Anker Liberty 5 Pro Max Earbuds Launch in Israel with Touchscreen Case and Premium Features
Anker Soundcore, known for offering affordable audio products, has introduced its Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds to the Israeli market, aiming to reposition itself as a premium player rather than just a budget alternative to brands like Apple, Bose, and Sony. The earbuds feature a unique 1.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen on the charging case, which adds bulk and weight, and offers limited responsiveness and customization options. The case also includes a built-in microphone for voice recording and transcription, though the audio quality and transcription accuracy are disappointing. Additionally, the touchscreen can remotely control smartphone cameras, but with noticeable delays, especially on iPhones.
The earbuds themselves deliver high-quality sound powered by Anker’s AI chip, which processes extensive noise signals to provide balanced audio with restrained bass. However, preset sound modes feel like digital corrections rather than genuine enhancements. Active noise cancellation is improved compared to previous models but remains underwhelming, with five levels that produce minor differences and struggle against strong background noise. Transparency mode works well but sounds artificial.
Comfort-wise, the earbuds have an internal arch that requires adjustment but ultimately offers a stable fit despite a somewhat bulky design. Some sensor glitches cause connectivity issues when earbuds are placed outside the case or inside it, requiring manual reconnection. The AI-powered voice assistant feature responds slowly and inconsistently, and the face-to-face translation function does not support Hebrew. Microphone performance during calls is good, though voice recordings show sound jumps. The companion app is well-designed and user-friendly.
Battery life is solid, providing up to 6.5 hours of continuous playback with noise cancellation on and a total of 28 hours with the charging case. Charging takes about an hour for the earbuds and up to three hours for the case. Continuous voice command use drains the battery faster. The earbuds will be available in Israel starting August 9 for 1,000 shekels, significantly higher than the approximate $230 (700 shekels) price abroad, placing them in direct competition with premium models like Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6. While Anker’s touchscreen case and AI features offer innovation, the high price and mixed performance suggest that users not needing these extras might prefer other models.
