This is not the kind of product you will find on a billboard or hyped in ads. However, if you’re someone who wants affordable, functional, and surprisingly good audio gear for everyday use, this little pair might be precisely what you need. I have spent several weeks using the SoundLiberty 97 in various situations—commutes, workouts, phone calls, and quiet nights at home—and here is my comprehensive, real-world review of it.

Why I Picked the SoundLiberty 97: Not Fancy, Just Functional

Let us start with expectations. I did not set out to find the world’s best earbuds. I just needed something dependable—something that could last through a workday, handle calls without cutting out, and not fall apart after a few weeks in my backpack. I also did not want to drop $150 or more to stream music and take calls.

TaoTronics, as a brand, has always focused on value. Their products are not flashy, but they are known for getting the job done. That is why I gave the SoundLiberty 97 a shot—and I am glad I did.

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First Impressions: Clean Design, Straightforward Unboxing

When the package arrived, I noticed something right away—it was simple. No over-the-top graphics or cluttered text. The box was compact and well-organized, with everything neatly tucked inside.

Inside the box, here is what you get:

• The earbuds themselves
• A matte-finished charging case
• A USB-C charging cable (short but useful)
• Three sets of silicone ear tips (small, medium, large)
• A quick-start guide

The entire setup exuded a clean, no-nonsense vibe. And that carried over to the hardware as well. The charging case has a smooth, soft-touch finish that resists fingerprints. It feels well-built and snaps shut with a satisfying click. Nothing wobbly or flimsy. Just solid build quality from the start.

Comfort and Fit: Worn for Hours Without Thinking About It

If you have ever owned a pair of earbuds that looked good but made your ears sore within 30 minutes, you know how important comfort is. With the SoundLiberty 97, comfort was a priority. The earbuds are light—not featherweight to the point of feeling fragile, but light enough that you forget you are wearing them.

The angled in-ear design helps the buds sit snugly without poking or pressing uncomfortably. Once I swapped to the smallest ear tips (my ears are slightly smaller than average), I barely noticed them—even after hours of continuous use.

Whether I was walking, jogging, or simply lying on the couch, they remained in place. No readjusting every few minutes. No ear fatigue. That kind of comfort is rare at this price point.

IPX8 Rating: Real-World Water Protection That Gives Peace of Mind

Now, let’s discuss durability. The IPX8 waterproof rating caught my attention. That is one of the highest ratings you will find in wireless earbuds. It means the SoundLiberty 97 can survive being submerged in water—though I do not recommend intentionally testing that.

What it does mean is that these earbuds can easily handle:

• Heavy sweat during workouts
• Rainy walks or jogs
• Occasional splashes (think: kitchen sink accidents or beach mist)

I have used them during sweaty cardio sessions and even wore them during a light downpour without issues. No damage, no malfunction, and no panic. That kind of reliability matters when you are using your earbuds day in and day out.

Touch Controls: Handy Once You Learn the Taps

Touch controls can be a hit or miss. I have used earbuds where a single tap would skip tracks, hang up calls, and perform random actions I never intended. Luckily, TaoTronics keeps things relatively simple.

Here is how the SoundLiberty 97 handles it:

• One tap to play/pause, or answer/end a call
• Two taps to skip to the next track
• Long press to activate voice assistant or reject calls

There is a short learning curve, and yes, I did make a few mistakes during the first couple of days. I accidentally paused music or skipped tracks when adjusting the fit. But once you learn the rhythm, it becomes second nature. You need to develop a soft, controlled tap—not a jab.

Quick and Seamless Pairing: Bluetooth 5.0 That Works As Promised

Pairing these earbuds for the first time took under a minute. Open the case, wait for the light to flash, and select the device on your phone—done. After that, it is automatic. The moment you open the case again, they reconnect without needing any extra steps.

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, the connection is:

• Stable (no random drops, even in busy areas)
• Efficient (uses less battery)
• Quick (connects within 1–2 seconds of opening the case)

I tested the range, too. I left my phone on the kitchen table and walked around my apartment—about 30–35 feet with two walls in between. The sound remained crisp throughout. No lag, no interruptions.

This level of reliability makes a significant difference when you use earbuds on a daily basis. You do not want to fiddle with your phone to get your music started.

Sound Performance: Way Better Than Expected for the Price

This is where I was most sceptical—and also the most surprised.

Let us be real. You are not buying these expecting audiophile-level sound. But honestly? For the price, the audio quality is impressive.

Here is what you get:

• Bass: Present and punchy. Not overdone or muddy. Just enough kick to make the music feel alive.
• Midrange: Clear and balanced. Perfect for vocals, podcasts, and voice calls.
• Treble: Soft, without sharpness. High notes sound smooth, not tinny or harsh.

Music across genres sounds vibrant—especially pop, indie, acoustic, and hip-hop. Podcasts are easy to follow, and phone calls come through without distortion. Even background noise is somewhat blocked, thanks to the tight in-ear seal.

And for binge-watchers—yes, you can enjoy Netflix or YouTube without any voice delay. The lips match the audio perfectly, which is rare for budget earbuds.

Call Quality: Clear Voice in Crowded Places

Let us talk about the mic. For many of us, wireless earbuds are not just for music—they’re also for making calls. Whether it’s quick phone check-ins or Zoom meetings, the microphone matters.

The SoundLiberty 97 does not feature a long stem mic like AirPods, but its internal microphone still performs a solid job. I tested it:

• Indoors with minimal background noise
• In a café with chatter and music
• Outdoors with wind and light traffic

In all three situations, the person on the other end could hear me. I did not have to raise my voice, and I received no complaints about muffled sounds. The mic filters out some background noise but does not eliminate it—still, it is more than good enough for everyday use.

Battery Life: Reliable Power All Day Long

Battery performance is another place where these earbuds shine.

TaoTronics claims up to 9 hours of continuous playtime, and that is close to what I experienced. During a typical day—listening to music, taking calls, and watching a few videos—I usually get about 8 to 8.5 hours of use before the battery dies. That is more than enough to get through a workday.

The charging case provides extra full charges, bringing the total usage to over 30 hours without needing a wall charger.

And here is what makes it even better: USB-C fast charging.

Once, I realized they were dead right before I left the house. I charged them for just 10 minutes and got nearly two hours of playback. That feature alone makes them extremely practical for anyone who forgets to charge their gadgets (like me).

Portability and Build Quality: Built for the Real World

I tossed the case into my bag, dropped it on the floor (more than once), and used the earbuds in all kinds of weather. They have held up without a scratch.

The case is compact and pocket-friendly. It is not slippery, but it can slide if placed on angled surfaces—just something to keep in mind. The magnet inside the case keeps the earbuds secure, and the hinge has held up well after weeks of daily use.

These are not luxury materials, but the build is solid, practical, and made to handle daily wear and tear.

What Stands Out

What I Love:

• Surprisingly good sound for the price
• Comfortable for long periods
• Sweatproof and waterproof (IPX8 rating)
• Fast USB-C charging
• Stable and quick Bluetooth connection

What I Wish Was Better:

• No active noise cancelling
• Touch controls take a few days to master
• The case can slip if it is placed on an angle.

Should You Buy It?

If your daily needs include streaming music, making calls, and watching videos, and you require earbuds that are simple, durable, and budget-friendly—the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 97 is a strong recommendation.

It is not a luxury product. It is not trying to be. But in a world of overpriced, overhyped gadgets, it is refreshing to find something that quietly does precisely what you need—and does it well.

To buy this product, click here.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Buy for Real People

The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 97 is not trying to compete with $250 earbuds. It does not promise studio-quality sound, multi-device switching, or dynamic head-tracking audio. What it does offer is much more valuable: consistency.

These earbuds connect quickly, stay connected, sound great, feel comfortable, and withstand your daily routine. And they do all of this without asking for a big chunk of your paycheck.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair that feels reliable and doesn’t compromise on quality, the SoundLiberty 97 delivers.

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