Is the Edifier NeoBuds Pro worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Edifier NeoBuds Pro actually scores 14.0 points below the Sony WF-1000XM5, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.0 to 7.5). You do give up ground on battery (8.0 to 6.0) and sound (9.0 to 7.5). On paper: weight 11.8 g to 5.3 g and driver size 8.4 mm to 10 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 6 h and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.x. It is at least $119 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.
- Sound9.07.5
- Noise cancelling9.08.0
- Battery8.06.0
- Calls8.07.0
- Value7.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | NeoBuds Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 6 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, LDAC, LHDC | |
| Weight | 11.8 g | 5.3 g | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.x | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 20 h | |
| Full charge time | 90 min | 120 min | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 10 mm | |
| Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 1 h | supported | |
| Driver | 0.33" | hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20Hz-40KHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM5 to NeoBuds Pro". 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.