ANC is widely described as effective or better than expected, though most reviewers stop short of calling it class-leading.
ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.
Android setup is straightforward, with Android recognition and Fast Pair both mentioned.
The ConneX app is widely described as useful and feature-rich, even if not every reviewer liked its look or behavior.
The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.
aptX family support is explicitly confirmed, including aptX Adaptive.
aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.
Where tested, video and gaming latency are described positively, with low-latency use called fine or strong.
Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.
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 commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.
Battery life is usually judged average or mediocre for the price, though some reviews report acceptable day-to-day runtime.
Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.
Reviews note Bluetooth 5.4 support and solid wireless basics.
Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.
Build quality gets mixed-to-positive feedback, with some reviews calling the buds well-made and others criticizing cheap-looking materials.
Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.
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.
Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.
Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.
Case impressions are mixed, ranging from ugly or cheap-looking to robust and well-made.
The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.
Charging is a clear strength thanks to wireless support and quick top-ups.
Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.
Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.
Codec support is a major strength, with repeated praise for the unusually broad hi-res codec list.
Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.
Comfort is consistently strong, with several reviewers saying they could wear the earbuds for hours or all day.
Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.
Design is divisive: some reviewers call the earbuds modern or futuristic, while others simply do not like the look.
Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.
Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.
Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.
Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.
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 control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.
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.
Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.
Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.
Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.
Reviews confirm a generous bundle that can include multiple ear tips, a charging cable, manuals, and a pouch or carrying case.
Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.
Instrument separation and layering are a standout, with reviewers repeatedly calling the presentation clean and highly detailed.
Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.
Multiple reviews explicitly mention a six-mic or three-per-side microphone setup.
LDAC support is repeatedly confirmed across reviews.
Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.
Lossless support is explicitly cited through aptX Lossless and related hi-res codec support.
At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.
Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers hear background suppression struggle, while others say it helps keep calls usable outdoors.
Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.
Call quality ranges from decent to very good, with clear pickup in good conditions but not universal best-in-class performance.
Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.
Midrange performance is generally clear and natural, but one review says vocals can dip back in the mix on some material.
Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.
Reviews describe straightforward use across Apple devices and Android, suggesting broad everyday compatibility.
Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.
Multipoint support is present and often works well, though some reviews report occasional sluggish or manual switching.
Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.
One review says the earbuds provide decent passive isolation with a proper fit.
Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.
One review calls the case very pocketable and easy to carry.
Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.
Presets such as Dynamic or Electrostatic are often useful, with reviewers finding modes that better suit their tastes.
Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.
Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.
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.
Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.
Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.
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.
Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.
Reviews repeatedly praise the NeoBuds Planar for detailed, high-fidelity sound, though one review found the tuning inconsistent from track to track.
Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.
One review explicitly says the presentation has width but lacks depth.
Multiple reviews describe an open, spacious presentation with a large soundstage.
Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.
One review explicitly notes that spatial audio is not included.
Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.
Fit security is generally good, including for workouts and movement.
Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.
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.
Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.
Treble clarity is a recurring strength, with reviewers highlighting clean, precise highs and strong upper-frequency detail.
Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.
USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed in multiple reviews.
USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.
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.
Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.
Volume output is usable but not exceptional, with some reviewers saying the buds are not especially loud.
Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.
Reviews cite IP54 or IP55 protection for sweat, dust, and light weather exposure.
At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.
One review notes the 5.6g weight keeps them from feeling heavy.
Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.
