ANC is widely described as effective or better than expected, though most reviewers stop short of calling it class-leading.
Android setup is straightforward, with Android recognition and Fast Pair both mentioned.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The ConneX app is widely described as useful and feature-rich, even if not every reviewer liked its look or behavior.
aptX family support is explicitly confirmed, including aptX Adaptive.
Where tested, video and gaming latency are described positively, with low-latency use called fine or strong.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is the main dividing line: several reviews hear limited punch or body, while others report strong or satisfying bass once fit or tuning is dialed in.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life is usually judged average or mediocre for the price, though some reviews report acceptable day-to-day runtime.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Reviews note Bluetooth 5.4 support and solid wireless basics.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Build quality gets mixed-to-positive feedback, with some reviews calling the buds well-made and others criticizing cheap-looking materials.
Reviews repeatedly confirm hi-res playback support, though they focus on playback capability rather than DAC specifics.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
Squeeze, pinch, and pressure controls are often described as deliberate and more reliable than typical touch inputs.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
Case impressions are mixed, ranging from ugly or cheap-looking to robust and well-made.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is a clear strength thanks to wireless support and quick top-ups.
Codec support is a major strength, with repeated praise for the unusually broad hi-res codec list.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is consistently strong, with several reviewers saying they could wear the earbuds for hours or all day.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is divisive: some reviewers call the earbuds modern or futuristic, while others simply do not like the look.
With the right tip size, reviewers report an excellent seal and secure fit.
Multiple reviews confirm a wide ear-tip selection, typically spanning extra small through extra large.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
The EQ offers real customization, but several reviews say it is limited, technical, or less effective than expected.
One review confirms a find-my feature that makes the earbuds beep when misplaced.
One review says the tuning stays reasonably close to the Harman curve.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Reviews confirm a generous bundle that can include multiple ear tips, a charging cable, manuals, and a pouch or carrying case.
Instrument separation and layering are a standout, with reviewers repeatedly calling the presentation clean and highly detailed.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention a six-mic or three-per-side microphone setup.
LDAC support is repeatedly confirmed across reviews.
Lossless support is explicitly cited through aptX Lossless and related hi-res codec support.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers hear background suppression struggle, while others say it helps keep calls usable outdoors.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality ranges from decent to very good, with clear pickup in good conditions but not universal best-in-class performance.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange performance is generally clear and natural, but one review says vocals can dip back in the mix on some material.
Reviews describe straightforward use across Apple devices and Android, suggesting broad everyday compatibility.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Multipoint support is present and often works well, though some reviews report occasional sluggish or manual switching.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
One review says the earbuds provide decent passive isolation with a proper fit.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
One review calls the case very pocketable and easy to carry.
Presets such as Dynamic or Electrostatic are often useful, with reviewers finding modes that better suit their tastes.
Several reviews note customizable case lighting with multiple color options.
Wear detection and other onboard sensors are present, but wear-detection behavior is not consistently praised.
One review says the matte case finish helps prevent fingerprints.
Setup and pairing are often easy, but one review notes awkward app behavior across devices.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Reviews repeatedly praise the NeoBuds Planar for detailed, high-fidelity sound, though one review found the tuning inconsistent from track to track.
One review explicitly says the presentation has width but lacks depth.
Multiple reviews describe an open, spacious presentation with a large soundstage.
One review explicitly notes that spatial audio is not included.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Fit security is generally good, including for workouts and movement.
Controls are generally usable, but responsiveness and refinement are not universally praised.
Transparency mode is usable and sometimes helpful, but most feedback stops short of calling it natural or fully open-sounding.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble clarity is a recurring strength, with reviewers highlighting clean, precise highs and strong upper-frequency detail.
USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed in multiple reviews.
Value is the main weakness, with frequent pushback on the $299 price even from reviewers who liked the sound.
One review says native voice assistant commands are acted on swiftly.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Volume output is usable but not exceptional, with some reviewers saying the buds are not especially loud.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
Reviews cite IP54 or IP55 protection for sweat, dust, and light weather exposure.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.
One review notes the 5.6g weight keeps them from feeling heavy.