Anker’s Soundcore brand has introduced its latest earbuds, the Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max, positioning them as strong competitors to premium options from Apple, Sony, and Bose with standout performance in call quality and noise cancellation.
The new models, priced at $170 for the Liberty 5 Pro and $230 for the Liberty 5 Pro Max, feature Anker’s Thus chip for enhanced processing power. According to a review on theverge.com, this upgrade delivers what the publication described as “the best in-call noise canceling I’ve heard in any earbuds.”
Both versions share identical core specifications, including 9.2mm drivers, a microphone array, adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support for high-res audio, IP55 water resistance, and up to the same battery life. The primary distinction lies in their charging cases: the standard model includes a 0.96-inch TFT screen for quick settings adjustments, while the Max version offers a larger 1.78-inch AMOLED display with added features like audio recording and AI-powered transcription.
The earbuds themselves adopt a design reminiscent of Bose models but with a slimmer profile that reviewers found more comfortable and secure during activities like jumping. Out of the box, the sound leans bass-heavy, which can muddy vocals, though users can customize via a questionnaire or an 8-band EQ in the Soundcore app to achieve clearer mids and highs.
Noise cancellation performs comparably to the AirPods Pro 3 at a lower price point, effectively handling low-frequency drones suitable for flights while allowing slightly more midrange ambient sound. The standout element remains call clarity, with tests showing the buds blocking out loud distractions such as a child yelling or a wood chipper operating nearby.
“I have never heard a pair of earbuds or headphones handle ambient noise on a call this well,” the Verge review noted, adding that a fellow audio reviewer found the sound natural even amid traffic and emergency vehicles. In direct comparisons, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 were described as sounding “muddy and more compressed.”
The Liberty 5 Pro Max case adds a microphone for direct audio recording up to 357MB of storage, enabling transcription and summarization in the app without needing the earbuds inserted. Files can be exported in formats including MP3 for audio and PDF or DOCX for text, with accurate speaker differentiation reported in testing.
Voice control responds to phrases like “Play Music” or “Transparency Mode” without a wake word, though it may require louder speech in noisy environments. The earbuds support features such as speak-to-chat and Dolby head tracking, all accessible via the case screen or companion app.
Soundcore has historically offered strong value in the budget and midrange segments, with previous top models like the Liberty 4 Pro at $150. The new pricing moves into territory typically occupied by flagship wireless earbuds, reflecting the added chip technology and call enhancements.
Reviewers noted that while the default audio profile benefits from adjustment, the overall listening experience matches or approaches higher-priced alternatives after tuning, particularly for bass response and detail in acoustic tracks. The devices are available now, with the Liberty 5 Pro recommended for most users unless the Max case’s recording tools are needed regularly.
Industry observers have pointed to increasing competition in the earbuds market as companies like Anker leverage advanced chips to close gaps with established players. The Liberty 5 Pro series emphasizes practical improvements in everyday use cases such as phone calls and meetings over incremental audio tweaks.
Early user feedback aligns with professional assessments on call performance, though some note the importance of fit for optimal noise cancellation. Anker continues to expand its Soundcore lineup with an eye toward features previously limited to more expensive ecosystems.