Sound Quality: Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Soundcore Liberty 4
The Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers significantly superior audio quality with more refined drivers, advanced processing capabilities, and LDAC codec support that provides much higher resolution than the Soundcore Liberty 4’s LDAC implementation, which while present, isn’t as well-tuned or sophisticated. While the Soundcore earbuds offer surprisingly good sound for their price point with customizable EQ and decent detail retrieval, the Sony earbuds provide notably better instrument separation, more natural timbre, and superior dynamic range that makes them more suitable for critical listening across all music genres. The WF-1000XM5’s soundstage feels wider and more immersive, with better clarity and more refined tuning that reveals musical nuances the Liberty 4 tends to compress or miss. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio also creates a more convincing spatial experience compared to Soundcore’s spatial audio, which feels less precise and immersive.
Verdict: What should you buy?
Select the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best possible audio quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and premium features that justify the higher investment for serious listening and travel use. Choose the Soundcore Liberty 4 if you want excellent value with surprisingly good performance, extensive customization options, and don’t need the absolute best audio quality or noise cancellation. The Sony earbuds offer dramatically better sound quality, much more effective ANC, superior build quality, and more advanced features that make them ideal for audiophiles and frequent travelers who want flagship performance. The Soundcore Liberty 4 provides impressive value with good sound quality, useful features, and extensive customization that makes them attractive for budget-conscious users who still want decent performance and modern features.