Anker Liberty 4 NC vs A40 – Which Earbuds Deliver the Best Sound?

Anker’s Liberty 4 NC and A40 earbuds stand out in the mid-range audio market with impressive noise cancellation, long battery life, and premium sound quality. Both models aim to deliver studio-level performance without the heavy price tag.

The Liberty 4 NC focuses on high-end ANC performance and customizable sound profiles, while the A40 impresses with comfort, balance, and consistency for daily listening. Each pair brings its own strengths to music lovers and frequent travelers.

Understanding the real difference between these two helps in picking the model that matches your lifestyle. This comparison explores sound quality, design, comfort, features, and overall value.

Every section highlights where each model wins and where it falls short. The goal is to help you discover which earbuds fit your ears, preferences, and daily needs the best.

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Anker Liberty 4 NC vs Anker A40

Both Anker Liberty 4 NC and Anker Space A40 are powerful noise-cancelling earbuds under Anker’s Soundcore lineup. They share many similarities, like LDAC support, long battery life, and comfort-focused designs.

Yet, they differ in sound tuning, ANC strength, and features. Let’s explore each in detail before deciding which one fits your lifestyle best.

Anker Liberty 4 NC Earbuds

 

Product Details

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds come in a premium Velvet Black finish. They feature Adaptive ANC 2.0, which uses advanced microphones and sensors to block up to 98.5% of background noise. The system adjusts automatically based on your environment whether you’re in a crowded bus, office, or café.

The earbuds use 11mm custom-tuned drivers, much larger than average, which deliver a detailed soundstage. These drivers produce crisp highs, rich mids, and clean bass. Combined with Hi-Res Wireless Audio and LDAC support, they transmit up to three times more audio data than standard Bluetooth codecs.

Battery performance is strong too. You get 10 hours of playtime per charge and up to 50 hours with the case. With ANC on, it lasts about 8 hours per charge and 40 hours total with the case.

The Liberty 4 NC also comes with Bluetooth 5.3, which supports multi-point connection, allowing you to connect two devices at once. You can switch from a laptop to a phone call instantly.

With 6 AI-powered microphones, voice calls stay clear even in noisy environments. It also has IPX4 water resistance, which protects against splashes or light rain.

Features

• Driver Size: 11mm custom-tuned drivers

• Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC 2.0, reduces up to 98.5% of background noise

• Bluetooth Version: 5.3, supports multi-device pairing

• Audio Codec: LDAC, Hi-Res Wireless Certified

• Battery Life: 10 hours per charge (50 hours total with case)

• Fast Charge: 10 minutes = 4 hours playback

• App Support: HearID 2.0 with 22 EQ presets

• Water Resistance: IPX4 rating

• Call Quality: 6 beamforming mics with AI noise reduction

• Extras: Auto-pause/play sensor, Android fast pairing

What is the Good?

The Liberty 4 NC stands out for its strong noise cancellation. Few earbuds in this price range can match its ability to remove both low-frequency and mid-range noise. Airplane cabin sounds, engines, and crowd chatter almost disappear.

Sound quality is rich and precise. The 11mm drivers provide extra depth and warmth, giving music an energetic feel. The LDAC support makes it even better for high-quality streaming.

Battery life is long enough for weekly use without daily charging. The quick-charge feature is helpful for travel. Comfort is also impressive soft silicone tips seal gently without pressure.

The multi-point Bluetooth connection adds convenience. You can listen on your laptop, then answer a phone call instantly. The HearID app lets you fine-tune your EQ to match your personal hearing, a rare feature at this level.

What is the Bad?

The case is slightly larger compared to the A40’s, making it less pocket-friendly. Some users may find the bass a little heavy in the default mode, though it can be adjusted through the app.

While the ANC is powerful, wind noise can still slip in during outdoor walks. The touch controls can also feel sensitive at times, causing accidental pauses or skips. Lastly, the glossy finish attracts fingerprints easily.

Overall Opinion

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is ideal for those who want premium sound, strong ANC, and advanced features. It performs best in noisy environments like flights, offices, or city travel.

Its adaptive ANC, detailed sound, and excellent call clarity make it a top pick for anyone who values both performance and convenience. It feels more “tech-heavy,” designed for those who use features like app EQ, dual connection, and custom sound tuning.

Anker Space A40 Earbuds

 

Product Details

The Soundcore Space A40 takes a more compact and lightweight approach. These earbuds focus on comfort and all-day wearability without losing sound quality.

They feature Adaptive Noise Cancelling that reduces up to 98% of external sounds. The system automatically adjusts based on your surroundings, switching levels smoothly without manual control.

Inside, the dual-layer diaphragm drivers deliver rich bass, clean mids, and smooth treble. The tuning feels natural, designed for long listening without fatigue. With LDAC mode, the A40 supports Hi-Res Audio Wireless, giving detailed clarity in lossless music playback.

Battery life is equally impressive. The earbuds last 10 hours per charge, with the case offering a total of 50 hours. A 10-minute fast charge adds 4 hours of use.

The A40 has a smaller body and weighs less than most ANC earbuds. They sit gently in the ear and remain comfortable even after several hours.

Features

• Driver Type: Dual-layer diaphragm drivers

• Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC with 98% noise reduction

• Bluetooth Version: 5.2

• Audio Codec: LDAC, Hi-Res Wireless

• Battery Life: 10 hours per charge / 50 hours total

• Fast Charging: 10 min = 4 hrs playback

• Comfort: Compact, lightweight fit

• Design: Minimalist and ergonomic

• App Support: Soundcore app for EQ and ANC modes

• Color: Classic Black

What is the Good?

The Space A40 is one of the most comfortable ANC earbuds in Anker’s lineup. They are small, light, and stay secure even during long wear or workouts. The design fits deeply but gently, avoiding ear fatigue.

Sound quality is impressive for its size. The dual-layer drivers create a clear, warm sound signature. It’s slightly less bass-heavy than the Liberty 4 NC, which makes it better for podcasts, vocals, and balanced music.

Battery performance is almost identical to Liberty 4 NC, offering 50 total hours of use. The ANC automatically adjusts, so you don’t have to switch modes manually. This makes it simple and user-friendly for everyday use.

The LDAC support ensures crisp, detailed sound, especially when streaming from compatible devices.

What is the Bad?

The ANC strength is a bit lower compared to the Liberty 4 NC, especially in high-noise environments like flights. It handles city sounds well but may not completely block engine noise.

There’s no multi-point Bluetooth connection, which means you can’t connect to two devices at once. Also, there’s no auto-pause sensor, so music keeps playing if you remove an earbud.

The touch controls are good but not as sensitive as Liberty 4 NC, and sometimes need firm taps.

Overall Opinion

The Soundcore Space A40 focuses on comfort and simplicity. It’s great for users who want excellent sound and ANC without many extra features.

It’s lightweight, compact, and lasts long. The sound profile is smooth and balanced, perfect for casual listening, travel, or work-from-home use. For people who dislike bulky earbuds or complex settings, this one feels right.

Detailed Comparison: Anker Liberty 4 NC vs Anker Space A40

Both earbuds deliver high-quality sound and adaptive noise cancellation, but they cater to different needs.

The Liberty 4 NC is more advanced, with Adaptive ANC 2.0, multi-point Bluetooth, and auto wear detection. It offers stronger noise reduction and deeper bass with its 11mm drivers. The larger size gives it more power, especially for heavy music listeners.

The Space A40 is more compact and minimal. Its dual-layer drivers produce a cleaner, more natural tone. The ANC is slightly less powerful but still excellent for daily use. The smaller design makes it better for smaller ears or long comfort sessions.

Both support LDAC Hi-Res audio and provide 10 hours per charge, 50 hours total, and fast charging.

If your focus is maximum noise cancellation, call quality, and premium features, go for Liberty 4 NC.
If your goal is lightweight comfort, balanced sound, and simplicity, choose Space A40.

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FAQs

1. Which one has stronger noise cancellation?
The Liberty 4 NC cancels more noise, especially in low-frequency environments like planes or trains.

2. Which one is more comfortable for long hours?
The Space A40 is smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for all-day wear.

3. Do both support LDAC and Hi-Res Audio?
Yes. Both models support LDAC and Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

4. Can I connect both earbuds to two devices at once?
Only the Liberty 4 NC supports multi-point connection.

5. Which one is better for phone calls?
The Liberty 4 NC has 6 microphones with AI noise reduction, making it clearer for calls.

Conclusion

The Anker Liberty 4 NC and Anker Space A40 are both impressive wireless earbuds that deliver clear sound, strong battery life, and effective ANC.

The Liberty 4 NC is ideal for those who travel often or need stronger noise cancellation with extra smart features. The Space A40 fits those who want lightweight comfort, clean audio, and simplicity for daily use.

Both are excellent, but your choice depends on what matters most power and features, or comfort and ease. Either way, you’re getting great quality from Anker’s trusted Soundcore line.