A few weeks ago we tested the Soundcore Anker Liberty Air, earphones that try to challenge AirPods at half the price. On test this time the Liberty Air 2, more advanced model, which cost 50 euros more in the list, but which in promotion are often less than 100 euros. Form factor almost identical to its predecessor, with a different color, this time with a stone gray effect.
How they are made
Soundcore Anker Liberty Air 2 are practically identical to the previous model, which is why the form factor will not be a determining element in the choice. The color changes slightly, which instead of milky white, is stone gray, with some small red inserts. From this point of view it is a question of tastes, and it is impossible to establish universally which model is aesthetically best. If you are a lover of completely white colors, and you want a product that is as similar as possible to AirPods, then the first model is the one that comes closest to it.
In terms of shape, however, Liberty Air 2 is identical to its predecessor. They are detached from Apple's AirPods because they are in-ear, with the usual silicone rubber pads of various sizes to be inserted inside the ear cavity. However, they offer an elongated shape, just like the Apple earphones.
Like the first model, in terms of materials, they are really well made, cared for from all points of view, and in the hand, although very light, they still feel as high-end. The feel of premium materials is slightly attenuated in the case, which is still well built, and feels more robust in the hand than the first model, most likely due to the coating with the gray stone effect pattern.
Soundcore Anker Liberty Air 2 offers an accurate packaging exactly like the first model, and this helps in the sensation of a well-finished product from the opening, therefore once again far from low-cost earphones from a few tens of euros. Inside the small cardboard, which opens like a book, there are earphones and covers, protected by a completely transparent plastic. A little further below, however, a compartment that hides the different silicone rubber pads, of various sizes, which allow you to wear the earphones at their best. In addition to the manuals, there is also the case's charging cable, which this time offers a USB-C input for charging, even if the case is compatible with Qi wireless charging.
Speaking of the case, we also point out that this second model “stands” on a flat surface without any problem, while the first model, although it succeeds in the same “enterprise”, struggles a little because of the not hollow shape on the lower part. This is a small difference, which is unique to the Qi charging stand and USB-C connector, making this case undoubtedly better than the first model.
As for the earphones, they are small, light, well made as mentioned, with a smooth plastic to the touch, which leave a feeling of a peripheral that is certainly not cheap. From the point of view of workmanship and aesthetics, AirPods remain more original, particular and more refined, but these Soundcore Anker Liberty Air 2 certainly have nothing to envy.
Aesthetics promoted with flying colors, like that of the first model. You choose which color you like best: note that the second model also offers a slight aesthetic difference on the plastics of the earphones themselves. Below is a photo comparison.
How they wear
On the subject we could completely defer to the review of the first Liberty Air model, because otherwise we would risk repeating ourselves step by step. In fact, from this point of view this second model is worn exactly like the first: comfortable, even for medium-long sessions, as long as the rubber pad of the exact size is found, to best adapt to the ear cup. This will also ensure better listening, with a greater feeling of sound isolation. 
Controls
Similar to the AirPods, the earphones have a small soft touch button on the external pavilion, thanks to which you can control music and calls. These controls are fully customizable, unlike the first model, a really important feature, which makes them even more versatile and adaptable to your needs. It is possible to decide to customize the double touch of each ear, or even the prolonged pressure of 2 seconds. Keep in mind that the commands are customized through the Soundcore app available for free in the App Store for iOS and Android, and that this customization will only work when the two earphones are paired with the smartphone, not even when only one is used.
During calls, on the other hand, with a double tap on the right / left touch the call is answered / closed, while pressing the right touch for two seconds refuses the call. The soft touch panel is an excellent solution for multimedia management of the earphones, without the need to touch the smartphone, and is undoubtedly more elegant than other solutions with mechanical keys. However, it must be said that this soft touch system does not prevent, indeed it helps, involuntary touches, especially when wearing the earphones, and when you decide to take them off.
First and subsequent pairing
Also in this case we repeat the advice we gave you for the first model: load the case before the initial pairing, so as not to have any problems whatsoever. It will then be sufficient to remove the earphones from the case, start the bluetooth menu of the smartphone, and proceed with the pairing. After that, the earphones will connect to the last paired device, simply by taking them out of the box. The pairing is always fast and precise, and has never given us the opportunity to regret the pairing system AirPods with iPhone, certainly more sophisticated.
How they sound
After trying the Soundcore Anker Liberty Air, which had really surprised us in a positive way, we expected a lot from this second model. The expectations have been partially paid off. First of all, the good things we heard with the first model remain, with a full-bodied, full, enveloping sound, and above all well balanced and balanced from all points of view.
Also in this case we have never detected distortions, even at maximum volume, which however remains not very high as in the previous model. Overall, in short, the sound seemed very close to that of the first Liberty Airs, without that obvious leap forward. Attention, however, we do not mean that these Liberty Air 2 are identical in sound quality to the first model: there are some small differences, but it is not as marked as we expected. The difference is made, above all, by the application, which allows you to play with the equalizer, to completely modify the sound experience, and adapt it to the different musical categories.
In addition to the equalizer, which actually provides an extra gear to this second model, there is also the HearID technology, which thanks to a test of just over 5 minutes, allows you to perfectly adjust the earphones to the physiological differences of the users. The Soundcore app analyzes the user's hearing profile and intelligently creates a suitable sound setting. To do this, for each earphone it sends sounds of different intensity, and the user must keep the pressure until the noise is perceived, releasing the finger in case the noise is no longer perceived.
In our case, after setting up the HearID profile, we didn't notice a particular change in the sound profile. Maybe because the default profile was similar to the result of our HearID profile.
The audio on call remains clear and crystalline like the previous model. Also in this case we fully promote the peripheral. Overall the call is very good with the interlocutor's audio getting in the headset in a clear and clean way; even the microphone does a good job and during our tests we always managed to carry out a hands-free telephone conversation, without having to use a smartphone.
Autonomy
The manufacturer ensures 28 hours of battery life thanks to the charging case and 7 hours of playback on a single charge. During our tests we verified that, at medium volumes, the headphones allowed us to listen for about 6 hours, a figure that is therefore close to the real one. Even the case actually allows you to recharge them for 2 and a half times, with the three LEDs indicating the residual charge status of the case that seem more accurate than the first model.
Conclusions
Soundcore Anker Liberty Air 2, on the whole, we liked quite a lot, like the first model. In addition, compared to these, they enjoy a wireless charging case, customizable soft touch controls, and the possibility of equalizer via app. These are features that, indeed, are worth those 50 euros more requested than the first model. Often, however, they are bought on offer at 99 euros, a price at which there is really no reason to prefer the first version. At the same price, therefore, we can only recommend this second model; if instead you find the first Liberty Air at 50 euros less, evaluate whether or not you are interested in the additional features of these Air 2.
PRO
VERSUS
Price and availability
Soundcore Anker Liberty Air 2 can be purchased on Amazon for 149 euros, available at the time of writing only in black color.
