Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review: These earbuds have a feature for everyone at a price point most can afford. Simply brilliant all-in-one travel earbuds.
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Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review
I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on and testing these for this Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review since the internet rumours started around a possible launch date. The first-generation NeoBuds Pro earbuds scored a perfect Five Stars when I reviewed them at the start of 2022.
Well, that date arrived in October with an immediate release, and I’ve been using them almost exclusively since then.
As the winter storms continue to hit the UK and a packed travel itinerary, including a quick trip to Austin, it was the perfect time to put these buds through their paces and try out the new Wind Reduction Mode.
Features // Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review
Edifier has introduced a new and patented Wide-Band Multi-Channel ANC technology, setting a new standard by achieving noise cancellation depths of up to 50dB. This technology is part of an intelligent system that adapts to different environments.
Users can personalise their experience through the bespoke Edifier app available for Android and Apple devices, choosing from High, Medium, or Low Cancellation levels and a special new Wind Reduction option for outdoor use.
For audiophiles, these Edifier earbuds’ are powered by Knowles balanced armature 10mm composite diaphragm dynamic drivers, and there is no compromise on sound quality.
These earbuds are the first to support 192kHz/24bit music streaming over Bluetooth, leveraging the latest LHDC 5.0 HD codec.
Edifier further elevates the listening experience with immersive Spatial Audio support, including visualised Head-Tracking and wear-detection technologies.
Audio
I often like to see an upgrade to the driver units, so I was initially concerned to learn that the same 10mm Dynamic Driver units were being used, but Edifier knows what it’s doing.
The audio playback is phenomenal and is partially due to the customisable settings in the Connect App (Android | Apple).
This app is the key to unlocking a customised experience, whether by adjusting to your personal sound preferences or tailoring the audio profile to match the genre of music you’re listening to.
Spatial Audio
If you’re new to Spatial Audio, it’s a relatively new technology that gives the feeling that you’re immersed in the music, with each instrument and voice coming to life around you.
This technology is particularly powerful when combined with head-tracking features, such as those in the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2, as it adjusts the audio dynamically to match your movements.
Because of this, the Edifier Connect App locks down the Custom EQ option when Spatial Audio is selected.
I preferred to remain in Music Mode and customise my sound, and those Knowles Balanced Armature 10mm drivers responded beautifully.
Active Noise Cancellation
During the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 review period, the UK was hit by several storms, thus providing me with the best testing ground for the earbud’s newest feature, Wind Reduction.
Previously, the NeoBuds had six microphones, three on each bud, but this has now been increased to eight. For ANC to work effectively, earbuds use microphones to remove unwanted ambient sound.
I almost always leave my headphones or buds set to ANC on or ANC High, in the case of the NeoBuds Pro 2, which also has a medium, Low and off for the technology.
Stepping outside during a very gusty storm one lunchtime along London’s South bank, a quick tap of the app from High ANC to Wind Reduction nearly blew me away (pun intended)!
The difference was so impressive, given how windy it was, and the NeoBuds Pro 2 removed most of the ‘sheering’ noise that comes from wind passing over the surface of the earbuds.
Power & Comfort
Power is an area of the Pro 2 buds that differs from the Gen 1. It has dropped by almost 4 hours, from a quoted 20 hours of ANC playback to only 16 hours.
However, potential owners need to look beyond this drop, as it’s a trade-off with improved ANC and additional settings, such as the Wind Reduction setting.
During the review, I averaged around 18 hours of use by moving between the various modes. Yet 16 hours of continuous playback with High ANC is more than enough for the majority of users.
The dip in power reserve is to deliver a better overall listening experience, and it worked!
If you read my review on the Gen 1 NeoBuds Pro, you’ll know they were one of the most comfortable earbuds I have reviewed, and I’m pleased to report that the Pro 2 buds are equally as comfortable.
At 5.6g, they’re slightly heavier than some other buds, but the weight distribution is faultless.
They come with seven different tip sizes to ensure the perfect in-ear fit, and once you’ve selected the best choice for your ear, you’ll forget you are wearing them.
Conclusion
This blend of cutting-edge noise cancellation, high-quality sound, spatial audio, and user-friendly features positions the NeoBuds Pro 2 as a top choice for tech-savvy audiophiles and everyday users.
For those who go running outdoors or use earbuds when cycling, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds’ wind reduction mode will significantly improve your listening experience.
It’s arguably the stand-out feature for these buds.
If I wanted to find a fault, I could argue the styling is almost identical to the previous model, yet with such perfect weight distribution of the buds inside the ear for long-wear use, it would be a moot point! I feel the lack of wireless charging may be an issue for some and must be included should we get a NeoBuds Pro 3 model.
Edifier has delivered another affordable and exceptional pair of buds from price to performance with the NeoBuds Pro 2.
Specifications // Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review
| NeoBuds Pro | NeoBuds Pro 2 | |
| Dimensions | buds 30 x 25 x 11mm case 64 x 55 x 30mm | buds 30 x 26 x 15 mm case 65 x 55 x 30 mm |
| Weight | buds 5.5g each case 47g total 58g | buds 5.6g each case 49.2g total 60.4g |
| Colour Options | Black | Black White |
| Audio Codecs | LDAC, LHDC 2.0, SBC | LDAC, LHDC 5.0, SBC, AAC |
| Driver | 10mm Dynamic Knowles Balanced Armature | 10mm Dynamic Knowles Balanced Armature |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C | Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C |
| Battery | buds 40mAh case 500mAh | TBC |
| Charge Time | 1 hour Fast charging compatible | 1 hour Fast charging compatible |
| Total Playback | 20 hours ANC on 24 hours ANC off | 16 hours ANC on 22 hours ANC off |
| Waterproof Rating | IP54 | IP54 |
| Microphones | 6 | 8 |
| Features | ANC Mode Ambient Mode Custom EQ Game Mode Ergonomic | Multi-channel ANC Modes Ambient Mode Wind Reduction Spatial Audio Head Tracking Customisable Case LED Custom EQ Game Mode Ergonomic |
| In the Box | NeoBuds Pro Earbuds Charging case 7x Antibacterial ear tips (various sizes) USB-C to USB-A fast charging cable Travel pouch Manuals | NeoBuds Pro 2 Earbuds Charging case 7x Antibacterial ear tips (various sizes) USB-C to USB-A fast charging cable Travel pouch Manuals |
| Website | edifier.com/neobudspro | edifier.com/neobudspro2 |
Price // Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Review
The new Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 Earbuds are $129/£129.
