Edifier NeoBuds Pro

The design of the earpieces and charging case is reminiscent of the Edifier NeoBuds S, which we recently reviewed (review). The two models are also comparable in terms of wearing comfort, especially as the NeoBuds Pro come with a choice of seven different sizes of ear tip so that you can adjust the fit specifically to your own ears. They also share dust- and water-resistant finish in accordance with IP54, which protects the system during sporting activities or outdoor use. However, there are differences to the newer S model, which features “Snapdragon Sound”, regarding battery life, the adjustable ambient mode, Bluetooth version, audio codecs used, and handling details.

Battery life

At higher volume levels, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro achieved a listening time of five hours and 45 minutes in standard mode. In contrast, when noise cancelling was used, a good four and a half hours were available. The earpieces can be fully charged three times in the case and once more with a remaining capacity of 80 per cent, which corresponds to a total runtime of 28 hours in basic mode or 22 hours and 30 minutes with noise cancelling.

These in-ears do not have a charging status display, which might cause problems as the battery status display in the app does not provide reliable information. After a charging time of 25 minutes, it indicates that the earphones are 100 per cent charged, which means a shortened runtime. However, a complete charging cycle takes just under an hour. The quick-charge function likewise indicates that the capacity is too high, but this problem could be solved with an app update. Aside from this, a ten-minute quick charge provides power for up to 110 minutes. The case’s battery reserves can also be restored quite quickly with a 60-minute charge, and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable is included for this purpose.

Operation

The Edifier NeoBuds Pro supports Bluetooth standard 5.0 and offered a range of up to 20 metres in open spaces. Inside buildings, a distance of ten metres could be covered, and the wireless connection remained stable across several rooms, but a change of floor led to dropouts. The first pairing takes place directly when the case is opened; this switches the system on and automatically puts it into pairing mode. For further devices, however, the pairing mode must be activated manually, and this is possible via the app or by pressing and holding the case button when the in-ears are in the charging device. However, neither multipoint connections with two devices at the same time nor switching the earphones off and on via the touch-sensitive surfaces are supported.

One advantage is that the sensitivity of the touch surfaces can be adjusted via the app, and the assignment of the remote can also be adapted to suit one’s own preferences. However, there are not many options available, so more extensive control options would be high on my wish list. In the factory settings, a double tap on the right side controls playback, while the left headphone switches between noise cancellation and ambient mode, and a call can be answered on either side by tapping twice. You can also skip to the next track by tapping the right earpiece three times while the gaming mode is activated and deactivated on the left side.

App connectivity

The Edifier Connect app (Android and iOS) offers two pre-configured sound modes, “Classic” and “Dynamic”. In addition, custom settings can be made via EQ, which can be saved as a pre-set and shared with friends. In addition to sound and touch control, the attenuation and amplification of external noise can also be adjusted. As well as two noise-cancelling options of “High” and “Low”, the transparency mode has seven levels. Other app functions include switching the gaming mode on and off, and the option to perform firmware updates. What’s missing compared to the Edifier NeoBuds S is custom case lighting colours, a timer, volume control and a special ambient noise control mode for wind noise.

Speech intelligibility during phone calls

According to the manufacturer, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro use four microphones to transmit one’s own voice and filter ambient noise, while two additional microphones are specifically used to suppress wind noise. In windy conditions, these earphones can be used to make phone calls without any problems, as there is hardly any interference. However, construction or traffic noise was only slightly attenuated and could be perceived by the caller, so speech intelligibility deteriorated in a noisier environment.

Gaming mode

When watching movies or playing mobile or computer games, the NeoBuds Pro’s gaming mode can benefit from low latencies. The synchronisation of picture and sound improves considerably, especially when using the SBC codec. Another well-realised feature was the stability of Bluetooth indoors, which does not suffer noticeably from latency optimisation. Outdoors, the range was noticeably shorter, but it still measured up to 15 metres.

Transparency mode

One shortcoming of the adjustable amplification of external noise is the background noise, which increased from level to level and, at least in the last two settings, also impaired playback. Up to the fifth level, however, the transparency mode could be helpfully adjusted to the environment, which made it easier to perceive the surroundings, as these in-ears have quite high isolation properties. Public address announcements were also intelligible when playback was paused.

Noise Cancellation

On the other hand, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro’s noise cancelling (ANC) worked without noticeable background noise and attenuated ambient noise quite effectively. Voices remained perceptible but were shifted quite a bit into the background. They seemed somewhat brighter in the “High” setting than in the “Low” one, but otherwise, there were no major differences between the two ANC modes.

Sound

In Dynamic mode, the hybrid system, consisting of a Balanced Armature and a 10mm dynamic driver, is tuned for fun, providing a rich low-end reproduction for bass-oriented productions. The low bass is also full-bodied without being too bulky. The powerful bass foundation is supported by a fresh, agile treble reproduction, which has energy and provides occasional accents but is by no means obtrusive. The harmonious basic character is also enhanced by the pleasant warmth of the midrange, which is a little more restrained in the overall structure.

The Classic mode has a more present midrange that brings out many details and presents voices with a high level of intelligibility. Sibilants are reproduced very subtly and softly, which favours smooth reproduction of spoken content. However, the upper registers seem rather timid overall, and this can convey a rather dull sound impression. In contrast, the bass reproduction has power and substance, even though the low end is somewhat slimmer than in Dynamic mode.

If you want to adapt the sound of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro to your listening habits, the Customised mode provides a solid starting point. However, sound customisation is currently limited to four bands, so expanding the EQ section would expand the personalisation options.