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 Space A40 ranks #429, rated 2.5/5, at $54.99, $25 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. 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.
What the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC does well: These true wireless earbuds pack active noise cancelling, LDAC for higher bitrate streaming from Android phones, and IPX4 splash resistance. Watch for: 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 Space A40: Active noise cancelling, LDAC streaming, IPX4 splash resistance and a claimed 10 hours per charge (50 with the case) make this a well equipped set of true wireless earbuds for the money. The tradeoff: Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target by 42 Hz and is 7.5 dB down at 30 Hz, so deep synth bass and movie rumble go missing.
Buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $25 saving on the Anker Soundcore Space A40 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Anker Soundcore Space A40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $54.99 |
| Ranked | #428 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #429 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) | 56 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.15 dB standard deviation | 2.97 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.90 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 42 Hz (-7.5 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 (4.9 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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How Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC compares with other leading options:
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- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Sony WF-C510
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Anker Soundcore P20i
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- Tin HiFi T2 Evo vs iBasso IT01
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 Space A40: $54.99 TWS Amazon $54.99 eBay
Pros: Active noise cancelling, LDAC streaming, IPX4 splash resistance and a claimed 10 hours per charge (50 with the case) make this a well equipped set of true wireless earbuds for the money. In hobbyist measurements the bass and midrange sit close to target, with the low mids within half a decibel, so voices sound natural rather than boomy. Its taste profile matches listeners who prefer a warm or neutral balance over heavy bass.
Cons: Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target by 42 Hz and is 7.5 dB down at 30 Hz, so deep synth bass and movie rumble go missing. A dip of 9.9 dB near 11.9 kHz and an air band almost 7 dB low dull cymbals and the sense of space. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC rates slightly higher for buyers who want more bass.
Full Anker Soundcore Space A40 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.97 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 56 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 42 Hz (-7.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.9 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples