Soundcore Liberty 4 NC vs JLab Go Pop+ ANC
Two sub-$70 ANC earbuds go head-to-head - which budget pair wins for commute noise and app features?
Two sub-$70 ANC earbuds, opposite philosophies. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($57–79) chases flagship features - LDAC, multipoint, adaptive ANC - in a stemless bud. JLab Go Pop+ ANC ($49) strips the app stack and sells at Target and Walmart with IP55 and Be Aware ambient mode.
We ran both through HVAC hum, sidewalk traffic, and 2-hour comfort sessions. Neither replaces $200 Sony buds, but the gap to “good enough” is smaller than the price gap suggests.
Spec comparison
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | JLab Go Pop+ ANC | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | ~$79 (often $57–70 sale) | ~$49 |
| ANC type | Adaptive 2.0 | Hybrid |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Battery (total) | ~40h with case | ~32h with case |
| IP rating | IPX4 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | Yes | No |
| App | Soundcore (EQ, firmware) | JLab (basic EQ) |
| Unique feature | HearID ANC test | Be Aware ambient mode |
Active noise cancellation
Soundcore wins low-frequency reduction - bus engines and office HVAC drop further with Adaptive ANC and a tighter seal on our testers. The in-app HearID ANC calibration helps if one ear fits differently.
JLab hybrid ANC is respectable for $49 but voices bleed through more on sidewalks. Be Aware mode is genuinely useful for crossing streets without removing buds.
Winner: Soundcore for transit; JLab if you prioritize situational awareness.
Sound quality
Liberty 4 NC with LDAC on Android delivers more detail and wider staging. Default tuning is V-shaped - bass-forward but adjustable in Soundcore app.
Go Pop+ sounds pleasant and warm at default. No hi-res codec, but most listeners at this price are streaming Spotify 320kbps anyway.
Winner: Soundcore on Android; roughly even on iPhone (AAC only).
Fit, comfort, and durability
JLab ships multiple gel tip sizes and earns IP55 - better sweat and dust resistance than Soundcore’s IPX4. Stemless Soundcore buds fit smaller ears well but can rotate during runs.
Winner: JLab for gym and rain; Soundcore for desk and commute.
App and extras
Soundcore’s app is the richer experience: firmware updates, EQ, LDAC toggle, multipoint device management. JLab’s app is fine for EQ presets - many buyers never open it.
Winner: Soundcore.
Which should you buy?
Pick Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if you are on Android, want LDAC and multipoint, and commute in noisy environments.
Pick JLab Go Pop+ ANC if you want the lowest credible ANC price, shop in-store at big-box retailers, or need IP55 for workouts.
Our verdict: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC wins overall - more ANC depth, better app, and multipoint justify the small price step when on sale.
See also: Best budget earbuds in 2026