After having spent a month with the Edifier W820NB Plus Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, I am prepared to offer a comprehensive review of my personal experience with the product. Let's delve into the highlights and lowlights of this headphone.
From an audio quality perspective, these headphones truly hit a home run. Equipped with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification, along with a 40mm dynamic driver, they deliver a satisfyingly immersive listening experience. However, the volume could have been slightly louder for my liking. The heavy bass might be a tad too much for some but for me, it was a welcome feature and added a pleasing depth to the music.
The standout feature of the Edifier W820NB Plus, undoubtedly, is the Advanced Noise Cancelling Technology. The Hybrid ANC technology, paired with an enclosed design, effectively filtered out ambient noise. For day-to-day use, whether it be commuting or working in a busy office environment, this feature was a game changer. Ambient noises like loud air conditioning, busy traffic, or workplace chatter were significantly softened, if not altogether silenced. However, the headphones fell short during outdoor use in windy conditions, where the wind noise seemed amplified, drowning out my music.
While the headphones boast of a 49-hour playback time, and I was pleased to find that the claim held true. A full week of using them for 2 hours during gym sessions, plus a few long journeys, and I still didn't need to reach for the charger. The fast charge feature was equally impressive. A quick 10-minute charge was sufficient for 7 hours of non-stop use.
On the other hand, the lack of a 3.5mm port was a letdown. Moreover, it did not switch devices automatically. So, if I was listening to something on my Mac and a call came in on my iPhone, I had to manually switch the connection, which could be a bit bothersome. I also found out it could connect to a smart TV, adding another feather to its versatility.
When it comes to comfort, the super soft headband and ear pads did make for comfortable extended use. But, using them during my gym workouts, I found the leather ear pads to get uncomfortably sticky. The size adjustment was also too loose, easily sliding wider when picked up from the top, which was an annoying inconvenience. Sound leakage at full volume was another downside I noticed. If you value privacy in your listening habits, this might be a deterrent.
While the headphones themselves don't fold, and there was no case included in the package, I was able to find a case online to keep them protected. This added an extra cost, though.
In conclusion, the Edifier W820NB Plus are competent headphones, particularly appealing to those who value immersive sound quality and impressive noise cancellation. But they aren't without their flaws. From minor annoyances such as lack of auto-switching between devices and sound leakage at high volume, to more significant ones like the absence of a 3.5mm port and lack of a carry case, there are areas of improvement.
Despite these shortcomings, the W820NB Plus delivers excellent value for the price. It is a product that manages to strike a balance between advanced features, impressive battery life, and good sound quality. For those reasons, I would give the Edifier W820NB Plus Headphones a solid 7.5 out of 10. They aren't perfect, but they do a commendable job in delivering a quality audio experience, packaged in a comfortable, sleek design.
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This article was originally published on 10 Jun 2023. Product specifications, prices and availability may have changed. We sometimes receive review products and may earn commission through affiliate links. We are not obliged to publish a positive review. How we review and disclose partnerships.
Reader comments
H
Hi, Great review from a user perspective. I haven't tested myself but read somewhere that even though there's no 3.5mm port you can connect with USB and hear the audio this way. Can you try to connect to a laptop or mobile phone to test and update your review if that's the case? Thanks.
JabbaReview
Thanks for your keen observation and for adding another layer of intrigue to these headphones! While the absence of a 3.5mm port may seem like a one-note disappointment, your tip strikes a chord. I'll certainly dance to the beat of your suggestion and connect the headphones via USB to see if they can still make beautiful music with a laptop or mobile phone. Stay tuned for an encore to this review with the results. Your comment hit just the right note - thanks for keeping me on my toes!