Short answer: the Sony WF-C510. It ranks #357 of 467 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $48; the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ranks #428, rated 2.6/5, and costs $79.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: 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 Sony WF-C510 lacks. The catch: 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 Sony WF-C510 is the better-sounding pick. In hobbyist measurements on squig.link it tracks the Harman target closely through the bass and mids, with a preference score of 69 and no peak above target between 1.5 and 12 kHz, so it never sounds harsh. The tradeoff: There is no active noise cancelling, and codec support stops at SBC and AAC.
Buy the Sony WF-C510. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Sony WF-C510 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $48.00 |
| Ranked | #428 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #357 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) | 69 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.15 dB standard deviation | 2.47 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.90 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.30 (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 (-4.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | True wireless |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm driver | 1 x 6mm dynamic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.2 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (4.6 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (50 with case, Manufacturer specified) | 11 hours (22 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 | IPX4 |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony WF-C510:
- Sony LinkBuds Fit vs Sony WF-C510
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Anker Soundcore Space A40
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Nothing Ear
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs Anker Soundcore P20i
- 1MORE Triple Driver vs Tin HiFi T2 Evo
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
Sony WF-C510: $48.00 TWS Amazon $48.00 eBay
Pros: In hobbyist measurements on squig.link it tracks the Harman target closely through the bass and mids, with a preference score of 69 and no peak above target between 1.5 and 12 kHz, so it never sounds harsh. The slightly warm balance suits relaxed listening, and its 11 hours per charge (22 with the case), IPX4 rating and AAC support are strong for an inexpensive true wireless earbud.
Cons: There is no active noise cancelling, and codec support stops at SBC and AAC. Treble sits about 4 dB below target from 6 to 10 kHz and sub-bass about 3.4 dB low, so cymbals lack sparkle and deep bass lacks rumble. The CCA C10 rates higher for less money.
Full Sony WF-C510 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | No |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 11 hours (22 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.47 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 6mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.6 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons