The Soundcore Liberty 5 takes a different route from its predecessor. It drops the built-in fitness tracking feature in favor of upgraded audio, longer battery life, and stronger noise cancellation. Priced at PHP 5,995 in the Philippines, it’s aimed at users looking for flagship-like sound and features without the premium price.
This latest pair of true wireless earbuds from Soundcore arrives with large 9.2mm drivers, Dolby Audio, support for LDAC, and a custom-tuned HearID 4.0 EQ system. It also features the brand’s Adaptive ANC 3.0, multipoint connectivity, and quick charging support. On paper, it checks off most of the essentials that consumers today are looking for. But does it hold up in everyday use?
Soundcore Liberty 5 Specs:
- 9.2mm Wool-Paper Diaphragm Drivers
- Hi-Fi Sound, Dolby Audio, LDAC, HearID 4.0 EQ
- Adaptive ANC 3.0
- IP55 Dust and Water Resistance
- Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint Connection
- Fast Charging: 10 minutes = 5 hours
- 6 Mics with AI
- Dolby Audio, Selfie Tap Gesture
- Playtime: 12H (buds) / 48H (with case)
- Weight: 4.6g per earbud
Design and Construction
The Liberty 5 keeps the stem-based form factor from its predecessors but makes improvements in size and ergonomics. Each earbud weighs just 4.6 grams, making them light enough for prolonged wear.
The head is also slightly more compact, designed to provide a better fit across different ear shapes. Six pairs of silicone tips are included to help users get the right fit, and the app includes a tip fit test for more accurate results.
The charging case has also seen a redesign. It now comes in a flatter rectangular form with a sliding lid. It is pocket-friendly, built with a matte finish that resists smudges, and supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
The magnetic cradle inside the case securely holds the earbuds, and the charging indicators are clear and easy to read. A lighting mechanism takes cues from earlier released Soundcores, such as the hugely popular R50i NC, and helps you identify how much battery is left in the case.
I wish the sliding mechanism had a more sturdy hold, as I’ve noticed it sliding out even when in my pockets or simply wiping the smudges off its matte surface. The lack of tactile or obvious design to identify where to slide out can also confuse one, especially at nighttime. Overall, the construction feels premium enough for the price, and the minimalist design blends well with casual and business settings.
Audio Quality
Sound is the biggest strength of the Liberty 5. The 9.2mm wool-paper diaphragm drivers produce detailed audio with decent imaging and a spacious soundstage. Its bass is full and textured, mids are clean, and highs have some sparkle without becoming harsh.
LDAC support allows high-resolution wireless streaming when paired with compatible Android devices. When using LDAC, there’s a noticeable jump in detail and clarity, especially in acoustic and instrumental-heavy tracks.
Dolby Audio adds a virtual surround effect, enhancing your watching experience or listening to podcasts. The earbuds also let you pick between different Dolby presets through the app. These include settings tuned for cinema, dialogue, or general music listening.
The Adaptive ANC 3.0 claims to adjust noise-cancelling strength every 0.3 seconds. It does a good job of reducing low-frequency sounds such as air conditioning or engine hum. The ANC isn’t the best in class, but it’s effective for most daily situations in commuting or working in shared spaces.
Transparency mode has also improved. Two outward-facing mics on each earbud provide clear ambient sound. You can hold a conversation or cross the street safely without needing to remove the earbuds.
HearID 4.0 is another useful feature. It creates a personalized EQ based on your hearing profile. You can further tweak it with the manual 8-band equalizer. While the default sound is a bit warm and bassy, the tuning flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different preferences.
That said, some tracks may need EQ adjustment as vocals can get buried in busy mixes, and highs occasionally feel rolled off, especially with the default Soundcore Signature EQ, which you can toggle with the Soundcore app. But for its price, the Liberty 5 offers great balance and customization.
Connection and Other Features
The earbuds connect via Bluetooth 5.4 and support SBC, AAC, and LDAC. Pairing is fast, and Google Fast Pair helps Android users get connected instantly. Multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a laptop and a phone, and it works even with LDAC enabled.
Call quality is handled by a six-microphone system powered by AI noise reduction. Voices come through clearly, and background noise is mostly reduced, even in outdoor settings. During our tests, callers noted that our voice sounded slightly compressed, but still very understandable.
One standout feature is the selfie tap. With the camera open, you can double-tap the stem to take a photo—handy for taking group shots or selfies without touching your phone. Other controls are customizable via the app, though the stem squeeze gesture may take some getting used to, as it can be a bit unresponsive or overresponsive at times.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive. You can get up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge without ANC, or around 7 hours with ANC on. The charging case holds enough for three additional full charges, bringing the total to around 44 hours.
Fast charging is supported, as 10 minutes of charge in the case can give you around 4 hours of playback. Wireless charging also works well, making it convenient for users who already use wireless charging pads for their phones or smartwatches.
The app also provides battery indicators for each earbud and the case, which is a useful addition for daily monitoring.
The Rundown
The Soundcore Liberty 5 is suited for users who want a strong mix of features and sound performance without going over budget. Android users benefit most from LDAC and Google Fast Pair, while casual users will appreciate the sound customization and practical battery life. It’s also a good fit for remote workers who take frequent calls and for those commuting regularly with ANC on.
It’s less ideal for audio purists who demand neutral sound tuning out of the box or those who rely on the very best noise cancellation. But if you’re coming from older or entry-level wireless earbuds, this is a noticeable upgrade.
The Soundcore Liberty 5 is now available nationwide for PHP 5,995 and can be bought an Anker and Soundcore stores, authorized dealers, and online at their website and official eCommerce stores on Lazada and Shopee.
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