Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Review: Cost-Effective Cancellation
The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is a pair of truly wireless earbuds that offer impressive noise cancellation at a competitive price point. With its own custom hardware and AI-focused noise cancellation technology, it aims to provide high-end features without the high-end price tag.
Design and Features
The Liberty 5 Pro has a unique, curved design, almost resembling small metallic bananas for your ears. It comes with a variety of ear tips for a comfortable fit. The earbuds feature touch controls, a 9.2mm wool-paper driver, four microphones per ear, processing tech, and an AI chip for noise cancellation.
Performance
The sound quality is warm and balanced, with solid bass and rounded mids. The highs are slightly reduced, giving the sound a slightly flat feel. The app allows for customizable sound profiles, including signature, balanced, and a custom profile tailored to your ears.
Noise Cancellation
Anker's noise cancellation technology is a standout feature. The Liberty 5 Pro uses on-device AI to process noise, isolating it and rendering a clear audio output. Testing on a crowded train, the earbuds effectively blocked out most ambient noise, even though some sounds still leaked in.
Spatial Audio
The inclusion of Dolby Audio for spatial audio is a plus, but it doesn't quite live up to expectations. The soundstage becomes too wide, and head-tracking audio feels like an effect layered over the top of the sound.
Case and Controls
The case has a screen for quick access to controls, including power levels, cancellation modes, and device pairing. However, the case controls could be improved, and the screen might feel cumbersome at times.
Battery
The earbuds offer around six hours of listening with noise cancellation, and the case provides roughly four additional charges. The battery life is adequate, but could be improved.
Value
The Liberty 5 Pro provides excellent value for its price, offering high-end noise cancellation tech at a sub-$300 price point. It outperforms many other earbuds in its price range, especially in terms of noise cancellation.
Conclusion
The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is a recommended choice for those seeking cost-effective noise cancellation. While it may not match the performance of top-tier brands like Bose or Apple, it offers impressive features and value for money.
