Is the Edifier NeoBuds S worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Edifier NeoBuds S actually scores 20.0 points below the Sony WF-1000XM5, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on battery (8.0 to 5.5) and sound (9.0 to 7.0). On paper: full charge time 90 min to 60 min and driver size 8.4 mm to 10 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 6 h and weight goes 11.8 g to 58 g. It is at least $69 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.
- Sound9.07.0
- Noise cancelling9.07.5
- Battery8.05.5
- Calls8.06.5
- Value7.06.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | NeoBuds S | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 6 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound | |
| Weight | 11.8 g | 58 g | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5.5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 16 h | |
| Full charge time | 90 min | 60 min | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 10 mm | |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 1 h | 10 min = 1 h | |
| Driver | 0.33" | Hybrid: Knowles balanced armature + dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20Hz-40kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM5 to NeoBuds S". 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.