The world of wireless earbuds is ever-evolving, and today we're diving into the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, a mid-range offering that packs a punch. These earbuds, priced at $169.99, sit comfortably between the Liberty 5 and the Liberty 5 Pro Max in Anker's lineup. But what sets them apart, and are they worth the investment? Let's explore.
Design: A Balanced Approach
The Liberty 5 Pro sports a stem-based design, a familiar sight in the world of earbuds. What's interesting is the shorter and wider stem, which gives these earbuds a unique look. Despite the odd design, Anker has focused on comfort, offering replaceable fins for a secure fit and a choice of four colors to suit personal style. The blue model, for instance, adds a nice pop of color.
One aspect that could be improved is the touch controls. While functional, they produce a loud confirmation noise, which might be a turn-off for some. Silent squeeze controls could have been a better choice.
Features and Connectivity: Impressive Specs
These earbuds offer a range of features that set them apart. They connect via Bluetooth 6.1 and support multiple codecs, including AAC, SBC, and LDAC, ensuring high-quality audio streaming. Additionally, they support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing up to three simultaneous connections - a rare and welcome feature.
The 9.2mm wool paper drivers, coupled with bass-enhancing tubes, deliver impressive audio. The earbuds are IP55-rated, providing protection against dust and light rain.
Battery Life: Room for Improvement
Anker claims a continuous battery life of 6.5 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, which is decent but could be better. The charging case extends this to 28 hours with ANC, but it's unclear how long the buds last without it. Fast charging over USB-C provides four hours of playback from just five minutes of charging, and wireless charging is supported, a convenient feature.
Case and App: A Balanced Experience
The Liberty 5 Pro's case offers a nice balance of features. It has a full-screen front display, which is touch-sensitive and allows access to various controls and settings. While some might prefer the app for changes, the case provides a convenient alternative. The Soundcore app is well-designed, offering an EQ and various audio controls, including Dolby Audio and AI Sound Enhancement.
Noise Cancellation: Impressive Performance
Anker's Thiu AI chip handles ANC, and the results are impressive. The buds effectively cancel out background noise, including low-end rumble, on a plane or city bus. The ANC also performs well in a busy cafe, reducing background voices. The transparency mode could be more natural, but it's a minor gripe.
Sound Quality: Bass-Heavy with Customization
The Liberty 5 Pro delivers great sound, especially considering the price. The default tuning favors low frequencies, but this can be adjusted via the EQ. Tracks like "Silent Shout" by The Knife and "Loyalty" by Kendrick Lamar showcase the buds' ability to reproduce deep sub-bass, while also handling detailed percussion and clear vocals.
Bill Callahan's "Drover" benefits less from the bass-heavy profile, but this can be easily adjusted. Orchestral tracks also sound rich and full, with good instrument separation.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Option
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro offers a balanced performance and an expanded feature set compared to the Liberty 5, while being more affordable than the Liberty 5 Pro Max. The audio quality is impressive, and the ANC is a standout feature. While the battery life could be better, and the touch controls could use an upgrade, these earbuds provide a solid mid-range option for those seeking a comfortable, feature-rich listening experience.
Personally, I think the Liberty 5 Pro strikes a nice balance, offering a great blend of performance and value. It's an exciting time for wireless earbuds, and Anker is definitely a brand to watch.
