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Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: two-minute evaluate
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 are a modestly priced pair of stem-equipped wi-fi earbuds, aiming to supply “detail-rich” sound and silencing ANC. With a listing worth of $129 / £99 / AU$169, these buds are hardly brief on competitors. However they do a good quantity to face out in what’s a congested market.
One of many methods they do that’s by providing a broad, wealthy suite of options. Whether or not it’s a choice EQ take a look at, low-latency gaming mode, customizable contact controls or environment-specific ANC, there’s loads to sink your enamel into. After all, the adaptive ANC is a standout function right here. It’s not groundbreaking and I’ve skilled higher noise-nixing capabilities from wi-fi earbuds, however exterior sounds are dulled successfully total and there are many customization choices.
That mentioned, to compete with the best earbuds available on the market, you should sound good – actually, the audio must be very good. And fortunately, the Liberty 5 do sound fairly stable total. You’ll be able to uncover substantial sonic element – particularly with LDAC deployed – plus booming bass and even a good quantity of breadth and separation when utilizing Dolby Audio. Out of the field, the Liberty 5 do lack a modicum of neutrality, displaying a transparent choice for bass and treble (learn: ‘pleasure’ or ‘zeal’ over a extra pure, trustworthy and built-in stability throughout the frequencies). The element in musical passages and layering of devices are unlikely to impress audiophiles both. Nonetheless, it is all relative and for the value you pay, these buds meet the mark.
One thing that’s not so spectacular, although, is the Liberty 5’s design. I’m simply not digging the plasticky housing and stem design. Contact controls, that are accessed through the stems, are fiddly and inconsistent too. You do, nevertheless, get a fairly cool sliding case and IP55 mud and waterproofing.
Different facets that may very well be higher embrace name high quality, which isn’t precisely unhealthy however not fairly as “crystal-clear” as marketed. I additionally skilled a notable quantity of sound leakage – although that’s fairly widespread for earbuds at this degree.
Nonetheless, there’s lots to love in regards to the Liberty 5. My testing advised battery life will not be so long as quoted, however you continue to get a good quantity of playtime. There’s a match examine choice to get the very best seal, a variety of further ear suggestions within the field and multi-point connectivity too.
All in all, I’d argue that the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 make for a good pair of wi-fi earbuds, although their design flaws particularly maintain them again from greatness. If you need an excellent cheaper possibility, I’d go for the equally stemmed Earfun Air 2 NC which galvanized me within the audio and noise cancelling division.
At an analogous worth you can as a substitute get the Nothing Ear (a) – extra on these later. And at last, for those who’re prepared to step it up a bit of bit, I completely love the Dolby Atmos-enabled LG Tone Free T90S, which you’ll be able to seize on-sale near the $180 / £150 mark. If the Liberty 5 see a big price-slash at any of the upcoming gross sales occasions, I’m positive they’d be value including to your on-line buying cart. However proper now, you are able to do higher for the cash.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: worth and availability
- $129 / £99 / AU$169
- Launched in Might 2025
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 launched in Might 2025, simply over two-and-a-half years after their predecessor, the Liberty 4. They’ve a listing worth of $129 / £99 / AU$169, however I wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they have been on sale within the not too distant future. Notably, you’ll be able to seize the Liberty 5 in 4 completely different shade choices: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot. The colour you choose should not have any bearing on worth.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: specs
|
Drivers |
9.2mm dynamic |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
Buds: 12 hours (8 hours with ANC on); Whole with case: 48 hours (32 hours with ANC on) |
|
Weight |
4.6g |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4 |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-20kHz |
|
Waterproofing |
IP55 |
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: options
- Customizable noise cancellation choices…
- …however precise ANC efficiency isn’t top-class
- Prime-tier companion app
I wish to begin off with a giant plus-point: I actually love the Soundcore companion app – and as somebody who has numerous related audio apps on my cellphone, it’s uncommon that I actually love one thing priced at this degree. Mentioned app is specified by a clear, user-friendly method, with the entire essential settings listed on a hub web page and smaller nuggets up in a separate menu. I discover some companion apps to be a bit sluggish or buggy – not this one.
So, let’s run via the entire key options you will discover on the Soundcore app. There’s the traditional inclusions like multi-point connectivity, a Discover System possibility if a pesky bud goes amiss, and customizable contact controls – one thing I’ll focus on extra within the Design part.
However one of many key areas I wish to give attention to is EQ adjustment. Soundcore has actually knocked it out of the park right here; there are simply so some ways to tailor the Liberty 5’s sound to your tastes. Firstly, there’s all the same old suspects – assume Bass Booster and Bass Reducer, in addition to genre-specific decisions comparable to Classical and Dance. There’s additionally a Dolby Audio possibility (not Atmos) with music, podcast, or film sub-options. Cell players are in luck too: there’s a low-latency Gaming Mode that enhances the sounds of footsteps and voices – although you gained’t have the ability to use this alongside the ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codec, LDAC, which is a good inclusion.
And there’s extra! You’ll be able to even take a choice take a look at, as seen on the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, which presents a sequence of sound ‘A’ and ‘B’ choices, and forges a bespoke sound for you primarily based on the alternatives you make. Truthfully, I feel Soundcore is doing this higher than all of its rivals – I even like this greater than the preference-based EQ operate on the Sony WH-1000XM6.
After all, the primary occasion right here is energetic noise cancellation, however regardless of the Liberty 5’s admirable report card up to now, that is the place issues take a slight dip. Is ANC unhealthy on the Liberty 5? No, that may be harsh. However is it the very best round? Additionally no: it’s acceptable, however no higher.
When strolling close to a busy highway, I may nonetheless hear autos going by, even within the 60-70% quantity vary. Certain, sounds have been considerably dulled, however there was a contact extra extraneous noise filtering in than I might’ve favored. Equally, whereas working away within the workplace, chatter in an adjoining room was simply phased out, however low-level discussions from my colleagues would creep in. Should you don’t want silence or near-silence always, the Liberty 5 will just do superb. However for those who’re on the lookout for S-tier noise-crushing capabilities, you’re gonna need to look some extra.
Curiously, you’ll be able to adapt noise cancelling between one – the weakest, and 5 – the strongest, if you wish to take a extra balanced method to listening. There’s a transparency calibration too, in addition to a wind noise reducer and ANC modes for touring through airplane or automobile. Should you’d like, you’ll be able to even use Match Take a look at, to make sure you’re getting the proper seal for shutting out the world round you.
Lastly, Soundcore says that the Liberty 5 can handle eight hours of playtime with ANC on – that’s for those who pay attention at average quantity with principally each further possibility switched off. That’s a fairly stable quantity, although I did understand that the battery depleted by 20% after one hour of testing. That means it’s possible you’ll not fairly get that full eight hours in any case. Nonetheless, the case packs loads of cost, so except you wish to lock in for a super-long session, there needs to be sufficient battery life right here.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: sound high quality
- Spectacular bass output
- Lack a little bit of stability out of the field
- …however there are intensive EQ choices and Dolby Audio to repair it
For $129 / £99 / AU$169, it’s uncommon that you just’ll discover top-of-the-range sound high quality. And the Liberty 5 aren’t going to plate up the form of completely nuanced, fantastically separated sound that audiophiles are searching down – if the Liberty 5 may do this for this cash and with out wires, we may all pack up and go dwelling.
All the identical, I’m happy to report that they do sound good total. When listening to It’s Potential by Piero Piccioni and Catherine Howe, vocals had a satisfying diploma of element, with tongue clicks on the palate and refined breaths sounding three-dimensional and largely genuine. Audio was notably revealing with the higher-resolution Bluetooth codec, LDAC, switched on, however even then, the vocals weren’t fairly lifted out of the combination for essentially the most expressive, layered pay attention.
Equally, when tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the vocal efficiency was clear, however felt as if it may very well be extra distinguished within the combine. This monitor did reveal, nevertheless, that the Liberty 5 pack some critical low-end punch. The pumping drum machine – although maybe not as agile as you’d hear on extra premium buds just like the Technics EAH-AZ100 – supplied spectacular depth. And once more with Breather by Christ Stussy & S. A. M., the Liberty 5 had the skills to copy the thumping bass on the coronary heart of this monitor’s energetic, nearly hypnotic bounce.
When listening to Breather, I did really feel that percussion within the treble vary may sound overemphasized, particularly at greater quantity ranges. That will properly trigger some fatigue throughout longer listening periods, so for those who’d prefer to tone issues down, it’s going to be value taking a visit to the Soundcore app. After making use of the customized eight-band equalizer, I used to be in a position to largely quash this problem, which actually is a testomony to the extremely tunable sound of the Liberty 5.
Sure, you actually could make these earbuds sound your individual. There’s a Dolby Audio possibility, if you would like barely wider, extra immersive sound. For reference, you’re not getting Dolby Atmos – one thing you’ll discover on fashions just like the LG xboom Buds, for instance. How does this specific Dolby side-sauce sound? Properly, it does what it says on the tin. Bass particularly sounds broader… extra encapsulating. However it’s possible you’ll discover {that a} contact of element is misplaced in comparison with listening with Dolby Audio off.
Yet another performance-related component I ought to focus on is mic high quality. Soundcore proudly states that the Liberty 5 are able to “crystal-clear” name high quality, thanks to 6 mics, a wind-resistant algorithm and a serving to hand from AI. However I wasn’t all too impressed on this division. My voice was decently clear, however my environment would usually get in the way in which. Equally on a voice observe, I may actually hear myself, however my voice wasn’t notably ahead and exterior noises crept in simply.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: design
- Stem design gained’t be for everybody
- Neat sliding case
- The contact controls simply aren’t it
I feel it’s solely honest that I put my playing cards on the desk right here and say that I’m not a mega-fan of the Soundcore Liberty 5’s design. A part of that comes down to non-public choice – I just like the smaller, extra discreet look of stemless rivals just like the Sony WF-C710N.
Nonetheless, I can put that apart to a level. However I couldn’t assist feeling that the Liberty 5 appear to be a extra plasticky and fewer glossy pair of AirPods. I might argue that their barely slanted look is a plus although, that does give them a sharper, extra angular edge. And in contrast to AirPods, you’ll be able to seize these in a number of shade choices: Black; White; Blue; or Apricot.
Appears apart, there may be one main impracticality in regards to the Liberty 5’s design: their contact controls. Soundcore’s gone for a form of ‘pinch’ management scheme, which frankly, I discovered a bit of awkward. The buds wouldn’t really feel very safe once I was pinching on the stems to skip or go to earlier tracks. And the effectiveness of my makes an attempt diversified. Generally I needed to make a number of makes an attempt to pause or play a tune – it’s simply not a massively constant method to management playback.
So, sure, not numerous good things to say up to now. However one factor I do like in regards to the Liberty 5 is their charging case. Merely, slide it open and there you’re. Your earbuds, proper earlier than you! I desire this movement to the flip-top movement instances go for and want to see a couple of extra producers contemplate it.
The buds are additionally pretty snug in-ear, so it’s unlikely you’ll really feel exhausted after mere minutes of use. You will discover a number of sized eartips within the field too, serving to you discover essentially the most safe match doable. Regardless of getting a pleasant seal, although, a colleague did hear some sound leakage at round 65-70% quantity. There’s an adaptive sound leakage compensation toggle within the Soundcore app’s superior settings however, nonetheless, you’re not going to get the proper isolation that the best over-ear headphones provide.
Waterproofing can also be fairly stable. The Liberty 5 are IP55 mud and waterproof rated, which implies that they will face up to low stress water jets from a number of instructions. That’s higher than numerous opponents, however you are able to do even higher. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, for example, are IP57-rated, to allow them to even survive being immersed beneath a meter of water for some time.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: worth
- Pretty average checklist worth
- However nonetheless, you are able to do higher for the cash
- Outperformed by a lot of rivals
The Soundcore Liberty 5 are enjoying in a fairly aggressive discipline, coming in at $129 / £99 / AU$169. It’s a decently modest price ticket, positive, however numerous producers are producing fairly nice earbuds for even much less.
Now, there are numerous rivals I may identify right here. I personal the Sony WF-C700N and so they sound nice whereas additionally providing a extra low-profile look than the Liberty 5. We additionally fee the Nothing Ear (a) extremely, however I’ll focus on these a bit of extra under. However if you would like the final word information to the main low cost fashions, then I’d advocate trying out our information to the best budget earbuds.
In the end, $100 / £100 / AU$150 remains to be a big spend. And I’m not satisfied these are notably standout – apart from their wonderful companion app and decently broad feature-set. By way of sonic prowess, ANC skills and design, it’s a extra blended image. If these are on sale, I wouldn’t rely them out, after all. However in the mean time, I’d reasonably seize a pair of buds from Sony or Nothing.
Ought to I purchase the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Superior companion app, customizable however pretty common ANC, OK battery. |
4/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Good total sound for the price with spectacular bass, calling may very well be higher. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Impractical contact controls, divisive stem design, IP55 waterproofing and case. |
3/5 |
|
Worth |
Respectable worth however outperformed by rivals on sound and design. |
3.5/5 |
Purchase them if…
Do not buy them if…
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 evaluate: additionally contemplate
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 |
Nothing Ear (a) |
Apple AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
$129 / £99 / AU$169 |
$99 / £99 (about AU$150) |
$129 / £129 / AU$219 |
|
Drivers |
9.2mm dynamic |
11mm customized |
Customized |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
Sure |
No |
|
Battery life |
Buds: 8 hours (12 hours with out ANC on); Whole with case: 32 hours (48 hours with out ANC on) |
Buds: 5.5hrs (9.5hrs with out ANC) Whole with case: 24.5hrs (42.5hrs with out ANC) |
Buds: 5 hours (official), 7 hours (measured); Whole with case: 30 hours |
|
Weight |
4.6g (per bud) |
4.8g (per bud) |
4.3g (per bud) |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4 |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz-40kHz |
Not acknowledged |
Not acknowledged |
|
Waterproofing |
IP55 |
IP54 |
IP54 |
How I examined the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
- Examined for 2 weeks
- Used within the workplace and whereas out in public
- Predominantly examined utilizing Tidal
I examined the Soundcore Liberty 5 over a fortnight, listening to songs and watching movies for hours on finish. I used them out on the workplace, whereas at dwelling and when on walks to evaluate the fortitude of ANC throughout a number of environments.
Usually, I examined these buds utilizing Tidal, however I additionally tried utilizing them with each Spotify and YouTube. When listening to music, I ran via the TechRadar testing playlist, which options tracks from all kinds of genres. After all, I additionally tuned in to tons of tunes from my private library.
The place applicable, I in contrast these to the LG xboom Buds on metrics comparable to consolation, audio high quality, ANC capabilities and options. And for reference, I’ve examined tons of audio merchandise right here at TechRadar. I’ve reviewed flagship over-ear headphones just like the Sony WH-1000XM6, wired earbuds just like the Sennheiser IE 600 and, after all, different wi-fi earbuds just like the LG Tone Free T90S.