Short answer: the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #428 of 467 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.6/5, at $79.99. The Anker Soundcore P20i ranks #464, rated 1.0/5, at $22.99, $57 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 467 in-ear headphones; for better sound, the Intuaura Reference 2019 ranks #5 at $34.99.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the better-sounding choice. These true wireless earbuds pack active noise cancelling, LDAC for higher bitrate streaming from Android phones, and IPX4 splash resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Anker Soundcore P20i lacks. The tradeoff: A peak of 8.6 dB near 8.7 kHz adds sharpness to cymbals and sibilance, while the upper mids and presence region sit about 2 dB low, so vocals sound recessed behind the bass and treble.
The case for the Anker Soundcore P20i: A very low cost way into true wireless listening, with a claimed 10 hours per charge and 30 with the case. The catch: There is no active noise cancelling.
Buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $57 saving on the Anker Soundcore P20i is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Anker Soundcore P20i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $22.99 |
| Ranked | #428 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #464 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 35 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.15 dB standard deviation | 4.56 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.90 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -2.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | True wireless |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm driver | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.2 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (4.3 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (30 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic |
| Impedance | - | 16 ohms |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: $79.99 TWS Amazon $79.99 eBay
Pros: These true wireless earbuds pack active noise cancelling, LDAC for higher bitrate streaming from Android phones, and IPX4 splash resistance. Battery is rated at 10 hours per charge and 50 with the case. The tuning suits fans of a bassy, V shaped sound, with bass about 6 dB above target in hobbyist measurements averaged across seven units.
Cons: A peak of 8.6 dB near 8.7 kHz adds sharpness to cymbals and sibilance, while the upper mids and presence region sit about 2 dB low, so vocals sound recessed behind the bass and treble. The low mids are also elevated by 2.6 dB, which adds some muddiness to guitars and male voices.
Full Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 3.15 dB standard deviation |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm driver |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.90 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.2 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Anker Soundcore P20i: $22.99 TWS Amazon $22.99 eBay
Pros: A very low cost way into true wireless listening, with a claimed 10 hours per charge and 30 with the case. IPX5 water resistance covers sweaty workouts and rain, and AAC support suits iPhones. The tuning leans warm and bassy, with about 5.5 dB of extra sub-bass, which fits listeners who mainly want thump for pop and hip hop.
Cons: There is no active noise cancelling. In hobbyist measurements a dip of 8.9 dB near 4.5 kHz and a presence region about 7 dB below target leave vocals veiled and distant, and the air band sits nearly 8 dB low, so the top end sounds closed in. The KZ EDX Pro and KZ ZEX rate much higher at a similar price.
Full Anker Soundcore P20i review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | No |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (30 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 4.56 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 35 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -2.07 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.3 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples