Best Edifier Headphones and Earbuds: My Top Picks After 20 Months of Testing

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Edifier Neo Dots Review 2025

My Favourite Edifier Headphones and Earbuds – A Guide After 20 Months of Reviews

Over the past 20 months, I’ve had the pleasure of testing and reviewing a wide range of Edifier headphones and earbuds. What started as a simple curiosity quickly turned into a genuine appreciation for what the brand consistently delivers: great sound, thoughtful design, and impressive features, all without the steep price tag that usually comes with quality audio gear.

As someone who listens to music daily—whether it's while walking my dog through the quiet streets or parks of our town or unwinding in the garden with a cup of coffee—having a reliable pair of earbuds or headphones is essential. Music is more than just background noise for me. It sets the tone for my day, lifts my mood, and sometimes even helps me focus. That’s why sound quality matters. And Edifier’s sound profile—warm, rich, and just detailed enough—hits that sweet spot that makes listening a pleasure, not just a habit.

What continues to impress me is how much Edifier packs into each product. Whether it's active noise cancellation, app support with custom EQ settings, or battery life that keeps going for days, there’s always a solid list of features. And while the tech specs are great on paper, it’s really the experience of using their products that has made me such a big fan.

In this post, I want to round up my favourite Edifier products—the ones that stood out the most during my reviews—and help you find the perfect one for your own listening needs.

Best Headphones Overall: Edifier STAX Spirit S5

When it comes to premium audio, the Edifier STAX Spirit S5 stands out as the most advanced pair of headphones the brand has ever released. The S5 is in a class of its own—both in terms of performance and price. If you’re looking for serious sound, this one’s a game changer.

At the heart of the STAX Spirit S5 are planar magnetic drivers, a technology typically reserved for high-end audiophile headphones. These drivers, combined with Edifier’s second-generation EqualMass™ wiring and an ultra-thin 2μm diaphragm, deliver exceptional clarity, wide soundstage, and ultra-low distortion. Whether you're into jazz, classical, or deep electronic basslines, the detail is simply stunning. It supports Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC, so you’re getting high-resolution audio over Bluetooth 5.4. It’s powered by the Qualcomm QCC5181 chipset for fast, stable connections and efficient battery use. And speaking of battery: the S5 offers up to 80 hours of playback on a single charge.

Edifier also nailed the comfort. You get two sets of earpads in the box—soft lambskin leather for that premium feel and breathable mesh for long listening sessions. There’s also the option to go wired via USB-C or 3.5mm jack. Yes, it’s a premium product at a higher price point. But if you’re after top-tier wireless audio that still carries Edifier’s signature warmth and value-for-money ethos, the STAX Spirit S5 is easily the best in the lineup.

Best Affordable Headphones: Edifier W830NB

I’ve tested quite a few budget headphones recently, and while the market is full of solid options, the Edifier W830NB are still the best. It might not have the luxury build of its pricier siblings, but it more than makes up for it with sound quality, comfort, and sheer value for money.

Let’s be honest—the design leans toward the plastic side, but it doesn’t feel cheap. In fact, I have the white version, and I think it looks incredible. The earcups are soft and well-padded, and the headband offers a comfortable fit that works even after hours of listening. What makes these headphones stand out is how much Edifier has packed into them. You get hybrid active noise cancellation that really works, with several modes to suit different environments—whether you're commuting, working from home, or just enjoying some peace and quiet. There's also a transparency mode if you want to stay aware of your surroundings.

Sound-wise, they deliver. The audio is warm, detailed, and rich—classic Edifier. Bass is present but not overpowering, and vocals come through clearly, making them great for a variety of music styles. And the battery life? Absolutely brilliant. You can go nearly four days without charging, even with ANC turned on. You also get multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and the option to plug in with a USB-C cable if you prefer wired listening. For under £80, these headphones are a steal. Stylish, reliable, and packed with features—they're still the king of budget audio in my opinion.

Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2

If you're seeking a pair of true wireless earbuds that combine great sound quality with effective noise cancellation, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are a compelling choice. I've been using the Starlight White version, and they not only look sleek but also deliver an impressive audio experience.

The NeoBuds Pro 2 feature a hybrid driver setup, combining Knowles balanced armature drivers with dynamic drivers. This configuration ensures a rich, detailed sound profile with a warm tonality that's characteristic of Edifier's tuning. Whether you're listening to your favorite tracks or engaging in calls, the clarity and depth are consistently satisfying. For Android users, the support for high-resolution audio codecs like LHDC and LDAC means you can enjoy near-lossless audio streaming, provided your device supports these codecs. This elevates the listening experience, bringing out nuances in your music that you might miss with standard codecs.

Active noise cancellation is fantastic. The hybrid ANC technology effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or calls without distractions. The earbuds also offer an ambient sound mode, which is handy when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. Comfort-wise, the NeoBuds Pro come with multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit for various ear shapes. The charging case, while lacking wireless charging, is compact and stylish, complementing the earbuds' design.

My Favourite: Edifier NeoDots – Everyday Excellence

If I had to choose just one pair of earbuds to use daily, the Edifier NeoDots would be my top pick. They strike a perfect balance between premium features and everyday practicality, making them an exceptional choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. The design is sleek and refined, with a compact charging case that supports wireless charging—a feature I find incredibly convenient. The earbuds themselves are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their ergonomic shape and lightweight build.

Sound quality is where the NeoDots truly shine. They feature a hybrid driver setup combining balanced armature and 10mm dynamic drivers, delivering a warm, rich, and detailed audio experience. The inclusion of LDAC codec support ensures high-resolution audio streaming, provided your device is compatible. Active noise cancellation is another strong suit, effectively reducing ambient noise by up to -48dB. This allows for an immersive listening experience, whether you're commuting, working, or relaxing at home. The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to manage playback and calls without reaching for your device.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 17 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case extending total usage to 56 hours. Fast charging capabilities provide 5 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge, ensuring you're rarely without your music. My favourites!

Final Thoughts

After reviewing a lot of Edifier headphones and earbuds over the past 20 months, one thing is clear—they consistently deliver quality, style, and performance at every price point. Whether you're after high-end innovation like the STAX Spirit S5, unbeatable value like the W830NB, or everyday excellence with the NeoDots, there's something in their lineup for every listener.

For me, music is a daily companion—on dog walks, during work, or while relaxing at home—and having the right audio gear makes all the difference. What I love about Edifier is that they manage to pack in impressive specs, comfort, and their signature warm sound without making you feel like you’ve overpaid.

If you’re looking to upgrade your listening experience, I hope this guide helps you find the right pair for your needs. And if you're anything like me, you might just fall in love with the NeoDots too.

Jerome.