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active noise cancellationPATCH 2026.10.18

Edifier NeoBuds Planar Review: Is the Planar Sound Worth the Price?

By VGSources Team 12 min read

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Verdict: The Edifier NeoBuds Planar are distinctive true wireless earbuds built around 12 mm planar magnetic drivers, with unusually broad codec support, adaptive ANC, multipoint pairing and wireless charging. Their strongest documented case is detailed, spacious listening; an April 2025 Tom’s Guide review praised those qualities but criticized the bass presentation and the US value at the then-current price. Buy them only after checking your phone’s codec support, the current local price, return terms and your tolerance for a less bass-forward tuning.

What the Edifier NeoBuds Planar are

The NeoBuds Planar are premium true wireless earbuds whose defining hardware is a pair of 12 mm planar magnetic drivers. Edifier says the drivers use its second-generation EqualMass wiring design. That is the feature that separates this model from conventional wireless earbuds, but a manufacturer’s technical description is not independent proof that planar drivers will sound better to every listener.

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The rest of the package is familiar for an upper-tier set: adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint pairing for two devices, wear detection, an app for equalizer and control settings, wireless charging and three microphones in each earbud. Edifier also lists a wide selection of Bluetooth codecs, including LHDC 5.0, LDAC, AAC, SBC, aptX variants and Snapdragon Sound.

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For a game player, commuter or desk worker, that means the NeoBuds Planar offer a feature-rich platform rather than a single-purpose audiophile experiment. The important qualification is that features such as high-resolution codecs, ANC and multipoint depend on the phone, operating system, app settings and surrounding radio conditions. They are capabilities, not guaranteed results.

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How planar magnetic earbuds work

A planar magnetic driver uses a thin diaphragm with conductors distributed across its surface and magnets arranged to move it. In principle, that spreads the driving force over more of the diaphragm than a traditional voice-coil design. The NeoBuds Planar’s 12 mm drivers and EqualMass wiring are Edifier’s implementation of that idea.

Planar construction does not determine the entire listening experience. Tuning, digital signal processing, ear-tip seal, amplifier output, codec conversion and the listener’s hearing all affect the result. A planar driver can be technically interesting without being the best choice for someone who wants a heavy bass lift. Treat the technology as a reason to audition the earbuds, not as a guarantee of superior sound.

Specifications and features

Feature Edifier’s stated specification or capability What it means in practice
Driver 12 mm planar magnetic drivers with second-generation EqualMass wiring The defining design feature; audible superiority is not independently established.
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4 Modern Bluetooth hardware, but real range and stability also depend on the source device and environment.
Effective range Approximately 10 m A rated open-area figure; walls, bodies and radio interference can reduce it.
Frequency response 20 Hz–40 kHz A specification range, not a promise that every listener will hear those frequencies equally.
Codecs LHDC 5.0, LDAC, AAC, SBC, aptX variants and Snapdragon Sound The phone and software must support and select the same codec.
High-resolution decoding LHDC 5.0 and LDAC decoding up to 96 kHz/24-bit Compatibility with those streams; it does not guarantee lossless playback from every service or device.
Noise control Qualcomm adaptive ANC Noise reduction adjusts electronically; no controlled comparative ANC measurement is established here.
Microphones Three microphones per earbud Provides hardware for calls and ANC; microphone quality still needs local testing.
Multipoint Connection to two devices Useful for moving between a phone and a laptop, subject to device and software behavior.
Controls and EQ EDIFIER ConneX app App-based customization of equalizer and controls; available options can vary by platform or firmware.
Wear detection Supported Playback can respond when an earbud is removed, depending on the configured behavior.
Charging USB-C cable or compatible third-party wireless charger Wireless charging is supported, but a wireless charger is not stated to be included.
Battery, ANC off 7.5 hours from the earbuds plus 22.5 case hours Edifier’s laboratory estimate at 80% volume using SBC.
Battery, ANC on 5 hours from the earbuds plus 15 case hours Edifier’s laboratory estimate under the same 80%-volume, SBC test condition.
Combined maximum claim Up to 30 hours A calculated laboratory total, not a universal real-world runtime.

How they sound: the independent listening report

Detail and space are the strongest documented qualities

In a review published on 13 April 2025, Tom’s Guide reviewer Erin Bashford awarded the NeoBuds Planar three stars. The review’s positive finding was that the earbuds resolve fine information and create a large, open presentation, particularly with classical and ambient recordings. Bashford wrote: “They’re great buds for detail listening, with a clean, expansive soundscape.” That sentence describes one reviewer’s experience, not a universal measurement or a promise that every ear will perceive the same stage.

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That character can suit orchestral arrangements, atmospheric game soundtracks and recordings where you want to follow small textures rather than emphasize impact. It may also make the earbuds appealing for focused listening at a desk, where the spacious presentation is easier to appreciate than during a noisy commute.

Bass is the key taste question

The same review criticized the bass presentation. That matters because many wireless earbuds are tuned to make kick drums, explosions and electronic music feel immediately powerful. If you prefer a restrained, clean low end, the NeoBuds Planar’s planar-focused presentation may be appealing. If you expect a strong physical thump from action games or modern pop, audition them with your own tracks and check whether the EDIFIER ConneX equalizer can move the sound far enough in your preferred direction.

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Do not treat the driver type as a substitute for listening. A 12 mm planar unit can still be tuned in a way that does not match your taste, and the ear-tip seal can change perceived bass dramatically.

ANC, calls and gaming: what is known and what is not

Adaptive ANC

Edifier specifies Qualcomm adaptive ANC, which is designed to adjust noise reduction rather than operate as a single fixed setting. The available evidence does not provide a controlled comparison against competing earbuds, a decibel attenuation figure or a standardized test result. You should therefore regard ANC quality as an open buying question.

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For a practical check, test the earbuds against the sounds you actually need to reduce: an air conditioner, train rumble, voices in a café and keyboard noise. Listen for pressure, hiss or pumping as the system adapts. ANC can reduce steady low-frequency noise while leaving speech and sudden sounds more audible; that behavior is normal and varies by fit.

Microphones and calls

Each earbud has three microphones, giving the system hardware for voice pickup and noise control. The specifications do not establish call clarity in wind, traffic or a busy office. If calls are important, make a test call from the location where you will use the earbuds and ask the other person whether your voice remains clear while you turn your head.

Gaming and video

The NeoBuds Planar’s codec list includes options that can be useful on compatible phones, but no measured wireless-latency result is supplied. Bluetooth codec support alone cannot establish whether a game will feel synchronized. For competitive play, test the exact phone, game and operating-system combination; for single-player games and video, check whether your device offers a low-latency mode and whether enabling it changes the sound.

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Codecs: support is not the same as guaranteed playback

NeoBuds Planar support LHDC 5.0 and LDAC, with Edifier listing decoding up to 96 kHz/24-bit, as well as AAC, SBC, aptX variants and Snapdragon Sound. To use a particular codec, the source device must support it, the operating system must permit it, and the earbuds and phone must successfully negotiate it.

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Android manufacturers may expose LDAC or LHDC controls in developer or Bluetooth settings, while another phone may fall back to AAC or SBC. Some services, files or app paths may not provide high-resolution material in the first place. On iPhone, codec availability is more restricted than the full list on the product page suggests. Check the Bluetooth details on your specific phone instead of buying on the codec names alone.

When troubleshooting, first pair the earbuds normally, then inspect the phone’s connected-device or developer audio settings to see which codec is active. If the connection becomes unstable, lowering the codec’s quality or returning to a more widely supported option can be a sensible trade-off.

Battery life and charging

Edifier’s headline “up to 30 hours” combines the earbuds and charging case. The underlying figures are 7.5 hours of earbud use plus 22.5 hours from the case with ANC off, or 5 hours plus 15 hours with ANC on. Edifier says these are laboratory estimates measured at 80% volume with SBC decoding.

Those conditions are important. Higher volume, LDAC or LHDC transmission, phone radio behavior, calls, temperature and ANC use can all change runtime. Consider the ANC-on earbud estimate the more relevant planning number if you commute or play for long sessions with noise cancellation enabled, but verify your own result during the return period.

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Pairing, multipoint and basic setup

First Bluetooth pairing

  1. Charge the case and earbuds, then open the case. The manual says opening the case initiates pairing.
  2. On the phone, open Bluetooth settings and select the NeoBuds Planar when they appear.
  3. Install EDIFIER ConneX if you want the available equalizer, control and device-management options.
  4. Play a familiar track and check the seal, channel balance, volume and ANC behavior before leaving the return window.

Adding a second device

The manual includes a procedure for adding a second device. Follow that sequence rather than assuming every phone handles multipoint identically. Once configured, connect the earbuds to both devices and test the handoff between a game, a laptop video and a phone call. Some devices keep an audio connection active in the background, so multipoint may require pausing one source before the other can take over.

Resetting

If pairing becomes unreliable, use the reset procedure in the manual, remove the old NeoBuds Planar entry from each phone, and pair again. Resetting clears the earbuds’ stored connection state; it is a recovery step, not a replacement for checking whether the phone supports the selected codec.

Fit, controls and everyday usability

Wear detection and app-configurable controls are useful only if the earbuds remain comfortable and maintain a stable seal. The available material does not provide an independent comfort test, weight comparison or long-session fit result. Try the supplied ear tips in both ears, walk, turn your head and wear the earbuds for at least an hour before deciding.

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A poor seal can make bass seem weak and can force you to raise the volume, while an overly tight tip can create pressure. Test ANC with each tip size, because the best passive seal often matters as much as the electronic setting.

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Multipoint pairing is a practical advantage for people who switch between two devices. Wear detection can pause or resume playback without reaching for a phone. The app adds control and EQ flexibility, but the earbuds remain usable as standard Bluetooth audio devices if you do not want to manage another app.

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Price and value depend on your market

Prices in the available coverage are historical, not current quotes. Cinco Días reported a Spain price of €199.99 on 1 April 2025 and linked to Amazon Spain. Tom’s Guide’s 13 April 2025 review criticized the US price at that time and concluded that the value was difficult to justify alongside the bass compromise. Neither reference establishes today’s price, stock or return policy.

That makes local verification essential. A discounted price can change the recommendation, while a higher local price may put the NeoBuds Planar against earbuds with better-documented ANC, microphones or comfort. Confirm the final checkout price, taxes, warranty coverage, seller authorization and return window in your country.

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How to compare them with other true wireless earbuds

Do not compare the NeoBuds Planar on driver marketing or codec count alone. Use the following decision axes and test the areas that are not established by the available specifications.

Decision axis Question to ask Why it matters for the NeoBuds Planar
Sound character Do you prefer detailed, spacious playback or stronger bass impact? The independent review praised detail and soundstage but criticized bass.
ANC Does it reduce your real-world commute or office noise without objectionable pressure? Adaptive ANC is specified, but no controlled ranking is established.
Codec compatibility Does your phone actually support and select LDAC, LHDC, aptX or Snapdragon Sound? The earbuds cannot force an unsupported codec.
Multipoint and calls Will you switch between two devices, and can callers hear you clearly? Two-device multipoint and three microphones are specified; call performance still needs testing.
Battery with ANC Is the laboratory ANC-on estimate enough for your longest session? Real runtime varies with volume, codec and use.
Charging Do you have a compatible wireless charger, or will USB-C be your normal method? Wireless charging is supported, but the charger is not stated to be included.
Comfort and fit Can you maintain a seal for long listening without pressure? No independent comfort measurement is available.
Current price and returns What is the local total cost, and can you return them after testing fit? Published prices are dated and market-specific.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

  • Distinctive 12 mm planar magnetic drivers with second-generation EqualMass wiring.
  • Independent listening coverage praised fine detail and an expansive presentation, especially for classical and ambient material.
  • Broad codec compatibility, including LDAC and LHDC 5.0 on supported devices.
  • Adaptive ANC, multipoint for two devices, wear detection, app controls and wireless charging.
  • USB-C and wireless charging options give you flexibility.

Limitations and unknowns

  • The manufacturer’s planar-driver explanation does not prove a universal audible advantage.
  • The independent review criticized bass presentation and value at the US price reported in April 2025.
  • No controlled comparative ANC, microphone, comfort or latency measurements are established.
  • Codec support does not guarantee high-resolution or lossless playback from your phone or service.
  • Battery figures are laboratory estimates at 80% volume using SBC, so your runtime may be lower or higher.
  • Current price, availability, seller status and return terms vary by market and must be checked locally.

Who should buy the NeoBuds Planar?

A good match

They are a plausible choice if you prioritize detailed, spacious sound, listen to classical or ambient recordings, want multipoint between a phone and computer, and own a device that can use one of the higher-bandwidth codecs. They also make sense if wireless charging and app-based EQ are important and the local price is competitive.

Look elsewhere or audition first

Choose caution if your priority is maximum bass impact, proven call performance in noisy places, measured low latency for competitive gaming or a confirmed ANC lead over rivals. Those outcomes are not established by the available evidence, and the bass criticism means a blind purchase is risky for bass-focused listeners.

Buyer checklist before the return window closes

  1. Record the exact local price, seller, warranty and return deadline.
  2. Confirm your phone’s available Bluetooth codecs and check which codec is active after pairing.
  3. Test the earbuds with your own game soundtracks, music and spoken content at a safe volume.
  4. Compare bass with ANC off and on, and try the EDIFIER ConneX equalizer if needed.
  5. Make a call outdoors or in a busy room to evaluate microphone pickup.
  6. Walk through your normal commute or office routine to judge ANC, fit and connection stability.
  7. Run a long ANC-on session and note actual battery drain rather than relying only on the laboratory estimate.
  8. Verify that your wireless charger is compatible, or plan to use the included USB-C cable.

Final assessment

The Edifier NeoBuds Planar are most compelling as a feature-rich, detail-oriented alternative to conventional true wireless earbuds. Their planar drivers are genuinely distinctive, and the independent listening report supports the idea that they can deliver an expansive, revealing presentation. That advantage is balanced by a bass presentation that may not satisfy impact-focused listeners, unproven comparative ANC and call performance, and a value proposition that changes with local pricing.

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They are worth considering when your phone supports the codecs you care about and the current price leaves room for the fit and sound to win you over. They are not a safe universal recommendation: audition them, verify the return policy and judge the bass and ANC with your own devices before committing.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

active noise cancellationearbud reviewsEdifier NeoBuds PlanarGaming AudioLDACLHDCplanar magnetic earbudswireless earbuds

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