Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review: Best Mid Range Earbuds of 2023!
Today, we’re taking a look at the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2, and it certainly feels like a considerable amount of time has passed since the release of the original NeoBuds Pro. In an era where many companies seem to churn out new versions of their products almost annually, it’s quite refreshing to see such a significant gap between the NeoBuds Pro 1 and NeoBuds Pro 2.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are High-Res Wireless certified, and it’s worth noting that the original NeoBuds Pro might have been among the pioneers in achieving this certification. The NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds also supports LDAC playback and LHDC (Low Latency High Definition Codec). This means you’re getting some of the best Bluetooth audio quality available. These earbuds offer 24-bit playback up to 192 kHz, which is as close to CD quality.
One of the most remarkable features of the NeoBuds Pro 2 is their wideband multi-channel active noise-canceling capability. Edifier has made significant strides in this department, and these earbuds are now competing with the likes of Sony and Bose, both of which have dominated the noise-canceling headphone market. The kicker here is that the NeoBuds Pro 2 come at a fraction of the cost, at just $129, while the Sony and Bose alternatives usually hover around the $300 mark. That alone makes the NeoBuds Pro 2 a compelling option.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2: Video Review
| Specs | Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 |
| Driver | Knowles Balanced Armature Driver + 10mm Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Coding | LDAC, LHDC, SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | V5.3 |
| Bluetooth Protocol | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP |
| Output Sound Pressure Level | 92dB ± 3dBSPL(A) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-40KHz(LDAC), 20Hz-20KHz(SBC,AAC) |
| ENC | 4-mic + 4-mic |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Playtime | ANC On: 4 hours(earbuds) + 12 hours(charging case) |
| ANC Off: 5.5 hours(earbuds) + 16.5 hours(charging case) | |
| Charging Time | 1 hours(earbuds), 1 hours(charging case) |
| Battery | 55mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (charging case) |
| Dimensions | 35 x 21 x 27mm (earbuds), 67 x 55 x 30mm (charging case) |
| Weight | 5.6g (each earbuds), 49.2g (charging case) |
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2: Design
The NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds showcase an irregular oval shape combined with a metal matte texture, giving them a distinct and robust appearance. This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it serves a dual purpose.
The unique shape provides superior wearing stability and comfort, ensuring that these earbuds stay securely in your ears even during active use. The wing-shaped design also contributes to effective noise isolation, laying the foundation for the earbuds’ noise reduction capabilities.
The outer shell of these earplugs is crafted from a frosted material, which not only enhances the texture but also keeps unsightly fingerprints at bay.
The surface of the earbuds features a hexagonal touch area that enables various operations with a light touch or long press. Users can effortlessly switch between noise reduction modes, control playback, answer or end calls, and more.
The charging case, where these earbuds find their resting place, continues the sleek and textured theme. The case’s surface employs a metal spraying process, creating a frosted texture that adds to the overall premium feel.
An LED light bar adorns the front of the case, allowing users to customize its color through the accompanying app, with eight different colors to choose from. The back of the case houses a USB-C charging port, ensuring quick and efficient charging for your earbuds.
One notable feature of the NeoBuds Pro 2 is their IP54 rating. This rating signifies a degree of water and dust resistance, making them more resilient to environmental factors. In practical terms, this means you can confidently use these earbuds at the beach, where water and sand are prevalent, or in dusty environments without worrying about potential damage.
The NeoBuds Pro 2 are available in both black and what Edifier calls “Ivory,” which is essentially white.
APP
The Edifier Connect App offers various settings and features that can be customized to suit your preferences.
One feature is the ability to switch between different noise-canceling levels. You can choose from high, medium, or low noise-canceling modes to adapt to your surroundings. This flexibility is especially handy in environments with varying levels of ambient noise. Additionally, the wind reduction mode is a great add-on for those breezy outdoor days.
The transparency mode is another remarkable feature of the app. It allows you to easily switch to a mode that lets in external sounds, making it convenient for conversations without the need to remove the earbuds.
The app also serves as a hub for essential functions like firmware updates. This is where you can enable the LDAC mode, which may not be activated by default. It’s worth mentioning that using LDAC will consume more battery life, but it provides higher-quality audio.
One unique feature in the app is the 360° spatial audio with head tracking. While this feature can be seen as somewhat gimmicky on most earbuds, the NeoBuds Pro 2’s implementation is notably decent. It can help provide an immersive audio experience by adjusting the sound’s direction as you turn your head. Although it may have occasional hiccups, it can enhance the experience, especially when watching movies or TV shows.
In the app, you can also fine-tune the sound quality to your liking through EQ settings. The dynamic mode is recommended, but you can also explore the classic mode.
Moreover, the app offers control customization options, so you can tailor the touch controls to your liking. This flexibility makes it easier to interact with the earbuds in a way that suits your habits and needs.
Noise Cancellation Mode
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 shines brightly in the realm of noise cancellation, showcasing a robust set of features that enhance your listening experience.
One of the standout features of the NeoBuds Pro 2 is its six distinct noise cancellation modes. Each mode is designed to cater to different situations and preferences, allowing you to choose the ideal setting for your needs. These modes include:
Depth Noise Cancellation: This mode offers strong noise reduction, making it effective in environments with constant and substantial background noise, such as buses and subways.
Comfort Noise Cancellation: For those looking for a balanced noise reduction experience without sacrificing audio quality or comfort.
Mild Noise Cancellation: A mode that provides adequate noise reduction while maintaining a natural audio experience.
Ambient Mode: This mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, allowing you to hear external sounds like car engines and bike bells. It’s ideal for situations where you need situational awareness.
Wind Noise Mode: Tailored to address the challenge of wind noise, making calls and listening to content in breezy conditions much more pleasant.
ANC OFF: The option to turn off noise cancellation entirely when you prefer to rely on passive isolation.
Calls
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 impresses not only with its noise-cancellation capabilities but also its remarkable performance during phone calls.
The earbuds boast a total of eight microphones and utilize Apex Voice, which leverages advanced AI algorithms to enhance voice quality during calls, even in noisy environments. The result is crystal-clear calls that ensure you’re heard with precision while minimizing background noise.
Sound quality
The drivers in these earbuds are a hybrid combination, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver paired with a balanced armature driver. This is a noteworthy feature because it separates the duties of low-end and mid-high frequency sound reproduction. The dynamic driver takes care of the bass, while the balanced armature driver handles the mids and highs. This separation typically results in a less congested and clearer sound profile, a feature audiophiles will certainly appreciate.
Out of the box, the NeoBuds Pro 2 comes with the Classic EQ setting. However, you might find this setting to be somewhat boomy, lacking the level of detail you’d expect. The real magic happens when you switch to the Dynamic mode, which seems to be the sweet spot for these earbuds.
In the Dynamic mode, the NeoBuds Pro 2 delivers a sound signature that’s punchy, dynamic, and impressively detailed. If you’re a fan of deep, powerful bass, these earbuds won’t disappoint. They provide an engaging bass experience akin to having a subwoofer in your ear, delivering a level of depth and intensity that’s sure to satisfy bass enthusiasts. The treble remains clean and bright without becoming harsh, even at higher volumes.
Switching to the Dynamic mode brightens the treble and gives a slight boost to the mids, ensuring that vocalists take center stage in the mix, making them distinct and well-balanced against the energetic bass. It’s worth noting that this earbud is not attempting to deliver a flat or neutral sound profile. Instead, it’s optimized for a more dynamic and engaging listening experience.
What makes the NeoBuds Pro 2 truly exceptional, especially for bass lovers, is its dynamic sound. The bass is unparalleled, creating a rich and immersive audio experience that few earbuds can match. While you do have the option to customize the EQ settings for a flatter sound signature, it’s evident that this earbud is designed to shine in its dynamic mode, delivering bass like no other.
In terms of soundstage and sound imaging, the NeoBuds Pro 2 offers a spacious listening experience. Although it may not be as expansive as some other earbuds, it still provides a generous sense of space, allowing you to pinpoint the origin of different sounds accurately.
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 excels in its quest to provide a top-tier listening experience. With the NeoBuds Pro 2, you’re getting flagship-quality performance that’s sure to satisfy discerning audiophiles and bass enthusiasts alike.
Battery life
When it comes to the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2’s battery life, there’s a significant trade-off to consider, especially when using some of the more power-hungry features.
If you opt to use these earbuds with noise-cancelling active, the earbuds themselves offer a decent but not overly impressive four hours of playback. The charging case can extend this for up to an additional 12 hours, resulting in a total of 16 hours. However, it’s worth noting that enabling LDAC mode and gaming mode can further reduce the battery life, and you might find yourself hovering around 2.5 to 3 hours of playback time when both features are in use simultaneously.
Turning off the noise-cancelling feature will give you a bit of a boost in battery life. In this case, you can expect around 5.5 hours of playback on the earbuds and up to 22 hours using the charging case. This is a bit more manageable, especially for those who are mindful of power consumption.
One saving grace is the fast-charging feature. If you find the earbuds depleted, just a 15-minute charge can provide you with an additional two hours of listening time. This can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go and need a quick boost to enjoy your music or take an important call.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2: Conclusion
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 stands as a top-tier, flagship-quality earbud that offers an exceptional listening experience without the premium price.
Certainly, you won’t find wireless charging here, and the battery life may leave some users wishing for more. However, when you consider what you do get, it’s evident that these earbuds are a remarkable value.
One of the standout features is the high-res wireless certification, which means you can indulge in audio quality that’s as close to CD quality as possible via LDAC and LHDC playback. The use of multiple drivers ensures that the sound remains well-separated and avoids the congestion that can plague some earbuds. The eight microphones and AI algorithms make for an excellent call experience, even in noisy environments.
For those seeking a spatial audio experience or a gaming mode, these earbuds have you covered. But what truly sets them apart is their dynamic sound signature. If you enjoy a lively, engaging audio experience with powerful, punchy bass, the NeoBuds Pro 2 should be at the top of your list.
You can also check out the best-selling Truly Wireless Earbuds on Amazon:
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