Anker soundcore Liberty 5 wireless headphones review

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 once again demonstrate that high-quality, multifunctional true wireless earbuds don’t have to come with a high price tag. I’ve experienced this firsthand.

The TWS earbuds market is one of the hottest segments in modern consumer electronics. Over the past few years, it has evolved from a niche trend into a mainstream standard. Today, wireless earbuds offer more than just convenience – they include a range of technologies such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, Hi-Res audio support, multi-device connectivity, app-based customization, and even health-related features.

Competition in this segment is intense. Manufacturers release new models every month, pushing to pack as many features as possible even into budget devices. Features like ANC or LDAC, once reserved for flagship models, are now available in earbuds priced under $100.

Unquestionably, Apple and Samsung lead the market, setting the industry pace and shaping user expectations. However, another player has quietly and steadily established a strong presence in the TWS ecosystem – Anker, specifically its Soundcore brand.

The Soundcore Liberty series is a clear example of how an independent manufacturer can produce a product that competes with industry giants. Over recent years, these earbuds have built a loyal community of users who value real quality over marketing – delivering powerful sound, thoughtful features, solid battery life, and reliable connectivity.

This spring, we tested the flagship Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, which pleasantly surprised with its sound quality, adaptive ANC, and several unique features. Now, the latest model – the Soundcore Liberty 5 – has arrived, and honestly, it feels like a whole new level. Today, I’m happy to share what makes this model stand out and whether it truly has the potential to set a new standard in its category.

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Why is Anker soundcore Liberty 5 interesting?

The Soundcore Liberty 5 wireless earbuds deliver what I expected from Anker’s brand. Positioned as mid-range TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC), they aim to cover a wide range of features – and in many ways, they succeed.

The sound quality is decent, though not without its quirks. On some tracks, especially pop songs with bright high frequencies, I found the detail lacking. However, this can be partly addressed thanks to the built-in equalizer, which isn’t just a basic addition – it offers 22 preset modes plus the option for detailed manual adjustment. So finding a personalized sound profile is definitely achievable.

What really stood out, however, was the noise cancellation system. The earbuds analyze the surrounding noise every 0.3 seconds and automatically adjust accordingly. It sounds like marketing speak, but it genuinely works well. This is one of the most effective ANC solutions I’ve encountered recently in the TWS segment.

Another strong point is comfort. The Liberty 5 fit comfortably in the ears even during extended use. The case looks stylish, and the overall design closely follows that of the previous Liberty 4 model. It’s not a revolution, but it’s definitely not a step backward.

That said, there are some drawbacks. The controls aren’t very intuitive – you often have to remember which gesture does what. Battery life is average at best, especially if you use ANC frequently.

The official price is around $96, though some stores already offer them for less. Overall, these earbuds come with a reasonable price, strong ANC, acceptable sound quality, and extensive customization options.

Are the Soundcore Liberty 5 worth buying? If you’re looking for affordable yet functional TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation that don’t compromise on design or ergonomics, be sure to check out my full review. It covers battery life, app usability, and my honest impressions after several days of testing.

Anker soundcore Liberty 5 specifications and features

First, let’s look at the numbers and characteristics. Because this model has a lot of things that are definitely worthy of attention.

Headphone type: in-ear, closed acoustic circuit
Bluetooth: 5.4, Multipoint
Speaker diameter: 92 mm
Profiles: A2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.6.2, GAVDP 1.3, HFP 1.7.2
Codec support: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Built-in digital crossover
Certification: Hi-Res Audio Wireless
Drivers: 2 pcs. for each earphone – dynamic coaxial (10.5 mm main and 4.6 mm tweeter) with titanium coating
Minimum reproducible frequency: 20 Hz
Maximum reproducible frequency: 40,000 Hz
Impedance: 17Ω
Sensitivity: 126.7 dB
Microphones: 3 pcs. for each earphone, noise cancelling during conversations
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): yes, uses 6 microphones + barometric pressure sensor, real-time intelligent noise cancellation with parameter updates every 0.3 seconds, 10 levels
Charging port: USB Type-C
Wireless charging: yes (Qi standard)
Headphone autonomy: up to 8 (with active noise cancellation), up to 12 (without active noise cancellation)
Full autonomy: up to 32 hours (with charging case and active noise cancellation), up to 48 hours (with charging case and no active noise cancellation)
Fast charging: 10 minutes for 5 hours of music playback
Waterproof: IP55
Additional features: dual parallel connection, touch control, proximity sensor and auto-pause, mobile app for headphone setup and firmware updates
Weight: 4.6 g (single earbud), 47.9 g (charging case), 57.1 g (headphones with charging case).

What’s in the package

The Soundcore Liberty 5 come well-equipped without being excessive. They’re packaged in a sturdy box with a magnetic flip-top lid, giving a premium feel without going overboard.

The presentation is neat and tasteful, avoiding any cheap shine or fake premium feel. Inside, the packaging is layered and well-organized – each component has its place, with nothing loose or likely to get lost.

The package includes:

the headphones themselves with the tips already installed
five more pairs of silicone tips of different sizes (yes, five is two pairs more than usual, and +1 point for this)
a short USB-C cable for charging
quick start guide
full user manual
a neat pouch insert.

The overall package is standard, but it’s nice to see they didn’t skimp on ear tips. This is especially helpful for those who find standard tips either too large or barely secure.

There’s a good variety of options to choose from to ensure a snug and comfortable fit, which is crucial for effective ANC and overall sound quality.

Everything feels thoughtfully designed, practical, and straightforward – just what you’d expect from a device in this class.

Design, materials, build quality

The moment you open the box of the Soundcore Liberty 5, it’s clear you’re dealing with earbuds from the premium segment. The case looks quite stylish. Its matte finish feels pleasant to the touch, resists fingerprints, and is well protected against scratches.

I tested the black version of the earbuds, which really enhances the stylish feel. The Soundcore logo is positioned on top, the USB-C charging port is located at the back, and the flat base supports wireless charging.

Everything feels thoughtfully placed and convenient here. The minimalist design blends well with a premium look.

That said, there is one detail I didn’t like. The case lid, while featuring an interesting sliding mechanism, feels a bit loose and wobbly.

Compared to the Liberty 4 or 4 Pro, their cases feel more solid and sturdy. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does reduce the overall “wow” factor a bit.

Also, unlike the Liberty 4 Pro, the Liberty 5 no longer features a display on the case. I see this mostly as a gimmick – the screen looked impressive, but in practice, it offered more flair than real functionality.

Instead, there’s now a simple LED strip that indicates whether the case is open and if the earbuds are charging – just the essentials, without any unnecessary flair.

Another improvement is the switch from a glossy finish to a matte coating, which I think is a smart move. Glossy surfaces look good only for the first half hour before turning into a magnet for fingerprints and scratches. Here, the case stays stylish and clean even after several days of regular use. If I had one wish, it would be for a protective pouch to carry the case more conveniently and keep the matte finish looking fresh longer – but that’s just a personal preference.

I really liked the earbuds themselves. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and fit well in the ears. To give some context, the earbuds measure 33.0 × 17.0 × 19.7 mm, and the case is 59.1 × 59.2 × 28.5 mm. Weighing just under 10 grams total, they’re barely noticeable when worn.

The package includes six pairs of ear tips, including an XXS size. This is especially useful for those with smaller-than-average ears. I recommend picking your best-fitting tips right away, as this not only affects comfort but also has a significant impact on the earbuds’ sound quality.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 come with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. This means they’re protected against dust ingress and water jets, such as rain.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 -1

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I wore them for hours – running, sitting on a bench, riding in a car – and they stayed securely in place without causing pressure or falling out. Just don’t swim with them, and washing them in a washing machine is definitely not recommended.

Comfort, controls and connectivity

I’m usually not a fan of earbuds with silicone tips, but the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 pleasantly surprised me. They’re incredibly lightweight and almost unnoticeable in the ear, yet they stay securely in place – even during runs or active movement.

The package includes six pairs of ear tips in different sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit. If you’re unsure, the Soundcore app offers a handy seal test to help determine whether you need larger or smaller tips. Personally, I stuck with the standard ones – the comfort was excellent, even after several hours of continuous use.

One feature worth highlighting is the squeeze control system, which feels much more reliable and precise compared to traditional touch controls. There are no accidental taps – everything works predictably. Each earbud supports four gestures: single, double, triple press, and long press, all of which can be customized through the app. A nice bonus is the ability to launch your phone’s camera with a single squeeze, although for some reason this function can only be assigned to the single-press gesture.

Among the new features is the ability to instantly mute the microphone during calls with a single press. This is especially convenient when you need to quickly silence yourself. The earbuds provide an audible confirmation tone and remind you every 20 seconds if the mic remains active.

The automatic pause when removing an earbud works almost flawlessly. The sensors respond instantly – music stops and resumes automatically, which is particularly handy during conversations or short breaks.

Connection quality is handled by Bluetooth 5.4, with support for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio implemented in the Liberty 5. The earbuds also feature Google Fast Pair, which enables near-instant connection to Android smartphones within seconds. Connectivity with iOS devices works smoothly as well. The effective range indoors is standard – around 6 to 9 meters depending on obstacles. Outdoors, the range extends even further. Throughout my testing, I didn’t experience any dropouts or lag.

The Bluetooth Multipoint feature is well implemented. Not only can you connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously, but you can also select from a list of previously paired devices directly within the app. Another advantage is that you no longer have to sacrifice LDAC support when using Multipoint – both functions work simultaneously. This is a significant plus, as even some top competitors still don’t offer this capability.

Soundcore mobile app

I’ve already mentioned the soundcore app a few times, so it’s time to get to know it a little better.

Android:

DownloadQR-Code

Soundcore

Developer: Anker

Price: Free

iOS:

DownloadQR-Code

soundcore

Developer: Power Mobile Life LLC

Price: Free⁺

The app is available for both Android and iOS, and it’s very well designed: fast, user-friendly, stable, and enjoyable to use.

Soundcore Liberty 5- app

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The main screen gives you quick access to all essential features: you can instantly adjust the Ambient Sound (transparency mode), activate “Airplane Mode,” which uses data from the barometric sensor to optimize noise cancellation, or enable wind noise reduction – a handy option if you frequently use the earbuds outdoors.

Soundcore Liberty 5-app-2

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The settings menu offers a number of advanced and genuinely useful features:

In-Call Sound Awareness – when enabled, this activates transparency mode during calls, letting you clearly hear your own voice while speaking.
Wearing Detection – this auto-pause feature stops the music when you remove an earbud and resumes playback when you put it back in. It works flawlessly.
Adaptive Sound Leakage Compensation – this feature adjusts the sound in real time to compensate for a less-than-perfect seal. If, for example, an ear tip shifts slightly, the system tweaks frequencies or volume to maintain consistent audio quality.
Safe Volume limits the maximum volume to help protect your hearing. It’s a practical feature, especially for long listening sessions or when using higher volume levels.
Prompt Tone lets you enable or disable system sounds, such as mode changes or low battery alerts.
Sound Mode allows you to choose how the LDAC codec operates – prioritizing either audio quality or connection stability.
Dual Connections enables multipoint support, allowing the earbuds to stay connected to two devices at the same time.
Fit Test checks the seal of the ear tips to ensure you’re getting optimal performance from the active noise cancellation and low-end response.
Auto Power Off sets a timer to automatically shut off the earbuds after a period of inactivity.
Find Device is a location feature that lets both the earbuds and the case emit a sound to help you locate them. The volume is loud enough to be heard clearly in a quiet room or even when they’re buried in a couch cushion.

A dedicated tab in the app handles audio settings. It includes everything you’d expect: the option to enable Spatial Audio (only available with the AAC codec), a selection of preset EQ profiles, the ability to create a custom EQ, or run a hearing test to generate a personalized sound profile. Personally, I found the hearing test the most effective – it tailors the audio to what your ears actually need.

Soundcore Liberty 5 -app-3

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The third tab focuses on gesture controls. Here, you can reassign actions for squeeze gestures, long presses, double taps, and triple taps – individually for each earbud. It offers full flexibility for customizing controls to suit your preferences.

Read also:

Moderate noise reduction and transparency

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 feature active noise cancellation (ANC) designed to provide a quieter listening experience. The technology works in the usual way: microphones pick up external sounds and emit anti-phase signals to cancel out noise, either partially or fully. In theory, this sounds promising, but in practice…

The Liberty 5 doesn’t represent a breakthrough in noise cancellation. They handle consistent background noise well – such as traffic, fan hum, or office chatter. However, they struggle more with high-frequency sounds: children’s cries, clattering dishes, or loud voices still pass through the filter, even at the highest ANC level. Even with music playing softly, you’ll still hear some ambient noise from your surroundings.

According to Soundcore, the Liberty 5 feature the best ANC among their earbuds, promising improved voice filtering and more natural sound. I wasn’t able to directly compare them with the Liberty 4 Pro, as I didn’t have that model available. However, even without a direct comparison, the noise cancellation here is respectable. It’s not perfect and doesn’t match the level of Sony or Bose, but it should be sufficient for most users.

It’s worth noting that the Soundcore app allows you to manually adjust the ANC intensity. Additionally, there’s a useful wind noise reduction mode, which proves effective outdoors when wind gusts interfere with the microphones.

The transparency mode has noticeably improved. While it doesn’t quite match the “magic” of AirPods Pro – voices don’t sound as rich or natural – the Liberty 5 come close enough that most users will find it adequate. If you only use transparency occasionally, such as in stores or on public transport, it should serve you well without issues.

Read also:

Sound quality

Out of the box, the Soundcore Liberty 5 deliver a solid sound profile with strong, tight bass, thanks in part to their new acoustic design featuring dual sound tubes. The bass response is dense, deep, and well-defined. However, there is a caveat.

Personally, I found the highs a bit lacking in airiness – I would have liked more openness and sparkle. The midrange, in some tracks, felt somewhat compressed – not flat, but missing the natural fullness I’m used to. If you notice something similar, don’t be discouraged. Just open the Soundcore app and make sure to complete the two personalization steps: HearID and the sound preference test.

The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, but the difference is striking. The sound really comes alive: mids become more distinct, highs clearer, while the bass stays rich and energetic. It’s not just a slight improvement – it feels like your personalized sound.

Of course, you can manually adjust the equalizer with numerous presets and a fully customizable mode. But honestly, the automatic personalization was so accurate that I only needed to slightly boost the bass and tone down the highs a bit. The result is a sound profile that feels very close to ideal.

A separate note on Dolby Audio: the app offers three profiles – Music, Podcasts, and Movies – that are meant to enhance immersion. In practice, the improvements are minimal. If you’ve already gone through the HearID personalization, Dolby Audio will likely feel unnecessary. That was the case for me, so I left the feature turned off.

One important tip for Android users: make sure to enable LDAC in the app settings. If you listen to high-quality or lossless music (like FLAC files or TIDAL HiFi), the difference in detail between LDAC and standard AAC is noticeable. The sound becomes more spacious and expressive, especially with calm or acoustic tracks.

Call Quality

Soundcore has long been recognized as a reliable brand when it comes to wireless earbuds for calls, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 maintains that standard. They handle voice transmission well, especially in quiet environments, and are even better at masking background noise. Calls come through clearly and cleanly, without muffling, even amid city noise, barking dogs, or nearby buses.

The noise-cancellation algorithms in the microphones perform well, effectively separating your voice from background noise with minimal distortion. They also handle wind noise competently. I specifically tested the earbuds during a windy walk, and my conversation partner never had to ask me to repeat myself.

There’s also a useful feature called side tone, which lets you hear your own voice during calls. If you’re not bothered by how your voice sounds in headphones, this can be quite helpful. It helps prevent you from speaking too loudly since you have better control over your vocal volume.

When you start or receive a call, the earbuds can automatically enable a transparency mode so you can hear yourself clearly. This isn’t exactly the same as the Ambient Sound mode, since during calls the microphones have to balance voice processing and noise reduction simultaneously, so the effect isn’t as natural. Still, it’s a smart implementation that works well in practice.

If voice communication quality is important to you, the Liberty 5 won’t disappoint. They’re among the few TWS earbuds suitable not only for short calls but also for long online meetings, lectures, and even recording voice notes in noisy environments.

Soundcore Liberty 5 battery life

Soundcore claims that the Liberty 5 can last up to 12 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and about 8 hours with ANC on. Including the charging case, total playback time extends to 48 hours without ANC and 32 hours with it active. On paper, these figures look impressive. But how do they hold up in real use?

In my tests, the results were fairly close to the official specs, though with some caveats. Battery life varies significantly depending on usage patterns. If you listen at volumes above 50%, use LDAC codec, and are in a noisy environment, expect the battery to drain noticeably faster – sometimes up to 30% quicker than the stated times.

In my experience – with ANC and LDAC enabled and listening at medium volume – the earbuds lasted about 7.5 hours, which is quite respectable. To test this, I played music at a moderate volume with ANC active and monitored the battery percentage. After one hour, the charge dropped from 100% to 80%. If this rate continued steadily, a full cycle would last around 5 hours, which is less optimistic compared to the advertised 8 hours.

There’s also a positive aspect – fast charging. Just 10 minutes in the case can give you up to 5 hours of playback (depending on settings and volume, of course). So if you’re in a hurry and the battery is nearly empty, a short charge in the case can save the day.

Of course, if you’re heading out on a hike to Hoverla and forgot your charging case, then there’s no saving that. But in most other situations, the Liberty 5’s battery life is solid for its class and unlikely to cause major complaints.

Read also: OneOdio Focus A5 Headphones Review

What was I missing?

Some might read this review and think I’m overly positive about these soundcore earbuds. But that’s not blind praise – there are definitely things I missed during my testing of the Liberty 5.

First and foremost is spatial audio with head tracking. Once you get used to this feature on other models, its absence becomes obvious within minutes. Then there’s the lack of a heart rate sensor. In 2025, having that in TWS earbuds no longer feels like a luxury but more like an expected standard, especially for users who are serious about health and fitness.

Another feature that could have taken the Liberty 5 to the next level is support for Auracast. This technology offers new possibilities for audio transmission, and its inclusion definitely wouldn’t hurt.

Some might say I’m asking for too much, but I just know what ideal headphones can be. And the closer a device gets to that ideal, the more you naturally expect from it.

Conclusions

If you’re currently looking for a headset in the $100 to $150 range, the soundcore Liberty 5 is probably one of the smartest choices available. They offer more refinement than most budget models without relying on gimmicks that inflate the price without improving quality.

Anker clearly understands where the line lies between useful features and marketing overload. The Liberty 5 strikes a balanced approach: solid sound quality that holds up well even compared to higher-tier models, along with microphones that reliably handle calls in noisy environments.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Liberty 5 performs well and, combined with solid battery life, delivers a convenient experience – whether you’re commuting, working, or just walking around the city. The soundstage is wide and precise without unnecessary coloration. Everything sounds balanced and natural, with no surprises.

In everyday use, the Liberty 5 are reliable. Whether for mobile gaming or casual listening, they’re a device you can count on. Anker has made several smart choices here, and you’d have to dig deep into the details to find any significant drawbacks.

If you’re looking for reliable true wireless earbuds with a pleasant, balanced sound, good microphones, and genuinely effective active noise cancellation, the Anker soundcore Liberty 5 deserve serious consideration. These earbuds focus on performance rather than flashy gimmicks.

The Liberty 5 aren’t about “wow” moments in the first five minutes – they deliver consistent comfort, stability, and quality that make you want to keep using them every day. They truly justify their price and then some.

Read also:

Design 9
Materials 9
Comfort of use 9
Control 9
Sound 10
Mobile app 10
Mics 10
Connection quality 10
Battery life 10
Price 9

Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Review: Multifunctional TWS Headphones

Why is Anker soundcore Liberty 5 interesting?

Anker soundcore Liberty 5 specifications and features

What’s in the package

Design, materials, build quality

Comfort, controls and connectivity

Soundcore mobile app

Moderate noise reduction and transparency

Sound quality

Call Quality

Soundcore Liberty 5 battery life

What was I missing?

Conclusions

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