This Anker Liberty 5 Pro review covers design and fit, features and noise canceling and sound quality. It brings the relevant details and limitations together so you can compare the options discussed in the article.
Anker has released the Liberty 5 Pro (170 USD) and Liberty 5 Pro Max (230 USD) true wireless earbuds. Both models are powered by a new Thus chip with 150 times more processing power than previous chips. The earbuds feature 9.2mm diaphragm drivers, adaptive noise canceling (ANC 4.0), LDAC support (Android), Dolby Atmos spatial audio, Bluetooth 6.1 and up to 6.5 hours of battery life with ANC on. The voice calling performance is outstanding, with Anker claiming a Guinness World Record for call clarity. The Pro Max model adds a 1.8 inch AMOLED touchscreen case that doubles as an AI notetaker (voice recorder with transcription and summary). The Pro model has a smaller 1 inch LCD touchscreen embedded in the side of the case. The CNET review praises the improved noise canceling, robust feature set and excellent voice calling, awarding the Liberty 5 Pro a CNET Editors‘ Choice. This review covers the design, features, sound quality, noise canceling, voice calling and differences between the two models.
Table of Contents
Anker Liberty 5 Pro: Design And Fit
The Liberty 5 Pro and Pro Max earbuds are identical in design. They have oval shaped eartips (similar to Bose) and include five sizes of tips and three sizes of fins for a secure fit. The earbuds stick out of the ears more than lower profile buds. Both models have an IP55 dust and water resistance rating (sustained spray of water, dust resistant). The charging cases are different:
| Feature | Liberty 5 Pro | Liberty 5 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Case Screen | 1 inch LCD (embedded in side) | 1.8 inch AMOLED (covers entire top) |
| AI Notetaker | No | Yes (voice recorder, transcription, summary) |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Finish | Smooth | Glossy screen on top |
Both cases have lids that slide open on tracks. The cases are a bit heavy and can slide out of pockets on couches or deep chairs.
Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chip | Thus chip (150x more processing power) |
| Bluetooth | 6.1 |
| Multipoint | Up to 3 devices simultaneously |
| Wearing Detection | Yes (pause when removed) |
| Easy Chat | Lowers volume, enhances voices when talking (similar to Sony Speak To Chat) |
| Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC (Android) |
| AI Audio Upscaling | Yes (similar to Sony DSEE Ultimate) |
| Voice Commands | Built in (no wake word needed for playback, calls) |
| Hey Anka Voice Assistant | Yes (weather, info, etc) |
| Find My | Apple Find My support |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes (in app) |
| IP Rating | IP55 (dust and water resistant) |
AI Notetaker (Pro Max only)
- Record voice notes directly from the charging case.
- Recordings stored on the case, appear in Soundcore app.
- Full transcription and intelligent summary generated.
- 100+ languages supported.
- Also supports live face to face translation (requires Wi-Fi or cellular).
Noise Canceling And Sound Quality
Noise Canceling
- Anker says ANC is twice as good as Liberty 4 Pro.
- Close to Bose, Sony and Apple flagship levels, but slightly less effective.
- Adaptive ANC 4.0 adjusts based on ambient sound.
- Transparency mode has more natural sound.
Sound Quality
- 9.2mm diaphragm drivers with bass enhancing tubes.
- Default EQ (Anker signature) is fine.
- HearID 5.0 creates custom sound profile based on hearing test.
- AI powered audio upscaling (not available with custom EQ).
- Punchy bass, natural mids, nicely detailed.
- Compared to Sony WF-1000XM6 (330 USD): XM6 has more bass energy, slightly wider soundstage, sounds about 15 percent better at almost twice the price.
Voice Calling Performance
Anker claims a Guinness World Record for call clarity on the Liberty 5 Pro. In testing, the noise reduction and voice clarity matched or exceeded the AirPods Pro 3. Background noise was virtually eliminated, and voice warbled only occasionally when starting to speak.
Battery Life
| Aspect | Liberty 5 Pro / Pro Max |
|---|---|
| Earbuds (ANC on) | Up to 6.5 hours |
| Total with case (ANC on) | Up to 28 hours |
AirPods Pro 3 have 8 hours of earbud battery life but only 24 hours total with the case.
Liberty 5 Pro Vs Liberty 5 Pro Max
| Aspect | Liberty 5 Pro | Liberty 5 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 170 USD | 230 USD |
| Case Screen | 1 inch LCD (side) | 1.8 inch AMOLED (top) |
| AI Notetaker | No | Yes (voice recorder, transcription, summary) |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| CNET Editors‘ Choice | Yes | No (but still recommendable) |
Both models have identical earbuds (same drivers, chip, ANC, battery life, voice calling). The only differences are the case screen and the AI Notetaker feature on the Pro Max.
Pros And Cons Of The Liberty 5 Pro Series
Pros
- Outstanding voice calling performance (Guinness World Record claim).
- Very good sound quality with punchy bass and natural mids.
- Improved noise canceling (close to flagship level).
- Comfortable, secure fit with multiple eartips and fins.
- Robust feature set (wearing detection, Easy Chat, Dolby Atmos, LDAC).
- Built in voice commands (no wake word for playback, calls).
- IP55 dust and water resistance.
- Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint (3 devices).
- AI audio upscaling.
- Pro Max case doubles as AI notetaker (transcription, summary).
- Competitive pricing (170 USD for Pro, 230 USD for Pro Max).
Cons
- Earbuds stick out of ears more than lower profile buds.
- Cases are heavy and can slide out of pockets.
- Pro Max case has glossy screen (fingerprints, slippery).
- Noise canceling is slightly less effective than Bose, Sony, Apple flagships.
- Sony WF-1000XM6 sound about 15 percent better (but cost almost twice as much).
- AI audio upscaling not available with custom EQ.
- No wireless charging mentioned for the case.
- Pro Max price (230 USD) is high for Anker earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max?
The Pro Max has a larger 1.8 inch AMOLED touchscreen case (vs 1 inch LCD) and the case doubles as an AI notetaker (voice recorder, transcription, summary). The earbuds themselves are identical.
Do the Liberty 5 Pro earbuds support LDAC?
Yes. Android users can stream using Sony‘s high quality LDAC codec. iPhone users are limited to AAC.
Related Reading on TopDealAccess
Check current information: Anker official information. Availability, terms and product details should be confirmed for the exact version discussed.
