After testing several pairs of earbuds over the years, one might think I had seen, or heard, everything manufacturers could accomplish with the hardware. That changed when I came across the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds. As one of the first pairs I have tested to hold a Guinness World Record, they made me eager to see and hear how their overall quality compared.
Priced at $229.99 in Canada, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds cost less than my Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro earbuds. However, they are still among the more expensive sets I have tested. Unlike many earbuds that come in black, grey or white, the Liberty 5 Pro is available in four colours: white, pink, blue and black. The selection should appeal to a wide range of users.
The earbuds have an unconventional T-shaped design that helps them stand out from the many models that closely resemble Apple AirPods. The wider upper section gives them a distinctive appearance, while the shape sits securely in the ear without feeling overly bulky. Soundcore also includes five sizes of ear tips and three sizes of ear fins, making it easier to find a comfortable and stable fit. After experimenting with the included options, I was able to wear the earbuds for extended periods without discomfort, while the fins kept them securely in place during everyday movement and longer listening sessions.
“Despite their unusual shape, I was impressed by how well the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds fit my ears.”
Although the case is relatively large, it features a small touchscreen that can be used to adjust sound settings, switch between listening modes, check battery life and access other functions. It also has a sliding cover that stores, protects and charges the earbuds when they are not in use. I found the case somewhat bulky in my pocket while travelling, but carrying it in a backpack, bag or purse largely solves the issue.
Despite their unusual shape, I was impressed by how well the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds fit my ears, even with the standard ear tips and fins. At no point did I experience pain or discomfort while wearing them for extended periods. It took a few attempts to find the best way to position them, but once I did, I had no further issues.
Where the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds truly stood out from the other models I have tested was their sound quality. I was surprised by how much clarity and detail Soundcore packed into such compact earbuds. The mids and highs sounded crisp and clear, while the bass and lower tones were deep and full. Listening to music with the Liberty 5 Pro earbuds was one of the most immersive audio experiences I have had.
The active noise cancellation was also among the best I have tested, blocking most background noise while I listened to music. Even while driving on the highway in my relatively loud work truck, I rarely heard wind or vehicle noise. This made longer drives more relaxing and comfortable.
I do not generally use earbuds for phone calls, but the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro performed well during the few calls I made while testing them. I could hear the other person clearly, even when there was a considerable amount of background noise around me, and voices remained natural and easy to understand. Callers also said my voice sounded crisp and clear on their end, with very little surrounding noise making its way into the conversation. While frequent callers may want to test them in more demanding environments, their microphone performance was more than reliable for my everyday needs.
Compared with my Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro earbuds, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro offered noticeably better active noise cancellation. They blocked more sound, even in relatively quiet rooms. Although the Samsung earbuds were still adequate in some situations, I generally preferred the Soundcore model.
“Music quality also favoured the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, which consistently delivered a richer, fuller and more detailed listening experience across a wide range of songs.”
Music quality also favoured the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, which consistently delivered a richer, fuller and more detailed listening experience across a wide range of songs. Vocals sounded clearer, bass had more impact and smaller background elements were easier to pick out. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro were still enjoyable and never sounded poor, but they could not quite match the Soundcore model’s overall depth and clarity.
The main area where I preferred Samsung’s earbuds was the charging case. It is significantly more compact than the case included with the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, making it easier and more comfortable to carry in a pocket throughout the day. Soundcore’s case is not excessively large, and it still fits easily inside a bag or jacket pocket, but its added bulk is noticeable when wearing tighter pants. Samsung’s smaller case feels more convenient for everyday travel and takes up less space alongside a phone, wallet or keys, giving the Galaxy Buds4 Pro a clear advantage in portability.
I was impressed by the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds. They deliver excellent sound quality and include features that help them stand out from products made by larger brands, while costing considerably less. Although the charging case is slightly larger than I would prefer, that is a minor drawback. Anyone looking for a high-quality pair of earbuds should consider the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.
