Soundcore, the audio brand under Anker, has traditionally focused on budget-friendly to mid-range products. With the launch of the Liberty 5 Pro series, the company is directly challenging premium competitors like Apple, Sony, and Bose. The two new models—the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max—are built around Anker’s proprietary Thus chip, which provides significantly more processing power than earlier Soundcore earbuds. This enables advanced features like adaptive noise cancellation, voice control, and, most notably, the best in-call noise reduction ever heard in a pair of earbuds.
At $170 for the Liberty 5 Pro and $230 for the Liberty 5 Pro Max, these earbuds step into the price range occupied by the AirPods Pro 3. While that might seem steep for a brand known for value, the performance justifies the cost. The internal hardware is identical across both models: the same 9.2mm dynamic drivers, the same microphone array, the same active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, the same sound profile, the same battery life, and the same IP55 rating. The only differences lie in the charging case and its features.
Design and Comfort
The earbuds themselves feature a chunky outer body reminiscent of the Bose Ultra Earbuds, but they are engineered for a secure and comfortable fit. Unlike the bulbous Bose design, the Liberty 5 Pro’s housing tapers down, making them easier to grip and insert. The result is a set of earbuds that stay put even during vigorous activity, such as jumping or jogging, without causing discomfort over extended wear. The IP55 rating means they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts.
The standard Liberty 5 Pro case includes a 0.96-inch TFT screen on its front, allowing users to adjust ANC levels, sound profiles, speak-to-chat settings, and Dolby Head Tracking without pulling out a phone. The larger screen on the 5 Pro Max case is a 1.78-inch AMOLED panel that slides on top. It offers the same capabilities plus brightness adjustment, wallpaper changes, and access to the exclusive AI note-taking feature. The Pro Max case also includes a built-in microphone and 357MB of internal storage for recording audio directly to the case.
Sound Quality
Out of the box, the Liberty 5 Pro’s default sound signature is bass-heavy, which can make vocals—especially male vocals—sound muddy and dull the impact of high-frequency sounds like snare hits. However, the Soundcore app includes an innovative sound customization tool that allows users to select from seven example clips to fine-tune the EQ according to their preferences. There is also an 8-band equalizer for manual adjustments. After applying a preferred profile, the sound opens up considerably: instrument separation improves, vocals become clearer, and the overall presentation becomes more balanced. Music like Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” benefits from shimmering acoustic guitar and pristine piano highs. While the profile still emphasizes bass more than the AirPods Pro 3, the end result is highly enjoyable for most genres. The earbuds also support LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming on compatible devices.
Noise Cancellation
Adaptive active noise cancellation on the Liberty 5 Pro is on par with the AirPods Pro 3, which is remarkable given the $80 price difference. Low-frequency drone sounds—like engine hum or air conditioning—are effectively eliminated. The earbuds let in slightly more midrange noise compared to Apple’s offering, but the difference is negligible in real-world use. For commuting or air travel, the ANC performs admirably, providing a quiet listening environment without noticeable artifacts.
Call Quality: The Standout Feature
The most impressive aspect of the Liberty 5 Pro series is its voice call performance. Using the new Thus chip, the earbuds can isolate the speaker’s voice from even the most chaotic background noise. During testing, a child jumping and screaming just feet away was completely inaudible to the person on the other end of the call. Similarly, wood chippers operating outside an open window were entirely suppressed. The microphone array captures the user’s voice with remarkable naturalness; a friend who is also an audio reviewer noted that it was the clearest they had heard the tester sound on any earbud call. When compared directly with the AirPods Pro 3, the same friend described Apple’s call quality as muddy and compressed. This level of call clarity is unprecedented in consumer earbuds and elevates the Liberty 5 Pro as a top choice for anyone who takes frequent phone calls in noisy environments.
Voice Control and AI Note-Taking
The earbuds also feature a voice control mode that responds to 11 different commands without the need for a wake word. Commands include “Play Music,” “Volume Up,” “Reject Call,” and “Transparency Mode.” While the system is quick, it can struggle when there is competing conversation in the room. In a test where another person was on a Zoom call nearby, the user had to speak loudly to trigger mode changes. The lack of a wake word is convenient but can sometimes activate unintentionally.
The Liberty 5 Pro Max’s AI note-taking app allows users to record audio directly to the case and later transfer it to the Soundcore app for transcription and summarization. The transcription accurately differentiates between speakers and can be exported as an MP3, TXT, Markdown, DOCX, or PDF file. While this feature is niche, it could be a game-changer for students or professionals who frequently record meetings or lectures.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is consistent with the premium tier: the earbuds offer around 8 hours of playback with ANC on, and the case provides additional charges, bringing total listening time to approximately 32 hours. The case supports both USB-C and wireless charging. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity and low latency.
Soundcore has also included multipoint Bluetooth, allowing the earbuds to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a welcome feature for users who switch between a phone and a laptop. The accompanying app is well-designed and offers a wealth of customization options, including EQ presets, touch controls, and firmware updates.
For those who prioritize call quality above all else, the Liberty 5 Pro series is the clear leader. The standard model at $170 provides all the essential features, while the $230 Pro Max adds the AI note-taking capability and a larger display. Unless the note-taking feature is a daily necessity, the Liberty 5 Pro offers the better value. With its exceptional noise isolation for calls, solid ANC, and good sound after tuning, it stands as one of the most compelling earbud options available, challenging the dominance of Apple, Sony, and Bose in the premium segment.
Source: The Verge News