Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds Review
Our Verdict
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro (2021) has fine sound and call quality, but it's missing many features.
For
- Well-balanced, personalized sound
- Multiple sound customization options
- Remarkable call quality
- Strong connectivity
- Decent battery life
Against
- No ANC or touch controls
- Lacks features found on other Anker models
- Poor Google Assistant back up
- A bit overpriced
Laptop Magazine Verdict
The Anker Soundcore Freedom ii Pro (2021) has fine audio and call quality, but it'south missing many features.
Pros
- +
Well-balanced, personalized audio
- +
Multiple sound customization options
- +
Remarkable call quality
- +
Strong connectivity
- +
Decent bombardment life
Cons
- -
No ANC or touch controls
- -
Lacks features found on other Anker models
- -
Poor Google Assistant support
- -
A flake overpriced
Anker continues its heavy rollout of new truthful wireless releases, this time upgrading one of their most popular wireless earbuds to give us the Liberty two Pro (Upgraded version). You may have trouble searching for this model online since Anker currently has it labeled equally the Freedom 2 Pro Upgraded Version, despite the mobile app and Bluetooth settings recognizing information technology every bit the Liberty two Pro Plus. Which is it, Anker?
- Our expert picks for the best wireless earbuds, per upkeep and style
- Check out our Apple AirPods Pro review
- …and our Sony WF-1000XM4 review
What's new about this 2021 iteration? An ambient-listening mode, Howdy-Res audio via LDAC technology, and slightly stronger quick charging. Much of what made the original Liberty 2 Pro a hot seller has also been carried over, such equally the drivers, connectivity, HearID Personalized Sound, and wireless charging. Nonetheless, bizarrely, these buds take a step back in some categories (e.g., battery life, special features), which begs the question: are these actually an upgrade?
- Anker Soundcore Liberty ii Pro Plus for $129 at Amazon
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Plus for $129 at Anker
Anker Soundcore Freedom ii Pro (2021) review: Availability and price
The $129 Liberty ii Pro (Upgraded) is available at Amazon or directly from Anker. It simply comes in one color: Black. Inside the box are a wireless charging case, USB-C charging cable, seven sets of different-sized ear tips, iii sets of unlike-sized ear wings, and a quick start guide.
While marketed as the "upgraded version," it carries fewer features and a lower MSRP than the regular Liberty 2 Pro ($149), at least co-ordinate to Anker'southward website. The Freedom 2 Pro Plus is also cheaper than sub-luxury models similar the Beats Studio Buds ($149) and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ($149), as well equally category leaders like the AirPods Pro ($249) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279). If you're looking for something under $100, we strongly recommend checking out the Liberty Air 2 Pro, which is on clearance for $84 at All-time Purchase.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro (2021) review: Design and comfort
Regarding design, the only difference between the new Liberty two Pro and the original is the gold logo on the front. Anker left the elongated shape, push button placement, charging pins, and matte finish untouched. Build quality is besides the same with solid plastic making upwards the buds' unabridged composition. IPX4 sweat and water resistance returns likewise.
Much of the same applies to the charging case; the only thing different is the gilt logo. The LEDs, USB-C charging port, Bluetooth pairing push, and upward-sliding lid with tiny indent remain intact. However, there seems to be one significant comeback made to the Liberty 2 Pro Plus's case: IPX4 certification. Dissimilar the previous example, this ane tin can sustain sweat and light splashing, at to the lowest degree that'due south what the product page suggests. Still, this case is compact, chic, well protected, and won't create an unflattering burl when stored inside pockets.
The size of these buds makes for a cumbersome vesture. They occupy near every crevice on your ear, and anyone with a low pain threshold may feel some soreness around the concha later an 60 minutes of apply.
Anker does brand upwards for the discomfort through optimal fit. Having a wide multifariousness of ear tips and wings assists with keeping the buds stabilized on your ears. The tips produce a tight seal, while the wings fold comfortably into the cymba and stay put.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro (2021) review: Controls and digital assistant
You lot might experience some confusion when looking over the control setup. In the Soundcore app, the Controls section (where you assign functions) states that the input methods are taps, which tin be interpreted every bit the Liberty ii Pro Plus having affect controls. Not true. Each bud comes with a multifunctional button that is located at the top.
This was a missed opportunity for Anker to streamline the controls and make the most of the buds' existent manor. No on-ear detection to auto-pause/play when removing or placing the buds on your ears is another mistake on the brand's role.
If there are whatsoever positives to the controls, information technology's that they are responsive and take on numerous functions. Yous'll be able to control playback, call management, volume, digital aid, and listening style activation through the press-and-hold and single/multi-press gestures. Tactile feedback is great to ensure users of intended commands are being met.
The Liberty 2 Pro Plus is compatible with Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby. Await mixed results depending on the native assistant. Siri and Bixby function properly, registering and responding to voice commands with precision. Google Banana is a nightmare on these buds. The piercingly loud prompt when activating Google's AI bot hasn't been fixed. On meridian of that, Google Banana was super buggy, either playing music while the characteristic was activated or timing out without acknowledging certain commands.
Anker Soundcore Freedom ii Pro Plus review: Audio quality
If there's ane thing that Anker has put a lot of endeavour into enhancing, information technology's the audio quality on their wireless headphones and earbuds. The Liberty Air ii Pro has served as a high point for the brand and the Liberty 2 Pro Plus proves to be just as good. Anker'southward 11mm Astria Coaxial Acoustic Architecture drivers pump out dynamic, lively sound that can also be customized in the Soundcore app in a variety of ways.
Anker's EQ (Sound Signature) is the default and the ideal option for those who just want reliable audio correct out of the box. The gospel-inspired organs on Drake's "God's Plan" were striking, though it was the monstrous 808 drums that pummeled my ears with satisfying bass. Tracks similar Janet Jackson'southward "Got 'Til It'due south Gone" likewise sounded great, as the singer's peaceful vocals were crisp and shine, while the scratches and percussive elements were reproduced well.
To really test the Freedom 2 Pro Plus' frequency range, I played Jazz classics like Oliver Nelson'due south "Stolen Moments" and was impressed by how fantastic the lows and highs sounded. The double bass was strong, and the scatty hi-hats had a crispness to them that I've experienced before on high-end models like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2.
There are over 20 presets to select from if you want to switch up the sound profile, several of which complement their respective music genres and content. A few that come to mind are Classical, Latin, Rock, R&B, and Podcast. My personal favorites were Bass Booster and Hip-Hop since they increased bass response for the meliorate when diving into my 90 Now: Essential '90s Hip-Hop Spotify playlist. Anker likewise lets you fine-tune sound to your hearing by creating your own sound profile via the Custom option and adjusting the frequency levels.
If that weren't enough, there are calibrations from professional music producers should you lot want a more skilful EQ. I tried a few of these for skillful measure and found EQs from Cole M.One thousand.N and Riley Mackin sufficient for bass-heavy tracks, whereas the EQs for Zach Allen and Krish Sharma produced a steady frequency range to enjoy orchestral recordings.
Where things really become interesting is with Anker'due south HearID technology, a characteristic that tailors audio to your hearing. It's basically a three-minute test that "maps your personal hearing sensitivity at multiple frequencies and analyzes the results" for personalized sound. My results didn't affect the soundstage much; it sounded no different than the Sound Signature EQ. In that location were moments where I felt highs sounded sharper, simply I'grand notwithstanding not likewise certain of it.
The Liberty 2 Pro Plus comes with LDAC. This is an audiophile-grade Bluetooth codec for streaming high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/96kHz. I'thousand no data transmission expert, but I can confirm that enabling the characteristic improved sound quality. Unfortunately, in that location were two compromises Anker made by calculation LDAC: college battery consumption and no aptX support.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Plus review: Special featurs and app
Most functionality runs through the Soundcore app. I've already touched on several key features, including command customization, EQ, HearID, and LDAC. What else is there? Not much.
The only other big-time feature is Transparency Mode for increasing your awareness of your surround. Many wireless earbuds have this, simply not many have an ambient-listening mode that is this adept. Having it on during work hours lets me monitor my babe boy during naps, as well as hold brief conversations with the missus and go on tabs on traffic during afternoon walks.
Bombardment level indicators for both buds, toggle controls, firmware updates, a quick starting time guide, and access to the LÜM music service round out the app. That's it. Low-toll alternatives similar the Life P3 ($79) come with extras such equally active noise counterfoil, Superior Sleep (aka soundscapes mode), and a Notice My Buds mode, while the Liberty Air 2 Pro has an ear tip fit test. There's no reason why more couldn't have been added to these buds.
Anker Soundcore Liberty ii Pro Plus review: Bombardment life and charging case
Another area where the Liberty 2 Pro Plus sees a refuse in battery life. Anker rates it at 7 hours, while the standard version is rated at 8 hours. Factor in LDAC, Transparency mode, streaming, and high book, playtime decreases past nearly 45 minutes to 1 hour. I guess there isn't much to mutter about since this is higher than the AirPods (v hours) and AirPods Pro (four.5 to 5 hours). But, again, the "upgraded" version offers less playtime than the original version.
A full accuse kept me entertained for three days straight (2 hours daily) before tossing the buds into the charging example. Speaking of which, Anker's charging case holds 26 hours, which is good for almost three.5 extra charges. This is also lower than the original charging case (32 hours).
Quick charging is most identical with the new buds netting three hours of playtime on a 15-infinitesimal accuse. The previous buds go you 2 hours on a 10-minute charge. I'thou sure an actress 5 minutes with the regular Liberty two Pro will earn you an actress hour.
Wireless charging comes as part of the package as well.
Anker Soundcore Freedom 2 Pro Plus review: Call quality and connectivity
Call quality on Anker headsets has been striking or miss, just the Liberty 2 Pro Plus is one of the better options out there for vocalism and video calls. My wife was shocked by how loud and clear I sounded when talking her calls outside. Yes, the wind interfered with our chats. Even so, she mentioned that my vocalisation was prominent, which showcased simply how strong the Liberty two Pro Plus'due south mics are. Using the buds within the house offered clearer results.
Bluetooth 5.0 operates well and holds stiff connections with minimal dropout. The range is some of the lengthiest in the category, peaking at 50 anxiety earlier the audio begins to stutter. The buds instantly popular upwards on the available devices listing of your smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop and connect when in Pair Style. Even the motorcar-connect capabilities are superb, re-pairing to known devices without a hitch.
It would have been prissy if Anker added Google Fast Pair and multipoint engineering to these buds.
Anker Soundcore Liberty ii Pro Plus review: Verdict
I have to say that for the price, the Liberty 2 Pro Plus is somewhat underwhelming. Almost every other Anker model to come up out before it boasts similar sound quality and more than features. That'due south non to have away from this version's stellar sonic performance. At the same fourth dimension, you want Anker to provide a consummate package of their services, which isn't available on the Freedom 2 Pro Plus.
If y'all're big on LDAC codec support and honey having an array of customizable sound settings, these buds will accommodate your needs at a relatively affordable price. Just know that there are other wireless earbuds in the aforementioned toll range (and cheaper) that do the same, some of which Anker already sells.
Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/anker-soundcore-liberty-2-pro-plus
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