As a tech enthusiast who's tested dozens of true wireless earbuds, I can confidently say Apple's AirPods dominate name recognition, but they come at a premium. Many competitors fall short, but Anker's Soundcore Liberty Air—its fourth-generation offering—stands out. After extensive hands-on use, these earbuds deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank.
The charging case features a secure magnetic lid that keeps the earbuds safely inside, even if flipped upside down.
A micro-USB port at the base charges the case, which powers the earbuds. While functional, the lack of USB-C is disappointing in 2022, as most of my devices (like smartphones and Chromebooks) have shifted to it—meaning an extra cable in my bag.
The sleek design uses glossy plastic, but it's a fingerprint magnet, especially on the touch-sensitive areas. My white review unit hides smudges better than black would. Pro tip: Opt for white if fingerprints bother you.
Soundcore provides essential specs for informed buyers:
These cover the basics: long battery life, clear audio, durability, and noise reduction—ideal for everyday wireless listening.
Removing the earbuds from the case auto-powers them on, with the left pairing to the right. First-time setup enters pairing mode; connect via Bluetooth by searching for "Soundcore Liberty Air." Subsequent uses connect seamlessly.
Controls rely on touchpads—no physical buttons. Left and right earbuds handle different functions, which takes practice:
Right earbud:
Left earbud:
No volume controls on the earbuds—adjust via your device, which can be inconvenient if it's not at hand.
Sound quality shines: Loud, clear audio without max volume. Passive isolation effectively mutes ambient noise on trains or streets. Bass and mids are balanced; treble could be sharper, but for their size and price, they're top-tier.
Overall rating: 8.5/10.
For $79.99, the Soundcore Liberty Air offer premium features like solid sound and endurance at a fraction of AirPods' cost. Anker nails budget-friendly excellence. If you're seeking reliable true wireless earbuds beyond Apple, these are my top recommendation.
Soundcore Liberty Air
