Sound Quality: Soundcore Liberty 4 vs. Huawei FreeBuds 5
The Liberty 4 provides more detailed and accurate sound reproduction with better clarity across all frequencies, while the FreeBuds 5’s semi-open design creates a unique, airy listening experience that some people love but sacrifices bass impact and sound isolation. With LDAC support, the Liberty 4 handles high-resolution audio noticeably better, delivering more texture in vocals and instruments compared to the FreeBuds 5’s pleasant but less revealing presentation.
The FreeBuds 5’s open design means you get more awareness of your surroundings, which is great for safety but also means sound leaks out and ambient noise leaks in more than traditional in-ear designs. The Liberty 4’s spatial audio adds immersion for movies and certain tracks, while the FreeBuds 5 focuses on creating a naturally spacious sound through its physical design. Both sound good, but they’re targeting different listening preferences—the Liberty 4 aims for audio quality and immersion, while the FreeBuds 5 prioritizes comfort and situational awareness.
Verdict: What should you buy?
Pick the Liberty 4 if you want better sound isolation, more impactful bass, superior audio detail with hi-res support, and don’t mind traditional in-ear designs. Choose the FreeBuds 5 if you prefer semi-open earbuds that let you hear your environment, are invested in Huawei’s ecosystem, and prioritize all-day comfort over maximum sound quality.
The Liberty 4 wins for pure audio performance and versatility, delivering fuller, more detailed sound that works well in any environment, while the FreeBuds 5’s semi-open design makes it ideal for people who hate feeling sealed off from the world or find traditional earbuds uncomfortable during long wear. The Liberty 4 is the better all-arounder, but the FreeBuds 5 serves a specific niche well.