Soundcore Liberty 5 by Anker

Battery life of the Soundcore Liberty 5

At higher volumes in standard mode using the AAC codec, the Soundcore Liberty 5 achieve a runtime of eleven hours and fifteen minutes. With noise cancellation at maximum, seven hours and fifteen minutes are available. In the case, which opens via a sliding mechanism, the earphones can be fully recharged three times, providing a total runtime of 45 hours in standard mode and 29 hours in maximum ANC mode.

A ten-minute quick charge provides capacity for four and a half hours (without ANC), while the Liberty 5 are fully recharged in about 45 minutes. The case can be replenished in just over two hours using the supplied USB-C to USB-A charging cable, or wirelessly via Qi.

Bluetooth specs

In addition to Bluetooth 5.4, the Soundcore Liberty 5 support Google Fast Pair and multipoint connections with two devices simultaneously. Supported audio codecs include SBC, AAC, and LDAC. A low-latency gaming mode optimises AV sync but uses a specific tuning that emphasises voices, footsteps, and gunshots, which may be distracting when watching films or series.

Controls of the Soundcore Liberty 5

A pressure-sensitive stem control handles playback, calls, track skipping, and toggling between ANC and transparency mode. The app allows additional functions such as volume control or voice assistant, with each side configurable for single, double, or triple press plus press-and-hold.

A remote camera control is also available for taking selfies or group shots. The gaming mode is absent, and manual on/off is not supported, meaning the case is always needed. Single-ear use is possible, and wear detection can be enabled or disabled. However, there is a current bug where playback resumes automatically after placing the earbuds down, even with wear detection disabled.

Soundcore app

The ambient sound control in the app (Android/iOS) includes a static ANC mode with five intensity levels and two adaptive travel modes, plus optional wind noise reduction for outdoor use. Transparency mode is not adjustable.

Sound customisation is extensive: Dolby Audio with Music, Podcast, and Film modes (detailed later); A/B listening comparison to create a personal sound profile with editable EQ curve; 21 presets usable alone or with the profile; and an 8-band EQ for custom settings with save function.

HearID has been decoupled, which is a major drawback. Registration is required to create a profile, which analyses hearing per ear to compensate for imbalances or age-related loss. Now, HearID is automatically enabled and cannot be turned off or directly adjusted, removing the previous flexibility of combining all sound elements freely.

Optional hearing protection can be set up in the app, with a flexible maximum volume limit and helpful decibel scale. Adaptive sound compensation maintains consistent playback quality by offsetting losses. A find-my-earbuds function, firmware updates, and LDAC activation (Android) are also available.

Speech clarity during calls

Six integrated microphones with AI algorithms suppress wind and ambient noise impressively. Wind noise is virtually eliminated, even in strong gusts, and loud background noise is significantly reduced after a short delay, maintaining clear speech in busy environments. Users can enable “noise perception during calls” in the app to hear their own voice while talking.

Noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode

In the sub-€100 range, the ANC performance of the Soundcore Liberty 5 is outstanding. Even the lowest static setting reduces street noise or a neighbour’s loud lawnmower. At maximum, the lawnmower is completely inaudible.

Low-frequency suppression is particularly strong, and background voices are also significantly reduced. Higher intensity settings introduce moderate noise, also present in adaptive travel modes. Playback in ANC mode sounds slightly leaner, while the base sound without ANC has a fuller bass foundation.

Transparency mode has more background noise but strongly amplifies external sound, improving situational awareness and allowing conversations and announcements to be followed easily when playback is paused.

Soundcore Liberty 5 & Dolby Audio

Dolby spatial audio can be combined with EQ settings or sound profiles and is compatible with LDAC. In Music mode, the wider, more indirect stage works well with live albums, though perceived volume may drop. In Podcast mode, voices sound more distant. Film mode also pushes audio further into the room, which can reduce dialogue clarity in dialogue-heavy content.

Sound of the Soundcore Liberty 5

The tuning is bass-forward with upper-range presence. Bass is stronger than on the Liberty 4 Pro, which may suit personal taste. However, the full, heavy foundation is soft and could be more defined—achievable by reducing low frequencies with the EQ. Deep bass is overly dominant but gains punch and clarity after reduction.

Mids are relatively recessed but clean, maintaining good detail retrieval and clear vocals that integrate smoothly rather than sitting upfront.

Highs are lively and accentuate detail, though they can sound harsh from mid-volume upwards, adding hardness at higher levels. The Liberty 4 Pro handle treble with more refinement, keeping it crisp without overemphasis. A slight treble reduction can make playback more balanced.

Conclusion

The Soundcore Liberty 5 by Anker stand out with highly effective ANC and excellent call clarity even in challenging conditions. Long battery life, multipoint, Dolby 3D Audio, and LDAC support add to their appeal. However, the bass-heavy base tuning could be more balanced, though this can be adjusted via the app. Straight out of the box, the Liberty 4 Pro remain the superior choice in terms of sound quality.