Edifier NeoBuds Planer assessment: You possibly can have any colour you want, as long as it is black

The Edifier NeoBuds Planar aren’t your on a regular basis earbuds. However with a worth that pits it in opposition to the very best within the enterprise, they’re exhausting to suggest over Apple’s AirPods.

When you’re trying to choose up a pair of earbuds not like something you already personal, look no additional than Edifier’s NeoBuds Planar. They seem to be a uncommon breed in that they use planar magnetic drivers moderately than the dynamic drivers discovered elsewhere.

However the planar drivers do extra than simply give these NeoBuds their title. These sorts of drivers are recognized for providing improved readability in vocals and treble, with distortion usually improved alongside the way in which.

All of that signifies that the planar expertise is extra than simply one thing fancy to stay on the spec sheet — it ought to supply precise, notable enhancements. So when Edifier provided to ship over a pair of its NeoBuds Planar for assessment, I used to be intrigued.

After primarily utilizing the AirPods 4 (ANC) and Bose Ultra Open earbuds over the previous couple of months, I used to be prepared for one thing totally different. However simply how totally different may these earbuds actually be?

That is the query I set about answering, and I believe I’ve. However with a worth that sits across the $300 mark, it may not matter anyway.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: Design and specs

The very first thing I observed when unboxing the NeoBuds Planar was the aesthetics. They’re definitely an acquired style, let’s put it that manner.

The charging case is ok, and it seems like most charging circumstances on the market. It has a pleasant heft to it, thanks most probably to the wi-fi charging assist that comes as commonplace.

Opening the case, I discovered the 2 earbuds mendacity flat beside each other. And that is after I was immediately transported again to the Nineteen Nineties.

I do not assume it is too unkind to say that these earbuds are harking back to the outdated Ericsson Bluetooth hands-free gear that did the rounds manner again when. Everybody I’ve proven them to agrees, however we’re all in our forties — the youthful readers will not know or care.

That is not to say they’re ugly, per se. However they undoubtedly do not set the heart beat racing.

White keyboard and three earbud cases on a vibrant, colorful desk mat showing geometric and skyline patterns.
Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: The wi-fi charging case is fairly commonplace fare

When it comes to specs, there are the planar magnetic drivers that use magnets to maneuver a skinny, flat diaphragm to create the sound that we hear. I am informed these sorts of drivers are more durable to make than the normal dynamic drivers.

They’re additionally usually present in high-end headphones, for what that is value.

What does that get you? Traditionally, planar headphones are recognized for providing robust bass, clear highs, and crisp vocals. Primarily, they sound “higher” however are extra expensive and infrequently heavier due to these magnets.

Edifier solely sells the NeoBuds Planar in black, so you will not must decide there.

Connectivity is dealt with by Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, which guarantees crystal clear music, calls, and gaming efficiency. The LHDC 5.0, aptX, SBC, and LDAC codecs are current by way of Bluetooth 5.4, whereas Hello-Res lossless audio can also be accessible.

Transferring on, these earbuds have three mics every for improved name high quality, whereas an AI algorithm offers with any background noise. The individuals you name will thanks for that, I’ve little question.

Subsequent, Edifier has given the NeoBuds Planar full adaptive noise-cancelling expertise assist. It is constructed to adapt to your atmosphere to provide the finest listening expertise.

Battery life is powerful at round 30 hours when utilizing the charging case, with wi-fi and USB-C charging supported. Multipoint connectivity can also be supplied for simpler machine switching, too.

The earbuds themselves have touch-sensitive controls which work most of the time. I did discover myself activating them by chance on quite a lot of events, however this is a matter I see with a number of earbuds, not simply Edifier’s.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: Sound and luxury

The entire specs, options, and magnetic drivers on the planet will not prevent in case your earbuds sound poor. Fortunately, Edifier would not want to fret there.

I spent the previous couple of weeks listening to every kind of issues whereas carrying the NeoBuds Planar. I listened to podcasts from my iPhone, Apple Music on my Mac, and loved some gaming by way of Nvidia GeForce Now. I largely listened with ANC on, as I usually do.

Hand holding a black earbud in front of a colorful abstract background with swirls of pink, blue, and yellow.
Edifier NeoBuds Planer assessment: There is a retro look to those earbuds

Throughout my testing, I discovered the NeoBuds Planar to sound fairly nice. The bass was extremely robust after a bit of tweaking of the four-band EQ settings within the Edifier app, and I had no complaints with the remainder of the aural efficiency.

Would I say that I observed an enormous distinction in the way in which issues sounded when in comparison with a great pair of earbuds with dynamic drivers? In all probability not. Would I say I observed any distinction? Once more, most likely not.

I get the impression that the planar impact is magnified if you transfer to high-end headphones, moderately than earbuds. However after I ignored how these items work and as an alternative centered on how they carry out, I had no complaints in any respect.

I’ve seen some reviewers of those earbuds complain of a scarcity of bass, which appeared off earlier than I attempted them. It appears downright unbelievable now that I’ve.

My assumption is that, as is commonly the case with in-ear earbuds, the match is the important thing to a great bass expertise. Fortunately, Edifier ships the earbuds with no fewer than 4 pairs of ideas so you will discover the appropriate ones on your lugholes. Try this, and these items have bass for days.

When it comes to consolation, I once more had no complaints. I wore all of them day with no situation, though hotter days did result in my ears getting a bit of heat after some time.

That could possibly be improved by aftermarket ideas, I think about.

I discussed earlier that I usually use ANC when utilizing earbuds, and the NeoBuds Planar do not disappoint. I would not fairly put them up there with the easiest from the same old earbud suspects, nevertheless it is not far off.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: Stable earbuds let down by one obvious downside

General, I am a fan of the Edifier NeoBuds Planar wi-fi earbuds. They’re comfy, they sound good, and I may even overlook my Nineteen Nineties flashbacks, too.

However all of that being stated, I am undecided that I might suggest that you simply purchase them.

Why, you may ask? Effectively, I’ve 300 causes.

Plush toy with green sprouts sits on a colorful mat holding a black device in front of a keyboard and speakers.
Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: The case seems a lot nicer than the earbuds, fortunately.

A pair of Edifier NeoBuds Planar will set you again a cool $299.99 on the time of assessment. That, frankly, is an unbelievable sum of cash.

It is some huge cash even earlier than I remind you {that a} pair of Apple AirPods Pro 2 may be had for simply $249 — and infrequently even much less in the event that they’re on sale.

The Bose QuietComfort Extremely 2nd-gen earbuds could be my favourite wi-fi earbuds proper now, they usually value a greenback lower than the NeoBuds Planar. They usually are available a couple of colours aside from black, too.

Which leaves me, and extra importantly, Edifier, with an issue. I am simply not likely positive the place the NeoBuds Planar earbuds sit available in the market.

When you’re curious in regards to the planar expertise and need a pair of earbuds that use it, the NeoBuds Planar are for you. However if you happen to simply need a great-sounding pair of wi-fi earbuds at across the $300 mark, it is a exhausting promote.

Bose, Apple, and Sony with its always-popular WF-1000XM5, are powerful competitors to beat. I am simply not satisfied that Edifier has performed it this day trip.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: Professionals

  • Sturdy bass
  • Wi-fi charging case included
  • Clear vocals

Edifier NeoBuds Planar assessment: Cons

  • Lack of colours
  • Not the very best trying earbuds
  • Just too expensive

Score: 3.5 out of 5

The place to purchase the Edifier NeoBuds Planar earbuds

You should purchase the Edifier NeoBuds Planar wi-fi earbuds from Amazon for $299.99, however there are sometimes low cost codes accessible to cut back the value considerably.


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