Compare Edifier NeoBuds Planar Earbuds vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

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.

Only one review mentioned Android use directly, but it treated headphone-jack phone compatibility as a legitimate plus.

The ConneX app is widely described as useful and feature-rich, even if not every reviewer liked its look or behavior.

Only one review discussed the companion software directly, framing Sonar as the main app-based value add on PC.

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 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.

Bass is the most divisive tuning choice: some reviews praise its punch, weight, or accuracy, while others say it is restrained, dull, bloated, or overpowering in games.

Battery life is usually judged average or mediocre for the price, though some reviews report acceptable day-to-day runtime.

Reviews note Bluetooth 5.4 support and solid wireless basics.

Build quality gets mixed-to-positive feedback, with some reviews calling the buds well-made and others criticizing cheap-looking materials.

Build impressions are mostly positive for a plastic budget headset, though a few comments question the mic boom or premium feel.

Reviews repeatedly confirm hi-res playback support, though they focus on playback capability rather than DAC specifics.

Squeeze, pinch, and pressure controls are often described as deliberate and more reliable than typical touch inputs.

The headset's basic controls are easy to understand and convenient in many reviews, but feedback around mute status is not always clear.

Only one review discussed the cable directly, calling it good quality but a bit short.

Case impressions are mixed, ranging from ugly or cheap-looking to robust and well-made.

Charging is a clear strength thanks to wireless support and quick top-ups.

Clamp comfort is mixed: some users tolerate it fine, while others call the pressure strong, excessive, or tiring over longer sessions.

Codec support is a major strength, with repeated praise for the unusually broad hi-res codec list.

Comfort is consistently strong, with several reviewers saying they could wear the earbuds for hours or all day.

Comfort is a major selling point across the review set thanks to the low weight, strap, and soft pads, though clamp, warmth, or fit can still become issues for some users.

The 3.5mm analog design is widely praised for working across many devices without much setup.

The 3.5mm design works broadly, but reviews repeatedly note tradeoffs such as adapter needs, Windows-centric software advantages, or the lack of USB convenience.

Design is divisive: some reviewers call the earbuds modern or futuristic, while others simply do not like the look.

The design is usually described as sleek, simple, or understated, with several reviews liking its minimal look.

The detachable 3.5mm cable is repeatedly treated as a practical convenience for travel, replacement, and broad device use.

The ear pads are often praised for softness, room, or memory foam comfort, but a few reviews complain about warmth or lower-quality cloth feel.

Swivel and lay-flat earcup movement is repeatedly mentioned as useful for fit, neck rest, and storage.

The few reviews that mention pad swaps describe replacement as straightforward and user-friendly.

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.

The EQ offers real customization, but several reviews say it is limited, technical, or less effective than expected.

EQ customization is a clear strength on PC, with multiple reviews praising the breadth and usefulness of SteelSeries' tuning options.

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.

Across reviews, the tuning is often described as balanced or reasonably well judged for the price, even if not perfectly refined.

Only one review mentioned game/chat balancing directly, and it framed ChatMix as part of the optional PC software feature set.

The adjustable strap and fit system are generally seen as easy to dial in and helpful for distributing weight.

The hinge and fork layout are viewed positively where discussed, especially compared with designs that seem more failure-prone.

Reviews confirm a generous bundle that can include multiple ear tips, a charging cable, manuals, and a pouch or carrying case.

Included cables and the PC splitter are viewed as useful extras rather than throw-in filler.

Instrument separation and layering are a standout, with reviewers repeatedly calling the presentation clean and highly detailed.

Detail separation is serviceable rather than elite, with reviews noting limits in sound separation or muddy layering versus better headsets.

Multiple reviews explicitly mention a six-mic or three-per-side microphone setup.

The retractable integrated mic is repeatedly treated as practical because it stays out of the way when not needed while remaining easy to deploy.

LDAC support is repeatedly confirmed across reviews.

Lossless support is explicitly cited through aptX Lossless and related hi-res codec support.

At higher volumes, clarity can soften, with reports of crackling or treble strain rather than clean headroom.

The mic itself is usually rated anywhere from good to very good for the class, though not every reviewer is impressed by raw capture quality.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers hear background suppression struggle, while others say it helps keep calls usable outdoors.

Mic noise handling is usually helpful and sometimes strong, but several reviews still note hiss, remaining background sound, or only average isolation.

Call quality ranges from decent to very good, with clear pickup in good conditions but not universal best-in-class performance.

Call and chat quality is usually described as clear and intelligible, with only a few reviews calling the mic merely middling.

Midrange performance is generally clear and natural, but one review says vocals can dip back in the mix on some material.

When mids are discussed directly, reviewers usually describe them as clean or good, though not especially airy or nuanced.

Reviews describe straightforward use across Apple devices and Android, suggesting broad everyday compatibility.

Multi-platform support is one of the clearest consensus strengths, with repeated praise for easy use across PC, consoles, and other 3.5mm devices.

Multipoint support is present and often works well, though some reviews report occasional sluggish or manual switching.

One review says the earbuds provide decent passive isolation with a proper fit.

Passive isolation is consistently described as modest, with outside noise still getting through more than some users may want.

One review calls the case very pocketable and easy to carry.

Its light frame and lay-flat behavior make it easy to carry, even if it is not a truly compact folding headset.

Positional performance is mixed: some reviews say cues are easy to place, while others say separation and directional precision fall short for competitive play.

Presets such as Dynamic or Electrostatic are often useful, with reviewers finding modes that better suit their tastes.

Where presets are mentioned, reviewers describe them as meaningful upgrades that improve playback or give useful game-specific options.

Only one review explicitly mentioned replaceable pads, but it described them as a welcome durability and serviceability perk.

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.

Only one review mentioned fingerprints directly and said the black model resisted them reasonably well.

Setup and pairing are often easy, but one review notes awkward app behavior across devices.

Setup is repeatedly described as easy, with plug-and-play use out of the box and optional software rather than required software.

Reviews repeatedly praise the NeoBuds Planar for detailed, high-fidelity sound, though one review found the tuning inconsistent from track to track.

Reviews generally describe the overall sound as solid, balanced, and better than expected for the price, though some still call it compressed, flat, or merely decent rather than standout.

One review explicitly says the presentation has width but lacks depth.

Multiple reviews describe an open, spacious presentation with a large soundstage.

Soundstage is described as fairly intimate or not especially wide, though not so cramped that games feel closed in.

One review explicitly notes that spatial audio is not included.

Spatial and surround effects are one of the stronger gaming positives, especially on PS5 or with PC software, though not every review finds it equally impressive.

Fit security is generally good, including for workouts and movement.

Only one review addressed stability directly and found the fit secure enough to avoid slipping without becoming overly loose.

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 clarity is a recurring strength, with reviewers highlighting clean, precise highs and strong upper-frequency detail.

Treble is usually described as clear enough and not abrasive, but it is not presented as a major strength.

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.

Value is one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviews calling the Nova 1 easy to recommend for the money despite clear compromises.

One review says native voice assistant commands are acted on swiftly.

Volume output is usable but not exceptional, with some reviewers saying the buds are not especially loud.

Loudness impressions are mixed: one review calls it very loud, while another says it is one of the quieter options even though it still reaches usable volume.

Reviews cite IP54 or IP55 protection for sweat, dust, and light weather exposure.

One review notes the 5.6g weight keeps them from feeling heavy.

Low weight is one of the most consistently praised traits, with multiple reviews highlighting how light and easy to wear the headset feels.

Xbox support is described positively anywhere the 3.5mm multi-platform compatibility is discussed directly.