Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Earbuds Review

When the Liberty 2 Pro launched in late 2019, Anker’s Soundcore brand positioned them as its first true audiophile‑leaning earbuds. They were the debut of Astria Coaxial Acoustic Architecture (ACAA), a design endorsed by Grammy‑winning producers that combines an 11mm dynamic driver with a Knowles balanced armature in a coaxial layout. This setup was intended to eliminate phase interference and deliver harmonised treble and bass. At launch, they retailed for around £129.99, but they are now widely available for under £100, making them an intriguing mid‑range option.

Design and Everyday Fit

The Liberty 2 Pro are chunkier than many modern earbuds, with a teardrop‑shaped housing that protrudes slightly from the ear. The size accommodates the dual‑driver system and a larger battery, but Soundcore includes seven pairs of ear tips and three pairs of ear wings to ensure a secure fit. Once adjusted, they sit comfortably for long listening sessions, although they are less discreet than stem‑style rivals. The charging case is also on the larger side, but it supports both USB‑C and Qi wireless charging, which was ahead of its time. The case provides three full recharges, bringing total endurance to 32 hours (8 hours per charge in the earbuds). A 10‑minute fast charge gives up to two hours of playback, which is handy for quick top‑ups.

Features That Matter

Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs. While there is no active noise cancellation, the in‑ear seal and large drivers provide strong passive isolation. The standout feature is HearID, Soundcore’s personalised EQ system. Through the app, users take a short hearing test, and the software generates a custom EQ profile tailored to their ears. This can be further refined with manual EQ adjustments or pre-set sound modes. Other highlights include:

– Quad‑microphone array with cVc 8.0 noise reduction for clearer calls;
– IPX4 water resistance, making them sweat‑resistant for workouts;
– Physical button controls with customisable functions via the app;
– Mono mode, allowing either earbud to be used independently.

Sound Performance

The Liberty 2 Pro’s biggest strength is its soundstage and separation. The ACAA system delivers a presentation that feels wider and more layered than most single‑driver earbuds. Vocals and instruments are crisp, while the dynamic driver provides a powerful, bass‑rich foundation. The default tuning leans bass‑heavy, which some listeners may find overwhelming, but the HearID EQ and manual adjustments allow for significant refinement. With the right profile, the Liberty 2 Pro can sound balanced and engaging across genres, from acoustic to electronic. Call quality is solid, although not class‑leading, and the lack of ANC is noticeable in noisy environments. Still, for pure audio performance, these earbuds punch well above their price.

Living With Them

Battery life is reliable, with seven to eight hours per charge and quick top‑ups via USB‑C or wireless pads. The larger case is less pocket‑friendly than slimline competitors, but the trade‑off is excellent endurance. The earbuds automatically connect when removed from the case, and switching between master and slave modes is seamless. The user manual notes that the right earbud defaults as master, but the left can take over if needed. The app also allows custom command mapping, so users can assign volume or playback controls to double‑taps or long presses. These small touches make the Liberty 2 Pro more versatile than many rivals of their era.

Competitors in Context

– Liberty 3 Pro: Successor with ANC, LDAC, and a slimmer design, but more expensive.
– Sony WF‑1000XM3: Introduced ANC at a similar price, but lacked the Liberty’s dual‑driver setup.
– Jabra Elite 75t: Smaller and more comfortable, with strong bass, but no personalised EQ.

Key Info Table