Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case vs Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
Get the Liberty 5 Pro. Unless ear tips bother you and you have an iPhone — then the AirPods 5.
Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case
The best open-fit earbuds, with good noise cancelling and great calls. Short battery life.
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
Flagship-level noise cancelling and superb calls for much less. The bassy sound needs the EQ.
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For about the same money the Liberty 5 Pro block far more noise, last a little longer and stay put at the gym. The AirPods 5 have no ear tips and are seamless with an iPhone; the Liberty's bassy sound needs the EQ.
- —Ear tips feel uncomfortable or blocked-up to you.
- —You have an iPhone.
- —You want something light to wear all day.
- —You want real quiet on trains and planes.
- —You take a lot of calls on the move.
- —You want earbuds that stay put at the gym (IP55, fins).
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +No ear tips: light, open fit
- +Strong noise cancelling for an open design
- +Excellent calls and iPhone features
- −Battery is about 5 hours with noise cancelling, and the open fit lets in more noise than tipped earbuds.
- −One size only: they don't stay put in every ear.
- −AAC only, and most features need an iPhone.
- +Noise cancelling close to the flagships
- +Excellent calls, even in wind and crowds
- +Secure fit with five tip sizes and fins
- −The default sound is bass-heavy and muddy; the Clear Vocals preset or the EQ helps.
- −Battery is about 6.5 hours with noise cancelling, less in real use.
- −The touchscreen case is big.
- −Some features don't work together: LDAC turns off with three devices connected or with AI sound enhancement on.
Ready to choose?
- Is the AirPods 5 worth it?
- Is the Liberty 5 Pro worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.