Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Earphones Review: Sound Over Stamina

The true wireless earphones market is a bit like a crowded pub these days – everyone’s shouting to be heard, and it’s hard to know who to listen to.

Edifier’s NeoBuds Pro 2 – the successors of Edifier’s original NeoBuds Pro – have been in this noisy space for a while now, but they’re still making some bold claims.

These earbuds are trying to strike that tricky balance between premium sound and mid-range price. They’ve packed in some impressive audio tech, with high-end codecs that’ll make audiophiles happy. But they’ve also made some curious choices – like battery life, which feels like a step backwards. And the ANC is still underwhelming as well.

So, are the NeoBuds Pro 2 worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s take a closer look at what Edifier has brought to the table this time around.

Who Are The NeoBuds Pro 2 For?

Some earphone companies seem to be in a race, churning out new models faster than we can keep up. Not Edifier – a Chinese company that specialises in audio products (including speakers and soundbars).

They’ve taken their time with the NeoBuds Pro 2, building on what made the original NeoBuds Pro stand out – and it shows, at least in some areas.

These earphones continue to occupy that interesting middle ground – not budget-priced, but certainly more affordable than the big-name premium options. Edifier’s focus this time around? Sound quality. They’ve clearly put their efforts into refining the audio experience.

The NeoBuds Pro 2 are for those who prioritise great sound without wanting to break the bank. If you’re after earphones that deliver rich, clear audio with surprisingly robust bass, these should be on your radar.

However, it’s worth noting that while Edifier’s been perfecting their audio game, some newer budget brands have caught up in other areas – especially since the NeoBuds Pro 2 were released a year ago.

Also, some of the original NeoBuds Pro’s shortcomings are still around – in particular, the middling ANC and the disappointing battery life, which is even worse this time around.

In essence, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are for listeners who want to elevate their audio experience without venturing into the £200+ territory. Just keep in mind that Edifier’s bet here is on sound quality, but it’s a pretty solid bet.

Using The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2

Size and Comfort

Remember that flashy unboxing experience we had with the original NeoBuds Pro? Well, Edifier’s toned things down a bit this time. The NeoBuds Pro 2 come in a more standard box – no more over-the-top packaging.

You’ll still find a generous selection of ear tips – seven sizes, in fact, just like last time. However, the rainbow assortment is gone, replaced by a more uniform colour scheme. It’s less exciting, sure, but you’re still spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect fit.

You also get a short USB-C charging cable (the case doesn’t support wireless charging, unfortunately), and even a nifty carrying bag.

Now, onto the star of the show – that case. Edifier’s kept the coolest feature from the original: the glowing LED light bar. It’s still there, looking as sci-fi as ever.

If you’re a fan of feeling like you’re carrying a piece of Battlestar Galactica in your pocket, you’re in luck. It’s a small touch, but it adds a bit of flair that sets these apart from the sea of plain black/white cases out there.

The earbuds themselves are similar in size to their predecessors, which means they’re still noticeable when worn but not uncomfortably large. They’re lightweight enough that you might forget you’re wearing them after a while – always a good sign for long listening sessions.

As for the case, it’s compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag without much fuss. It’s not the tiniest case on the market, which doesn’t explain why the battery capacity is on the lower end – but more on that later.

Pairing And Controlling The NeoBuds Pro 2

Pairing the NeoBuds Pro 2 with your phone is as hassle-free as ever. In fact, it’s even smoother now, thanks to Google Fast Pair support (on Android phones, of course).

Once connected, you’ll want to download the Edifier app. It’s your control centre for customizing these earbuds, and it comes with a handy always-on notification bar when you’re using the earphones. Quick settings and controls at your fingertips? Yes, please.

But here’s where things get a bit… annoying. Remember how I said the app was handy? Well, it seems to have a bit of separation anxiety.

Every time I stopped using the earphones, I was bombarded with “Device is not connected” notifications from the Edifier app. It got so irritating that I ended up disabling notifications from the app altogether.

Now, let’s talk about the touch controls. They’re still there, but they might take some getting used to, perhaps due to the shape of the earbuds and how they slide into your ear.

Tap too hard, and you might find yourself wincing – nobody wants to jam an earbud deeper into their ear canal just to skip a track. Luckily, you can adjust the sensitivity in the app, but then you increase the risk of accidental taps when you move the earbuds around.

Speaking about the app, it’s your gateway to unlocking the full potential of the NeoBuds Pro 2. It’s where you can tweak EQ settings, adjust noise cancellation levels, and update the earbuds’ firmware.

Basically, almost every aspect of the earbuds can be changed, which is very useful for those who love to tinker with their gadgets.

One of the most useful features is the ability to customise the touch controls. But here’s where things get a bit frustrating – there’s no single-tap option.

As with the original model, you’re limited to double-taps and triple-taps, which means you have to make some tough choices. Want to control volume? That’ll cost you the ability to skip tracks. Fancy changing ANC modes on the fly? Say goodbye to play/pause control. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does feel a bit limiting in this day and age.

The app also lets you toggle features like wear detection and the HD codecs, and you can even adjust the LED light on the case.

So yes, this time around, the NeoBuds Pro 2 come with in-ear detection, a feature the original model lacked. In theory, it’s great – take an earbud out, and your music pauses. Pop it back in, and the tunes resume.

But things get a bit overzealous. If you set it to auto-resume, the earbuds take that as a cue to start playing audio as soon as you take them out of the case and put them in your ears. Other earbuds only do this after you actively start playing something, and ‘forget’ it once you put the buds in their case.

Sometimes, I just want to wear my earbuds without being assaulted by sound – so I changed that setting to only stop the music (when you take an earbud out) and not resume automatically.

Audio Quality And ANC

When it comes to audio quality, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are punching well above their weight class. Edifier’s clearly been burning the midnight oil to improve on their already impressive sound.

First off, let’s talk codecs. The NeoBuds Pro 2 support an alphabet soup of high-quality audio codecs, including LDAC and LHDC.

It’s worth noting, though, that your mileage may vary depending on your phone. iOS users, I’m afraid you’re stuck with AAC – Apple’s walled garden strikes again.

Android users, on the other hand, can potentially tap into the higher quality LDAC or LHDC codecs, assuming your phone supports them.

So while these audio codecs are superior – and truly improve the sound quality – it’s a shame there’s no aptX support, which is still more widely available these days.

Now, onto the good stuff – how do these actually sound? Let’s break it down with a couple of tracks I’ve been testing:

Magical by Ed Sheeran
The NeoBuds Pro 2 really shine with Sheeran’s vocals here. There’s a clarity that’s quite impressive, bringing out every nuance in his voice.

But what really caught me off guard was the bass – it’s surprisingly rich, adding depth to the track without overwhelming the gentle acoustics (though don’t expect earth-shattering bass, if that’s what you’re into).

The ANC helps create that intimate, private performance feel, though it’s worth noting it works best in moderately noisy environments. If you’re trying to block out a busy road, you might be asking a bit much.

Gloria by Laura Branigan
Remember this 80s classic? The NeoBuds Pro 2 certainly do it justice. The disco-driven bass these earbuds deliver adds a real kick, making the track sound super vibrant.

Branigan’s vocals come through crystal clear, perfectly complementing the energetic synth beats. It’s like they’ve breathed new life into this track – you’d hardly believe it’s been knocking around for 40 years.

Overall, the audio quality is where the NeoBuds Pro 2 really shine. They manage to deliver a balanced sound profile that works well across different genres, even if you don’t bother to mess around with the EQ. The bass is punchy without being overpowering, the mids are clear, and the highs are crisp without becoming shrill.

As for the ANC, it’s OK, but not class-leading, and not a major improvement over the previous model.

It does a decent job of muffling outside noise, but don’t expect total silence. You’ll still hear some typing sounds or car noises, just at a reduced volume. It’s more about taking the edge off than creating a cone of silence – and I’ve seen better ANC implementations from earbuds that cost much less – such as the recently launched Earfun Air Pro 4.

Lastly, Spatial Audio is Edifier’s new party trick with the NeoBuds Pro 2. It aims to create a 3D sound experience, moving audio around your head as you move.

While it’s impressive at first – you might catch yourself looking around for invisible speakers – the novelty wears off quickly. It’s fun to play with, but for everyday listening, I found myself sticking to good old stereo.

And let’s not forget about phone calls – yes, I still do that. The NeoBuds Pro 2 perform admirably here, thanks to their 4-mic setup. Voices come through clear on both ends, and the noise cancellation does a decent job of muffling background noise.

I tested these on a busy street, and while the person on the other end could tell I wasn’t in a quiet room, they could still hear me without issue. It’s not quite “I can’t believe you’re walking down the high street” quality, but for most situations, you’ll be more than covered.

In the end, if you’re after earbuds that prioritise sound quality in the mid-range price bracket, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are definitely worth a listen. Just don’t expect them to completely shut out the world around you.

Battery Times

If there’s one area where the NeoBuds Pro 2 take a step backwards, it’s battery life. And that’s saying something, considering the original NeoBuds Pro weren’t exactly marathon runners in this department.

With ANC on, you’re looking at about 4 hours of playtime from the earbuds, with an additional 12 hours from the case. Switch ANC off, and you’ll squeeze out 5.5 hours from the buds and 16.5 hours from the case. In a world where some competitors are pushing 10+ hours per charge, these numbers are… well, let’s just say they’re not going to win any endurance contests.

It’s a bit baffling, to be honest. We expect each new generation to improve on the last, but Edifier seems to have taken a detour here, especially since the earbuds and the case are still roughly the same size as before. In a market where battery life is often a key selling point, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are lagging behind.

There is, however, a silver lining. The quick-charge feature is genuinely useful. A mere 10 minutes in the case will give you about 2 hours of playtime. So, if you’re caught short, a quick pit stop can get you through that commute or gym session.

Bottom Line: Are The NeoBuds Pro 2 Worth It?

Edifier’s NeoBuds Pro 2 are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, they deliver exceptional sound quality that punches above their price point.

The audio is clear, balanced, and rich, making them a joy for music fans. The addition of high-quality codecs like LDAC and LHDC (for supported devices) further sweetens the deal for audiophiles.

However, they’re not without their drawbacks. The battery life is underwhelming, especially compared to competitors in this price range. The ANC, while improved, still isn’t class-leading (again, at this price range). And some features, like the limited touch controls and lack of support for wireless charging, can be frustrating.

That said, if audio quality is your primary concern and you’re willing to compromise on battery life and some bells and whistles, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are a solid choice.

They offer a premium listening experience without the premium price tag. Just keep a charger handy and be prepared to tinker with the app to get the most out of them.

Note: The earphones were supplied by the manufacturer for this review. As always, this did not influence my unbiased opinion of the product.