21 Best Sounding True Wireless Earbuds (2020) - Soundcore Liberty Neo (Original)

Soundcore Liberty Neo (Original)

Setup

Plays at lower volumes so had to move it up a few clicks on the Pixel 3. The Soundcore does not support this wireless earphone.

Sound

This is the cheapest true wireless earbud on this list - and it kicks some serious ass! Although dimensionally flat and not as refined or smooth as some of the other higher-end models, it does a great job with tonal balance, texture, and detail. Aside from treble chasers, Audiophiles chasing warmth on a budget would appreciate this earphone.

The biggest issue with the Liberty Neo is the lack of smoothness and dimension. But tonality and resolution aren't bad at all. It also doesn't have the scale and output of the larger earphones (such as the Beats Powerbeats Pro). In any case, it's a great cheap go-to TWS earphone. The beauty of this earbud is that it preserves so much artistic intent without a lot of money.

Comparisons

• Edifier TWS NB: The Edifier does a much better job of layering out the music with a bigger emphasis on the low end. The midrange is more laid back and bass is much punchier on the Edifier. Overall the Edifier has a cleaner more relaxed sound. But it isn't as golden warm as the Soundcore. Edifier sounds almost like it's being played in an empty garage with no sound treatment. Edifier has more resolution and smoothness. Soundcore also sounds much flatter and grittier. Edifier is more analog. However, the Edifier sounds like it has a grey glaze with a veil over the mids.
• Soundcore Liberty 2 Air: A more open-sounding alternative could be the Soundcore Liberty 2 Air (Piano profile). It has a better tone and energy but at double the price. It's more strident than it is smooth, however.
• 1More Stylish True Wireless: The Liberty Neo has more clarity and air over the 1More, but the Soundcore's mids are rougher. The Soundcore is also more laid back and leaner in comparison to the 1More. 1More just has more body. Interestingly enough, timbre sounds more accurate on the Soundcore. If you prefer a smoother sound - spend the extra $50 on the 1More. However, if you prefer more accuracy and truth, stick with the Soundcore.
• Jaybird Vista: A little bit of a toss-up here. The Vista does sound higher-end in some ways, but the Soundcore sounds more truthful. The Soundcore has more grit and focus and a more faithful tone - and actually sounds punchier. The Jaybird is more analog more forward, and "glides" more.

Who should buy this?

The Soundcore Liberty Neo (Original) will have an organic and balanced sound. Although not the fullest or well-layered sound, it has texture and will please both audiophiles and casual listeners. The first time I heard this TWS earphone, I couldn't believe the price. My first thought was "The guys at Anker/Soundcore know how music is supposed to sound like." There's a reason why it's one of the few TWS earphones under $70 on this list.