Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro

Here we go with these Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro, an update of the Neobuds Pro. The updates feature enhanced noise cancellation, special audio, LDHC 5.0 codec and a wearing detection option that knows where the buds are, pausing or restarting your music as needed.

We are big fans of Edifier here at HF&MS. We reviewed the Spinnaker Bluetooth speakers a good 13 years ago and the excellent STAX headphones recently. We have always been impressed with their overall sound and physical quality.

Design

The Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro are True Wireless in-ear noise-cancelling earbuds with many features and technology. The Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 claims the LDAC 5.0 codec can deliver 24-bit, 192kHz HiRes audio for the first time. The LDAC codec is gaining a reputation for delivering HiRes audio wirelessly, up to 990kbps. I do note, however, that a 16-bit 44.1kHz CD is 1,411kbps (kilobits per second) of data and thus, a 24-bit, 192kHz file requires 9,216kbps of bandwidth, so some data must be lost at various points. However, it offers ‘best effort’, controlling the bit rate at the highest data rate possible.

The buds feature a Knowles Balanced Armature Driver with a 10mm Dynamic Driver delivering a frequency response claimed to be 20Hz – 40KHz. They have an SPL of 92dB ± 3dB.

Quality

The case is high quality, like a large smooth pebble with no hard corners. The buds have an external blade look, a classy, understated logo on the outside, and clear left-right signage. The buds are designated IP54, which means they are waterproof and dustproof. Overall, I have a premium feel when using them. Each earbud weighs 5.6g, and the charging case is 49.2g. They are on Amazon at £129.99; I’ve seen them nearer £109.99. They are available in black or white.

The full specification is here;

Performance

Review Equipment

I’m reviewing the Neobuds 2 Pro with my Pixel 7 Pro, which has the LDAC codec available (I’m in Developer Mode).

Sound Quality

The Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro has a mature and full sound with good resolution after a proper run-in. For example, taking my current set of reference tracks, there are excellent cymbals on the intro to Bend in the Road (Qobuz 16-bit, 44.1 kHz) by Calexico, and the bass rolls out nicely in Trevor Horn/Lady Blackbird’s Slave to the Rhythm (Qobuz 24-bit, 192kHz). The start of Thinking of a Place (Qobuz 24-bit 44.1kHz) by the War on Drugs is spectacular, with the stereo flicking in the production.

Physical Use

I’ve had no trouble at all with the pairing. On the first use, you hold down the pairing button in the case for 3 seconds; it couldn’t be easier. The buds physically fit well for me, and they are secure on the rowing machine and while stretching. The box has a load of different silicone buds to choose from and get the right fit. The charging case is not wireless, which is a bit of a failure at this price point, in my view.

Single-ear use is a pain. You need to pair both at the outset, then put one away and press play again. It’s hardly difficult, but I’m used to sticking one in and pressing go with the Grells or other Tozo products.

Spatial Audio

I’m unfamiliar with spatial audio; I gather Apple Air pod users are. I love it; it is weird, though I’m sure the novelty will wear off. The space is thrilling in the soundstage, pushing everything front and centre as you move your head about. Helplessness Blues (Qobuz 24-bit, 96kHz) is terrific as the guitars swirl around your head. For me, the Edifier App asks me to disable LDAC, which makes no sense, and I have to manually switch it back to Music Mode if I want the highest quality after using this feature.

Wind Correction & Noise Cancellation

The Wind Correction allows for breezy situations; 4 mics are doing the work here. My regular walk is often windy at the top of a hill, but the wind setting was useful. The ANC is very good in my limited experience; I cut the grass with ANC with a minor increase in volume to hear the podcast I was listening to. There are three levels of noise correction, right down to Ambient, which lets in all external noise, for example, if you want to chat with a passing dog walker.

Battery

With the ANC and/or wind correction, I was getting 3.5 hours or so before the ‘low battery’ warning. In the garden, after a cup of tea and a splash and dash in the charging case for around 15 minutes, I could get a further 2 or so hours out of the before the warning. With no noise cancellation, the blurb says you can get over 5 hours, I’ve not got that far in testing if I’m honest. But overall, the battery seems to me to be just OK.

Thoughts

These Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro, as a non-Apple disciple, sound to me to be fairly decent compared to Apple Air pods (I have limited experience with these) at more than twice the price. Coupled with the fact they are not an overpriced Apple product, I’d say they are worth a shot. If you detect an anti-Apple bias here, you would be correct. I left Apple’s over-priced infrastructure long ago and am a proud Android and PC user. Just compare the price and spec of a Pixel to an iPhone or a pair of Neobuds 2 to Air Pods.

Overall

I am really enjoying these Edifier Neobuds 2 Pro, though I have lost them to my daughter, possibly indicating some semblance of youth credibility.  I would recommend them to anyone looking for wireless and active noise cancelling at a competitive price.

Specification

Full details are on the company’s site.