Blind Test: Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 vs Samsung Hw S60D - Which is Actually Better?
Picking audio gear often comes down to use case as much as raw performance. A pair of true wireless earbuds and a compact soundbar are designed for very different listening scenarios, yet buyers frequently ask which "sounds better" when both are compared side-by-side. This blind test article examines the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 and the Samsung Hw S60D across real-world situations—commuting, casual music listening, gaming, movies, and voice calls—to offer a practical verdict on which is actually better for specific needs.
How the blind test was run
To avoid bias from branding and product form factor, listeners evaluated source material played through both products with visual cues removed and volume matched at perceived loudness. Tracks included acoustic singer-songwriter pieces, heavily produced pop, orchestral film cues, and low-frequency test tones for bass reference. For speech and call testing, podcasts and dialog-heavy movie clips were used. Participants logged subjective impressions for clarity, timbre, separation, dynamics, bass control, and perceived comfort (for earbuds) or room integration (for the soundbar).
Because the Liberty 5 is personal, in-ear listening and the Hw S60D is room-based, the blind test focused on sound quality per listening context rather than an absolute side-by-side loudness contest. This approach highlights which device better fulfills particular real‑world use cases.
Product overviews
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
The Liberty 5 is a true wireless earbud offering portability, on-device active noise control, and a smartphone app for personalization. Its design targets commuters, gym users, and anyone wanting private, immersive listening. Strengths typically cited for this class of product are compactness, isolation, and intimacy of sound—attributes that matter when a listener is in noisy or public environments.
Samsung Hw S60D
The Samsung Hw S60D is a compact soundbar aimed at improving TV audio and serving as a small-room audio upgrade. Soundbars like the S60D prioritize dialogue clarity, wider soundstage for on-screen action, and physical low-frequency extension that fills a living room more convincingly than most TV speakers. They are attractive to buyers who host group movie nights, want clearer TV sound, or prefer a dedicated home audio setup without a multi‑speaker system.
Detailed analysis by category
1. Music listening (personal vs room)
In a personal listening setting, the Liberty 5 excels thanks to its proximity to the eardrum and the isolation provided by in-ear tips. Vocals are presented with immediacy and fine detail, and subtleties in acoustic instruments are more noticeable. The app’s EQ and personalization features allow one to tailor the signature to preference, which is a big win for listeners who favor a more intimate, detailed presentation.
The Hw S60D, meanwhile, performs best as a shared music playback device in a living space. It renders a wider perceived soundstage and better low‑end authority than the earbuds deliver to a room. For produced pop, electronic music, and music intended to be heard in a group, the soundbar offers more satisfying bass and a fuller midrange that fills space.
2. Movies and TV
Dialogue intelligibility is a major concern for TV viewers. The S60D’s design favors clear speech and cinematic presence—on-screen events feel more enveloping, and the low frequencies add punch to action sequences. For those who value shared movie nights or want noticeably better TV sound without a multi‑speaker setup, the soundbar is the practical choice.
Earbuds like the Liberty 5 can deliver excellent detail and are great for late-night watching without disturbing others. However, their small drivers and stereo separation can’t replicate the room‑filling feel of a soundbar. For solo late-night viewing, they offer intimacy and isolation; for living-room cinema experiences, the Hw S60D has the edge.
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Shop Amazon →3. Gaming and latency
Low latency is important for gaming. True wireless earbuds may introduce perceptible lag depending on codec and mode, though many modern models include dedicated low-latency or gaming modes. For casual mobile gaming or single-player titles, the Liberty 5 can be perfectly suitable and provides immersive head‑locked sound. Competitive gamers or those using consoles connected to a TV will typically prefer the soundbar paired through HDMI or optical inputs for minimal display-audio sync issues and the benefits of spatial presentation.
4. Calls and voice assistants
For voice calls and virtual meetings, earbuds often win because of their proximity to the mouth and built‑in mic arrays optimized for call pickup. The Liberty 5’s wind rejection, voice isolation, and mic tuning generally make it the better device for taking calls on the go.
While modern soundbars also include microphones and voice assistant capabilities, their mics are intended for room commands, not as personal conference microphones. For dedicated conference calling from a desk, a headset or earbuds typically deliver better, more consistent pickup.
5. Portability and daily use
Portability is where the Liberty 5 is unbeatable. One can slip the case into a pocket and have private listening anywhere. Battery considerations (charging case, quick-charge features) and sweat resistance make such earbuds ideal for commuting and workouts.
The S60D is stationary and best suited to a fixed listening location. It requires room placement and power, which suits living rooms or dedicated media spaces but not mobile or on-the-go listening.
Pros & cons
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5
- Pros: Highly portable; strong isolation and personal immersion; convenient app-based EQ and personalization; better for calls and commuting; discreet listening without disturbing others.
- Cons: Limited room-filling capability; bass and dynamics cannot match a physical speaker in large spaces; potential latency for some gaming scenarios; fit and seal affect performance.
Samsung Hw S60D
- Pros: Room‑filling sound and better bass extension; clearer dialogue and cinematic presentation; better for shared listening and living-room setups; multiple TV-friendly inputs and simplified control.
- Cons: Not portable; occupies living room real estate; less private—not ideal for late-night single listeners; voice call performance is secondary to TV duties.
Comparison table
| Category | Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 | Samsung Hw S60D | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Personal listening, commuting, calls | TV, movies, shared music in a room | Depends on use |
| Soundstage | Intimate, close-up | Wide, room-filling | Samsung Hw S60D |
| Bass & dynamics | Good for earbuds, limited low-end reach | Stronger low-end and impact | Samsung Hw S60D |
| Portability | Excellent | Poor (stationary) | Anker Liberty 5 |
| Call quality | Superior (mic proximity) | Functional but secondary | Anker Liberty 5 |
| Ease of setup | Simple Bluetooth pairing | TV integration and physical connections | Tie (depends on tech comfort) |
| Value for multi‑person use | Poor (private only) | Excellent | Samsung Hw S60D |
Buying guide: how to choose between them
Choosing between earbuds and a soundbar should begin with a clear assessment of intended use. The following key considerations help narrow the decision.
Use case first
- On-the-go listening, workouts, commuting: Prioritize the Liberty 5. Portability, passive isolation, and call performance are crucial in noisy, mobile environments.
- TV, movies, and shared music: Favor the Hw S60D. If the living room is the primary listening space and group sessions or cinematic presence matter, the soundbar delivers more satisfying results.
Space and setup
Measure the listening environment. Small apartments and bedrooms may benefit from the convenience of earbuds, especially if neighbors are a concern. If there is a dedicated living room and a desire to upgrade TV sound, the soundbar is a long‑term improvement that requires minimal cabling and space.
Connectivity and devices
Consider what devices will connect most often. Earbuds pair via Bluetooth and are flexible with phones, tablets, and laptops. Soundbars typically interface with TVs via HDMI/optical and may offer Bluetooth for secondary use. If the primary source is a TV or console, pay attention to the soundbar’s input options and support for audio return channels.
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Budget and priorities
Set priorities: if the budget allows only one audio upgrade, list scenarios where audio quality matters most. For many, everyday commuting and calls justify earbuds. For enthusiasts who stream movies and hold watch parties, a soundbar provides more perceptible benefits.
Features to evaluate
- For earbuds: fit and seal (try multiple tips), ANC effectiveness, app features and EQ, battery life with and without ANC, charging case convenience, IP rating for sweat/water resistance.
- For soundbars: dialogue/enhancement modes, subwoofer inclusion or output, input options (HDMI eARC preferred), room calibration features, size relative to TV, remote or app control.
Future-proofing
Check for firmware update support and app ecosystems. A product that continues to receive updates can improve performance over time. Consider standard codecs and connectivity that match current devices; for example, those relying on AV receivers or wanting integrated streaming services may prefer a soundbar with smart features.
Real-world recommendations
For a commuter who listens to podcasts, audiobooks, and music on trains and needs reliable call performance, the Liberty 5 is the pragmatic choice. Its portability and isolation make everyday life easier, and app-based tuning helps adapt the sound to varied content.
For a household that streams films, watches sports with friends, or wants a clear improvement over thin TV speakers, the Hw S60D will be more satisfying. It brings cinematic weight and clarity to shared listening situations, and it integrates into home entertainment setups more naturally than earbuds.
Closing thoughts
The blind test underscores a simple truth: "better" depends on the question being asked. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 and the Samsung Hw S60D each excel in their intended roles. Earbuds win for personal convenience, isolation, and call quality; the soundbar wins for room-filling impact, cinematic presence, and shared listening. Listeners who choose based on primary use—portable personal audio versus home theater and shared music—will most likely be satisfied with either product.
In short, the Liberty 5 is better if one values mobility, private listening, and on-the-go versatility. The Hw S60D is better if one prioritizes living-room sound, movies, and group listening. The blind test reveals that neither product is universally superior; each is a strong performer within its category. The final choice should align with how and where the audio will be enjoyed most often.