Edifier W260NC Review - Earbuds that Pack Punches, not Promises

The Edifier W260NC is a pair of wireless earbuds that screams style, performance, and tech-savviness without emptying your wallet. From powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) to a bass so rich you can almost taste it, these buds are here to deliver quality sound wrapped up in an affordable package. But are they really worth the £79.99? Let's find out.

Design and Comfort - Sleek, But Do They Fit Right?

Edifier certainly didn't cut corners when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the W260NC. The earbuds boast a stylish leather-textured charging case that not only looks classy but is practical in offering grip. Its navy blue or ivory white options make a refreshing change from the ubiquitous black or white models offered by other brands.

The earbuds themselves are sleek and ergonomically designed, making them comfortable for most users. Edifier includes three different sizes of ear tips (S, M, L), helping to find that snug fit. However, some users have reported issues with long-term comfort, particularly those with smaller ears. The good news is, swapping ear tips can resolve much of the discomfort, but it might not be the perfect solution for everyone.

Sound Quality - The Bass Lover's Dream

Now, let's talk about what really matters – sound. The Edifier W260NC earbuds come with dual dynamic drivers – a 10mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. The result is a wider frequency response that gives you a balanced sound profile. The bass is where these earbuds truly shine. It's deep, rich, and rounded, making it a treat for bass lovers. Vocals are clear, mids are crisp, and the highs don't screech. Whether you're listening to pop, RnB, or classical, these earbuds can handle it all.

What sets these apart from budget competitors is the Hi-Res Audio wireless certification and LDAC support. If you’re into lossless audio streaming, these earbuds will keep your music sounding just as it was intended, without signal degradation. The audio experience is immersive, making you forget you're even wearing wireless earbuds.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Peace and Quiet at -45dB

Edifier claims the W260NC offers noise cancellation up to -45dB. That sounds impressive, and in real-world use, it mostly lives up to this promise. Whether you're on a crowded train or working in a noisy café, the ANC helps eliminate background chatter, allowing you to focus on your music or podcast.

There’s also a wind noise reduction feature, which is quite handy for outdoor use, though it doesn’t fully eliminate wind sounds. Still, it's good enough for your daily commute or brisk walks in blustery weather. In addition to ANC, the ambient sound mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, which is a nice touch for safety when you're out and about.

Bluetooth and Multipoint Connectivity - Modern Convenience

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, the Edifier W260NC ensures a stable and quick connection, whether you're pairing with your phone, laptop, or even a smartwatch. The multipoint connectivity is a game changer. You can seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop without having to go through the trouble of reconnecting each time.

This feature is particularly useful for those who work on their laptops but need to take calls on their phones. It allows you to jump between devices effortlessly, making these earbuds a solid choice for multitaskers.

Call Quality - A Solid Performer with 6 Microphones

Edifier packed in six microphones paired with an AI algorithm to ensure your voice is transmitted clearly. Whether you’re taking a business call or catching up with friends, the call quality is crisp and clear on both ends. Background noise is filtered out efficiently, making this a solid option for those who frequently take calls in noisy environments.

While the call quality holds up well for most users, those in extremely noisy locations may still experience some interference, but for general use, these are more than adequate.

Battery Life - Good, but Not the Best

The Edifier W260NC earbuds promise a total of 32 hours of battery life when combined with the charging case. With ANC turned on, you’ll get around 7 hours from a single charge, which drops to about 4.5 hours if you’re continuously streaming Hi-Res audio with LDAC enabled.

For casual use, the battery life should get you through a day’s worth of music, podcasts, or calls, but heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger more often than they’d like. Thankfully, the charging case is compact enough to carry around, so topping up on the go is easy.

One downside, however, is that there’s no wireless charging support. In a world where wireless everything is becoming the norm, it feels like a missed opportunity. But at this price point, it's an omission we can live with.

Durability and Waterproofing - Ready for Rain or Sweat

With an IP54 rating, these earbuds are protected from dust and water splashes, making them ideal for gym use or running in light rain. They won’t survive a deep dive into the pool, but they can certainly handle the sweat from your workout or a surprise drizzle on your way to the office.

App Support - A Must for Full Functionality

The Edifier Connect app adds a layer of customisation to the earbuds, allowing you to tweak equaliser settings, toggle between ANC and ambient sound modes, and adjust touch control sensitivity. The app is functional but can be a bit slow to connect at times. The touch controls on the earbuds themselves are a bit hit-and-miss as well, often requiring multiple taps to register commands. Increasing the sensitivity in the app helps somewhat, but it’s not always perfect.

Verdict - Excellent Value for the Price, but with a Few Caveats

At £79.99, the Edifier W260NC earbuds offer excellent value for money. The sound quality is fantastic, especially if you're a fan of bass-heavy music, and the ANC is highly effective for most environments. The sleek design and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity add to their appeal, making these earbuds a solid choice for commuters, office workers, and gym-goers alike.

However, they aren't without their drawbacks. Some users may struggle with fit over extended periods, and the touch controls can be frustrating. The battery life is decent, but not the best in this price range, especially with ANC and Hi-Res audio enabled.

Ultimately, if you’re after high-quality audio, stylish design, and effective noise cancellation on a budget, the Edifier W260NC is a great option. Just be prepared to fiddle with the fit and touch controls to get the most out of these otherwise stellar earbuds.

Rating: 8.5/10