Test Edifier NeoBuds Planar 2026: the Planar TWS Put to the Test

The magnetic planar transducer of 12 mm integrated in each earbud occupies a volume significantly larger than that of a classic dynamic driver of comparable diameter. Each NeoBuds Planar displays a mass of 7.2 g, compared to an average of 4.5 to 5.5 g for most TWS in-ear models on the market at this price.

This difference is felt from the moment of insertion. The depth in the ear canal is reduced by about 2 mm compared to equivalent dynamic tips, to accommodate the planar module without protruding from the pinna. We timed the perceived pressure:

• After 1 h of continuous wear: slight feeling of fullness, tolerable, comparable to a medium-sized dynamic tip.
• After 3 h of continuous wear: marked pressure on the tragus and helix, requiring a break for half of the testers.
• Beyond 4 h: noticeable ear fatigue, especially with the M tips supplied originally.

Compared to the charging case of the Edifier Stax S10, the case of the NeoBuds Planar remains within reasonable proportions: 68 x 48 x 26 mm for 52 g, versus a significantly more massive format on the Stax S10 designed for over-ear headphone use. We judged the grip of the case correct in a coat pocket, but not very discreet in a tight jeans pocket.

Over time, the ergonomic compromise of the NeoBuds Planar remains consistent with the technical promise: the planar format imposes a measurable extra weight and a less deep insertion, without degrading stability during active walking. Ear fatigue beyond 3 h remains the main point of attention for prolonged office use.

The frequency response measured by us shows a roll-off in the sub-bass starting below 45 Hz, with an attenuation of 6 dB at 30 Hz compared to the reference level at 100 Hz. The midrange, between 800 Hz and 3 kHz, stands out with a dense texture and little perceptible dynamic compression, which favors vocals and bowed strings.

In the high frequencies, a peak of +4 dB appears around 9 kHz, generating marked brightness on cymbals and vocal sibilants. Compared to the Harman 2019 target, the curve of the NeoBuds Planar deviates with a bass plateau 2 to 3 dB lower below 100 Hz and an excess of presence in the high frequencies, a signature that flatters electronic music but can cause fatigue on recordings already rich in treble.

On harmonic distortion, the planar driver keeps its technical promise: the THD measured at 94 dB SPL and 1 kHz remains below 0.3 %, compared to 0.5 to 1 % observed on equivalent priced dynamic drivers like those of the Nothing Ear (2). This low distortion translates into sharper drum kick attacks, without blur on transients.

The default profile does not match the Harman target in an academic way: Edifier has clearly favored a signature that values midrange clarity and treble bite, at the expense of a sub-bass that remains in the background on modern hip-hop or electronic productions. The parametric EQ of the app allows partial correction of this imbalance.

The list of codecs available on the NeoBuds Planar is rare at this price level: SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC and LHDC cover the essentials of Android ecosystems and allow, on a compatible source, to reach a bitrate close to lossless. However, it must be noted what is missing: no Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility nor LC3 codec, therefore no Auracast and no latency gain associated with this recent standard.

The editorial team verified the effective activation of each codec via the indicator in the Edifier Connect app, which displays the active codec in real time:

• SBC: active by default on non-compatible source, latency measured at 220 ms in video playback.
• aptX Adaptive: activated automatically on compatible Android smartphone, latency of 80 ms, comfortable for video.
• LDAC (990 kbps): latency measured at 270 ms, perceptible gain in quality but visible desynchronization in video playback.
• aptX Lossless: confirmed active by the dedicated indicator, latency close to 190 ms, oriented towards pure music listening rather than video.

We measured the ANC attenuation in three reproducible conditions: pink noise simulating an airplane engine, a Rennes metro train at peak hours, and an open office with overlapping conversations. The results show an attenuation of 28 dB in the low frequencies (100 to 200 Hz, engine noise and metro rumble), and 15 dB in the mid band (500 Hz to 1 kHz, voices).

Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5, the segment reference, the gap remains clear: 32 dB measured on the low frequencies and 18 dB on the mids on the Sony, representing a 4 to 5 dB advantage observed on both bands. The adaptive mode of the NeoBuds Planar correctly detects the environment change (metro to street), but with a reaction time of 3 to 5 seconds, versus a near-instantaneous transition on the WF-1000XM5.

The transparency mode relies on a network of six microphones (three per earbud) dedicated to voice beamforming. The pass-through rendering remains natural on nearby voices, with a slight wind noise effect perceptible as soon as wind exceeds 15 km/h, a frequent condition during coastal walks exposed to the Atlantic.

Call tests covered three environments:

• Quiet interior: intelligibility rated good by interlocutors, clear voice without echo.
• Street with moderate wind: clear degradation, the interlocutor reports dropouts and parasitic noise.
• Public transport (crowded train): correct intelligibility, but the voice comes out compressed on sibilant syllables.

The Edifier Connect app offers no dedicated beamforming setting, unlike what some competitors provide for voice call processing.

The 5 h ANC on battery life announced by Edifier is measured in SBC at 80 % volume, an optimistic protocol rarely representative of real use. We reproduced the test in LDAC, ANC on, at a comfortable volume of about 68 % on Android smartphone: timed result of 3 h 50, a 22 % loss versus the manufacturer claim.

In aptX Lossless, ANC on, the measured battery life drops to 3 h 35. The charging case provides about three additional full cycles, bringing total battery life to a little over 15 h in LDAC use. Fast charging restores about 55 minutes of playback after 10 minutes on mains, a respectable result but below the 60 minutes announced.

The Edifier Connect app offers a 10-band parametric EQ, complemented by presets (Bass boost, Voice, Treble) and three custom save slots. ANC levels are adjustable between light, medium, strong and adaptive, with a dedicated transparency slider.

Multipoint handles two devices simultaneously, tested between an Android smartphone and a laptop in remote work. The measured switch between the two sources takes about 1.2 seconds, with occasional audio dropouts when both devices emit sound at the same time. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection remains generally stable in open office and on TGV Paris-Rennes, with rare micro-dropouts observed during network cell changes in dense areas.

In 2026, offering a planar driver in a TWS at 199 euros remains a rarity: the Technics EAH-AZ80, at the same price, rely on a premium dynamic driver and a more advanced 3-device multipoint, with an ANC measured 4 dB above on low frequencies. The Nothing Ear (2), cheaper at 149 euros, document their ANC better but offer neither aptX Lossless nor LDAC.

The NeoBuds Planar target primarily a specific profile: the listener who prioritizes midrange texture and low harmonic distortion for seated musical use (desk, train), and who accepts sacrificing some autonomy and ANC compared to the best dynamics in the segment. For intensive travel use or demanding professional multipoint, the Technics EAH-AZ80 remain the more versatile choice.