Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max by Anker

Introduction

A new and distinctive design of the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max marks the arrival of the successor models to the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro (review). The ear fins, built into the IP55-rated dust, water, and sweat-resistant housings, provide additional stability that benefits the in-ears during everyday use and physical activity. With ear tips and fins supplied in multiple sizes and freely combinable, the fit is highly adaptable. The in-app fit test can help narrow down the right combination.

Design and Fit

With ear tips and fins supplied in multiple sizes and freely combinable, the fit is highly adaptable. The in-app fit test can help narrow down the right combination. Stability is enhanced through the ear fins integrated into the IP55-rated housings, providing secure anchorage during everyday use and physical activity. The overall design strikes a balance between functional form and aesthetic appeal.

Battery Life

In standard operation, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max can achieve a runtime of just under twelve hours using the AAC codec at moderate to high volume. With noise cancellation running at its maximum setting, around six and a half hours is available. The sliding-mechanism charging case provides enough reserve to top up the earbuds three additional times.

The earbuds reach a full charge in 40 minutes, while a five-minute quick charge delivers around four hours of playback without ANC. The case itself is fully recharged after 110 minutes using the included USB-C to USB-A cable. Wireless charging via Qi is also supported.

Comparison: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro vs. Liberty 5 Pro Max

Both Pro versions share Bluetooth 6.1, Google Fast Pair, and multipoint connectivity for up to three simultaneous devices. The available audio codecs are identical too: SBC, AAC, and LDAC, with LDAC unavailable when three devices are paired at once.

Dolby Audio, the personal sound profile feature, functional voice control, battery life, protection rating, and driver system are all the same across both models. The Liberty 5 Pro Max adds an AI recorder and a larger touch display on the case. The Max case also includes magnets to enable vertical wireless charging.

These additions are reflected in a meaningful price difference. The Liberty 5 Pro Max carries an RRP of €249.99, while the Liberty 5 Pro comes in at €179.99, making the trade-off worth considering carefully. Color options differ as well: the more affordable model is available in Titanium Blue, Cloud White, Titanium Pink, and Midnight, while the Max version comes in Champagne and Midnight only.

Versatile Control Options

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max feature touch-sensitive surfaces supporting single, double, and triple taps, as well as hold gestures and upward/downward swipes for volume control. Beyond that, most functions can be freely assigned through the app, covering playback control, track skipping, and switching between ANC, transparency, and standard modes. The AI assistant and translation function can also be assigned to touch gestures.

One limitation worth noting: there is no manual power on/off for the earbuds, meaning the case is always required. Reliable wear detection and responsive voice control round out the control options, both of which can be toggled on or off as needed. Voice commands include “Play music,” “Turn it up,” “Answer call,” and “Next song,” along with options to activate transparency mode or noise cancellation. English, German, Japanese, and Chinese are supported.

Additional control is available through the case’s touch display, which provides access to numerous functions. These include ambient sound control with five ANC levels, adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and standard mode. Dolby Audio with or without head tracking, face-to-face translation, AI notepad, wallpapers, music control, AI sound enhancement, and sound settings are all accessible. Multipoint connections, remote camera shutter, and Smart Chat function round out the comprehensive control suite. Display brightness and language can also be adjusted through settings, and the display shows the current battery level.

Soundcore App

The noise control section of the companion app (available for Android and iOS) is divided into an ANC mode with five intensity levels, two dedicated ANC settings for commuting or travel (auto/airplane), an adaptive mode, and a standard transparency mode. A wind noise reduction feature can also be activated separately.

Sound customization is a central element of the app. Alongside an 8-band EQ for custom profiles that can be saved, the available presets include “Signature Sound” as the default, along with “Clear Vocals,” “Powerful Bass,” and “Calm and Soothing.” There’s also the option to generate a personal HearID profile by analyzing hearing sensitivity in each ear and expressing listening preferences through an A/B comparison. New this time is the ability to specify a preferred genre: rock, pop, or classical.

For watching films and series, Dolby Audio with or without head tracking can improve dialogue clarity and add depth. For compressed content, the AI Sound Enhancement feature offers an additional optimization option, though activating it disables LDAC, Dolby Audio, and voice control. Beyond sound control, the app allows voice prompts and multipoint connections to be configured. A Smart Chat function, linked to the bone conduction sensors, can also be activated: when you start speaking, playback volume is lowered and transparency mode switches on automatically for spontaneous conversations. On compatible Android devices, LDAC can also be set up, though a firmware update is required.

AI-Powered Note-Taking and Face-to-Face Translation

Drawing on the AI recorder previously tested in the Soundcore Work, the Liberty 5 Pro Max can be used for AI-assisted voice notes with transcription and summaries, useful for meetings or capturing ideas on the go. For recording sessions and thought processes, however, only 120 transcription minutes per month are available free of charge. Beyond that, the cost is €17.99 per month for up to 1,200 minutes, or €18.75 per month in an annual subscription for unlimited use. Summaries are only available under the paid tiers.

The charging case includes a microphone and functions as the recorder during capture. Important moments can be flagged using the bookmark icon on the display. Once the recording ends, the file is automatically saved and synced to the app, after which it can be exported in MP3 format. Basic editing and transcription are also possible, though transcription accuracy can be somewhat patchy at times. Summaries, by contrast, are detailed and are even formatted as a structured handout. Both the transcript and the summary can be exported in common text formats or as a PDF. While the audio quality of the recording itself is not particularly high, the algorithms are surprisingly effective at reducing background noise and isolating voices.

For face-to-face translation, neither earbuds nor a phone need to be shared: the conversation partner can use the charging case, which includes both a microphone and a speaker. After selecting a language from more than 100 options, the AI interpreter is ready to go. The function is designed for simple conversations with short, concise sentences.

Call Quality

Communicating in adverse conditions is one of the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max’s genuine strengths. The extensive microphone array manages to almost completely suppress wind noise even in strong gusts, without seriously compromising voice transmission. Loud background noise is also filtered out after a brief initial delay, making the speaker’s voice clearly intelligible to the person on the other end. The one thing worth noting is that voice transmission can lose some natural quality when a loud background is being filtered, and a brief burst of noise can occasionally slip through during pauses in speech. Otherwise, silence prevails.

Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode

According to the manufacturer, the noise cancellation uses three feedforward and one feedback microphone per side, resulting in high effectiveness. The impact is especially pronounced in the low-frequency range, but the ability to significantly attenuate voices is also impressive. No real weaknesses were apparent during testing: both near-field sources like keyboard noise and a loud lawnmower at several meters’ distance are suppressed without compromise. The adaptive mode also reacts exceptionally quickly to changes in the environment. Background hiss is generally low and only really becomes noticeable at the highest ANC level.

Transparency mode performs well aside from a near-moderate background noise floor, and the Smart Chat function can also prove useful in practice. The one clear drawback is a fairly strong bass boost that activates in all ambient sound modes, which can be a noticeable downside.

Sound

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max is fitted with a single dynamic 9.2mm driver per side, moving away from the dual-driver configuration of the previous model. The default sound signature is already noticeably powerful, with a full-bodied bass that leans toward a softer, rounder character. With bass-heavy productions in particular, the sub-bass comes across as somewhat generous, an effect that intensifies further in ANC mode due to the bass boost.

Those who prefer a tighter, more punchy bass response have good options available through HearID and the EQ to trim the low end back. Fundamentally, though, these earbuds are tuned for an enjoyable, full-sounding experience that works best when it aligns with the listener’s own preferences.

Where the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max genuinely excels is in a clean midrange presentation. Despite the bass weight, vocals are rendered clearly and with excellent intelligibility, and the overall character is pleasantly warm. The soundstage is not especially spacious or expansive, sitting more on the compact side.

The treble is on the restrained side. It’s not tentative, but it lacks engagement, which can make the overall sound feel somewhat flat and compressed. Here too, the sound profile and EQ help, adding airiness and a more open feel to the presentation.

Verdict

Thanks to the Huawei AI chip, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max has real advantages in noise cancellation and during calls in windy or noisy environments. Technically, it’s an interesting step forward with clear future potential. The ability to control the earbuds independently of a smartphone via the case display and voice commands also simplifies everyday use and works well during exercise.

The integrated recording function in the charging case offers a practical solution for voice notes, even if the premium over the standard model is not insignificant. Those who can do without the AI recorder and are willing to accept a smaller display can save €70 by opting for the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, getting an excellent feature set in return. The bass-heavy, fun-oriented tuning should, however, suit the listener’s own preferences.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max

What distinguishes the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max from the Liberty 5 Pro?

The Max version adds an AI recorder, a larger touch display on the case, and magnetic vertical wireless charging. Technically the two models are otherwise largely identical: same drivers, same codecs, same ANC system, and same battery life. The current price difference is €70 (€249.99 vs. €179.99 RRP).

How long does the battery last?

Just under twelve hours in standard operation with AAC at moderate to high volume, just under six and a half hours with active ANC at maximum level. The charging case provides three additional charge cycles. Five minutes of quick charging delivers around four hours of playback without ANC.

Is the AI recorder free to use?

Only in a limited capacity: 120 transcription minutes per month are available free of charge. Beyond that, the cost is €17.99 per month for up to 1,200 minutes, or €18.75 per month in an annual subscription for unlimited use. Summaries are only available under a paid tier.

How effective is the ANC?

Very effective, particularly in the low-frequency range, and convincing with voices as well. Three feedforward and one feedback microphone per side deliver high performance. The adaptive mode responds quickly to changes in the environment. The one criticism: a noticeable bass boost is active in all ambient sound modes.

Which codecs are supported?

SBC, AAC, and LDAC. LDAC is not available when three devices are simultaneously connected via multipoint. On Android devices, a firmware update is also required to enable LDAC. Bluetooth 6.1 is built in.