This in-depth comparison review pits Anker's Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds against their predecessors, the Liberty 4 NC and Liberty 4 Pro. We delve into a head-to-head analysis across key features, including microphone clarity, noise cancellation performance, transparency mode effectiveness, sound quality, and additional functionalities. Each model's strengths and weaknesses are examined to help you determine which earbuds best suit your needs and budget. We analyze real-world performance alongside objective measurements, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.This review covers crucial aspects like call quality, the effectiveness of noise cancellation in various environments, and the nuanced differences in sound signature across the three models. We compare their respective transparency modes, highlighting the improvements in natural sound and voice clarity. Finally, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each model’s feature set, ultimately helping you decide whether the Liberty 5 represents a significant upgrade or if one of its predecessors remains a better choice.
Pros And Cons
- Improved mic pickup, less robotic and bloated sound compared to Liberty 4 Pro and 4NC
- Better IP55 dust and water resistance (compared to IPX4 or IPX5)
- Slightly longer battery life in earbuds
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Clearer transparency mode, more natural sound and less muffled voice
- Dolby involvement in spatial audio
- Louder bass, but with cut 200 Hz band to emphasize separation from mids
- Flatter mids, more vocal detail
- More customizable with EQ presets and graphic EQ settings
- Auto EQ calibration
- Background noise reduction not significantly improved
- Less noise cancellation in bass frequencies compared to Liberty 4NC and 4 Pro
- Sound is sibilant, especially in upper mid-range frequencies
- Volume bug in HearID calibration, much louder than standard Soundcore signature setting
- Less intuitive squeeze controls compared to tap controls
- Head tracking for spatial audio
- Easy chat feature
- Swipe controls for volume
- Adjustable transparency levels
- Barometer for air pressure detection
- Screen on the case
- Better track, instrumental, and bass separation
- Cleanest and crispest sound in comparison
- Mic pickup sounds robotic
- Less clear transparency mode, muffled voice
- Best noise cancelling of the group
- More bass detail and vibrance in vocals, instruments, and sound stage
- Nicer balance of exciting, clean, and bassy sound
- Tap controls
- Mic pickup sounds bloated
- Transparency mode makes voice sound muffled
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Microphone Performance
The Soundcore Liberty 5 boasts a significant improvement in microphone clarity compared to its predecessors. My voice sounded less robotic than on the Liberty 4 Pro and less muffled than on the Liberty 4 NC, even in noisy environments. This translates to clearer calls and better voice recording quality in various conditions. While background noise reduction isn't dramatically improved, it's less aggressive, preserving natural vocal tones.
I'd rate the Liberty 5's microphone performance a solid B, on par with the Liberty 4 Pro and 4 NC. This rating is based on tests in both quiet and noisy environments, including a loud cafe and windy conditions.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Based on measurements, the Liberty 5 surprisingly surpasses the Liberty 4 Pro in noise cancellation above 150 Hz. Its performance closely matches the Liberty 4 NC, known for its superior ANC. However, it slightly trails the 4 NC and 4 Pro in canceling lower bass frequencies.
In real-world use, the Liberty 5's ANC is comparable to the Liberty 4 Pro and 4 NC, with the 4 NC still holding a slight edge. The differences are subtle in day-to-day use, making all three viable options for noise cancellation.
Transparency Mode
The Liberty 5 shines in transparency mode. It provides the clearest and most natural sound, with less muffling of my voice compared to the 4 Pro and 4 NC. This is crucial for conversations, as the 4 Pro and 4 NC noticeably muffle voices in transparency mode.
The improved clarity makes the Liberty 5's transparency mode far more practical for everyday use and interacting with others.
Sound Quality
All three Soundcore earbuds feature a V-shaped sound signature, emphasizing bass and treble. However, the Liberty 5 sounds noticeably different, with a boosted bass response and a slightly flatter midrange. This results in a more pronounced bass and increased vocal detail.
While the Liberty 5 offers a bass-heavy sound, the Liberty 4 NC provides better bass detail and overall vibrancy across the frequency spectrum. The Liberty 4 Pro, with its dual-driver setup, delivers superior separation of instruments, vocals, and bass, resulting in the cleanest and crispiest sound of the three.
Additional Features and Comparisons
All three earbuds offer customizable EQ settings, allowing for adjustments to address sibilance in the upper midrange. However, the Liberty 5 has a volume issue in its HearID calibration mode, playing significantly louder than other settings, a problem not present in the 4 Pro or 4 NC.
The Liberty 4 Pro stands out with features like head tracking for spatial audio, Easy Chat, swipe controls for volume adjustment, adjustable transparency levels, and a case display. The Liberty 5 compensates with superior transparency mode, longer battery life in the earbuds, and sidetone control for natural phone calls.
Conclusion: Which Earbuds Should You Choose?
The choice depends on individual priorities. The Liberty 4 Pro remains the flagship, offering advanced features but at a higher price. The Liberty 5 excels in transparency mode and call quality, while also having better battery life for the earbuds. The Liberty 4 NC still holds its own, boasting excellent noise cancellation and a more balanced sound signature to some ears.
Ultimately, the Liberty 5 is a worthy upgrade but not a revolutionary leap, offering incremental improvements over its predecessors. Considering its price and features, it’s a solid contender, but users should carefully weigh their priorities before making a purchase decision.