Soundcore Liberty Air 2

Contents

Setup

You must select the “Piano” preset to get the best sound quality from these earphones. Sometimes it saves – sometimes it doesn’t. If you find the sound overly sharp, try a larger sized ear tip. If it sounds muffled, reseat the earphones more forward.

Also, these earphones are very sensitive to how they sit and are pointed in your ear. I think this is due to how the port is designed. It’s a bit frustrating as this makes the sound quality a bit inconsistent at times.

Sound

Although relatively flat as far as depth, it excels in spatial details, timbre, and energy. But bass is pretty light, not very punchy at all. It’s a little difficult to hear the lower octaves of a piano – but it’s there. There’s also a blanket edge and roughness to the sound that might irritate some. It gets a little wiry and sharp at times.

However, everything still manages to sound “right.” Water and other ambient cues sound like the real thing. Voices are also believable. Bass plucks and cymbals still preserve a high level of timbre quality. Electric guitars have the right amount of grime. In addition, impressive transient clarity, speed, and detail. These especially excel with acoustic music. And although not the most analog sounding – you get plenty of tactility and textural cues.

Also, these earphones get really loud. Definitely one of the loudest out of all the true wireless earbuds. They’re definitely more crispy than they are full-bodied and may come off a bit etched and tooth-ache inducing at times. Imaging coherence is also pretty messy. BUT the Liberty 2 Air is in the top two as far as timbre accuracy and still has plenty of artistic intent. For that reason, the pleasure might be worth the pain.

Comparisons

  • Apple Airpods Pro (ANC on): The Soundcore isn’t as smooth as the Apple, but has more soul and bass.
  • 1More Stylish True Wireless: The 1More is richer sounding, smoother, with more bass while the Soundcore has more top-end energy and more tonal varieties. The Soundcore is definitely more prone to fatigue but is more faithful.
  • Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro: The Pro has much more bass, better resolution, and better imaging. Both have accurate timbre – perhaps more so on the Air. But I would save a tiny bit more for the Pro for its more polished and realistic sound. The Air sounds far too narrow, skinny, and squeaky and the Pro is more engaging.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds: Samsung has more faithful smoothness. It’s easier to listen to but it’s not very warmblooded. The Soundcore sounds pretty rough in comparison but has a much larger palette.
  • Soundcore Liberty Neo (original): Although the Liberty 2 Air is somewhat flat sounding, the Liberty Neo is even flatter. But it has more bass, intimacy, is fuller, and it’s much easier to listen to. It doesn’t have as much treble energy and isn’t as quiet or well-focused but it’s never thin, sharp, and irritating. Although the Liberty 2 Air has more accurate tonal color, it’s unnaturally bright and narrow in the mids. BUT does have more qualities of the reference system.

Side Notes

  • The case is slightly taller and thicker than the Apple Airpods Pro. But the Soundcore case feels better in the hand.
  • Probably benefits from Comply tips.
  • I had a few random disconnects. Not often but it happens.
  • The touch controls aren’t the most reliable.
  • Perhaps longer range than the Airpods.

Who should buy this?

Overall, an insightful and accurately colored sound. The biggest drawback is the bass and harshness in the mids. It’s also not the smoothest – and thus not the most relaxing of TWS earphones. If you enjoy more hype without sacrificing tonal quality, the Liberty 2 Air would work. If you want a fuller and more liquid sound, skip this Soundcore.

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