Anker's audio brand Soundcore has long been known for delivering impressive performance at budget-friendly prices, but its latest earbuds aim to challenge the premium market leaders. The new Liberty 5 Pro series includes two models: the Liberty 5 Pro at $170 and the Liberty 5 Pro Max at $230. Both are built around Anker's custom Thus chip, which provides significantly more processing power than previous Soundcore earbuds, allowing them to compete with chips found in Apple, Sony, and Bose products.
Design and Comfort
The earbuds themselves share the same design: a wide, chunky outer body reminiscent of the Bose Ultra Earbuds, but with a slimmer housing that improves fit and grip. They feel secure in the ear even during vigorous movement, and the lightweight build makes them comfortable for extended wear. The IP55 rating ensures resistance to dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
The key difference between the two models lies in the charging case. The Liberty 5 Pro case features a 0.96-inch TFT screen on the front that allows users to adjust ANC modes, sound profiles, speak-to-chat settings, and Dolby head tracking without reaching for a phone. The Liberty 5 Pro Max case upgrades to a 1.78-inch AMOLED screen on a sliding top, with additional features like screen brightness control, wallpaper customization, and a built-in microphone for AI note-taking. The Pro Max case also includes 357MB of internal storage for recording audio directly, which can later be transcribed and summarized via the Soundcore app (requiring a free account).
Sound Quality and Customization
Out of the box, the Liberty 5 Pro's default sound profile leans heavily toward bass, which can muddy male vocals and dull high-frequency details. However, Soundcore offers a customization tool that lets users select their preferred sound signature from seven example clips or use an 8-band EQ. After adjustment, the earbuds deliver a balanced sound with clean lower mids and boosted high mids, bringing clarity to acoustic instruments and vocals. While they don't match the AirPods Pro 3's high-end sparkle, they offer a satisfying listening experience with strong bass response. Support for LDAC allows high-resolution audio streaming from compatible devices.
Noise Cancellation
Adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) is on par with the AirPods Pro 3, effectively handling low-frequency drone sounds such as airplane engines. The Liberty 5 Pro lets in slightly more midrange noise than Apple's earbuds, but the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticed in most environments. ANC performance is excellent for the price, making these earbuds a strong choice for commuters and travelers.
Call Quality: The Standout Feature
The Liberty 5 Pro series truly shines during voice calls. The advanced noise cancellation for calls is the best we've ever heard in any earbuds. During testing, a reviewer's son sang and jumped in front of the user, yet the person on the other end heard nothing. In another test, a wood chipper operating outside an open window was completely silenced for the listener. The earbuds also handle traffic and emergency vehicle noises with ease, allowing the user's voice to sound natural and clear. A comparison with the AirPods Pro 3 revealed that Apple's earbuds sounded more muddy and compressed, while the Liberty 5 Pro delivered a more natural vocal reproduction.
Voice Control and Additional Features
The earbuds support voice control without a wake word, listening for 11 different phrases such as “Play Music,” “Volume Up,” and “Transparency Mode.” The system responds quickly, though it may struggle in noisy environments, such as when someone else is speaking nearby. The touch controls are intuitive, and the app provides full access to settings.
The Liberty 5 Pro Max's AI note-taking feature is a unique addition for students or professionals who need to record meetings or lectures. The transcription accurately distinguishes between speakers and can be exported as MP3 audio or text files in various formats. However, the feature requires a Soundcore account and adds $60 to the price, making it a niche value.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours with ANC off and 7 hours with ANC on, with the case providing additional charges. Total playtime reaches approximately 32 hours. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connection, allowing seamless switching between devices. They also integrate with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri.
Value and Competition
At $170, the Liberty 5 Pro offers exceptional value, especially for users who prioritize call quality. It undercuts the AirPods Pro 3 by $80 while delivering comparable ANC and sound quality after customization. The Liberty 5 Pro Max, at $230, is harder to recommend unless the AI note-taking feature is a daily necessity. For most users, the standard Pro model is the smarter buy, providing the same excellent call noise cancellation, ANC, and sound profile.
Anker's Thus chip represents a significant step forward for the Soundcore brand, enabling performance that rivals industry leaders. The Liberty 5 Pro series proves that premium features don't have to come with a premium price tag, especially if you are willing to spend a few minutes tuning the sound to your liking. For anyone who spends a lot of time on calls, these earbuds are a game-changer.
Source: The Verge News