Some time ago I discovered the company Edifier, which has been managing to produce audio equipment with characteristics that far exceed its price for several years now. Before that, I used TWS solutions, but now I decided to enter the full-size headphone segment by choosing the Edifier W820NB for this. And the manufacturer did not disappoint me: the model boasts a comfortable fit and two types of connection, active noise reduction and transparency, excellent sound and high-quality microphones, high autonomy and game mode. But the main thing is that all this is offered at a very “delicious” price. However, it was not without nuances at all, but let’s talk about everything in order.

Specifications

• Form Factor: Full-size on-ear wireless
• Materials: matte plastic, eco-leather
• Drivers: closed dynamic, 40 mm, 32 ohms, 91 dB, 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Total number of microphones: 3, DNN system
• Management: mechanical
• Interfaces: Bluetooth0, USB Type-C (sound transmission and charging)
• Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Latency: 220ms / 80ms
• App: Edifier Connect
• Waterproof: no
• Noise isolation: ANC, transparent mode
• Extras: game mode, Hi-Res Audio
• Battery life: 60 h (45 h with ANC)
• Weight: 230 g
• Price: Check current

Equipment

If Edifier saved on anything, it’s on the packaging. The headphones come in an unremarkable silver box that lists their top features, including Hi-Res Audio support. Inside, everything is completely sad: headphones on a plastic substrate, a Type-A to Type-C cable and a manual for a couple of pages. But I really wanted to see at least a carrying case here so as not to throw the headphones into a backpack, where they can be easily damaged. I chose black for myself, but gray and white models are also available for sale. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty for the headset.

Construction and design

Edifier W820NB is made in the form factor of full-size on-ear headphones: oval cups, connected by a sliding headband, can rotate in two planes and completely cover the ear, the wires are not visible. No backlighting or screaming inscriptions: only small golden logos on the outside of the temple and R/L markings on the inside. The headset looks expensive, solid and not bulky.

A rather practical matte plastic was chosen as the material, although over time the coating will still wear out. It is also used in mechanisms, but there is no feeling of any fragility, but this made it possible to reduce the weight of the headset to 230 grams. The assembly is of high quality: there are no backlashes and squeaks, small rubber pads are provided in the places where the elements collide. The manufacturer does not declare the presence of moisture protection, but after a couple of hits in the rain, I did not notice any changes with the headphones.

Volumetric oval-shaped ear cushions are covered with delicate eco-leather, and the soft filler, having a memory effect, follows all the curves. The pillow on the headband is made according to the same scheme. The speakers themselves are covered with a thin cloth.

Most of the functional elements are distributed along the rim of the left cup. At the back are a triple playback control key, a mode switch button and an LED indicator between them. The latter is quite informative: it flashes blue if there is no sound signal, alternates blue with green while in pairing mode, lights up green when the headphones are connected to something with a cable and turns red when the charge is running out. There is a USB Type-C port on the bottom, and a microphone on the front.

On the outer panel and the upper end of both cups, you can find holes covered with a mesh. Some of them serve to release excess pressure, while others hide additional microphones responsible for noise reduction. But the audio jack could not be found, so you can only connect the headphones via a wire using the Type-C port.

Edifier W820NB have a very comfortable fit. Due to the presence of several degrees of freedom, the headphones easily adapt to the shape and size of the head. The already small weight is evenly distributed due to the high-quality material of the ear pads and headband. There is no feeling of squeezing, but at the same time, the headphones do not fly off even while running and playing sports. The ears don’t hurt, and they don’t sweat too much. You can easily walk half a day in the headset without experiencing any discomfort.

Control

The controls are located quite conveniently, easily groping with the fingers of the right hand, thanks to special protrusions on the keys. However, the pause button would be better done separately, since miss clicks do happen from time to time. The keys are pressed quite softly with a characteristic click, each has several functions. Touching “+” and “-” adjusts the volume, and holding switches tracks. The key between them by holding turns on / off the headset, pauses and accepts / ends the call with one click, activates the voice assistant and rejects the call double.

A single-click mode button toggles between active noise reduction and transparency mode, and disables additional effects. Double-tapping activates game mode, and holding puts the headphones into pairing mode. All the necessary functions are supported here, and you quickly get used to the control scheme. Next to all buttons there are explanatory icons, and commands are accompanied by tone signals and voice comments in English. The headset has no pickup sensors.

Connection and application

The earbuds are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, using the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol for connection. For the first pairing, you must first put the Edifier W820NB into the appropriate mode. In the future, the connection will occur automatically. The connection is stable, without breaks and stuttering, and the range is about 15 meters. Unfortunately, there is no multipoint support here.

The signal delay in normal mode is 220 ms, in game mode it is 80 ms, which is enough for comfortable watching movies and gaming. At the same time, there are no negative effects such as a deterioration in sound or a decrease in autonomy, so I see no reason to turn off this mode at all. The headset works not only with the basic SBC codec, but also with the more advanced AAC.

As already mentioned, the Edifier W820NB supports the Hi-Res Audio protocol, but in order to use it, you need to connect to the USB port of a sound-producing device. Moreover, it can be both Type-A and Type-C. But the cable included in the kit disappointed me: it is only suitable for connecting to a PC, and any user probably has one now, besides, its length of 1.1 m is clearly not enough for these purposes. A Type-C to Type-C wire would look much better so that you can listen to music from a smartphone.

This model supports work with the Edifier Connect application. There you can see the battery charge and switch operating modes, adjust the sound volume and set the transparency function, update the firmware and read the manual. They do not allow you to configure the controls, but it is possible to control the playback of music or videos directly from the utility. After installing the program, a widget and a panel pinned to the lock screen also become available, which also allow you to estimate the remaining charge and switch headphone modes.

sound

The Edifier W820NB boasts 40mm dynamic drivers with a titanium diaphragm. Their resistance is 32 ohms, sensitivity is 91 dB, and the operating range is extended to 40 kHz (with a wired connection). It will be difficult for headphones to compete with top manufacturers in terms of sound, but for its price the sound is excellent: balanced, clear, detailed and with a wide acoustic stage. The speakers handle complex compositions without turning them into mush.

The lower frequencies sound interesting and dynamic, but they still lack depth and power. There is a positive point in this – the basses do not overlap other parts of the frequency response. The vocals are clean, and on a high-quality recording, it’s easy to highlight the work of each instrument, although I lacked a bit of volume. The upper frequencies are not cut much, nicely complementing the compositions. When connected by wire, it becomes possible to catch even some overtones.

The Edifier W820NB is well suited for listening to popular and electronic music, copes relatively well with the classics, but lovers of heavy compositions may not have enough bass. In games, both rustles and explosions are perfectly worked out, and the positioning of enemies is determined with high accuracy. The volume reserve is good – usually 40-50% of the maximum is enough.

Due to the tight fit of the ear pads, the headphones provide good passive noise isolation, but for those who want to be alone with the music even on the subway, there is active noise cancellation. The effect is very strong: the surrounding world is literally turned off, and only some high-pitched or especially loud sounds can penetrate the ears from the outside. In exchange, we get the effect of stuffed ears and a quiet background hiss. When you turn on the headphones, ANC for some reason is always activated. There is also a transparency mode that allows you to communicate without removing your headphones – very convenient when you need to exchange a couple of phrases. Also, the function can be useful for joggers and cyclists or scooters, so as not to get hit by a car.

Manufacturers of inexpensive headphones often skimp on the quality of microphones, but in my opinion, the ability to communicate freely without removing the headset is very important. Luckily, Edifier didn’t stint and equipped the W820NB with three good microphones with an AI-based sound enhancement (DNN) system. The interlocutor will invariably hear well, wherever you are: at home, in a store or on a busy street. During a call, the transparency mode is activated, which makes communication more natural.

autonomy

Good wireless headphones simply have to work for a long time, and Edifier W820NB is another confirmation of this. Despite the light weight, at a comfortable volume of 50% and without ANC, it took me more than 60 hours to discharge them to zero. With the active noise reduction function, the life of the headphones is reduced to 45 hours, which is also not bad. Thus, with not too active use, they will have to be charged once a month. Unfortunately, when disconnecting from a smartphone, the headphones will have to be turned off manually – this does not happen automatically. It takes about 1.5 hours to recharge a 400 mAh battery.

Conclusion

Edifier has proven once again that good headphones don’t have to be expensive. Good sound, comfort in use, modern technology and amazing autonomy are embodied in the Edifier W820NB. Effective noise reduction, transparency function, game mode, good voice transmission and the ability to connect via USB cable for even better sound only add to the pluses of the model. Of course, if you wish, you can find fault with the lack of a case, a Type-C to Type-C cable, a multipoint function, removal and automatic shutdown sensors, but remembering the cost of the device is less than 5,000 rubles, all questions immediately disappear. Edifier W820NB is a top value for money.