Is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 worth the upgrade from the Edifier NeoBuds Pro?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the Edifier NeoBuds Pro to the Apple AirPods Pro 3 buys you 17.5 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in value (4.3 to 8.3), noise cancelling (6.7 to 9.3) and battery (5.4 to 7.3). On paper: battery life 6 h to 8 h, weight 10.8 g to 5.5 g and bluetooth 5.0 to 5.3. Worth checking: drivers per side goes 2 to 1 and microphones goes 6 to 3. That costs $37 more, or about $2 per point of score - reasonable value for the jump. If your current pair is worn out or the gains line up with how you listen, this one is worth the money.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound7.88.6
- Noise cancelling6.79.3
- Battery5.47.3
- Calls6.87.4
- Value4.38.3
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | NeoBuds Pro | AirPods Pro 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 6 h | 8 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, LHDC, LDAC | SBC, AAC | |
| Weight | 10.8 g | 5.5 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP57 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5 h | 8 h | |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 | |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 | |
| Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive | |
| Driver | 2-driver hybrid | 10.7 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "NeoBuds Pro to AirPods Pro 3". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.