ConsFirst / Wireless earbuds / Compare
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 11) and scores better on noise cancelling, comfort & fit, call quality. Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro wins on sound, battery.
The biggest complaint about the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is battery shorter than rivals; for the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro it's best features locked to galaxy phones. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: Lots of phone calls in noisy places
Its catch: battery shorter than rivals
Check price on AmazonGood for: Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Its catch: best features locked to Galaxy phones
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in wireless earbuds | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Noise-cancelling | Noise-cancelling |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 10% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Sound | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Noise cancelling | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort & fit | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Call quality | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Battery | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
- Battery shorter than rivals
Wirecutter got about 6.5 hours with ANC, and 4.5 hours with Dolby, ANC and voice commands all on. Amazon's summary says some owners find battery life 'horrible' while others call it amazing.
- Bass-heavy default sound
SoundGuys lists the bass-heavy default tuning as a con, and Wirecutter found the bass and highs 'too hyped' out of the box until EQ'd. What Hi-Fi?'s review headline calls the sound mediocre.
- Fussy touch and voice controls
Wirecutter says single-tap is off by default to prevent misfires; with it on, she paused music while tucking her hair. The voice commands have no wake word, so they can trigger by accident.
Source: Wirecutter - Reliability and Bluetooth hiccups
Amazon's review summary reports mixed experiences with reliability and Bluetooth connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Best features locked to Galaxy phones
SoundGuys lists Samsung-exclusive features and no multipoint as cons. Tom's Guide says headline AI and call-enhancement features need a Galaxy S23 or newer, and the app for other phones is just 'fine'. Wirecutter lists auto-pairing, voice, gestures and translation as Galaxy-only.
- Fit and squeeze controls
Wirecutter says people with deep ear canals or small ears may struggle with the stemmed design, and each squeeze can reposition the bud. SoundGuys notes limited tip options and says a poor fit hurts both ANC and mics. Amazon calls fit mixed.
- Battery and reliability gripes
SoundGuys measured 6 hours 1 minute and calls that below average at this price; Tom's Guide says it lags the AirPods Pro 3. Amazon shows mixed battery and connectivity feedback. Low-star Walmart reviews describe buds that stopped working after 3 weeks, a case that won't charge, and buds that stay connected in the case and drain.
Who should pick which
Pick the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro if
Lots of phone calls in noisy places
Strong ANC for well under flagship prices
People who want a secure fit with wings
Skip it if: You need all-day battery without the case; You want great sound with no EQ tweaking; You dislike touch controls
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro if
Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Bass lovers who still want clarity
Rain and sweat (IP57)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; You switch between two devices often (no multipoint); You have small ears or deep ear canals
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Tom's Guide's top pick, with some of the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured and 8-hour battery life. The fit still slips for some ears, the squeeze controls annoy testers, and most of the extras only work with an iPhone.
Its catch: fit can slip or hurtA third option · #2EarFun Air Pro 4The budget pick: ANC that Wirecutter measured close to $200+ earbuds, long battery life and well-liked by Amazon owners. But the stem design can slip from small ears, the touch controls misfire, and the sound is coarser than pricier pairs.
Its catch: stem design may not seal or stay putAll 11 comparedSee every earbud, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking and a 3-question quiz.
Browse wireless earbuds →Not sure which downside you can live with? Take the 3-question quiz →