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Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro wishlist: All the features I want to see
May 30, 2025
Many earbud manufacturers are at the forefront of advanced audio features. Anker is one of these companies, bundling flagship features into affordable products. The Liberty 4 Pro are its finest earbuds to date, improving upon the beloved Liberty 4 NC. With good sound quality, powerful noise canceling, and an industry-leading companion app, it’s hard to go wrong. But with all that said, can the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro strike gold?
Anker released the Liberty 4 Pro in October last year, and there has been no official announcement about the Liberty 5 Pro. Consequently, it is doubtful we will see the company’s next-gen model come to fruition soon. However, there are some improvements Anker could make to elevate its flagship product. Read ahead for everything I want to see when the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro eventually launch.
A better charging case
Glossy cases are prone to attracting fingerprints, and that’s before you consider those with a reflective finish. Truthfully, the Liberty 4 Pro attracts grime, smudges, and oils like nobody’s business. While it’s not a deal breaker, it’s a surprisingly easy and avoidable design flaw. This is especially true, given Anker got its other aesthetic-related elements so right. Matte cases are usually better at concealing unsightly marks, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro could benefit here.
The Liberty 5 Pro could also switch the Liberty 4 Pro’s touchbar for a larger OLED touchscreen. This would make controlling ANC, EQ presets, phone cameras, and spatial audio from the case a more intuitive experience. The next-gen model could also introduce an integrated audio transmitter similar to the JBL Tour Pro 3. Such functionality would allow users to connect the case to analog audio devices and wirelessly transmit music without Bluetooth to the buds.
Improved spatial audio
Consumer audio brands love talking about spatial audio. However, while it can enhance your immersion when watching movies, its application when listening to music is questionable. Even if you enjoy listening to music in a three-dimensional soundscape, not all content is supported by spatial audio. Tracks must be mixed in a surround sound format, like Dolby Atmos, to work with spatial audio-compatible headphones. Even then, many major music streaming platforms such as Spotify do not support surround sound content.
The Liberty 4 Pro provide many spatial audio modes, including Music Mode, Podcast Mode, Movie Mode, and Gaming Mode. Each is tailored to the content type you intend to stream, with Music Mode benefiting from head tracking. Unfortunately, this comes with noticeable latency that can be a nuisance to your listening experience. The Fixed mode is no better and lacks spatial clarity, making it difficult to distinguish between different auditory cues. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro will need superior spatial audio functionality to appease movie enthusiasts.
A dust-resistant IP rating
The best workout earbuds wear a grippy coating, ear hooks, concha fins, or wings. They also sport a robust Ingress Protection (IP) rating to protect against sweat and small solid particles. Some workout buds, like the discontinued Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, are IP68 protected. This means the buds can endure total submersion in up to 3m of water for 30 minutes and are completely dust-tight. In the real world, it allows for vigorous exercise and dusty sports like rock climbing and quad biking.
The Liberty 4 Pro have an IPX5 water-resistant rating. This protects the buds from omnidirectional water jets from a squirt gun, but not against dust or small solid objects. Consequently, those living in drier environments or regularly participating in beach sports may give the Liberty 4 Pro a wide berth. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro could be more suitable for harsher climates by using a dust-resistant IP rating.
Bluetooth 5.4 (or 6.0)
Each iteration of Bluetooth has improved upon the last. For example, Bluetooth 1.0 was invented as a wireless alternative to serial cables, while version 2.0 brought Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for wireless audio streaming. Fast-forward to today, and Bluetooth 6.0 is rolling out across the technology industry. This brings Bluetooth Channel Sounding for accurate distance measuring between devices, security and efficiency improvements, and lower latency for audio applications.
However, as excited as I am, we are likely still a couple of years from receiving Bluetooth 6.0 in our consumer electronics. In the meantime, the current Bluetooth 5.4 standard brings enough improvements over version 5.3 to warrant Anker implementing it into the Liberty 5 Pro. For example, the protocol reduces latency and enjoys faster data transfer speeds for smoother audio transmission. It also consumes less power than its predecessor and provides a wider signal range to mitigate dropouts.
LE Audio and the LC3 codec
Recent advancements in Bluetooth technology have encouraged higher-quality, lower-bitrate codecs. Even still, the rollout of the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard and the accompanying LC3 codec looks set to change the game. Unlike the default SBC codec running over Bluetooth Classic, LC3 works over Bluetooth LE and scales to very low bitrates while retaining good-sounding audio quality. The codec also allows multiple synchronous connections, which is handy for those who use hearing aids and other devices that make audio accessible.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro run Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. However, while Bluetooth multipoint is supported, there is no Auracast functionality. This is a misstep, given that Auracast uses Bluetooth 5.2 and is a handy feature for the hearing-impaired to connect directly to nearby broadcasts. LE Audio could also help to extend the battery life of the Liberty 5 Pro beyond the five hours and 42 minutes of their predecessor.
What would you like to see Anker bring to the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro?
Will there be an Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro?
Anker remains an industry leader by offering top-tier features at a low price point. Its latest Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 are a shining example, delivering superior comfort and Bluetooth 5.4 for less than the competition. Unfortunately, their mediocre ANC and overemphasized bass and treble reproduction make them a less compelling choice than the Liberty 4 Pro and Liberty 4 NC.
There has been no official announcement from Anker about the Liberty 5 Pro. Rumors are also sparse, given that the current model was released mere months ago. It is unlikely that we will see an upgrade soon.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro — May 31, 2019
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro — August 12, 2021
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro — October 3, 2024
However, we can surmise a launch date by analyzing Anker’s previous release schedule. For example, the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro launched on May 31, 2019. The updated Liberty 3 Pro launched roughly two years later on August 12, 2021. The latest Liberty 4 Pro launched three years and two months later on October 3, 2024. If we take the average time between each release, we can expect the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro to come to shelves in the summer of 2027.
Should you wait for the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro?
The Liberty 4 Pro are Anker’s best earbuds so far and deliver many desirable features. If you don’t care about buying household brands like Sony and Apple, grab a pair of the Liberty 4 Pro. You can purchase the product from the company’s website and major retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. Given the current model are so good, I do not recommend waiting for the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro to materialize.
Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129.99 at Amazon) are some of the best true wireless earbuds money can buy. For example, sound quality is excellent, with the earbuds producing a consumer-friendly frequency curve that most people will enjoy. Noise canceling is also very good at this price range and delivers roughly 30dB of low-frequency noise attenuation. Battery life runs above average at 5 hours and 42 minutes, with the case providing an additional 24 hours of charge. Fast charging yields four hours from a five-minute top-up, and the case can be charged wirelessly with a compatible charging pad. Downloading the Soundcore app unlocks vital firmware updates, an environmental noise slider, and wind noise reduction. Musos can tweak their sound with Anker’s HearID Sound Test, 22 EQ presets, and eight-band custom EQ.
Those seeking superior comfort should buy the Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon). For slightly more than the Liberty 4 Pro, fans receive earbuds with a pleasing 4.6g design that’s ready to wear for hours. The buds are IP54-rated, and the case enjoys an IP55 rating to endure wet and dusty weather. The Nothing X app offers basic and advanced EQ, and the buds can be integrated with ChatGPT. However, you need a supported Nothing phone to use this feature. The Nothing Ear run Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the SBC, AAC, LHDC 5.0, and LDAC codecs. Battery life lasts over eight hours with ANC enabled, and the case tops up 40 hours of total playback time. You can charge the case wirelessly, and the buds fast charge 10 hours from a 10-minute boost. The sound quality is pleasing, although noise canceling is mediocre and can alter the sound profile when activated.
If best-in-class sound quality is your jam, check out the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 ($149.99 at Amazon). Sporting xMEMS Cowell solid-state drivers, Snapdragon Sound, and the aptX Lossless codec, these earbuds are turning the heads of many audiophiles. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 and run the aptX Adaptive, LC3, AAC, and SBC codecs. The Creative app unlocks a parametric equalizer, firmware updates, low-latency mode, and ANC toggles. The earbuds’ battery life lasts over six hours, and the case provides 24 hours of total listening time. You can fast-charge one hour of playback time from a 10-minute top-up. Noise canceling is decent, attenuating low frequencies around 100Hz by roughly 30dB. The earbuds are lightweight, comfortable, and are IPX5-rated.
There is still no better companion to your iPhone than the Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($189.99 at Amazon). Using the company’s latest H2 chip, the earbuds offer one of the most pleasing frequency responses on the market. Their noise canceling is excellent, dampening outside sounds by roughly 20-30dB. Battery life lasts nearly six hours with active noise canceling. The case can be charged with a Qi, MagSafe, or Apple Watch charging mat. iPhone owners can run an ear tip fit test, customize controls, and enjoy Audio Sharing. The AirPods Pro 2 offer personalized spatial audio with head tracking, adaptive transparency mode, and auto-wear detection. As of September 9, 2024, the AirPods Pro 2 also support hearing health features, including a hearing test that lets you use the buds as a hearing aid.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro FAQs
There are several reasons why your Anker Soundcore product may sound quiet. While it may seem obvious, ensure your Soundcore product is fully charged and that the volume is turned up on your earbuds and paired device. If the problem persists, try connecting your product to another device. Alternatively, try resetting your Soundcore earbuds. If you own the latest Liberty 4 Pro, hold the touch bar on the charging case for 5 seconds. Slide and select Reset on the function menu, then double-tap to confirm.
Yes, Anker Soundcore is trusted worldwide and delivers some of the best consumer audio products on the market.
We do not recommend wearing any Anker Soundcore earbuds in the shower. While many of Anker's earbuds are water resistant, they are not waterproof. Wearing your Anker Soundcore earbuds in the shower could very easily damage internal components and render them irreparable.
There are several reasons why your Anker Soundcore Liberty earbuds may not be working properly. First, place both earbuds in the charging case and wait for 10 seconds before reopening and pairing the earbuds.
If this does not solve the issue, fully charge the earbuds and check that the volume is turned up on the headphones and your source device. Remove the ear tips and clean the earbud filters with a dry, fine brush. Leave the earbuds on until the battery depletes, recharge them, and then power them back on. Reset the earbuds and forget them from your smartphone's Bluetooth history. Afterward, re-pair the earbuds with your device.