Edifier Neobuds Plus Review – ANC Earbuds

I reviewed the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 back in December 2023. I thought they were excellent; they had a huge amount of advanced features and great sound quality, all for a reasonable price of around £130.

Unfortunately, I thought they were let down by a relatively poor 4-hour battery life when using ANC.

The Edifier Neobuds Plus addresses this concern by cutting back on a few features in favour of a significantly better battery life and wireless charging.

Buy from Amazon

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier NeoBuds Plus -48dB Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds,...	No ratings yet	£103.99	Buy on Amazon
	Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Multi-Channel Active Noise...	No ratings yet	£125.40	Buy on Amazon

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Specification

Edifier NeoBuds Plus vs NeoBuds Pro 2

You’d think the NeoBuds Pro 2 would be a superior pair of earbuds, but that is not the case, according to the specs the Plus model looks better in many respects

Edifier NeoBuds Plus Advantages:

• Better battery life
• Bluetooth V5.4 vs V5.3
• Wireless charging

NeoBuds Pro 2 Advantages:

• Better ANC -50db vs -48db
• Spatial Audio with Visualized Head-Tracking
• 4 beamforming microphones vs 3
• Advertised as having a Knowles Balanced Armature Driver (Plus model is just a Balanced Armature Driver)

Features

The Edifier NeoBuds Plus earbuds offer a comprehensive set of features that cater to various listening needs. These true wireless earbuds combine advanced noise cancellation technology with high-quality audio drivers to deliver a well-rounded listening experience.

Audio Performance

The NeoBuds Plus utilise a hybrid driver system, pairing a Knowles balanced armature driver with a 10mm dynamic driver. This combination, along with digital signal processing and active crossover technology, produces balanced audio with clear separation between bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.

These earbuds support Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and are compatible with both LHDC 5.0 and LDAC codecs. This allows for near-lossless 24bit/192kHz audio streaming at rates up to 990kbps, offering significantly more detail than standard Bluetooth codecs. AAC support is also included for broader device compatibility.

Noise Cancellation

The hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) system in the NeoBuds Plus can achieve up to -48dB noise reduction across a 4kHz bandwidth. Users can adjust the noise control settings through the companion app, with options including high, medium, and low noise cancellation levels, as well as ambient sound mode and wind reduction.

This flexibility allows for customisation based on different environments, whether you’re commuting, working, or exercising outdoors.

Call Quality and Microphones

Each earbud contains three microphones (six total), which work with AI voice pickup technology to ensure clear hands-free calls. The system is designed to maintain call clarity even in windy conditions up to 25km/h, making these earbuds suitable for outdoor use.

Battery Life and Charging

With ANC turned off, the NeoBuds Plus offer up to 47 hours of total playtime when including the charging case. Fast charging capability provides about 4 hours of use from just a 15-minute charge. The case also supports wireless charging for added convenience.

It’s worth noting that actual battery performance will vary depending on volume levels, audio sources, and environmental factors.

Additional Features

The NeoBuds Plus include several practical features that enhance everyday usability:

• Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connection for simultaneous pairing with two devices
• Google Fast Pair for quick setup with compatible Android devices
• Wear detection sensors that automatically pause and resume playback
• IP54 certification for dust and water resistance
• 60ms low latency mode for gaming
• Customisable EQ settings via the EDIFIER ConneX app

The app also allows users to adjust sound modes, customise controls, rename the earbuds, and locate them if misplaced.

Design and Durability

The NeoBuds Plus feature an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust and water splashes. This makes them suitable for exercise and outdoor activities, though it’s important to note that the charging case itself doesn’t share this water resistance.

Design / Fit

The NeoBuds Plus feature an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust and water splashes. This makes them suitable for exercise and outdoor activities, though it’s important to note that the charging case itself doesn’t share this water resistance.

The package includes an impressive range of ear tip sizes, from XXS to XXL, ensuring that virtually any user can find their perfect fit.

The earbuds themselves have an ergonomic design that contours well to the ear’s natural shape. The angular exterior gives way to smoothly curved surfaces where the earbuds make contact with the ear, preventing pressure points during extended wear. At a total weight of 63.2g for both earbuds and the case, they’re neither the lightest nor the heaviest in their class, striking a reasonable balance.

Fit is subjective, but during testing, the NeoBuds Plus stayed securely in place when doing fitness, including weight lifting and vigorous outdoor runs.

Edifier ConneX App

The Edifier ConneX app is essential to get the most out of the NeoBuds Plus. Available on both Android and iOS, the app unlocks features such as:

• Switching between ANC levels and ambient modes
• Adjusting the EQ or selecting presets
• Renaming the earbuds
• Enabling game mode
• Checking battery levels for each earbud and the case
• Updating firmware
• Finding lost earbuds via sound triggers

The app interface is well-organised and easy to navigate. While it doesn’t offer the depth of customisation found in some competitor apps (such as Soundcore’s), it provides enough options for most users. The EQ in particular is responsive and makes a noticeable difference.

Sound Quality

The hybrid driver system, combining a balanced armature driver with a 10mm dynamic driver, creates a well-balanced sound profile that handles various genres with aplomb.

Starting with the bass response, the 10mm dynamic driver delivers clean, controlled low frequencies. The bass has good presence without overwhelming the mix, offering enough impact for genres like hip-hop and electronic music while maintaining definition. Bass-heavy tracks reveal good extension into the sub-bass region, though not quite with the same authority as some bass-focused competitors. What’s impressive is the articulation of bass notes – there’s detail and texture rather than just boom.

The midrange is where many earbuds in this price range often falter, but the NeoBuds Plus performs admirably here. Vocals come through with clarity and natural timbre, sitting well in the mix without being recessed or overly forward. Acoustic instruments like guitars and pianos have a pleasing resonance and detail. The transition from bass to mids is smooth, avoiding the muddiness that can occur when these frequencies aren’t well-managed.

The treble, handled primarily by the balanced armature driver, offers good detail and air without becoming harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals, hi-hats, and other high-frequency elements have sparkle and presence, adding dimension to the overall sound. At higher volumes, there can occasionally be a slight edge to certain sibilant sounds, but it’s minor and not a significant issue for most listening.

The soundstage is decent for in-ear monitors, although not particularly wide. Imaging is accurate, which helps with both music and watching video content.

Custom EQ presets in the app let you tailor the sound signature to your liking. Whether you prefer a more subdued low-end or a crisper treble, the app gives you the tools to adjust the tuning.

The support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC and LHDC 5.0 is a significant advantage for those with compatible devices and access to hi-res content. When using these codecs, there’s a noticeable improvement in detail retrieval and overall resolution compared to standard SBC or even AAC. The difference is subtle but appreciable, particularly in complex musical passages or with well-recorded acoustic material.

Active Noise Cancelling

The hybrid ANC system in the NeoBuds Plus does a respectable job at blocking out low and mid-frequency sounds. The performance is rated at up to -48dB, which in practice is enough to dampen background hums, engines, or chatter in public areas.

It’s not class-leading—flagship options from Sony and Bose still outperform it—but it is highly effective for most daily scenarios. The difference between the high and medium ANC modes is noticeable, and users can choose a setting that balances noise suppression and battery life.

There’s also a wind reduction mode which can be helpful during outdoor use, although its effectiveness depends on earbud placement and wind direction.

Ambient mode works well for conversations or staying aware of your surroundings. The transition between ANC and ambient is smooth and free from disruptive audio artefacts.

Call Quality

Call quality is decent, if not exceptional. Each earbud houses three microphones, supported by AI noise suppression algorithms. The system copes well with standard environments and does a fair job in moderate background noise.

Voices remain intelligible, but clarity does drop off slightly in noisier or windier conditions. Edifier claims the earbuds remain functional in wind speeds up to 25km/h. While that seems ambitious, performance was satisfactory during light wind exposure.

For indoor calls, they’re more than sufficient. Outdoor performance is better than average, but not quite at the level of earbuds with more aggressive beamforming mic systems.

Battery Life

My main criticism of Edifier earbuds recently has been the relatively poor battery life.

Thankfully, the Edifier NeoBuds Plus have a substantially better battery life, with 11 hours of playtime with ANC off and using AAC/SBC or 8 hours with ANC on.

If you enable LDAC, this then drops to 5.5 hours and 4.4 hours, respectively.

For me, this makes a huge difference. It is rare that I will wear earbuds for 3+ hours at a time, but on the occasions I do, I don’t really want to be worrying about my £125 earbuds dying on me, and inevitably, over time, that battery life will reduce.

While I don’t need 11 hours of battery life, it is a relief to know that I will never have to worry about my earbuds dying on me even if I were to use them all day long.

Price and Alternative Options

Buy from Amazon

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier NeoBuds Plus -48dB Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds,...	No ratings yet	£103.99	Buy on Amazon
	Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Multi-Channel Active Noise...	No ratings yet	£125.40	Buy on Amazon

The Edifier NeoBuds Plus have an RRP of £130 and are available now on Amazon.

Some other premium offerings from Edifier include:

• Edifier STAX Spirit S10 True Wireless Planar Magnetic Earbuds for £300
• Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 for £125
• Edifier NeoDots for £120

The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro launched at £130 but is currently available for £100.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are superb and available for £140.

The Huawei Freebuds 4 Pro are great, but £40 more at £180.

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro sue Qualcomm AptX Lossloss for impressive audio and these are available for around £150.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have an RRP of £145 but are available for £134.

Overall

The Edifier NeoBuds Plus sacrifice a few premium features in favour of a substantially better battery life than the NeoBuds Pro 2 and are roughly the same price.

I think that is a compromise worth making. I am indifferent to spatial audio, so there is no loss for me there. I love earbuds with good ANC, but I am not sure if the difference between the Pro 2 and Plus is worth it for the reduced battery.  

Obviously, people will have different priorities, and the Pro 2 may be a better option for others, so it is good that there is a choice.

Overall, I think the Edifier NeoBuds Plus are excellent. They addressed my main issue with the Pro 2 without sacrificing too much to achieve the extended battery life.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API