.0 |
| Battery (buds / case) | Up to ≈ 11 h / ≈ 45 h | Up to ≈ 12 h / ≈ 48 h |
| Charging Options | USB-C | USB-C + Wireless |
| Codecs | LHDC, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Extras | Multipoint, BassWave | HearID, EQ presets, Dolby modes |
Design & Build
Both the OnePlus Buds 4 and the Soundcore Liberty 5 go with a stem-style design, but they take noticeably different approaches.
OnePlus opts for a compact, pebble-shaped case that flips open horizontally. It’s tiny, incredibly light at just 40 g, and barely noticeable in a pocket. By contrast, Soundcore’s sliding case feels a bit more playful and premium to use, though at around 48 g it isn’t quite as pocket-friendly as OnePlus’s design.
The earbuds themselves are equally lightweight, but with a slight difference in feel. The Buds 4 come in at about 4.73 g each, making them almost disappear in the ear during long listening sessions. The Liberty 5 are roughly 4.6 g per bud, so the weight is practically the same, but they do feel a touch bulkier once worn.
Color choices highlight another contrast. OnePlus keeps things simple, offering the Buds 4 in its familiar green and black finishes. Soundcore, on the other hand, leans into variety with black, white, blue, and apricot options, giving you more room for personal style.
Both sets of earbuds carry an IP55 rating, so they’ll hold up against sweat, dust, and rain, making them perfectly fine for workouts and daily commutes.
Fit is generally good on both, though Soundcore includes a wider range of ear tips to help lock in a secure seal. OnePlus feels snug and comfortable thanks to its ultra-lightweight design, but the stem gestures can sometimes shift the buds slightly if you press too firmly.
Sound Quality
The OnePlus Buds 4 go for an energetic, ready-to-go tuning. Thanks to the dual-driver setup, you get punchy bass without losing too much clarity in the mids and highs. Out of the box, they’re fun to listen to and don’t need much tweaking, which makes them easy to recommend for most listeners.
The Soundcore Liberty 5 take a different approach. Their default sound is fine, but they really come alive once you dive into the Soundcore app. With over 20 EQ presets, custom tuning, and Dolby modes, you can shape the sound exactly how you like it. The catch is, you’ll want to spend time adjusting settings to get the best results.
Noise Cancellation
On paper, the OnePlus Buds 4 cut up to -55dB of noise. In practice, they handle low rumbles—like trains or fans—well, though sharper sounds still slip through. Transparency mode is decent too, letting you hold conversations without yanking the buds out.
The Liberty 5 are a step ahead. Soundcore’s Adaptive ANC 3.0 constantly adjusts in real time, and it shows. They do an excellent job of killing office chatter, traffic noise, and even the sound of typing. You also get multiple ANC levels and transport-specific modes, which make them more versatile.
Connectivity
Both pairs connect quickly and reliably. The OnePlus Buds 4 support Google Fast Pair, multipoint connections, and higher-quality LHDC streaming if your phone supports it. Switching between devices feels smooth and dependable.
The Liberty 5 push things further with Bluetooth 5.4 and LDAC support for hi-res audio. Range is solid, and they throw in extras like wear detection, which pauses playback when you pull them out. The experience feels slightly more feature-rich than what OnePlus offers.
Controls & App
Controls are where the differences really show. The OnePlus Buds 4 use taps and swipes on the stem. The double-taps work fine, but swiping for volume can sometimes nudge the buds out of place, which can get annoying.
Soundcore goes with a squeeze system on the Liberty 5. It takes a little practice, but once you get the pressure right, it’s more reliable than OnePlus’s swipe gestures. The Liberty 5 also benefit from one of the best companion apps out there, packed with EQ settings, fit tests, Dolby sound, and HearID personal tuning.
Battery Life
The Buds 4 are steady performers. You can expect around 11 hours of playback per charge with ANC off, and about 45 hours in total with the case. They’re consistent, even if not class-leading.
The Liberty 5 promise up to 12 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case, but real-world use doesn’t quite hit those numbers—especially with ANC on, where you’re looking at closer to 5–6 hours. The upside is faster charging and wireless charging support, which can bail you out if you forget to top them up before heading out.
Which Should You Buy?
If you want a fuss-free, punchy sound in an ultra-light, pocketable package, the OnePlus Buds 4 are hard to beat.
If you want the most flexible ANC, deeper app tuning, and extra battery-management conveniences (fast top-ups, wireless charging), the Soundcore Liberty 5 will likely suit you better.
Best Deals:
- OnePlus Buds 4: View on AliExpress
- Soundcore Liberty 5: View on Amazon
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.
