Edifier is back with their latest offering in their premium earbud range, and with the NeoBuds Pro 2, we have a serious competitor to the AirPods Pro from Apple. Before we go into that, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro (the first edition) has been our favour earbuds since launch. In fact, they are still my go-to earbuds when I am running, cycling, or doing any sort of workout. So when I got a chance to give the latest edition a try, I gladly accepted!
NeoBuds Pro 2 – Features
- Premium sound with up to 192kHz/24 bit coding/decoding
- Hi resolution audio
- Digital signal processing
- Low latency gaming mode
- Spatial audio with head-tracking
- 4 mic active noise cancelling (up to -50dB)
- Fast pair with Google
- Up to 22 hours of playtime (16 in noise cancelling mode)
- Works with Edifier Connect app to give you maximum control over sound modes and performance
- IP54 Dust and splash protection
- Wear detection to automatically play and pause your music
In the box
- NeoBuds Pro earbuds and charging/carrying case
- 7 tips
- USB to USB C Cable (charging cable)
- Documentation
- Storage bag
Comparison with the NeoBuds Pro
The following features are different between the NeoBuds Pro 2 and the original release:
- -50dB noise cancellation instead of -42dB (every 3dB is equal to twice the noise cancellation)
- Multichannel ANC
- Spatial Audio
- Head tracking
- AudioCodec: SBC/AAC/LDAC/LHDC 5 instead of SBC/LDAC/LHDC 2
- Wearing detection
- 4 mic noise detection and microphones
- Extra noise cancelling modes such as wind reduction
- Battery life down to 22 hours from 24
- The previous version mentioned anti-bacterial earbuds, while NeoBuds Pro 2 makes no such claim
Initial Setup
Like most Bluetooth devices these days, pretty much take them out of the box and they go into pairing mode. Bring up your Bluetooth menu and it will connect, and give you an audio feedback.
Edifier Connect app
As soon as you have done the initial setup, the device appears in the Edifier Connect app, which lets you make further changes to the device settings, adjust sound and noise cancelling modes. You can also look at usage instructions, as well as decide what double or triple taps on your device do.
With the NeoBuds Pro 2, you can even choose what colour the notification light on the case is. All about the little details!
Sound Quality
Obviously, at the end of the day, it is all about the sound quality. With the snug fit in your ears, and noise cancelling turned on, the earbuds perform really well. Instead of the usual bass heavy performance that has become quite common in a lot of headphones, these go for the realistic sound instead. Mind you, using the app, you can adjust how you like those things, so not an issue if you want to have a bass heavy sound, but at least you get the true song experience generally.
The best way I can describe the sound from these is that it has a certain softness to it. It seems to flow nicely into you, if that makes any sense. Basically, you become one with the sound/music, and it is a nice gentle experience.
Spatial Audio
Spatial audio is an interesting feature, but not something I have used a lot of. The main issue is the lack of finding good audio that has the correct setup. With these, you can try and listen the songs tuned for it, or just any song. The app does offer some trial sounds as well to give you a flavour. But generally, it works. As you may move yourself, or your head may move, the sound will change direction to match your head. The 3D effect is really interesting, but does take a bit of getting used to. You can try it with any music, but obviously I think it is best enjoyed with music that has been written considering this.
Things do get a bit funky if you enable it and just start walking about. I had Freddie Mercury following me around on a casual little walk, but seemed like he kept moving around me to try and get my attention!
Noise Cancelling
This has been one of the premium features offered by this range, and in a way it works so well that I really don’t have much to add to that statement. Get these, if just for that. Typical noise cancellation on offer is around the 20-40dB range, so these definitely go above and beyond.
Fit and comfort
I have worn these for a few hours at times now, walked around, done a run and a bike ride, and they stay well and truly in, but also offer good comfort.
More information on the NeoBuds Pro 2
More information on the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 can be found on the Edifier website.
They come in black and ivory, and currently retail at £129.
They can be bought from various online retailers such as Amazon.
While you’re looking at the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2, it is also worth mentioning that the original NeoBuds Pro have now dropped to only £69.99, and that is a great set of earbuds if you wanna spend a bit less, but still get a premium product!
Verdict
I think it is fairly obvious that I quite like these. Your only qualm may be price, but at about a hundred pounds cheaper than the competition such as Apple’s offering, you’re getting quite a lot for your money, and then some!