Can Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro work as hearing aids?
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are the flagship earbuds of Soundcore’s Liberty 4 range. Their release date was October 3, 2024, with a launch price of $129.99 in the US (£129 in the UK and €149 in Europe), in glossy black, glossy light blue and white.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro earbuds use a dual-driver design that delivers powerful bass, warm mids and clear vocals, with LDAC support for Hi-Res audio on compatible Android devices. Adaptive ANC 3.0, powered by seven sensors including a barometric pressure sensor, makes noise cancellation one of their strongest features. The charging case stands out with a built-in display and touch bar for adjusting ANC and checking battery levels, and it supports wireless charging. Battery life reaches up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, and the earbuds are IPX5 water resistant.
In our Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro review roundup, independent testers were largely positive: SoundGuys rated them 8.2/10, praising their sound, ANC and app customization. The main drawbacks are underwhelming spatial audio, a bass-heavy default tuning and shorter battery life with ANC on. HearID personalization improves music and calls, but it does not make these earbuds a hearing aid.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: hearing loss features and review
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro earbuds include several features that can help people with hearing difficulties: a personalized hearing test, a customizable equalizer, and a maximum volume limiter. In its independent review, Scarbir singled them out for their thorough hearing assessment and wide range of sound personalization options.
Through the Soundcore app, users can take a hearing test that lasts about 10 minutes. It checks each ear separately across a range of frequencies and then builds a personalized EQ profile that boosts the frequencies the user has trouble hearing during audio playback.
The earbuds also offer 20 equalizer presets, sound preference adjustments, and a maximum volume limiter that helps reduce exposure to excessively loud audio.
Beyond hearing features, the Liberty 4 Pro deliver strong active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, clear phone calls, and up to eight hours of battery life per charge. Their Easy Chat feature automatically lowers the music when the wearer starts speaking, which makes quick conversations far more convenient.
The reviewer particularly praises the powerful bass, clear vocals, comfortable fit, and intuitive controls on the charging case.
That said, the Liberty 4 Pro are not hearing aids. Their personalized adjustments mainly improve music and streamed audio; they do not provide clinically validated amplification of surrounding conversations through transparency mode.
Overall, at around $130, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are a compelling option for anyone who wants personalized sound and hearing-conscious features. They can make listening more comfortable, but they are no substitute for properly fitted hearing aids.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: hearing features deep dive
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro wireless earbuds offer several hearing-related features: HearID personalized sound testing, adjustable transparency mode, active noise cancellation, and volume protection. These technologies can make listening more comfortable and better tailored to the user, but the Liberty 4 Pro remain consumer earbuds, not medically regulated hearing aids. Understanding what they can and cannot do is essential, especially for people with hearing loss.
1. HearID Personalized Hearing Test
Independent reviewer Scarbir praised the thoroughness of the test, which takes about 10 minutes. However, HearID has not been independently shown to be a clinically accurate diagnostic hearing test.
2. Transparency Mode for Environmental Awareness
SoundGuys found that the highest transparency setting can make nearby sounds louder than they are without earbuds. This does not mean, however, that the earbuds provide the individualized speech amplification of a medical hearing aid.
3. Customizable Equalizer and Sound Settings
This level of personalization can make music more enjoyable and streamed audio clearer, especially for users who struggle with certain frequencies. Still, these adjustments are not equivalent to professionally programmed hearing-loss compensation.
4. Easy Chat and Active Noise Cancellation
The earbuds also offer powerful active noise cancellation, which reduces unwanted background noise during music playback and phone calls.
Noise cancellation, however, is designed for listening comfort, not for treating hearing loss.
5. Maximum Volume Limiter
It encourages safer listening habits, but it cannot prevent or reverse existing hearing loss.
Can They Replace Hearing Aids?
No. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro should not be considered a replacement for OTC or prescription hearing aids.
HearID and transparency mode offer helpful audio personalization and environmental awareness, but neither has been clinically validated as a treatment for hearing loss.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hearing aids are medical devices specifically intended to compensate for impaired hearing. Offering a hearing test or sound amplification does not automatically make consumer earbuds meet these requirements.
Overall verdict: The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro pack an impressive set of hearing-conscious features, making them appealing to anyone who wants personalized music playback, clear phone calls, and more control over listening volume.
People with persistent hearing difficulties, however, should choose appropriate hearing aids rather than rely on consumer earbuds. A professional hearing evaluation is the best way to find the right solution for everyday communication.
Using Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro as hearing aids
With personalized sound adjustments, HearID hearing tests, and transparency mode, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro may look like an appealing option for people with mild hearing difficulties. User reviews, however, suggest they cannot effectively replace traditional hearing aids, particularly when it comes to following conversations in noisy environments.
What Do Users Say About Hearing Aid Functionality?
The same user found the earbuds improved voice clarity on phone calls and in online meetings, but said traditional hearing aids were far better for face-to-face conversations and watching TV.
HearID and Transparency Mode
However, HearID adjustments appear to apply only to audio playback, not to the sounds coming in through transparency mode. In practice, boosting the treble may improve music and phone calls without properly compensating for hearing loss in everyday conversations.
Common Complaints
User feedback points to several limitations:
- Speech clarity: Transparency mode may not amplify conversations enough.
- Background noise: Some reviewers describe an artificial sound and audible hissing.
- Limited customization: The earbuds lack the frequency-specific amplification of surrounding sounds that hearing aids provide.
- Comfort: Some people find them uncomfortable during extended use.
Other users, by contrast, appreciate the transparency mode and the Easy Chat feature, which automatically lowers the music when they speak.
Overall verdict: The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro can be helpful for anyone who wants personalized audio playback and clearer phone calls. However, they are not a medically approved hearing aid, and user experiences so far do not show reliable hearing-loss compensation. For people with mild hearing loss, the Liberty 4 Pro may offer some listening benefits, but purpose-built OTC or prescription hearing aids are the better choice for everyday communication.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro as hearing aids according to Reddit
Reddit users generally agree that Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro earbuds are not a suitable replacement for hearing aids, even for mild high-frequency hearing loss.
Although the built-in HearID hearing test can produce results similar to a professional hearing assessment and create personalized EQ settings, these adjustments appear to affect music and audio playback rather than external sounds captured through transparency mode.
Opinions on transparency mode are mixed. Some users find it insufficient for understanding conversations, while others appreciate its performance and Easy Chat feature. One user with moderate treble hearing loss reported excellent voice clarity during phone calls and online meetings but confirmed that traditional hearing aids perform significantly better for face-to-face conversations and TV listening.
Overall, users see potential for hearing aid functionality through future firmware improvements, but the Liberty 4 Pro currently lacks the necessary amplification and customization for reliable hearing assistance.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro hearing test: is it reliable?
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro hearing test is a useful tool for checking personal hearing sensitivity and tailoring audio playback. Using Soundcore’s HearID technology, users can identify the frequencies they struggle with and generate personalized equalizer settings. User experiences are encouraging, but the test should not be treated as a replacement for a professional audiological exam.
How Does the Soundcore Hearing Test Work?
The app then plays tones at different frequencies and asks the user to indicate when each one is audible. Each ear is tested separately, and the whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Once the test is complete, the software creates a personalized sound profile that compensates for the frequencies the user hears less well during music and other audio playback.
How accurate is it?
In a Reddit discussion, one user with moderate high-frequency hearing loss reported that the Liberty 4 Pro produced results strikingly similar to a clinical hearing test.
A single user’s experience, however, does not establish clinical accuracy. There is currently not enough published independent validation to show that the HearID test consistently matches professional audiometry.
What Can Affect Test Reliability?
Several factors can influence the results:
- Background noise: Ambient sounds can make test tones harder to perceive.
- Earbud fit: A poor seal can affect the accuracy of frequency measurements.
- User responses: Inconsistent reactions to quiet tones can skew the hearing profile.
- Device calibration: Consumer earbuds are not necessarily calibrated to clinical audiometry standards.
- Hearing conditions: The test cannot reliably identify the underlying cause of hearing loss.
Can HearID Replace a Professional Hearing Test?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) acknowledges that smartphone hearing tests can provide useful screening information, but warns that their accuracy depends on calibration, testing conditions, and methodology.
A professional hearing exam provides far more comprehensive measurements and can help determine the type, severity, and possible causes of hearing loss.
Overall verdict: The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro hearing test is useful for personalizing sound, but its clinical reliability remains unproven. It may reveal differences in sensitivity between the two ears and help improve music and call audio. Anyone with persistent hearing difficulties, however, should see an audiologist rather than rely on HearID results alone.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro as hearing aids: cost and limitations
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are affordable wireless earbuds with personalized audio settings, HearID hearing tests, and transparency mode. These features may appeal to people with mild hearing difficulties, but the earbuds cannot replace traditional hearing aids. They are built for music, calls, and entertainment, not for treating hearing loss or providing clinically validated speech amplification.
How Much Do They Cost?
In the United States, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro retail for $149.99 on Soundcore’s official website. Promotions can bring the price down to around $109.99, making them far cheaper than prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
That lower price, however, reflects a fundamental difference: the Liberty 4 Pro are consumer earbuds, not medical hearing devices. They lack the specialized hearing-loss compensation, professional fitting, and validated amplification offered by dedicated hearing aids.
|
Product category |
Typical US price |
Hearing assistance |
|---|---|---|
|
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro |
$109.99–$149.99 per pair |
Personalized audio EQ and transparency mode; not a hearing aid |
|
Budget OTC hearing aids |
$100–$500 per pair |
Basic amplification for perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss |
|
Advanced OTC hearing aids |
$500–$1,500 per pair |
Adjustable, hearing-loss-specific amplification |
|
Prescription hearing aids |
$2,000–$6,000 per pair |
Professionally fitted amplification for different degrees of hearing loss |
Prices are approximate US market ranges and may vary by retailer, features, and included services.
Can They Replace Hearing Aids?
For all their advanced audio technology, the Liberty 4 Pro have several important limitations:
- HearID is not a clinical hearing assessment: The built-in test helps create personalized audio settings, but it cannot diagnose hearing loss or replace professional audiometry.
- Transparency mode is not hearing aid amplification: It lets outside sounds through, but without the individualized, frequency-specific amplification of dedicated hearing aids.
- Limited speech enhancement: Phone calls may sound clearer, but the earbuds are not designed to consistently improve face-to-face conversations, especially in crowded or noisy places.
- No professional programming: Unlike prescription hearing aids, the Liberty 4 Pro cannot be professionally fitted and programmed for an individual’s hearing loss.
- No medical authorization as a hearing aid: The Liberty 4 Pro are not FDA-authorized OTC hearing aids and have not been clinically validated as a treatment for hearing loss.
Are They Worth Buying?
For the price, the Liberty 4 Pro offer genuinely useful features. HearID personalization can make music and phone calls easier to hear by adjusting frequencies to the user’s listening profile.
These improvements, however, should not be mistaken for hearing rehabilitation.
Reddit users report that the earbuds can improve voice clarity on calls and in online meetings, but generally fall short of traditional hearing aids for in-person conversations and TV.
Independent reviewers also highlight the strong active noise cancellation, customizable equalizer, and solid Bluetooth performance. None of these, however, makes them effective hearing aids.
Verdict: Can They Replace Hearing Aids?
No. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are not a substitute for OTC or prescription hearing aids.
At roughly $110–$150, they offer good value as premium wireless earbuds with personalized listening features, and they suit anyone looking for better music quality, clearer calls, and adjustable sound.
For people with diagnosed or suspected hearing loss, however, they lack the specialized amplification, clinical validation, and individual fine-tuning needed for reliable hearing assistance.
Anyone who needs help following everyday conversations should consider purpose-built OTC hearing aids or professionally fitted prescription devices instead. A comprehensive hearing evaluation can determine which option is most appropriate.
How Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro wireless earbuds works
Bluetooth Connectivity and Audio Processing
This setup delivers powerful bass, detailed treble, and clear vocals. Multipoint connectivity lets users connect two devices at once, making it easy to switch between calls and other audio.
HearID 4.0 and Personalized Sound
In the Soundcore app, users take a listening test made up of tones at different frequencies. The software then adjusts the equalizer to tailor music and streamed audio to their responses.
HearID, however, is designed for sound customization, not for medical hearing assessment or treatment.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
According to Soundcore, the system recalibrates every 0.3 seconds to adapt to changing environments.
Transparency mode works the other way around: external microphones pick up surrounding sounds and play them through the earbuds, so users can hear conversations and stay aware of their environment.
However, transparency mode does not provide the personalized, frequency-specific amplification of dedicated hearing aids.
Smart Controls and Charging
Soundcore rates the earbuds at up to 10 hours of playback per charge and 40 hours with the charging case. Battery life drops when power-hungry features are turned on.
Can Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Work as Hearing Aids?
HearID mainly customizes audio playback, while transparency mode reproduces surrounding sounds without clinically validated hearing-loss compensation.
Anyone with persistent hearing difficulties should get a professional hearing evaluation and consider appropriate OTC or prescription hearing aids.
Overall Verdict
Why prescription hearing aids are better
Choosing hearing aids from a professional hearing care center is essential for receiving personalized solutions that effectively address individual hearing needs. Unlike consumer earbuds or basic sound amplification devices, professionally fitted hearing aids are selected and programmed based on a comprehensive hearing evaluation conducted by a qualified hearing care specialist. This ensures accurate amplification, improved speech understanding, and greater listening comfort in different environments. Professional hearing centers also provide access to advanced hearing aid technology, expert guidance, customized fittings, and ongoing support, including adjustments, maintenance, and follow-up appointments. Because hearing loss varies from person to person, purchasing hearing aids without professional guidance may lead to disappointing results or inadequate hearing support. Investing in hearing aids through a reputable hearing care center helps ensure that the devices are properly adjusted to the user's hearing profile, lifestyle, and communication needs, supporting better hearing performance, confidence, and long-term satisfaction.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: regulations and availability in the US
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are consumer wireless earbuds, not FDA-authorized hearing aids. They include hearing-related features such as HearID 4.0, personalized equalizer settings, and transparency mode, but they are marketed mainly for music, calls, and entertainment, not for the medical treatment of hearing loss.
FDA Regulatory Status
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription hearing aids as medical devices. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults aged 18 and over with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The Liberty 4 Pro are not marketed as FDA-regulated OTC hearing aids, and no model-specific FDA hearing aid authorization has been identified. Having a HearID test and a transparency mode does not automatically make them medical hearing devices.
As a result, consumers should not view the Liberty 4 Pro as a substitute for clinically appropriate hearing aids.
Availability in the United States
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are sold through Soundcore’s official US online store and other electronics retailers. Their regular price is $149.99 per pair, though promotions may lower the cost.
Unlike prescription hearing aids, they can be bought without a hearing evaluation, prescription, or professional fitting. They come in several colors and support Bluetooth 5.3, personalized sound settings, and active noise cancellation.
|
Feature |
Soundcore Liberty 4 |
FDA-regulated h.a. |
|---|---|---|
|
Product classification |
Consumer electronics |
Medical devices |
|
Intended purpose |
Music, calls, audio personalization |
Compensation for hearing loss |
|
Hearing test |
HearID sound personalization |
May include hearing self-assessment |
|
FDA hearing aid status |
Not authorized as a hearing aid |
Subject to FDA requirements |
|
Prescription required |
No |
No |
|
Suitable for treating hearing loss |
Not established |
Intended for perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss in adults |
Overall Verdict
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are widely available consumer earbuds with useful hearing-conscious features, but they are not medical hearing aids. Their affordability and personalized audio make them attractive for everyday entertainment, but people with hearing loss should consider FDA-regulated OTC hearing aids or professionally fitted prescription devices.
Soundcore hearing aids vs. medical hearing aids
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro earbuds include several hearing-related features, such as HearID personalized sound testing, adjustable equalizer settings and transparency mode. They are still consumer earbuds, though, and cannot reliably replace devices designed to compensate for hearing loss. HearID 4.0 creates personalized sound profiles that improve music and audio playback. Transparency mode lets users hear their surroundings, but it does not provide clinically validated amplification tailored to hearing loss. Medical hearing aids, by contrast, amplify specific frequencies according to each person’s hearing needs and offer dedicated speech enhancement, noise reduction and feedback management to support everyday communication. While the Liberty 4 Pro focus on music and entertainment, with playback EQ and active noise cancellation, hearing aids rely on a proper hearing assessment, hearing-loss-specific amplification and speech-focused processing. In the United States, the FDA regulates both OTC and prescription hearing aids as medical devices. OTC models are intended for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, while prescription devices can address a broader range of needs and can be professionally programmed from an individual hearing assessment. Hearing care centers also provide fitting adjustments, maintenance and ongoing support. In short, the Liberty 4 Pro are useful for music and phone calls, but people with hearing difficulties should choose OTC or professionally fitted prescription hearing aids.
|
Feature |
Soundcore |
Medical hearing aids |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
Music and entertainment |
Hearing loss compensation |
|
Hearing test |
HearID personalization |
Hearing assessment |
|
Amplification |
Audio playback EQ |
Hearing-loss-specific |
|
Noise management |
Active noise cancellation |
Speech-focused processing |
|
Professional fitting |
No |
Available |
|
FDA status |
Consumer electronics |
Regulated medical devices |
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro review
Released in October 2024 by Anker’s Soundcore brand, the Liberty 4 Pro are premium wireless earbuds that combine powerful sound, advanced noise cancellation and personalized audio at a competitive price. Their dual-driver system delivers deep bass, warm mids and clear vocals, which users can fine-tune in the Soundcore app with more than 20 EQ presets and an eight-band custom equalizer. Adaptive ANC 3.0 effectively reduces low-frequency noise such as traffic and engines, while transparency mode lets users hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and LDAC on compatible Android devices, and the charging case has a display and touch controls. Independent reviews are largely positive: SoundGuys rated them 8.2/10, while Digital Trends, Scarbir and Android Central praised their value, call quality and EQ options. On the downside, the bass-heavy tuning can mask finer details, spatial audio is underwhelming, and battery life drops from an advertised 10 hours to about 5 hours and 42 minutes with ANC on, according to SoundGuys. HearID offers useful sound personalization, but it is not a clinical hearing test, and the earbuds cannot replace hearing aids. For music, calls and everyday listening, however, they offer excellent value.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro vs Liberty 5: things to know
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro and Liberty 5 share many features, including HearID 4.0 personalized hearing tests, Adaptive ANC 3.0 and transparency mode, but they differ in sound, battery life and design. The Liberty 4 Pro use a dual-driver system for powerful bass, clear vocals and detailed treble. The Liberty 5 rely on 9.2 mm wool-paper drivers with Dolby Audio for strong bass and a more immersive sound. In SoundGuys’ independent testing, the Liberty 4 Pro delivered stronger overall noise cancellation and earned a slightly higher rating (8.2/10 versus 7.9/10). The Liberty 5, on the other hand, last longer, with up to 12 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case, compared with 10 and 40 hours for the Liberty 4 Pro. They also offer newer Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, IP55 water and dust resistance (versus IPX5) and a lower launch price of $129.99, compared with $149.99 for the Liberty 4 Pro. In short, the Liberty 4 Pro are the better choice for sound quality, noise cancellation and advanced controls, while the Liberty 5 suit users who prioritize battery life and price. Both offer useful hearing personalization, but neither is an FDA-regulated hearing aid.
Soundcore vs. competitors: earbuds comparison
Soundcore earbuds compete with models from Sony, Samsung, JBL, EarFun, OnePlus, Bose and CMF, and stand out mainly for value for money, customizable sound and effective noise cancellation. In the premium segment, the Liberty 4 Pro go up against the Sony WF-1000XM5, Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and JBL Tour Pro 3. Sony and Bose lead in noise cancellation, Samsung offers seamless integration with Galaxy smartphones, OnePlus focuses on audio performance and convenient controls, and JBL stands out for advanced features and innovative charging cases. Against more affordable models such as the Sony WF-C710N, OnePlus Buds 4, JBL Live Beam 3 and JBL Live Pro 2, the Liberty 4 Pro win on EQ options, noise cancellation and their smart charging case. In the budget category, the Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 5 compete with the EarFun Air Pro 3, Air Pro 4 and Air Pro 4+, the CMF Buds Pro 2 and the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, offering long battery life and modern connectivity. EarFun appeals to listeners who want balanced sound and wider codec support, while CMF focuses on low prices. Whatever the brand, none of these earbuds should be considered a substitute for medical hearing aids.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro specs and features
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are noise cancelling true-wireless earbuds that pack a wide range of features into a compact design. Looking at the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro specs, the earbuds use a dual-driver system with a 10.5 mm dynamic driver and a dedicated high-frequency driver, and they support Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity and, on compatible Android devices, the LDAC mode, which can be turned on in the Soundcore app. For noise cancellation, these truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds rely on seven sensors, six for sound and one barometric pressure sensor, to pick up noise from every direction, powering Adaptive ANC 3.0. The charging case stands out with its touch bar and display, which let users adjust noise cancelling levels with a swipe. Soundcore rates battery life at up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours of playback with the charging case, and a quick 5-minute charge is supported. The earbuds are IPX5 water resistant, and the Soundcore app adds HearID 4.0 personalization, an eight-band equalizer and transparency mode, making the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro one of the most feature-rich options in their price range.
- Type: Noise cancelling true-wireless earbuds
- Drivers: 10.5 mm dynamic + high-frequency driver
- Bluetooth: 5.3, multipoint, LDAC
- Noise cancellation: Adaptive ANC 3.0, 6 sound sensors + 1 pressure sensor
- Battery life: Up to 10 h (40 h with case)
- Charging: USB-C, wireless (Qi), 5-min fast charge
- Case: Display and touch bar
- Water resistance: IPX5
Does the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro have wireless charging?
Yes. The charging case can be recharged either through USB-C or on any standard Qi wireless charging pad. It can also fully recharge the earbuds about three times before it needs charging itself.
AirPods Pro vs Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
The current Apple AirPods Pro 3 and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are both premium noise cancelling true-wireless earbuds, but they target very different buyers. The AirPods Pro 3, launched in September 2025 at $249, offer what Apple says is twice the noise cancellation of the AirPods Pro 2, along with heart rate sensing, Live Translation and seamless iPhone integration. The Liberty 4 Pro cost $149.99 and often sell for much less. They offer LDAC support, an eight-band equalizer, a charging case with a touch display, and equally full app support on iOS and Android, an area where the AirPods’ customization options are far more limited. Battery life is also in Soundcore’s favor: up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case, versus up to 8 hours with ANC and 24 hours with the case for the AirPods Pro 3. The biggest difference, however, concerns hearing. The AirPods Pro 3 include a Hearing Test and an FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, although availability varies by region. The Liberty 4 Pro’s HearID only personalizes audio playback and is not a hearing aid. For iPhone users with mild hearing difficulties, the AirPods Pro 3 are the stronger choice. For value, customization and Android users, the Liberty 4 Pro win.
|
Feature |
Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
Launch price |
$249 |
$149.99 |
|
Battery life |
Up to 8 h with ANC (24 h with case) |
Up to 10 h (40 h with case) |
|
Codecs |
AAC |
SBC, AAC, LDAC |
|
Sound customization |
Limited, iOS only |
8-band EQ, 20+ presets, iOS and Android |
|
Hearing features |
Hearing Test, FDA-authorized Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
HearID audio personalization, not a hearing aid |
|
Health features |
Heart rate sensing |
None |
|
Wireless charging |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Case extras |
Speaker for Find My |
Touch bar and display |
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro battery life
Battery life is one of the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro’s strongest selling points. According to Soundcore, the earbuds last up to 10 hours on a single charge with noise cancellation off and up to 7.5 hours with ANC on. The charging case extends total listening time to 40 hours without ANC and 30 hours with it, which means it can fully recharge the earbuds about three times. Charging is fast, too: thanks to the 5C battery, the Liberty 4 Pro charge twice as fast as previous models, and a 5-minute quick charge provides up to 4 hours of playback. The case can be charged via USB-C or on any Qi wireless pad, and its built-in display shows precise battery levels for each earbud. Independent tests, however, show that real-world results depend heavily on settings and volume. HeadphoneCheck measured 10 hours in standard mode, 26 hours in total with maximum ANC, and about 3 hours and 15 minutes from a 5-minute charge, with a full recharge taking roughly 45 minutes. SoundGuys recorded around 5 hours and 42 minutes with ANC on. Features such as LDAC, high volume and maximum noise cancellation shorten runtime, while standard settings get closest to Soundcore’s figures.
|
Battery spec |
Soundcore claim |
Independent tests |
|---|---|---|
|
Per charge, ANC off |
Up to 10 h |
About 10 h (HeadphoneCheck) |
|
Per charge, ANC on |
Up to 7.5 h |
About 5 h 42 min (SoundGuys) |
|
With case, ANC off |
Up to 40 h |
About 40 h |
|
With case, ANC on |
Up to 30 h |
About 26 h at max ANC |
|
Quick charge (5 min) |
Up to 4 h |
About 3 h 15 min |
|
Full earbud recharge |
n/a |
About 45 min |
|
Case charging |
USB-C, Qi wireless |
n/a |
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro charging case and case controls
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro charging case is one of the earbuds’ most distinctive features. It is fairly compact, at about 65 × 60 × 32 mm, and it opens with a sliding lid. Inside is a small smart display, with a touch bar on the outside in front of it. Using the case controls, you can adjust noise cancellation levels, switch between ANC and transparency modes, turn on spatial audio and check each earbud’s battery level, all without opening the Soundcore app or reaching for your phone. In the app, you can also choose which functions the touch bar controls and set the display language. If the case is misplaced, it can play a sound to help you find it. The glossy black and light blue versions have a translucent lid that shows the display, while the white model’s lid is opaque. The case charges via USB-C or on any Qi wireless pad and can fully recharge the earbuds about three times. Some reviewers, however, call the touch bar a bit of a gimmick, since it doesn’t do anything the app or earbud controls can’t, and they note that the case is thicker than the AirPods Pro’s. For extra protection, silicone case covers are widely available from third-party brands.
- Size: About 65 × 60 × 32 mm
- Opening: Sliding lid
- Display: Smart display inside the case
- Case controls: Touch bar: ANC levels, listening mode, spatial audio, battery status
- Customization: Choose touch bar functions and display language in the Soundcore app
- Find My Case: Plays a sound to help you locate it
- Charging: USB-C and Qi wireless charging
- Recharges: About 3 full earbud charges (up to 40 h total)
- Lid finish: Translucent (black, light blue) or opaque (white)
- Case cover: Third-party silicone covers available
Best earbuds with hearing aid features
Wireless earbuds with a hearing aid feature are now a real option for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. For iPhone users, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 include an FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature and a built-in Hearing Test, but these hearing tools work only on Apple devices. For people searching for the best hearing aid earbuds for Android, the biggest news comes from Samsung. In August 2026, the Galaxy Buds Hearing Aid feature received FDA clearance as an over-the-counter hearing aid for adults 18 and older. It is rolling out to the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 Pro in the US and select markets from the fourth quarter of 2026. A five-minute hearing test, found directly in the Galaxy Buds settings, creates a hearing profile, and the earbuds then amplify the sounds the user struggles to hear, using the NAL-NL2 clinical fitting formula along with noise reduction and beamforming. By contrast, amplifying earbuds for the hard of hearing that lack FDA authorization, such as the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, only personalize music and calls. People who already wear hearing aids usually get better results by streaming audio directly to Bluetooth hearing aids than by wearing earbuds on top of them. For moderate or worsening hearing loss, a professional hearing evaluation remains the best starting point.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Liberty 4 Pro
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 4 Pro are two of Anker’s most popular noise cancelling earbuds, but they take different approaches. The Liberty 4 NC, launched in 2023 at $99.99, focus on value and endurance. They use a single 11 mm driver, Adaptive ANC 2.0 and LDAC for Hi-Res audio, and Soundcore rates their battery life at up to 10 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case. Independent testers measured nearly 10 hours with ANC on, an excellent result at this price. The Liberty 4 Pro, released in October 2024 at $129.99, are the more premium option. Their dual-driver system delivers deeper, more detailed sound, and Adaptive ANC 3.0, powered by seven sensors including a barometric pressure sensor, offers stronger noise cancellation and a clearer transparency mode. The Pro also add a charging case with a display and touch bar, wireless charging, and faster quick charging that gives 4 hours of playback from 5 minutes. Their battery life is shorter, however: up to 7.5 hours with ANC on and 40 hours in total. Overall, the Liberty 4 NC are the smarter buy for budget-conscious listeners who want long battery life, while the Liberty 4 Pro justify their higher price with better sound, stronger ANC and premium extras. Neither model is a hearing aid.
|
Feature |
Liberty 4 NC |
Liberty 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
|
Launch |
2023 |
October 2024 |
|
Launch price |
$99.99 |
$129.99 |
|
Drivers |
Single 11 mm driver |
Dual drivers (10.5 mm + high-frequency) |
|
Noise cancellation |
Adaptive ANC 2.0 |
Adaptive ANC 3.0, 7 sensors |
|
Hi-Res audio |
LDAC |
LDAC |
|
Battery (per charge) |
Up to 10 h |
Up to 10 h (7.5 h with ANC) |
|
Battery (with case) |
Up to 50 h |
Up to 40 h |
|
Quick charge |
n/a |
5 min = 4 h |
|
Case |
Standard |
Display and touch bar |
|
Best for |
Value and battery life |
Sound quality, ANC and premium features |
How to pair Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro via Bluetooth
Knowing how to connect the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro takes only a few seconds. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, which provides a stable, low-latency connection and supports multipoint, so they can stay connected to two devices at once, such as a smartphone and a laptop. For first-time Bluetooth pairing, simply open the charging case: the earbuds automatically enter pairing mode, and a Bluetooth icon flashes on the case display. Then open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet or computer, select “soundcore Liberty 4 Pro” from the list of available devices and confirm by tapping “Pair”. On compatible Android smartphones, Google Fast Pair shows a pop-up that lets you connect with a single tap. To pair with a new device later, place the earbuds in the case, leave the lid open, and press and hold the touch bar for 5 seconds to open the function menu on the case display, where you can start pairing mode again. If pairing fails, remove “soundcore Liberty 4 Pro” from your device’s Bluetooth list, turn Bluetooth off and on again, and retry. Afterwards, download the Soundcore app to enable LDAC, update firmware, manage multipoint connections and personalize the sound with HearID.
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro: troubleshooting, app and comparisons
If the right Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro earbud stops working or the left one sounds too quiet, the cause is usually simple: dirty charging contacts, earwax blocking the speaker mesh, a poor fit, an unbalanced audio setting on the phone, or the HearID profile, which adjusts each ear separately. Cleaning the earbuds, running the Fit Test, updating the firmware and resetting usually fix the problem. To reset, place both earbuds in the open case, hold the touch bar for 5 seconds, select “Reset” and double-tap to confirm. The earbuds launched on October 3, 2024, at $129.99 and have since ranged from about $100 to $150, often selling at a discount. The free Soundcore app for iOS and Android adds an eight-band EQ, 20+ presets, HearID, ANC and transparency control, Easy Chat, LDAC, spatial audio, multipoint management, Find My Earbuds, a Safe Volume limiter and firmware updates. Call quality, supported by six microphones with AI noise reduction, is generally praised, although some reviewers found it weaker. Against the $149 Nothing Ear and the $179 Nothing Ear (3), the Liberty 4 Pro offer stronger value, longer battery life and a smart case, while Nothing wins on design and, with the Ear (3), on calls thanks to its case microphone. The Space A40 remain a cheaper, long-lasting travel option with weaker microphones. Compared with the Liberty 3 Pro, the Liberty 4 Pro improve on ANC, battery life, charging speed and connectivity, while the original Liberty 4 stand out only for their heart rate sensor. Despite their hearing-related features, none of these earbuds is a substitute for a hearing aid.
