True Wireless
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max
78Great
$185
Full review dataAnker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $298.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM6
88Outstanding
$298
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery8.5
Calls7.5
Value8.0
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $185 | $298 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 17 Ω | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 6.1 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 6.1 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 28 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 4 h | 3 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | adaptive | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | - | 47 g |
| Water resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | 8 |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max are feature-packed wireless earbuds with adaptive noise cancellation and a robust 12-hour single charge, extending to 28 hours with the case. They support modern Bluetooth 6.1, multipoint pairing for three devices, and offer solid IP55 water resistance for workouts and light rain. With LDAC and LDHC codecs, plus a customizable EQ, they aim to deliver both versatility and high-quality sound.
- Pro:Long 12-hour battery per charge, 28 with case
- Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexible listening
- Pro:Multipoint connects to up to three devices
- Con:Pricey at around $230
- Con:No wireless charging despite premium cost
- Con:Bass may overpower for some listeners
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
- Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
- Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
- Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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