Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Review: Wireless Planar Headphones?

Most wireless headphones sound fine. Very few sound great. The Edifier Stax Spirit S5 wants to be one of the few. It puts a planar magnetic driver into a wireless headphone, and that is rare.

The S5 has big claims. It promises 80 hours of battery life, hi res Bluetooth codecs, and audiophile sound with no cables. It also leaves out active noise cancelling. That choice will win some buyers and lose others.

I looked at the specs, owner feedback, and expert reviews to answer one question. Is the Stax Spirit S5 worth your money? Read on. The answer may surprise you.

In a Nutshell

• Sound is the star. The planar magnetic driver gives clean mids, fast bass, and smooth treble. Many reviewers call it one of the best sounding wireless headphones you can buy right now.
• The battery lasts a very long time. The 1500mAh battery gives up to 80 hours of playback. Most users charge it once or twice a month, not every night.
• Every major codec is here. The S5 supports LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. It runs on the Qualcomm QCC5181 chip with Snapdragon Sound and Bluetooth 5.4.
• There is no ANC. The S5 blocks noise only through its closed back design and earpads. Frequent flyers should think twice before buying.
• You get two earpad sets. Lambskin pads give more bass and a better seal. Cooling mesh pads feel lighter and sound more airy. That gives you two sound profiles in one box.
• The price is premium. The S5 lists at around $499. You pay for sound quality, not for extra features like noise cancelling.

Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Overview

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Edifier is a Chinese audio brand founded in Beijing in 1996. In 2012, it bought Stax, the famous Japanese headphone maker. Stax is known for very expensive electrostatic headphones.

The Stax Spirit S5 carries the Stax name. It is not electrostatic, though. It uses a planar magnetic driver. That means you do not need a special amp or energizer to run it.

The S5 replaces the older Stax Spirit S3. Edifier upgraded the driver, the chip, the codecs, and the materials. The S5 uses the 2nd generation EqualMass wiring on a diaphragm only 2μm thin.

Here are the key specs at a glance:

Spec	Detail
Driver	Planar magnetic, 2μm diaphragm
Chip	Qualcomm QCC5181, Snapdragon Sound
Bluetooth	5.4 with multipoint
Codecs	LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless, Adaptive, HD, AAC, SBC
Frequency Response	10Hz to 40kHz
Battery	1500mAh, up to 80 hours
Wired Options	AUX and USB C
ANC	None
Price	Around $499

The S5 targets one type of buyer. That buyer cares about sound first. It does not chase gimmicks. It puts the budget into the driver, the battery, and the codecs.

This focus makes the S5 different from the Sony and Bose flagships. Those headphones chase silence. The S5 chases fidelity. Let us see if it delivers.

Design and Build Quality

The S5 looks classy but simple. It does not shout for attention. The black finish and clean lines give it a grown up, studio style look.

Edifier used premium materials here. The earcups use top grain cowhide leather. The earpads and headband cushion use genuine lambskin. Both feel soft and expensive in the hand.

The earcups are large. They need to be, because planar drivers take up more space than dynamic drivers. Still, the S5 does not feel bulky for its class.

The weight sits at about 347 grams based on reviewer measurements. That is light for a planar headphone. Many wired planar models weigh far more.

The headband adjusts smoothly. The hinges feel solid with no creaks. Some reviewers call the look a bit utilitarian, and I agree. It looks more like a tool than a fashion piece.

Edifier includes a hard shell carrying case. The case protects the headphones well during travel. You also get both earpad sets, an AUX cable, and a USB C cable.

The build gives a strong sense of quality. Nothing feels cheap or loose. For $499, you expect premium materials, and the S5 delivers them.

One small note: leather needs care. Wipe the pads now and then to keep them fresh. With basic care, the S5 should last for years.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort matters a lot with over ear headphones. You may wear them for hours at a time. The S5 handles long sessions well.

The lambskin pads feel soft and plush. They form a good seal around your ears. This seal helps the bass and blocks outside noise.

The second set of pads uses a breathable cooling mesh. These pads run cooler on warm days. They also feel lighter on the skin during long listening.

The clamping force sits in the middle range. It holds the headphones in place without squeezing too hard. Most people with glasses should find it comfortable, though thick frames can break the seal.

The ear openings are deep and wide. Most ears fit inside without touching the driver area. This helps reduce pressure points over time.

The headband spreads weight across the top of your head. At 347 grams, the S5 feels steady, not heavy. Many owners report wearing it for three or four hours without pain.

Heat can build up with the leather pads. This is common with any leather earpad. Swap to the mesh pads in summer and the problem mostly goes away.

The pads swap off easily. You do not need tools or special skills. This makes it simple to switch between comfort and sound profiles in minutes.

Overall, comfort is a strong point. The S5 feels like a premium headphone you can wear all day.

Top 3 Alternative for Edifier Stax Spirit S5

The S5 is great, but it is not for everyone. Some buyers need ANC. Others want a lower price. Here are three strong alternatives.

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Edifier Stax Spirit S3 is the older brother of the S5. It also uses a planar magnetic driver and lasts about 80 hours on a charge. It supports aptX Adaptive but lacks LDAC.

The S3 often sells for much less than the S5. It makes sense if you want planar sound on a tighter budget. You lose some detail and codec options, but the core sound stays impressive.

Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sony WH1000XM5 is a top choice for noise cancelling. It blocks engine hum and office chatter very well. It also offers smart features and great call quality.

The trade off is sound and battery. The Sony lasts about 30 hours with ANC on. Its sound is fun, but it does not match the S5 for detail and stage.

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The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers a balance of both worlds. It has adaptive ANC and a warm, pleasant sound. Its battery reaches about 60 hours, which is excellent.

The Momentum 4 suits travelers who still care about sound. It sounds less detailed than the S5, but it beats it for flights and noisy commutes.

Pick the S3 to save money. Pick the Sony for silence. Pick the Sennheiser for a middle path.

Planar Magnetic Driver Explained

Most headphones use dynamic drivers. A dynamic driver uses a cone pushed by a voice coil. It works well and costs little to make.

A planar magnetic driver works differently. It uses a very thin, flat diaphragm with wires inside it. Magnets sit on both sides and move the whole diaphragm at once.

This design brings real benefits. The diaphragm moves evenly across its surface. That even motion leads to lower distortion and faster response.

The S5 uses a diaphragm only 2μm thin. Thin means light. Light means the driver can start and stop quickly. You hear this as crisp detail and tight bass.

Edifier also uses its 2nd generation EqualMass wiring. The traces have equal width and run in parallel. This spreads the driving force evenly across the diaphragm.

Edifier calibrates each driver with an automated magnetic process. Every unit is matched to a reference sample. This means your pair should sound like the review pairs.

Planar drivers have downsides too. They need bigger magnets, so they add size and weight. They also use more power, which makes battery design harder.

Edifier solved the power problem with a big 1500mAh battery. That is how the S5 still reaches 80 hours. It is an impressive piece of engineering.

For you, the result is simple. You get sound that feels closer to a wired audiophile headphone, but with no wire.

Sound Quality

This is where the S5 shines. The sound is balanced, clean, and refined. It sounds more like a hi fi headphone than a typical Bluetooth model.

Bass feels fast and controlled. With the lambskin pads, it has good weight and punch. It never sounds boomy or bloated. The bass is accurate, not huge. Bass lovers who want rumble may want to use the EQ.

Mids are the strongest part of the sound. Vocals sound natural and present. Guitars and pianos have real texture. There is no shout in the upper mids, so voices never sound harsh.

Treble extends well and stays smooth. Cymbals shimmer with detail. Reviewers note that it avoids sharp sibilance. You can listen for hours without fatigue.

The pads change the sound in a clear way. Lambskin pads add warmth and more bass. Mesh pads make the sound lighter and more open. Try both before you judge the tuning.

Detail retrieval stands out. Small sounds like breaths and finger slides come through clearly. Some reviewers called it best in class detail for a wireless headphone.

One expert reviewer said the bass is strong but not very deep. I agree that sub bass is good, not extreme. The planar driver is smaller than those in big wired models.

Genres like jazz, classical, acoustic, and vocal pop sound fantastic. Rock and electronic music also sound punchy and clear. The S5 is a true all rounder.

Soundstage and Imaging

Soundstage means how wide and deep music feels. Imaging means how well you can place each sound. The S5 does well in both.

Closed back headphones often sound narrow. The S5 breaks this rule. Its stage feels wide for a closed back design. Music does not feel stuck inside your head.

Imaging is sharp and precise. You can point to where each instrument sits. The singer stays in the center, while guitars and drums spread out around you.

Instrument separation is also strong. Busy tracks stay clean, even with many layers. You can follow the bass line while the vocals and strings play on top.

This skill helps in movies and games too. Footsteps and effects have clear direction. The S5 is not a gaming headset, but it handles casual gaming nicely.

The mesh pads give a slightly more open feel. If stage width matters most to you, try them first. The lambskin pads feel a bit more intimate.

Compared to ANC flagships, the S5 sounds bigger and more natural. Sony and Bose models often feel closed in. The S5 gives music room to breathe.

Open back wired planars still win for true width. The S5 cannot match a full open back design. But for a sealed wireless headphone, it is among the best you can find.

Soundstage is one of the main reasons audiophiles love the S5. It turns casual listening into a real experience.

Codecs and Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth quality depends on codecs. A codec decides how much music data travels from your phone to your headphones. The S5 supports nearly all of them.

The list includes LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Few headphones offer this full set. It is a dream list for hi res fans.

The S5 runs on the Qualcomm QCC5181 chip with Snapdragon Sound. It supports transfer up to 1.2 Mbps and playback at 24 bit/96kHz. That is about as good as Bluetooth gets today.

Your phone decides which codec you get. Many Android phones support LDAC. Some Snapdragon phones support aptX Lossless. iPhones only use AAC, so iPhone users get less benefit from the codec list.

The S5 uses Bluetooth 5.4. The connection feels stable with few dropouts. Range is solid in a normal home or office.

Multipoint lets you pair two devices at once. You can link your laptop and phone together. A call on your phone can interrupt music from your laptop.

You can also go wired. The S5 includes AUX and USB C cables for wired listening. This is great for desktop setups or when the battery runs low.

For Android users, this codec support is a big win. For iPhone users, the sound still impresses, but you will not unlock the full potential.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a highlight of the S5. Edifier rates it for up to 80 hours of playback. That figure comes from lab tests using AAC at 80% volume.

Let me put that in context. Most ANC flagships last 30 hours. The S5 lasts more than twice as long. You might charge it once every few weeks.

The big 1500mAh battery makes this possible. Planar drivers need more power, so Edifier went big. The result is impressive endurance.

Your real battery life will vary. LDAC and high volume drain the battery faster. Still, owners report very long runtime even with hi res codecs.

Fast charging helps on busy days. A quick 10 minute charge gives you many hours of playback, around 10 hours based on reviewer tests. That is enough for a full workday.

The S5 charges through USB C. You can use the same cable as your phone or laptop. This keeps your bag simple.

Long battery life also helps long term. Fewer charge cycles mean less battery wear. Your headphones should hold up well for years.

This battery is perfect for long trips. You can fly across the world and back without charging. You just need to accept the outside noise without ANC.

Battery anxiety simply does not exist with the S5. It is one of the strongest reasons to buy it.

Call Quality and Microphones

The S5 is a music headphone first. Still, it handles calls well. Edifier included dual microphones with noise reduction.

It also supports Qualcomm aptX Voice. This wideband tech improves voice clarity on supported phones. Your voice sounds fuller and more natural to the caller.

In quiet rooms, calls sound clear. People on the other end hear you without trouble. Your voice comes through with good volume and detail.

In noisy places, the results drop a bit. Traffic and wind can sneak into the mic. This is common with most headphones, but premium ANC models do better here.

The lack of ANC also affects your side of the call. You will hear more of the room around you. In a busy café, this can feel distracting.

For work calls at home, the S5 works great. Zoom meetings and phone calls sound clean and steady. Multipoint makes it easy to jump from laptop to phone.

If calls are your main use, a dedicated headset or ANC model may suit you better. The Sony WH1000XM5 has a stronger call system.

For most people, the S5 call quality is good enough for daily use. It will not let you down during normal calls. Just avoid loud streets when you need to talk.

ConneX App and Controls

The S5 pairs with the Edifier ConneX app. The app is free on Android and iOS. It gives you control over sound and settings.

The best feature is the custom EQ. You can boost bass, lift treble, or tune mids. This helps if you want more punch than the stock tuning gives.

The app also includes preset sound modes. You can switch between them quickly. Each preset offers a different flavor for different genres.

You can manage multipoint connections in the app. You can also check the battery level and update firmware. Updates can bring fixes and new features over time.

The app layout is simple and clean. New users will find it easy to use. You do not need to be a tech expert to set it up.

On the headphones, you get physical and touch controls. You can play, pause, skip tracks, and answer calls. Volume control is easy to reach.

Some reviewers found the touch controls a bit inconsistent. A tap does not always register on the first try. It is a small issue, but worth knowing.

The app does not have as many smart features as Sony’s. There is no auto pause sensor praise or ANC tuning to speak of. The focus stays on sound.

Overall, the app is useful and stable. The EQ alone makes it worth installing.

No ANC: Is It a Dealbreaker?

This is the biggest question about the S5. It has no active noise cancelling. At $499, many buyers expect ANC as standard.

Edifier made this choice on purpose. ANC circuits add cost and can color the sound. Edifier put that budget into the driver and battery instead.

The S5 still blocks some noise. The closed back design and lambskin pads give passive isolation. They cut down on mid and high pitched sounds well.

Low sounds are a different story. Engine hum, train rumble, and air conditioners pass through. On a plane, you will hear the cabin noise clearly.

So who should care? Frequent flyers should. People in loud open offices should too. For them, ANC makes a real difference to comfort and focus.

Home listeners do not need ANC much. Neither do people in quiet offices or libraries. For them, the S5 sound quality matters far more.

Passive isolation also has a benefit. You stay aware of your surroundings. This can feel safer on quiet streets or at home with kids.

Think about where you listen most. If it is a quiet place, the S5 is a fantastic choice. If it is a loud commute, consider the alternatives above.

For pure music lovers, missing ANC is a fair trade. For travelers, it may be the deciding factor.

Pros and Cons

Every headphone has strengths and weaknesses. Here is a clear list for the Stax Spirit S5. Use it to decide if the S5 fits your needs.

Pros

• Excellent planar sound. The S5 offers clean detail, smooth treble, and natural mids that beat most wireless rivals.
• Huge 80 hour battery. You can listen for weeks without charging, and fast charging helps on busy days.
• Full hi res codec support. LDAC, LHDC, and aptX Lossless give Android users top Bluetooth quality.
• Two earpad sets included. Lambskin and mesh pads give you two sound profiles and two comfort options.
• Wide soundstage for closed back. Music feels open, with sharp imaging and strong separation.
• Premium materials. Lambskin pads and cowhide earcups feel luxurious and durable.
• Wired listening options. AUX and USB C cables let you listen without Bluetooth.

Cons

• No active noise cancelling. The S5 struggles in planes, trains, and loud offices.
• Premium price. At around $499, it costs as much as top ANC flagships.
• Touch controls can be inconsistent. Some taps may not register the first time.
• Plain design. The look feels more functional than stylish.
• Limited benefit for iPhone users. iPhones only use AAC, so hi res codecs go unused.

The pros clearly focus on sound. The cons focus on features and travel use. Your priorities will decide which list matters more.

Who Should Buy the Edifier Stax Spirit S5

The S5 suits a specific group of listeners. Let me break it down so you can see if you fit.

Audiophiles who want wireless freedom should buy it. If you own wired planars at home, the S5 gives you similar flavor with no cables. It gets you most of the way there without an amp.

Android users benefit the most. Your phone likely supports LDAC or aptX. That lets you hear the full quality of the planar driver.

Home and office listeners will love it. In quiet spaces, the lack of ANC barely matters. You get long, comfortable sessions with great sound.

People who hate charging should take a close look. The 80 hour battery removes daily charging from your routine. It is freeing in a real way.

Now, who should skip it? Frequent flyers should look at the Sony WH1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4. ANC makes long flights far more pleasant.

Bass heads may want more rumble than the S5 gives by default. The EQ helps, but the S5 favors accuracy over boom.

Budget buyers may prefer the Stax Spirit S3. It gives planar sound for less money. You lose some codecs and refinement, but the core sound stays strong.

iPhone users can still enjoy the S5. Just know that AAC limits the top end of what it can do.

Match the S5 to your habits. If sound comes first, it is an easy pick.

Final Verdict

The Edifier Stax Spirit S5 is a bold headphone. It skips ANC and goes all in on sound. That bet pays off for the right listener.

The planar magnetic driver delivers detail and clarity that few wireless headphones can match. Mids sound natural. Treble stays smooth. Bass is fast and controlled.

The 80 hour battery is a standout feature. It outlasts almost every competitor. You will forget where you put the charger.

The codec list is as complete as it gets. LDAC, LHDC, and aptX Lossless make it a top choice for Android users. Snapdragon Sound adds stable, high quality streaming.

The build feels premium with lambskin and cowhide materials. Two earpad sets add real value. You get two tunings in one box.

The weak spots are clear. No ANC limits travel use. The price sits at the premium level. Touch controls can feel fussy at times.

Experts gave it high marks. Reviewers praised its clarity, soundstage, and versatility. Many called it one of the best sounding wireless headphones on the market.

My rating is simple. For sound first buyers, the S5 is a top pick at its price. For travelers who need silence, look at the alternatives.

If you have wanted audiophile sound without cables, the S5 may be the headphone you have been waiting for.

FAQs

Is the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 an electrostatic headphone?

No, it is not. The S5 uses a planar magnetic driver. It carries the Stax name because Edifier owns the Stax brand. You do not need a special energizer or amp to use it.

Does the Stax Spirit S5 have active noise cancelling?

No, it does not have ANC. It uses passive isolation from its closed back design and earpads. This blocks some noise but not low engine hum.

How long does the Stax Spirit S5 battery last?

Edifier rates it for up to 80 hours of playback. This figure comes from AAC at 80% volume. Hi res codecs and high volume will reduce it somewhat.

Can I use the Stax Spirit S5 with a wire?

Yes, you can. Edifier includes both AUX and USB C cables. Wired mode works well for desktop setups or when the battery is low.

Does the Stax Spirit S5 work well with iPhone?

Yes, it works well with iPhone. However, iPhones only support AAC. You will not get the benefit of LDAC or aptX codecs.

What is the difference between the two earpads?

The lambskin pads give a tighter seal, warmer sound, and more bass. The mesh pads feel cooler and sound more open. You can swap them in minutes.

Is the Stax Spirit S5 good for gaming?

It works well for casual gaming. The wide soundstage and sharp imaging help with direction. For competitive gaming, a wired connection gives lower latency.

Is the Stax Spirit S5 better than the Stax Spirit S3?

Yes, the S5 improves on the S3 in many ways. It adds LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless, Bluetooth 5.4, and a refined driver. The S3 still offers good value at a lower price.

Is the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 worth $499?

It is worth it if sound quality is your top priority. It offers top tier detail, long battery life, and full codec support. If you need ANC, other headphones may suit you better.