Edifier NeoDots TWS ANC Earphones Review vs NeoDots Pro 2

The Edifier NeoDots are the first earbuds from Edifier I have reviewed this year. The last pair I reviewed were the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 this time last year. I thought they were superb for everything except battery life.

With the NeoDots, Edifier has tweaked things, and these have tripled the reported battery life of the NeoBuds Pro 2, but at what cost? Do the NeoDots perform as good as the NeoDots Pro 2 with sound quality and active noise cancelling?

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier NeoDots True Wireless Hybrid Active Noise...	No ratings yet	£89.99	Buy on Amazon

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Specification

Features

Hybrid Driver Configuration

The earbuds utilise a hybrid driver setup, combining balanced armature (BA) and 10mm dynamic drivers. This configuration, paired with digital signal processing and active crossover, aims to produce a balanced audio output with improved resolution and reduced distortion.

Hi-Res Wireless Audio Support

These earbuds are certified for Hi-Res Wireless Audio, supporting LDAC high-definition decoding. LDAC offers a transfer rate of up to 990 kbps, which can potentially deliver three times the audio detail compared to standard Bluetooth codecs.

Noise Cancellation and Sound Control

The earbuds feature advanced noise cancellation technology, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to -48dB. Users can adjust noise cancellation settings and ambient sound levels to suit different environments.

Battery Performance and Charging

With noise cancellation active, the earbuds offer up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, extending to 17 hours with noise cancellation off. The charging case provides additional power, potentially extending total usage time to 56 hours. The device supports wireless charging for added convenience.

Call Quality and Connectivity

Voice Clarity

The earbuds employ beamforming microphones and an AI algorithm to isolate voices from background noise, aiming to enhance call clarity.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Featuring Bluetooth V5.4, the earbuds support multipoint connection, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously. This enables seamless switching between audio sources, such as listening to music on a tablet and taking calls on a smartphone.

Additional Features

• Gaming Mode: A low latency mode (80ms) is available for gaming applications.
• Wear Detection: The earbuds can automatically pause and resume playback when removed or replaced.
• Dust and Water Resistance: An IP55 rating provides protection against dust and water splashes.
• Google Fast Pair: Supports quick pairing with Android devices.
• Companion App: The EDIFIER ConneX app allows for customisation of the listening experience.

Unboxing

The earbuds come in a compact box that includes:

• Edifier NeoDots earbuds
• Charging case
• USB-C charging cable
• Three sizes of ear tips (S, M, L)
• User manual and warranty information

The packaging is minimal yet protective, ensuring the earbuds arrive in perfect condition. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes is appreciated, allowing users to find the best fit for their ears.

EdifierX App

The EdifierX app, available for both iOS and Android, is a crucial component of the NeoDots experience. It offers a range of features to customise and enhance the earbuds’ performance:

• EQ Settings: Users can adjust the sound profile to their liking with a customisable equaliser.
• Noise Cancellation Control: Fine-tune the level of ANC or switch to ambient sound mode.
• Touch Control Customisation: Personalise the touch controls for each earbud.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the earbuds up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
• Battery Status: Monitor the battery levels of both earbuds and the charging case.

The app’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and adjust settings. However, some users might find the app occasionally slow to connect or update, which can be a minor inconvenience.

Sound Quality

The Edifier NeoDots sound good, but I prefer the sound quality of the NeoBuds Pro 2.

The NeoDots deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile, thanks to their hybrid driver configuration. The combination of a balanced armature driver for high frequencies and a 10mm dynamic driver for low and mid-ranges results in a generally well-rounded audio experience.

Perhaps due to the fit, I found the bass was a little subdued to my liking. Some people may prefer this as this can help with detail in the mids and highs for more neutral/analytical listening.

The bass does come through on tracks that need it, so it isn’t completely absent, just not as bass-forward as many mainstream options nowadays.

The mids are clear and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. Treble is crisp and detailed. I am sensitive to high-pitched sounds, which is one of the reasons why I prefer warmer-sounding earbuds, so people like myself may find them slightly bright at higher volumes.

The support for LDAC codec is a significant advantage for Android users, allowing for higher quality audio streaming. However, iPhone users will be limited to AAC, which still provides good quality but doesn’t match the potential of LDAC.

Overall, the sound quality is impressive for earbuds in this price range, offering a versatile performance across various music genres. They particularly excel with electronic, pop, and rock music, where the balanced sound signature can showcase its strengths.

Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature of the NeoDots is effective, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to -48dB. In practice, it does a good job of minimising low-frequency noises, such as the drone for airplane cabin noises, air conditioning hum, traffic noise, and the rumble of public transport.

The ANC performance is decent for earbuds in this price range but other options provide better ANC performance including the NeoBuds Pro 2, Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, and the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro.

Users have the option to adjust the ANC level through the app, which is useful for different environments.

The ambient sound mode, which allows external sounds to pass through, works well for situations where awareness of surroundings is necessary. However, some users might find that it amplifies wind noise when walking or running outdoors.

Call Quality / Microphone

The NeoDots utilise beamforming microphones and AI algorithms to enhance voice clarity during calls. In quiet environments, call quality is clear and natural, with the recipient able to hear the speaker without issue.

In noisier settings, the performance is good but not exceptional. The earbuds do a decent job of isolating the user’s voice from background noise, but some ambient sounds may still be audible to the person on the other end of the call.

For video conferencing and casual phone calls, the NeoDots perform adequately. However, for those who prioritise call quality in challenging environments, there might be better options available in the market.

Active Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature of the NeoDots is effective, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to -48dB. In practice, it does a good job of minimising low-frequency noises such as air conditioning hum, traffic noise, and the rumble of public transport.

The ANC performance is commendable for earbuds in this price range, though it may not match the level of higher-end models from brands like Sony or Bose. Users have the option to adjust the ANC level through the app, which is useful for different environments.

The ambient sound mode, which allows external sounds to pass through, works well for situations where awareness of surroundings is necessary. However, some users might find it amplifies wind noise when walking or running outdoors.

Battery Life

One of the most impressive aspects of the Edifier NeoDots is their battery life. With ANC activated, the earbuds can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is significantly longer than many competitors in this price range. With ANC off, this extends to an impressive 17 hours.

The charging case provides additional power, bringing the total potential usage time to 56 hours. This extended battery life is a significant improvement over the NeoBuds Pro 2 and makes the NeoDots an excellent choice for those who need long-lasting earbuds for travel or long workdays.

Charging is convenient with USB-C, and the addition of wireless charging support is a welcome feature. A quick 15-minute charge can provide several hours of playback, which is handy for those times when you need a quick top-up before heading out.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier NeoDots True Wireless Hybrid Active Noise...	No ratings yet	£89.99	Buy on Amazon

The Edifier NeoDots’ RRP is £120, but at the time of writing, Amazon was offering 20% off, bringing them down to £95.99.

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 is listed at £130 but is 40% off, and they were £78 during the Black Friday period.

The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro has an RRP of £130, but they were £100 during Black Friday.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC have an RRP of £80 but have dropped as low as £50.

Overall

The Edifier NeoDots are solid true wireless earbuds that offer a good balance of features, sound quality, and battery life. They stand out particularly for their extended battery life, which is a significant improvement over their predecessors and many competitors.

The sound quality is good, and the profile should satisfy most listeners. The support for LDAC codec is a plus for Android users who prioritise audio quality. The active noise cancellation is effective for the price range, though it may not match the performance of more premium options.

The build quality feels robust, and the IP55 rating provides reassurance for light workouts or occasional exposure to the elements. The companion app offers useful customisation options, though it could benefit from some performance improvements.

When compared to the NeoBuds Pro 2, the NeoDots offer significantly better battery life. However, some users might prefer the warmer sound and potentially better ANC of the NeoBuds Pro 2. The stem-less design of the NeoDots may also not suit everyone, as fit can vary significantly between individuals.

For those seeking long-lasting earbuds with good sound quality and effective noise cancellation at a mid-range price point, the Edifier NeoDots are worth considering. They offer a well-rounded package that should meet the needs of many users, though they may not necessarily stand out in any single area compared to some of their competitors.

Overall, the Edifier NeoDots are a good choice for users who prioritise battery life and overall performance in the £100 price range. While they may not be class-leading in every aspect, they offer a balanced and capable option for everyday use, making them a worthy contender in the crowded true wireless earbud market.

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 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API