Edifier NeoBuds Plus Review (2025): The AirPods Alternative That Sounds Way Better

A Personal Note from Me

You know by now that I’m a huge Edifier fan—I’ve tested everything from their retro Bluetooth speakers to their latest earbuds. But the NeoBuds Plus really caught me by surprise. I use an iPhone, and I’ll say this straight away: if you’ve got a budget for AirPods, you should absolutely consider the NeoBuds Plus instead. They’re better built, sound richer, and pack in way more features—especially if you’re someone who cares about sound.

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

• Everything feels tidy and ready-to-go out of the box—exactly what you’d want from a premium pair of earbuds.

Key Features & Specs: Top-Tier for the Price

Here’s what makes the NeoBuds Plus stand out—even when compared to much pricier earbuds:

• 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)

• Compatible with the Edifier ConneX app for custom EQ, settings, and updates

• 3 mics per earbud for clearer calls

I mean, that’s a lot of tech in a sleek little package.

My Real-Life Experience Using Them

Let’s start with the case. The matte charcoal finish gives it a premium, understated look that I really like. It feels solid, the lid has a nice snap to it, and the Edifier logo adds a touch of style.

The earbuds themselves? They look almost identical to the NeoBuds Pro 2—and that’s a good thing. I’ve worn them on dog walks, around the house, even while editing blog posts—and they’ve stayed comfy and secure throughout.

sound quality

If there’s one reason to buy these—it’s the sound.

I played some 8D audio test tracks first (you’ve got to try this on YouTube if you haven’t), and I was blown away. The audio felt spacious, with crystal-clear separation between instruments, a deep but controlled bass, and that signature warm Edifier tuning I love. The hybrid drivers and digital signal processing here clearly do their job. The treble never gets harsh, and the bass doesn’t overwhelm. Just beautiful, balanced sound.

Noise Cancellation

The Hybrid ANC is top-notch—blocking out background noise easily while I worked from my living room, and even handled Bristol street noise decently during a stroll.

Controls and App

Touch controls? They’re fine but could be a bit more responsive. That’s probably my only real gripe. But through the Edifier ConneX app, you can remap controls, tweak the EQ, and access firmware updates.

Where Do They Fit in Edifier’s Line-up?

This is where things get a bit confusing. Edifier makes a lot of earbuds. Are these the successors to the NeoBuds Pro 2? Not officially, but honestly, they feel like a step up thanks to the wireless charging case and improved internals. If you’re choosing between them—go for the Plus.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Rich, detailed sound with Hi-Res support

• Strong ANC and clear call quality

• Sleek, premium design

• Wireless charging

• Long battery life (up to 47 hours with case)

❌ Cons

• Touch controls aren’t perfect

• LDAC/LHDC (Hi-Res Audio) only works on Android

• Fast Pair feature not available for iOS

Final Verdict: Better Than AirPods? Yes.

After testing the NeoBuds Plus for over a week, I’ve reached a simple conclusion: these are the best Edifier earbuds I’ve used so far. The sound is incredible, the design feels premium, and the features are everything I want in 2025. Sure, iPhone users won’t get the full Hi-Res benefit—but even without it, the audio is miles better than what I get from my AirPods.

So yes—it’s a big yes from me. If you’re serious about sound and want a solid pair of earbuds for under the AirPods Pro price, the Edifier NeoBuds Plus are a brilliant choice. And don’t forget to test them with some 8D audio—you’ll be hooked. Buy on Amazon.com (here). Buy on Amazon.co.uk (here)

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.