Anker’s Soundcore audio brand has unveiled its latest budget wireless earbuds, the Liberty 5, over two and a half years after the release of its predecessor. Priced at $129.99, these earbuds undercut the Liberty 4’s launch price of $149.99, offering improvements in active noise cancellation (ANC), battery life, and Dolby Audio support. However, a notable omission is the in-ear heart rate tracking feature present in the Liberty 4.
While an official announcement from Anker is pending, the Liberty 5 are already available via Anker’s AliExpress storefront and can be pre-ordered through Best Buy Canada. Design-wise, they retain a similar aesthetic to previous models, including stem controls and a charging case compatible with both USB-C and wireless charging. Battery life has seen a boost, offering up to eight hours of playback with ANC enabled, or a more impressive 12 hours with ANC off. The charging case extends this to a total of 48 hours with ANC disabled. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to five hours of listening time.
Sound quality is handled by 9.2-millimeter flexible wool paper diaphragms, enhanced by dual bass-enhancing tubes for improved airflow and lower frequency amplification. Anker’s adaptive ANC 3.0 algorithm promises recalibration every 0.3 seconds for optimal noise reduction, with Anker claiming twice the effectiveness in reducing voice sounds compared to the Liberty 4. Connectivity is covered by Bluetooth 5.4, supporting LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs (but still not aptX). Dolby Audio is included for a simulated 3D sound experience, though this will likely impact battery life.
Comfort and protection are addressed with five different eartip sizes and an IP55 dust and water resistance rating, shielding against sweat, rain, and splashes. Overall, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds present a compelling upgrade in several key areas, particularly battery life and ANC. However, the removal of heart rate tracking may be a dealbreaker for some users, highlighting a trade-off between features and price.
