Anker Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 True Wireless Review
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 pack LDAC, adaptive ANC, and stellar call quality into a $100 package. They're the wireless earbuds that make the competition look overpriced.
The 30-Second Version
For $100, the Anker Liberty 5 deliver flagship features without the flagship price. They're the best all-rounder wireless earbuds you can get without spending Sony or Bose money.
Overview
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 are the best earbuds you can get for $100, full stop. They punch so far above their weight class that they make pricier options from Sony and Bose look a little silly. The one thing to know? You're getting flagship-tier features—like LDAC support, adaptive ANC, and a killer six-mic array—for about half the price. If you're not locked into the Apple ecosystem, these should be at the top of your list.
Performance
We were genuinely surprised by how well-rounded these are. The specs tell the story: a 97th percentile microphone score means your calls will sound crystal clear, and the 96th percentile connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint is rock solid. The 9.2mm drivers deliver that signature Anker sound—big, punchy bass that doesn't muddy the mids. It's not the most neutral profile, but it's fun and engaging, especially for commutes and workouts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unbeatable value. LDAC and adaptive ANC at this price is a steal. 97th
- Call quality is exceptional. The six-mic setup really works. 96th
- Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint is flawless and future-proof. 94th
- The fast charge feature (5 hours in 10 minutes) is a legit lifesaver. 90th
Cons
- Noise cancellation is good, not great. It's in the 84th percentile, so don't expect Bose-level silence.
- The bass-heavy sound signature won't please audiophiles seeking flat response.
- IP55 rating is fine for sweat, but don't take them swimming.
- They're not a 'budget' pick, but they're not cheap enough to be an impulse buy.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless Earbud |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9.2 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | LDAC |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 8 |
| Fast Charging | 10min=5hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 24 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 6 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | IP55 |
Value & Pricing
Absolutely worth it. For $100, you're getting performance and features that compete with earbuds costing twice as much. The only area where they score low is 'budget' in our database, which just means there are cheaper options out there. But you get what you pay for, and here, you get a lot.
Price History
vs Competition
The obvious rivals are the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The Sonys have slightly better ANC and a more refined app, but they cost over $250. The Liberty 5 match or beat them on call quality and connectivity. The Bose have legendary comfort and noise canceling, but their sound signature is less exciting, and they lack LDAC. If you're on a tight budget but refuse to compromise on core features, the Liberty 5 run circles around the competition.
| Spec | Anker Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 24 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | true | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: How's the battery life in real use?
Spot on. You'll get the advertised 8 hours from the buds with ANC on, and the case delivers a full 24 extra. The 10-minute fast charge is a game-changer if you forget to plug them in.
Q: Are they good for working out?
Yes. The IP55 rating handles sweat and light rain just fine, they're lightweight at 5g each, and the fit is secure for most people. Just don't take them for a swim.
Q: Should I get these or the AirPods Pro?
If you have an iPhone and love seamless integration, get the AirPods. For everyone else, or if you care about sound quality and value, the Liberty 5 are the better choice. They support higher-quality codecs like LDAC.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a purist who needs reference-grade, flat audio for studio work, these aren't it. The sound is tuned for fun. Also, if your top priority is absolute, library-quiet noise cancellation, you should go straight to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and pay the premium.
Verdict
We're giving these a strong recommendation. They excel in the areas that matter most for daily use: reliable connectivity, great call quality, solid battery life with fast charging, and a fun, powerful sound. Unless you need the absolute best noise cancellation money can buy or you're deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, the Liberty 5 are the smarter buy.