The Edifier W830NB headphones are a well-regarded offering in the mid-range segment, known for delivering a solid combination of sound quality, comfort, and active noise cancellation (ANC). Designed for music enthusiasts and daily commuters, these headphones promise a compelling package at an affordable price point. In this review, we'll explore the design, build quality, sound performance, ANC capabilities, battery life, and value for money to provide a balanced perspective on the Edifier W830NB headphones.
Design and Build Quality
The Edifier W830NB headphones feature a sleek and minimalist design with a matte finish that looks both stylish and modern. The build quality is surprisingly robust for a pair of headphones in this price range. The ear cups are made of durable plastic, while the headband is reinforced with a metal frame, ensuring longevity and flexibility. The headphones are lightweight, weighing approximately 260 grams, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The ear pads are made from soft, protein leather material that provides a comfortable fit and good seal around the ears, which is crucial for effective passive noise isolation. However, the synthetic leather can cause some discomfort during long listening sessions, particularly in warmer environments, as it doesn't allow much airflow.
The controls on the headphones are straightforward and easy to use, with physical buttons for volume control, playback, and ANC activation. Some users might prefer touch-sensitive controls, but the tactile feedback of physical buttons reduces accidental touches and provides a more reliable user experience.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the strongest points of the Edifier W830NB headphones. Equipped with large 40mm dynamic drivers, they deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile. The bass response is prominent but not overpowering, providing a satisfying punch without muddying the midrange. This makes them suitable for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic music, as well as more balanced genres like rock, pop, and classical.
The mids are clear and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to shine without being overshadowed by the bass. This balanced tuning is ideal for listeners who prefer a natural sound signature. The treble is crisp and extends well without sounding harsh or sibilant, providing good clarity and detail. However, some audiophiles might find the highs to be slightly recessed, lacking a bit of sparkle.
Overall, the Edifier W830NB offers a pleasing and versatile sound profile that caters to a wide range of music genres. While they may not provide the audiophile-grade sound quality of more expensive models, they deliver excellent performance for the price.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ANC feature on the Edifier W830NB is quite effective, especially considering its price point. The headphones use a hybrid ANC system that combines feedforward and feedback microphones to cancel out ambient noise. While they won't compete with premium ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45, they do a commendable job of reducing low-frequency sounds such as engine noise and air conditioning hums.
However, the ANC performance struggles with higher-frequency noises like human voices and sudden sharp sounds, which is common in most ANC headphones in this price range. Still, for most day-to-day environments, such as commuting, working in an office, or relaxing at home, the ANC feature provides a noticeable improvement in listening comfort.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Edifier W830NB excels. With ANC off, the headphones can last up to an impressive 49 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a week of regular use. Even with ANC turned on, the battery life is still a respectable 29 hours. This longevity makes them an excellent choice for travelers and those who don't want to worry about frequent recharging.
The headphones charge via a USB-C port, which is a welcome upgrade over the outdated Micro-USB found in many budget and mid-range headphones. A full charge takes around four hours, which is relatively standard for headphones with such a large battery capacity.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial factor for over-ear headphones, and the Edifier W830NB fares well in this regard. The adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups provide a customizable fit, and the lightweight design prevents them from feeling too heavy during long listening sessions. However, as mentioned earlier, the synthetic leather ear pads can become a bit warm and uncomfortable after extended use, especially in hot climates.
Value for Money
The Edifier W830NB headphones offer excellent value for money. They strike a good balance between sound quality, ANC performance, and battery life, making them a strong contender in the mid-range headphone market. While they may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end models, such as advanced noise-cancellation algorithms or high-resolution audio support, they deliver solid performance for their price.
Conclusion
The Edifier W830NB headphones are a well-rounded choice for anyone looking for an affordable pair of over-ear headphones with decent sound quality, effective ANC, and exceptional battery life. While they may have some minor shortcomings, such as slightly recessed treble and synthetic leather ear pads that can get warm, these are relatively minor concerns compared to their overall performance. If you're in the market for budget-friendly headphones that don't compromise on essential features, the Edifier W830NB is certainly worth considering.
£67.99
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