Soundcore has three amazing earbuds that cost under $100 – the Liberty 4 NC, P40i, and P30i
In this article, we’ll compare all these models to guide you in choosing the right one for your needs.
Take a look a the specs difference between Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs P40i vs P30i:
| Feature | Liberty 4 NC | P40i | R5i NC (P30i) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 (sales ~$70) | $60 | $20-$50 (market dependent) |
| ANC Technology | True Adaptive ANC | Ambient noise level-based ANC | Basic ANC |
| Sound Profile | Warm, balanced | V-shaped, punchy bass | Warm, bass-heavy |
| LDAC Support | Yes | No | No |
| Multi-point Connection | Yes (either LDAC or multi-point) | Yes | Yes |
| Wear Detection | Yes | No | No |
| Gaming Mode | Yes (maintains EQ) | Yes (changes EQ) | No |
| Microphone Quality | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Case Features | Standard | Internal phone stand | External phone stand |
| EQ Customization | Extensive, persistent across modes | Good | Limited impact |
| Volume Level | Standard | One click louder than Liberty 4 NC | Standard |
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: The Premium Choice
Unmatched Noise Cancellation
The Liberty 4 NC stands out with its true adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This advanced feature samples the surrounding noise for a few seconds and adjusts the anti-noise frequency accordingly.
The result is superior mid-range frequency noise blocking, effectively reducing people’s chatter, background music, and irregular noises.
Feature-Rich Experience
Priced at around $100 (with occasional sales dropping it to $70), the Liberty 4 NC offers:
- Wear detection
- LDAC or multi-point connection (choose one)
- Gaming mode
- Customizable EQ that maintains settings in different modes
Superior Sound and Microphone Quality
The Liberty 4 NC boasts a warmer sound profile with less prominent trebles, making it ideal for pop and EDM genres. Its microphone quality outperforms not only other Soundcore models but also most earbuds under $100.
Soundcore P40i: The Mid-Range Contender
Innovative Design
Released in early 2024, the P40i introduces a built-in phone stand in its case, although it requires removing the earbuds to use.
Feature Set and ANC
Priced at $60, the P40i offers:
- ANC that adjusts based on ambient noise levels
- Multi-point connection
- Customizable app features
The ANC, while not as sophisticated as the Liberty 4 NC, still performs admirably in most environments.
Sound Profile
The P40i delivers a more V-shaped tuning with prominent bass and clearer, more focused vocals. It’s slightly louder than the Liberty 4 NC and works well with mainstream pop songs.
Soundcore P30i: The Budget Option
Affordable Quality
The R5i NC, priced as low as $20 in some markets (though typically around $50), offers impressive build quality for its price point.
Design and Features
- External phone holder on the case
- Multi-point connection
- App customization for controls
Performance Trade-offs
The R5i NC makes some compromises:
- Slightly inferior ANC compared to the P40i
- Lower microphone quality
- No gaming mode
- Limited EQ customization impact
Sound Profile
It leans towards a warm and bass-heavy sound, though not as detailed as its pricier counterparts.
Comparative Analysis
Active Noise Cancellation
- Liberty 4 NC: Best-in-class, adaptive ANC
- P40i: Good ANC, less effective in mid-range
- P30i: Decent ANC, but noticeably inferior to the other two
Sound Quality
- Liberty 4 NC: Warm, balanced, great for pop and EDM
- P40i: V-shaped, punchy bass, clear vocals
- P30i: Warm and bass-heavy, less detailed
Features
- Liberty 4 NC: Most feature-rich (LDAC, wear detection, gaming mode)
- P40i: Solid feature set, lacks LDAC
- P30i: Basic features, no gaming mode
Microphone Quality
- Liberty 4 NC: Superior for calls and meetings
- P40i: Good quality, slight step down from Liberty 4 NC
- P30i: Adequate for quiet environments, struggles in noisy settings
Price Point
- Liberty 4 NC: Premium ($100, occasional sales at $70)
- P40i: Mid-range ($60)
- P30i: Budget ($20-$50, varies by market)
Where to Buy? (Best Deals)
| Liberty 4 NC | P40i | P30i |
|---|---|---|
| View on Soundcore | View on Soundcore | View on Soundcore |
| View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs P40i vs P30i: Which One Should You Choose?
- For the audiophile on a budget: The Liberty 4 NC offers the best overall package with superior ANC, sound quality, and features. It’s worth the investment if you prioritize audio performance.
- For the value seeker: The P40i strikes a great balance between price and performance. It’s an excellent choice if you want good sound, decent ANC, and useful features without breaking the bank.
- For the budget-conscious: The P30i is a steal at its lower price points (around $20-$30). However, at $50, it becomes harder to recommend over the P40i unless you’re strictly looking for the most affordable option.
In the end, your choice will depend on your budget, priorities (sound quality, ANC, features), and how you plan to use the earbuds. Each model offers something unique, ensuring that Soundcore has an option for every type of user in the wireless earbud market.
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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.
