Edifier W820NB Plus Wireless Headphones review hybrid ANC and LDAC codec tested

Description

High-Performance HEADPHONES That Go Beyond Expectations

I’ve been testing the Edifier W820NB Plus Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, and I’ll admit, they’re a solid piece of tech. From HI-RES AUDIO to LONG BATTERY LIFE, these headphones bring a lot to the table for everyday use, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite show, gaming late into the night, or zoning out during your commute. There are some quirks, but let’s break it down.

Design and Comfort

The first thing I noticed was the design. The FAUX LEATHER MATERIAL used for the earcups feels premium yet lightweight, weighing only 7.8 OUNCES. This is a lifesaver if you tend to wear headphones for hours. The ZERO PRESSURE PATENTED EARCUPS really lived up to the hype. I wear glasses, and most over-ear headphones start pinching after a while, but these? No discomfort whatsoever, even during longer sessions.

The MEMORY FOAM CUSHIONS are soft and mold to your ears, making these headphones feel almost custom-fit. The ivory color is sleek, though it’s prone to smudges if you’re not careful. The FOLDABLE DESIGN makes them easy to stow in a bag, though I wish they came with a carrying case.

Audio Quality: A Treat for Audiophiles

Let’s talk about sound. These headphones boast a 40MM MANTLE-PLATED COMPOSITE DIAPHRAGM, and the audio quality doesn’t disappoint. I tested the LDAC CODEC, and the difference is noticeable if you’re picky about music. The level of detail is impressive, from the crisp highs to the deep, punchy bass. Comparing transfer speeds, LDAC (990KBPS) beats out QUALCOMM APTX HD and AAC, delivering cleaner audio streams.

I played everything from bass-heavy tracks to acoustic favorites, and the clarity was consistent. The HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION handled ambient noise like a pro. On a noisy train, the -43DB NOISE REDUCTION turned the chaos into a peaceful bubble of sound.

Battery Life and Charging Convenience

Battery life is where these headphones shine. With 49 HOURS OF PLAYBACK on one charge, I didn’t feel the need to constantly plug them in. A quick 10-MINUTE FAST CHARGE delivered 7 HOURS OF USE, which is perfect for those moments when you forget to juice up before heading out.

The TYPE-C CHARGING CABLE included in the box is handy but feels a bit short. While charging, I wished the cable was slightly longer for better maneuverability, especially since I tend to use them while they’re charging.

Control and Customization

The MEDIA CONTROL BUTTONS are intuitive, and pairing via BLUETOOTH 5.2 was seamless. I used them with my phone, laptop, and even a tablet, and switching between devices was smooth. The APP CONTROL offers some customization options, though not as robust as I’d hoped.

What stood out was the 7 LEVELS OF AMBIENT SOUND CONTROL. It’s a neat feature if you want to stay aware of your surroundings. I found it especially useful at the airport, where I could still catch announcements without taking the headphones off.

Pros

Here are some KEY BENEFITS that stood out:

• EXCEPTIONAL SOUND QUALITY with LDAC SUPPORT for high-res audio.
• IMPRESSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION for commuting, traveling, and focused work.
• COMFORTABLE DESIGN with ZERO PRESSURE MEMORY FOAM EARCUPS.
• LONG BATTERY LIFE with quick-charging convenience.

Shortcomings

That said, there are a few CAVEATS to consider:

• APP FUNCTIONALITY could use more features for customization.
• No CARRYING CASE included, which would’ve been a nice touch.
• IVORY COLOR is sleek but prone to smudging over time.

Competing Brands

When comparing to BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45 or SONY WH-1000XM5, the Edifier W820NB Plus holds its own in many aspects. The HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION is comparable, though the Sony model has slightly better adaptive noise control. However, the Edifier’s AFFORDABLE PRICE POINT makes it a strong contender, especially for casual users who don’t need top-tier ANC technology.

In terms of sound quality, the LDAC SUPPORT gives it a slight edge over the Bose model, which lacks the same high-res capabilities. Comfort-wise, I’d say Edifier wins—those patented earcups are genuinely a game-changer for long wear.

Cost Efficiency

If you’re on a budget but still want HIGH-END FEATURES, these headphones deliver GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE. While they don’t have every bell and whistle, the QUALITY FOR THE PRICE is undeniable. With HI-RES AUDIO, NOISE CANCELLATION, and 49-HOUR BATTERY LIFE, it feels like you’re getting more than what you paid for.

These headphones aren’t perfect, but they balance cost and performance exceptionally well. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for comfort, excellent sound quality, and reliable noise cancellation.

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