Nothing Ear Black
Score: 84/100
Soundcore Liberty 5
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Soundcore Liberty 5 blends high-end audio features-LDAC, Dolby Audio, adaptive ANC-with solid battery life and multipoint support, positioning it as a premium-ish ANC earbud at a competitive price.
The Nothing Ear (a) delivers audiophile-grade sound, solid hybrid ANC and impressive battery life in a lightweight, IP-rated package. It shines with its customizable EQ and multipoint connectivity but falls short of flagship ANC performance and has limited ecosystem features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8.5 hours | 12 hoursbest | |
11 mmbest | 9.2 mm | |
20 Hzbest | — | |
40,000 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.6 gbest | 4.6 gbest |
12 months | 18 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 11 mm | 9.2 mm |
Supported Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC, LHDC 5.0 | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 18 months |
Build & Design(1) | ||
IP Rating | IP54 | IP55 |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 8.5 hours | 12 hours |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the sound quality, EQ flexibility and battery life, but note that ANC does not meet its claimed attenuation and that the lack of aptX/LE Audio is a drawback.
Everyday users love the rich sound and long battery, while complaining about inconsistent ANC performance and occasional Bluetooth hiccups.
Reviewers applaud the Liberty 5 for its sophisticated Adaptive ANC, Dolby Audio, and digital battery display, while noting touch-control sensitivity and the need for an app account.
Users love the strong ANC, clear calls and long battery life, but many mention the case scratches easily and the touch controls can be finicky.
“Best sub-$200 ANC earbud, love the sound and battery.”
“Touch controls are too sensitive, keep triggering.”
“Case scratches easily, wish it was more premium.”
