If you’re in the market for quality earbuds without breaking the bank, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 emerge as two commendable contenders.
Catering to the midrange segment, both earbuds pack an impressive array of features at a price point that won’t leave your wallet feeling too light.
They are designed to meet, and in some cases, exceed your audio needs, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and durability. However, choosing between the two can be a dilemma.
Having spent some time testing both models, I’m here to provide a comprehensive comparison of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3.
This article aims to dissect their features, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific audio requirements.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Price & availability
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 made its debut in August 2023, with a launch price of $129.99 in the US.
These earbuds are readily accessible in the US, UK, and Europe, offering buyers a choice between two classic colors: black and ivory. Despite their already reasonable pricing, there’s potential for discounts in the future, making them even more appealing.
In contrast, the OnePlus Buds 3 are a bit more wallet-friendly, entering the market at just $99. They present a slightly different palette with two color options: metallic gray and splendid blue.
You can find them for purchase on the OnePlus website or through various online retailers. The slight price difference between the two models might influence your decision, especially if budget is a top priority.
Where to buy?
- Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2: View on AliExpress | View on Amazon
- OnePlus Buds 3: View on AliExpress | View on Amazon
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Specs Comparison
| Category | Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 | OnePlus Buds 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 10mm | 10mm |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours with ANC off, up to 16 with ANC on | 6.5 hours (ANC on); 10 hours (ANC off); 28 hours (ANC on w/charging case), 44 hours (ANC off w/charging case) |
| Weight | 5.6g per bud | 0.16 ounces (per bud); 1.43 ounces (charging case) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Waterproofing/Durability | IP54 | IP55 (earbuds); IPX4 (charging case) |
| Price | $129 | $99 / £78 / AU$150 |
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Design and Build quality
In the realm of design and build quality, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 showcase distinct approaches that cater to different user preferences.
The NeoBuds Pro 2 presents a unique angular case, bulkier in comparison, which may demand more pocket space yet compensates with a distinctive LED light bar for a customizable aesthetic.
This feature contrasts with the OnePlus Buds 3’s sleek, compact charging case, which boasts a soft matte finish that elegantly catches the light, offering a more refined look right from the first glance.
When it comes to the earbuds themselves, the NeoBuds Pro 2’s design prioritizes a secure and snug fit, thanks to its heftier build and well-designed tips, ensuring stability during various activities without sacrificing comfort.
This practical design ensures they remain securely in place, even in motion. Conversely, the OnePlus Buds 3 opts for an elegant design featuring all-aluminum stems and silicone tips, which not only provide a comfortable and stable fit but also add a touch of sophistication with their premium materials.
Both sets of earbuds incorporate touch-sensitive controls, but they each offer a different user experience. The NeoBuds Pro 2 focuses on simplicity and efficiency, with controls that respond well to light touches and long presses, making them ideal for handling calls and music playback without frequent adjustments.
The OnePlus Buds 3, however, elevates the touch control experience with highly responsive single, multi-tap, and long-press gestures, allowing for more nuanced control and easy access to voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, backed by a capable mic array for clear voice commands and calls.
Durability is another aspect where both models shine, albeit with different certifications. The NeoBuds Pro 2, despite its bulkier case, does not feature wireless charging but offers a solid build.
The OnePlus Buds 3, on the other hand, impresses with IP55 dust and water resistance for the buds and IPX4 moisture protection for the case, indicating a higher focus on longevity and resilience against the elements.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Sound
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 and OnePlus Buds 3 both offer exceptional sound experiences tailored to their audiences, yet they approach audio quality and features with their unique twists.
Starting with active noise cancellation (ANC), the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 shines with its capability to significantly reduce ambient noise, making busy streets sound like quiet background noise.
This level of ANC performance is rare in wireless earbuds and positions the NeoBuds Pro 2 near the top of its class.
The OnePlus Buds 3, while not highlighted for their ANC capabilities, focus on delivering a stellar audio balance with a clean, energetic, and warm soundstage thanks to their dual dynamic driver units.
Audio quality in the NeoBuds Pro 2 is marked by crisp mids, detailed highs, and a bass that is punchy without being overwhelming. This balanced sound profile is enhanced by the ability to adjust EQ settings via an app, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.
OnePlus Buds 3 also offers sound personalization, featuring a customizable 6-band equalizer and presets that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience.
The Buds 3’s bass is heavy yet balanced, ensuring that vocals and high-pitched sounds have room to breathe, making tracks like David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” sound exceptional.
The soundstage on the NeoBuds Pro 2 could benefit from a bit more width but remains impressively detailed, bolstered by Hi-Res audio support through the LHDC 5.0 HD codec.
In contrast, the OnePlus Buds 3 introduces Golden Sound (Audio ID 2.0), creating a sound profile tailored to the listener’s hearing, which can unveil more nuances in the highs.
Additionally, OnePlus’s 3D Audio aims for a more expansive sound, although it may lack the naturalness found in other spatial audio technologies.
Both earbuds offer features beyond standard listening experiences. The NeoBuds Pro 2’s app includes several noise cancellation modes, including an ambient mode and a wind reduction mode, enhancing usability in various environments.
OnePlus Buds 3’s low-latency Game Mode, designed for gaming and videos, promises smooth audio synchronization, although its necessity is debatable given the buds’ already efficient audio sync.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Battery life
When evaluating the battery life of the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 against the OnePlus Buds 3, each presents its advantages and limitations, influenced heavily by their feature sets and usage patterns.
The NeoBuds Pro 2 offers a reasonable battery performance, albeit slightly behind some competitors, providing up to 22 hours of total playback with the case when ANC is disabled.
However, engaging ANC and Hi-Res audio significantly reduces this stamina, dropping playback time to approximately two to three hours at high settings, with a more common usage scenario of ANC alone offering around four hours of listening.
In comparison, the OnePlus Buds 3 are designed with a focus on longevity and quick charging capabilities, even when leveraging their array of special features.
With ANC activated, the Buds 3 deliver 6.5 hours of playback, extending to 10 hours when ANC is switched off. These figures surpass those of notable rivals like the AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, positioning the Buds 3 as a strong contender in battery performance.
The charging case of the Buds 3, while not supporting wireless charging, compensates with up to 44 hours of additional battery life. A brief 10-minute charge can rejuvenate the earbuds with two hours of listening time, showcasing impressive efficiency.
However, it’s important to note that utilizing features such as ANC, LHDC, and spatial audio simultaneously can diminish playback time by about 2.5 hours, necessitating a balance between feature use and battery conservation.
Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs OnePlus Buds 3: Which should you buy?
Buy Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 if:
- You prioritize excellent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) at a competitive price. The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are lauded for their effective ANC capabilities, offering multiple settings to fine-tune your listening environment.
- You prefer simplicity in your tech. The NeoBuds Pro 2 can be effortlessly integrated into your daily routine, providing high-quality audio without the need for constant adjustments.
- You’re after superior audio quality without the premium price tag. These earbuds deliver crisp sound and the right balance of bass, making them a great choice for audiophiles on a budget.
Buy OnePlus Buds 3 if:
- You’re looking for exceptional audio quality and versatility in earbuds. The OnePlus Buds 3 are noted for their outstanding sound and various listening modes, catering to a wide range of audio preferences.
- ANC performance is important to you, but so is call quality. These earbuds not only manage ambient noise well but also ensure clear voice calls, making them ideal for both personal and professional use.
- You value features like 3D Audio for spatial listening, despite acknowledging there might be better options available. The OnePlus Buds 3 offer a decent spatial audio experience, enhancing the way you interact with your content.
- Battery life is a concern, especially when using advanced features. The OnePlus Buds 3 come with a charging case that extends their battery life significantly, ensuring you have enough power for your listening needs throughout the day.
You may also like to see:
- Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
- Edifier NeoBuds Pro vs Sony LinkBuds S
- Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
