Is the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 worth the upgrade from the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro 3 actually scores 12.5 points below the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 5, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (5.0 to 7.5), sound (7.0 to 7.5) and battery (6.0 to 6.5). On paper: codecs LDAC to SBC, LHDC, LDAC, battery life (anc on) 5 h to 6 h and microphones 3 to 8. Worth checking: bluetooth goes 6.0 to 5.4 and full charge time goes 40 min to 60 min. It is at least $58 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound7.07.5
- Noise cancelling7.07.0
- Battery6.06.5
- Calls6.06.5
- Value5.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | FreeBuds Pro 5 | NeoBuds Pro 3 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | LDAC | SBC, LHDC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.4 | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5 h | 6 h | |
| Full charge time | 40 min | 60 min | |
| Wireless range | 12 m | 10 m | |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 10 mm | |
| Microphones | 3 | 8 | |
| Quick charge | 3 min → 1 h | 15 min → 3 h | |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 48 kHz | 20 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "FreeBuds Pro 5 to NeoBuds 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.