Zürcher Nachrichten - Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Review: Call Quality Redefines Value in Wireless Earbuds

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro has emerged as a compelling option in the crowded wireless earbud market, distinguished primarily by its exceptional call clarity and competitive pricing. After evaluating more than 50 pairs of devices, the product’s ability to isolate voice from complex urban noise environments has positioned it as a strong contender for daily use, challenging established leaders in the sector.

The device addresses a common pain point for users who rely on wireless earbuds for communication in noisy settings. In real-world testing within New York City—a environment characterized by busy roads, bustling cafes, highway overpasses, and loud subway platforms—the Liberty 5 Pro demonstrated significant efficacy in noise isolation during calls. Testers reported that background sounds, including fire truck sirens, traffic noise, and crowd chatter, were effectively eliminated from audio recordings and live conversations.

This performance was attributed to the earbuds' internal hardware, specifically the Anker Thus AI chip. This component utilizes a combined CPU and memory design, known as compute-in-memory architecture, which Anker describes as a significant investment compared to the off-the-shelf chips used by many rivals. The result is enhanced processing of voice signals and ambient noise, allowing the microphone to capture clear audio even in high-decibel conditions.

During comparative testing, the Liberty 5 Pro’s call quality was noted to be superior to that of the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Users reported that their voices remained loud and distinct, with interlocutors frequently commenting on the absence of background noise. The device also performed well against the Shokz OpenDots 2 in similar conditions.

Beyond call performance, the Liberty 5 Pro offers top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC). It provides standard modes including noise cancellation, transparency, adaptive, and off settings, with ANC strength adjustable from one to five via the charging case or the Soundcore app. While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Sony WF-1000XM6 were noted as canceling slightly more noise, the Liberty 5 Pro’s performance remains in the upper tier of the market.

The earbuds feature a new design characterized by a larger, flat pill shape, similar to the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. They are bigger and heavier than stem-shaped alternatives like the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Despite their size, they were reported to be comfortable for extended wear, with multiple ear tip and wing-tip sizes included in the box to ensure a secure fit. The device carries an IP55 rating, indicating resistance to dust and light rain.

Control is managed through touch-sensitive surfaces on the earbuds and a touchscreen on the front of the charging case. The case screen displays battery levels for both the buds and the case, and allows users to adjust ANC settings, sound profiles, and Dolby Audio configurations. While the touchscreen is larger and more functional than that of the previous Liberty 4 Pro, it is less extensive than the full-case display found on the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max.

Audio performance for music playback is described as good but not exceptional out of the box. The default "Soundcore Signature" profile is bass-heavy, which may appeal to some listeners but differs from the balanced sound profiles of competitors like Apple and Bose. Users can customize audio through five preset sound profiles, an eight-band equalizer, or a personalized HearID mode that tunes sound based on user preferences.

When adjusted to the "Soundcore Balance" profile or customized via HearID, the Liberty 5 Pro delivers enjoyable audio quality that is close in detail to higher-priced options like the AirPods Pro 3 and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The device is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, offering cross-platform utility.

The Liberty 5 Pro is priced at nearly $100 less than many top recommendations in its category. This price point, combined with its strong call quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, positions it as a high-value option for consumers seeking reliable wireless earbuds without the premium cost associated with major tech brands.

While the device is not without minor drawbacks, including a bass-heavy default sound profile and a larger physical footprint, its overall performance in critical areas such as call clarity and noise isolation has made it a preferred choice for daily use. The integration of advanced AI processing for audio management suggests that this technology may be featured in future Soundcore products, potentially raising the standard for mid-range wireless earbuds.

E.Schneyder--NZN