Edifier NeoBuds Plus Review (2025): A Hi-Res Alternative to AirPods

I’ve been reviewing headphones and earbuds for several years now, and I genuinely believe they’ve become one of the most essential accessories in a man’s daily life — whether it’s for walking the dog, working from home, or simply escaping the noise of the world. Over the years, I’ve tested so many models that I’ve lost count, but few brands have impressed me as consistently as Edifier.

With the recent launch of Spotify Lossless, I felt it was the perfect time to pick up the Edifier NeoBuds Plus and see how they perform in 2025. So, I decided to test them on both ecosystems: on my iPhone, using Spotify (sadly, still no lossless over Bluetooth) and Qobuz, and then on a Samsung Galaxy device with Spotify Hi-Res Audio and Qobuz Hi-Res Audio — because, yes, on Android it’s possible!

Unboxing: Clean, Premium, and Thoughtful

The Edifier unboxing experience is always well done, and the NeoBuds Plus continue that trend. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• A sleek matte charcoal charging case

• USB-A to USB-C cable

• 6 pairs of eartips for the right fit

• A soft travel pouch (I probably won’t use it, but it’s a nice bonus)

• Leaflets and guides to get started

Design, Build & Comfort

The Edifier NeoBuds Plus feel incredibly premium. They look great, the case is elegant and compact, and the earbuds themselves have a sleek, modern design that gives off a real sense of quality. You can tell Edifier takes design seriously, and it shows.

Real-World Performance

I use the NeoBuds Plus pretty much every day. They’ve become my go-to pair whether I’m walking my dog in the morning or evening, watching YouTube or listening to music at night, or editing videos on my MacBook Air. And if I decide to listen to music with earbuds during the day, they’re always the ones I reach for first.

I’ve always loved the warm sound signature of Edifier — and the NeoBuds Plus are no exception. The equalizer tuningis spot on: the bass is rich without being overwhelming, vocals shine beautifully, and the mids are perfectly balanced. Honestly, they have one of the best overall sound profiles I’ve heard in this price range. That trademark warm Edifier sound is always a winner for me. When I’m out having a coffee and want to disconnect a little, I really appreciate the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). It’s great — probably not the absolute best on the market, but for earbuds, it performs very well. ANC is always a bit trickier with smaller drivers, yet Edifier does a solid job here.

For calls, people can hear me clearly, which is always a relief. As for the Ambient/Transparency mode, I’ll be honest — I’m not a fan of those features in general, so I rarely use them. But the option is there, and when I tested it yesterday, it worked exactly as expected.

App, Controls & Battery

The companion Edifier app is solid. It does everything it needs to do — adjust ANC, switch sound modes, update firmware — and it’s stable. That said, I really wish Edifier would simplify things and unify their app ecosystem. Right now, you still need a separate app for different Edifier products (speakers, earbuds, headphones), and it feels a bit messy. But for the NeoBuds Plus specifically, the app works perfectly fine.

Touch controls are a different story. They work, yes, but I’ve always found them to be one of Edifier’s weaker points. They’re not as intuitive as what you get with AirPods or Pixel Buds, and it takes a little getting used to.

Battery life, on the other hand, is solid — enough to get through a full day of mixed use without worrying. And finally, the best news: you can now charge the case wirelessly. Hurray for that small but very welcome upgrade!

Performance on iPhone vs Android (2025 Test)

On iPhone (Spotify + Qobuz)
Using the NeoBuds Plus with my iPhone, I started by testing them on Spotify at the highest quality setting. Even though Apple still doesn’t support true lossless over Bluetooth, the Edifier NeoBuds Plus perform really well. The sound is clean and balanced, but at maximum volume, you can start to notice the slight limitation of Spotify’s compression — it just loses a bit of depth and detail.

Switching to Qobuz was a completely different experience. Even though you still don’t get true Hi-Res audio on iPhone (come on Apple!), the sound quality is clearly superior. The NeoBuds Plus really shine here — the clarity, warmth, and richness come through beautifully, even at high volume. It’s proof that Edifier’s tuning does justice to higher-quality audio sources, even within Apple’s Bluetooth limitations.

On Android (Spotify Hi-Res Audio + Qobuz Hi-Res)
Pairing the NeoBuds Plus with my Samsung Galaxy phone was effortless — Google Fast Pair worked perfectly, and I was connected in seconds. Before enjoying Hi-Res Audio, I had to open the Edifier Connect app, go into the settings, and tick the Hi-Res Audio option. It’s a simple step, but it’s the one that unlocks the real joy of high-resolution sound over Bluetooth.

And honestly, it’s a game changer. You can immediately notice the difference — the soundstage opens up, the details feel sharper, and everything just sounds more alive. The NeoBuds Plus truly shine here. Spotify Lossless worked far better than on iPhone with the standard high-quality MP3 option. I was genuinely surprised (in a very good way) by how good Spotify Lossless sounds on Android through the NeoBuds Plus. It’s a real step up.

That said, Qobuz still has the edge — not by a huge margin, but it sounds just a bit louder and clearer, especially in well-recorded tracks. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Either way, both Spotify Lossless and Qobuz Hi-Res make the NeoBuds Plus an absolute joy to listen to on Android.

The neobuds plus are small & stylish. Please enjoy the legendary french smile!

Final Verdict

After testing the Edifier NeoBuds Plus again in 2025, I can confidently say they still hold their ground — and even more now with the rise of Spotify Lossless and other Hi-Res streaming options. The combination of premium design, excellent tuning, and solid ANC makes them one of the most complete pairs of earbuds you can get without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re listening on an iPhone or Android, they deliver that warm, detailed sound Edifier is known for. Of course, you’ll get the full Hi-Res experience only on Android, but even on iPhone they sound fantastic. The balance, clarity, and bass response are spot on, and I honestly never get tired of that Edifier sound.

The app could use a bit of streamlining, and the touch controls still aren’t my favorite, but those are small complaints compared to the overall experience. The addition of wireless charging for the case is a very welcome touch too.

You can find the Edifier NeoBuds Plus on both Amazon.com(click here) and Amazon.co.uk (click here), and if you’re interested in Hi-Res Audio at an affordable price, it’s a no-brainer. They prove once again that Edifier knows how to deliver exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank (check the amazing Edifier deal on Amazon with Prime Big Deal Days)

Key Features & Specs: Top-Tier for the Price

• Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, with LDAC and LHDC support (Android only)

• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation up to -48dB

• Bluetooth 5.4 for stronger, more efficient connections

• Wireless charging support

• IP54 rated: sweat and splash-resistant

• Multipoint connection for pairing two devices

• Up to 47 hours of total battery with case (15 minutes charge = 4 hours playback)

Jerome

Jerome is a full-time lifestyle blogger and tech reviewer based in the UK. Since 2014, he’s been running Dapper & Groomed, helping men over 40 discover the best gadgets, headphones, and accessories through personal, real-world testing.