Anker’s Soundcore Earbuds Review

Soundcore Earbuds review featured image

We have tonnes of different earbuds circling the market, but… which one to choose? Our team has put SoundCore earbuds through their paces to guide you toward the best choice that matches your needs and budget. These audio devices from Anker’s SoundCore brand have become Amazon bestsellers because they are a great way to get premium features without breaking the bank.

Let’s get into five standout SoundCore models that shine in sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. The detailed review spans from the premium Liberty 4 NC to the budget-friendly Life A3i.

You’ll learn about each model’s special features, like transparency mode, sound profiles you can customise, and the ability to connect multiple devices at once. These earbuds will serve you well whether you need them to handle phone calls, power through workouts, or pair with your Android device for daily use.

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SoundCore’s Wireless Earbud Technology

SoundCore’s state-of-the-art wireless earbud technology has become a major force in the audio market. It has tonnes of features that separate these buds from their competitors.

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Top Premium Pick: Liberty 4 NC

The Liberty 4 NC tops our list of SoundCore’s premium offerings and delivers great value with flagship features. These earbuds truly stand out in the crowded wireless audio market.

Liberty 4 NC

Why I love it 

  • Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%

  • Hi-Res wireless audio and LDAC technology that transfers 3× more data than regular Bluetooth

  • IPX4 Water-Resistant

  • Adaptive ANC 2.0

  • Battery (10 hours standard, 8 hours ANC)

Advanced Noise Cancelation

Liberty 4 NC delivers exceptional noise-cancelling performance, reducing outdoor noise by up to 98.5%. The adaptive ANC 2.0 system stands out with its ability to adjust automatically to your surroundings. These earbuds come with three distinct modes:

  • Adaptive Noise cancellation with environment detection
  • Manual mode with five adjustable levels
  • Transportation mode optimized for different vehicles

Our tests show that ANC performance matches premium competitors. The earbuds silence unwanted sounds like traffic and reduce noise in crowded cafes.

You can smoothly call your loved ones or listen to your favourite music without any disturbance.

Hi-Res Audio and Customization

These earbuds excel in sound quality. The 11mm drivers produce outstanding audio performance, and the wide customisation options impress us. The SoundCore app offers:

  • 22 preset EQ options for different genres
  • HearID Sound 2.0 for individual-specific audio profiles
  • 8-band custom EQ for precise tuning

LDAC codec support is a great way to get Hi-Res audio streaming. However, you should know that LDAC with ANC reduces battery life to 5 hours per charge.

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities

Your usage patterns bound the battery performance. Our tests revealed these results:

  • Standard Mode: 10 hours of playback with 50 hours total with the case
  • ANC Mode: 8 hours of playback with 40 hours total with the case
  • Fast Charging: 15-minute charge provides 3 hours of playback

The charging case works with both USB-C and wireless charging; it’s up to your preference which one you would go for.

Call Quality and Connectivity

Liberty 4 NC comes with its six-microphone system and AI noise reduction. Our tests showed crystal clear call quality even in noisy environments.

The earbuds filtered out street noise effectively. Bluetooth 5.3 provides reliable connections, and you can pair two devices at once—a feature we really like.

These earbuds stand out with their detailed approach to user experience. The IPX4 water resistance keeps them safe from splashes, and the easy-to-use touch controls give quick access to key functions.

The transparency mode comes in handy with both fully transparent and vocal modes that work great in different situations.

Liberty 4 NC marks the most important step in SoundCore’s development. You get premium features at a competitive price.

While the ANC may not match what Sony or Bose offer in their top models, these earbuds pack great value. We recommend them highly to anyone who wants high-end features without paying premium prices.

Read more: How to choose the best earbuds for your lifestyle?

Best Value for Money: Space A40

SoundCore’s Space A40 earbuds have impressed us during our tests by offering premium features at a wallet-friendly price. These earbuds deserve a spot in your everyday audio collection, and we’ll show you why.

soundcore by Anker Space A40

Why I love it 

  • Automatically Tailored Noise Cancelling

  • 50 Hours of Personal Space

  • IPX4 Water-Resistant

  • Highly Detailed Sound

  • Fast charging 10 mins = 4 hrs

Compact Design and Comfort

The Space A40 features an innovative design that’s 25% smaller than its predecessor. The stemless, oval-shaped buds feel comfortable, especially when you have long listening sessions.

Users can choose from four different ear tip sizes to ensure a secure fit that works with all ear shapes. These buds prove their reliability with an IPX4 water resistance rating during light rain and sweaty workout sessions.

The charging case stands out with its smooth, pebble-like design and curved edges that slide into pockets seamlessly. Its thoughtful features include a large front cut-out that makes opening effortless and a USB-C port that accommodates even the bulkiest cables.

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported, which means we earn commissions from links on this page. Commissions do not affect our editorial evaluations or opinionsClick here for more information.

ANC Performance and Transparency Mode

The adaptive noise-cancelling system stands out with its flexible features. Users can select from:

  • An adaptive mode that reads and adjusts to the surroundings
  • A manual mode with three settings (Weak, Moderate, and strong)
  • A Wind Noise Reduction feature that excels outdoors

The ANC system blocks common disturbances like bus engines, ambient chatter, and AC unit sounds effectively. The system’s transparency mode comes with two practical options—fully transparent and vocal—that help users stay aware of their surroundings naturally.

Multipoint Connection and Battery Life

These earbuds excel with their multipoint connectivity feature that connects two devices simultaneously. This capability proves especially when you have to switch between phone calls and laptop audio. The battery life stands out with impressive performance metrics:

  • Normal Mode: 10 hours per charge, 50 hours with case
  • ANC Mode: 8 hours per charge, 40 hours with case
  • Fast Charging: 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback

Sound Profile and LDAC Support

These earbuds’ audio experience outshines their competitors in the same price range. The SoundCore app’s sound customisation options stand out with:

  • 8-band EQ to fine-tune audio
  • Multiple preset sound profiles
  • HearID technology to create customized sound

Android users benefit from LDAC codec support, which greatly improves audio quality. LDAC delivers audio streams at up to 990 kbps, but users should note that this feature disables multipoint connections and drains more battery.

The Space A40’s balanced sound approach makes it unique. These earbuds produce a refined audio signature with well-defined lower mid-tones and natural vocal reproduction, unlike older SoundCore models’ emphasis on bass and treble.

The app improves user experience with gaming mode that reduces latency and lets users customise touch controls.

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Budget-Friendly Champion: Life A3i

Want wireless soundcore earbuds that give you amazing value? We discovered a surprising gem within SoundCore’s lineup. The Life A3i delivers premium features at a remarkable price under $50.

Soundcore by Anker Life A3i

Why I love it 

  • Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling

  • AI-Enhanced Calls with 6 Mics

  • Up to 40 Hours of Listening

  • Dual Connections

  • Charge for 10 minutes, listen for 2 hours

Unique Ergonomics and Fit

The Life A3i features a distinctive bean-like design that caught our eye. The unique shape combines a round bulb with a rubber eartip that provides exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.

The perfect fit needs some practice; a gentle twist and adjustment will do the trick. These earbuds stay firmly in place after proper positioning.

Each bud weighs only 4.5g, making them perfect companions for daily commutes and workout sessions.

Sound Quality at an Affordable Price

The audio performance amazes us as it exceeds expectations for its price range. The Life A3i comes with:

  • 10mm drivers (an upgrade from previous models)
  • Deep, punchy bass response
  • Balanced mids and bright treble
  • Impressive soundstage width
  • Build quality isn’t that great

The SoundCore app offers extensive sound customisation options that include 20 preset profiles and an 8-band custom EQ. The earbuds store these EQ settings internally, which naturally transfer to any device you connect them to.

IPX5 Rating and Battery Performance

While it doesn’t come with wireless charging, playback time and fast charging features can compensate for the wire. It has good basic features overall, such as an LED light that indicates the remaining battery life and enough power to charge 4 times before needing to charge the case with USB-C itself.

The Life A3i soundcore earbuds showed excellent durability throughout our tests. These earbuds come with an IPX5 water resistance rating that protects them from sweat and rain effectively. Our battery life tests under real-life conditions revealed these results:

Our tests at 60% volume showed 5.5 hours with ANC on and 8 hours with ANC off. These numbers match what most users need for daily activities.

User-Friendly Controls

The control system functions flawlessly. Life A3i comes with physical buttons instead of touch controls, which we find more reliable. The SoundCore app lets you customise button functions for:

  • Playback control
  • Volume adjustment
  • ANC mode switching
  • Voice assistant activation

The noise cancellation works great with three distinct modes: noise cancellation, transparency, and normal. Though it doesn’t match premium models, it does an excellent job reducing background noise without affecting sound quality.

These earbuds stand out because of their detailed features at this price point. The app’s customisation options are a great way to get more from your earbuds. You can update firmware, adjust EQ settings, and remap controls. Our tests show the Bluetooth connection stays strong up to 9-10 meters from the device, which means you cannot roam around freely over the place and need to stay close to your phone.

The charging case’s compact design is one of our favourite features. It fits easily in pockets and provides multiple recharges. USB-C charging makes up for the lack of wireless charging with fast power delivery.

Workout Warrior: Life A1

Fitness enthusiasts who want a perfect workout companion will love the SoundCore Life A1. We tested these earbuds thoroughly and found an impressive mix of durability and powerful sound at an affordable price. That’s why we recommend these earbuds to our active users.

Life A1

Why I love it 

  • Marathon Battery Life for Non-Stop Music

  • Lightening fast charging, 10 minutes for 2 hours listening time

  • Tailored Acoustics with Custom Sound Modes

  • Dual Charging Convenience at Your Fingertips

Bass-Heavy Sound Modes

The Life A1’s versatile sound profile amazes us with three separate equaliser modes that you can control right from the earbuds. The Triple-Layer Diaphragm Drivers stand out with 8mm drivers that deliver 40% deeper bass and 100% crisper treble.

The sound modes include:

  • Signature Mode: A balanced sound that works well for everyday listening
  • Bass Booster: Extra low-end punch that powers up your workouts
  • Vocal Mode: Crystal clear voice output for podcasts

Our tests revealed impressive bass performance. The standard signature mode packs significant mid-bass and rumbling sub-bass. Bass Booster mode kicks things up a notch and creates an energetic sound profile that keeps you motivated throughout your workout.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Life A1’s build quality impressed us during our hands-on testing. These earbuds come with an IPX7 waterproof rating and have proven tough in challenging conditions. We tested them in heavy rain and shower conditions, and they worked perfectly.

These earbuds stand out from other workout models because of their complete water protection. The IPX7 rating means they can handle full submersion, which is way better than simple sweat-resistant models.

You can’t swim with them since Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, but they give you great peace of mind when you’re training hard.

Secure Fit for Active Use

Life A1’s sleek design works perfectly for active users. The round, medium-sized earbuds feel comfortable and come with sports wings in three different sizes.

Our tests showed that the earbuds managed to keep a secure fit even when we moved our heads actively. The sound quality remained consistent without any seal issues.

The physical buttons are a standout feature that works better than touch controls, especially when you have sweaty fingers. This practical choice shows the SoundCore earbud’s ground experience with workout conditions.

The accessible interface lets you control playback, volume, and sound modes while you maintain your exercise flow.

Battery Life for Extended Workouts

The Life Aor wireless earbuds. Their products are well-constructed, often offering a polished look and feel that surpasses their price point.

How do JBL earbuds compare to Soundcore earbuds?

While both JBL and Soundcore earbuds are well-made and comfortable, Soundcore typically offers better noise isolation and microphone quality. However, JBL earbuds tend to have superior battery life.

Why might someone prefer Soundcore earbuds over others?

Individuals might favour Soundcore earbuds for several reasons, including their ability to customise sound through the Soundcore app, comfort, superior sound quality, and effective noise isolation.

Additionally, some users find other brands like the AirPods Pro 2 to be uncomfortable, especially for smaller ears, making Soundcore a preferable option.

1 really stands out when it comes to battery life. Our tests showed impressive results:

FeaturePerformance
Single Charge8 hours, 19 minutes
Total with case26 additional hours
Fast Charging10 minutes for 2 hours playback
Charging OptionsUSB-C and Qi wireless charging

The charging case is a bit bigger than other models but delivers great power management. A quick 10-minute charge gives you 2 hours of playback—a feature that saved our workout sessions many times.

The Life A1’s call quality works well enough for quick gym conversations, though voices sound a bit soft. The earbuds block background noise during calls well, which helps a lot in busy gyms.

These earbuds excel with their workout-focused features. Physical controls, secure fit, and reliable water resistance make them perfect workout partners.

We tested them in many exercise scenarios, from high-intensity interval training to outdoor runs, and they managed to keep their performance and comfort consistent.

Sound quality really shines when you’re active. Unlike other earbuds that lose bass when you move, the Life A1 keeps its powerful low-end sound. You’ll notice this, especially during outdoor workouts where background noise often makes other earbuds lose their bass response.

Conclusion

With a wide range of pricing points, the 2024 wireless soundcore earbuds selection is incredibly diverse. Every model has special benefits that cater to the needs of various individuals.

From the flagship Liberty 4 NC to the more affordable Life A3i, the entire lineup is jam-packed with fantastic features. Standard features include long battery life, adjustable sound profiles, and advanced noise cancellation.

Great sound quality doesn’t have to be expensive thanks to these earbuds, which combine advanced audio technology with useful functions.

One of my favourite things about SoundCore’s lineup is how good value each model offers. The capabilities of the Liberty 4 NC will be appreciated by serious audio enthusiasts.

The Space A40 strikes the ideal balance between price and features.

The Life A3i has a lot of features that are great if you’re watching your wallet. Whereas the Life A1’s robust design and strong bass make it ideal for rigorous exercises for athletes and gym patrons.

The lineup is already amazing, so which one are you going to get?

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