Review | Edifier W820NB Plus: inexpensive headphones with high sound quality

In the midst of a growing earphone market, we analyze the W820NB Plus, one of the wireless models and on the ear the last of Edifier. The Beijing-based Chinese company has been manufacturing audio products since 1996, promising to deliver high-quality sound and innovative designs at an affordable price. Will this be the case in this case?

• Response frequency: 20Hz ~ 40kHz
• Sound pressure level: 91 dB ± 3 dB SPL (A)
• Bluetooth: Yes, version 5.2
• Pilot diameter: 40mm dynamic
• Audio codecs: LDAC, SBC
• Loading port: USB Type-C
• Battery life: Approximately. 33 hours with ANC activated (SBC codec) / Approx. 49 hours with ANC off (SBC codec)
• Weight: Approximately. 221g
• Raincoat: No
• Voice assistant support: No

Inside the package we find the W820NB Plus; a small manual for the user: a mini-book for which it is better to have good eyesight or to have glasses with sufficient magnification; and a USB-C cable about 1 meter long, which in addition to charging the battery allows you to connect to other devices for “wired” listening.

The possibility of using headphones via cable is relevant: listening to audio wirelessly carries certain risks, such as latency – the delay that can exist between a sound event and hearing that sound in headphones – or loss of audio quality due to a weak or old signal. Bluetooth version. Having a cable is kind of a good way to anticipate these problems. And a good idea from Edifier.

The W820NB Plus are circumaural headphones, meaning they have padded earpieces that completely cover the ears. These are connected by a headband, also padded, which crosses the top of the head from one side to the other, and whose size can be adjusted as needed.

It is a classic design but with some particularities in the finishes and the assembly of its parts, which give it a modern and urban appearance. This is reinforced in the black tone, bright but sober, which predominates almost without nuances in the device, and which is also found in cream and beige tones.

The headphones are connected to the headband structure by an internal part which also allows them to rotate 45 degrees inwards. So they can be safely stored in a drawer, backpack or in a case that protects them from other elements. The other option is to save the packaging box and store the earbuds in it when not in use.

On the rear-facing edge of the right headset is the button panel, consisting of three main buttons: the power button and the two volume controllers. These perform other playback functions, such as starting or pausing a track, forwarding and rewinding, as well as answering or ending a call.

A little further, and after the LED indicator indicating the operating status of the device, is another button that controls the active noise and ambient sound cancellation modes. Just one touch to switch from one to the other.

On the back of both headsets, above the upper edge and somewhat hidden under the headband anchor, we can see the outputs of the ambient microphones integrated into the device.

The fit over the ears is quite firm, a little tight but comfortable thanks to the padding in the earcups and headband. This firmness also prevents the entry or exit of air and sound waves, creating super effective passive noise cancellation to which must then be added the active type that the model offers.

Pairing via Bluetooth, as is usually the case, is quite simple. The W820NB Plus features version 5.2 of the technology, which is not the most recent – 5.3 was launched this year – but it is the iteration created for audio devices, so it guarantees a very good rate of data transmission.

In addition, it allows connection to two devices simultaneously: for example, a computer and a smartphone. This can be extremely useful in a remote working environment, where you can switch between computer audio and phone call audio without removing the headphones.

Unlike other brands, Edifier requires you to download its app to pair your hearing aids to your smartphone. Although having it won’t hurt anyone (well, maybe your personal data) and it will be useful for personalizing the device.

From the Edifier Connect app you can access the W820NB equalizer, where you will find four modes: the standard mode and the alternatives “Pop”, “Classic” and “Rock”. It’s not much, but for average users, without additional knowledge on how to level low, mid and high frequencies, it is enough.

In the app you can also configure the volume limiter – so as not to exceed a certain level – or program a timer so that the device only turns off after a certain time – between 5 minutes and 3 hours -, a super useful feature for those who usually fall asleep while listening to audio content. Another feature they offer in Edifier Connect is a catalog of ambient sounds designed for relaxation, falling asleep or meditation: ocean sounds, rain, birds, crickets or soundscapes.

On the other hand, controlling from the button panel located on the right earpiece is extremely simple and natural, especially for those who are not yet accustomed to the touchscreen format of the most current hearing aid models.

In my opinion, this is the most relevant aspect when evaluating a hearing aid. More than how many features it can have, or how good its noise cancellation or microphones are – all useful questions, of course – the sound they can deliver is paramount.

And in this case, the answer is quite surprising: the W820NB offers high definition sound on all frequencies. We test them by listening to “Bouquet” by Bobby Hutcherson , whose vibraphone resonates delicately but piercingly, like the pianos of Herbie Hancock. Also featuring classic sax from Paul Desmond in “Fifth take », by Dave Brubeck, which vibrates in its dynamics of tones and ascending and descending pressures. The bass drum of this song, by Joe Morello, deepens its rhythm and leaves a trace of the “bedroom» printed on the recording.

Bass sounds deep and substantial, with a slight vibration effect on the units that travels through the ears, reinforcing the immersive nature of listening. High point, very visible for example in the last album of Slow dive or in the infinity of arrangements of Child A by Radiohead.

On the other hand, it’s interesting to know what’s going on, in general, with the W820NB’s snare or drums. Although there is no frequency coloration – especially bass, as is usually the case in many models – it seems that the drivers of this device, at least 40 millimeters each, ” cut” the highest frequencies of the instrument, removing some impact and presence, but ensuring greater control and balance. Maybe at this point the more rock-oriented people are missing something. Nothing serious, anyway.

This device is compatible with high-resolution audio codecs without loss of information, such as LDAC (Sony’s patented specification) with a high frequency bandwidth limited to 40 kHz, which is the case. It adds the aforementioned 40-millimeter drivers or diaphragms, coated in titanium for better wave conduction. In addition, the spatiality obtained by the instruments stands out, offering a broad and dynamic sound image.

Another highlight of this model is active noise cancellation (ACN), which has a depth of up to -43 decibels (dB), allowing you to enjoy music or audio without interruption from the environment : no traffic or noise. disrupt the experience.

It also works quite well in calls, allowing for smooth conversations, clear voices, and clear listening. A quality that is achieved both by the microphones integrated into the device, as well as by the internal processes of its software, and also by its construction: we mentioned at the beginning the locking power that the headsets possess in their firm fit and padded.

The ambient sound modality was found to be less effective. At least in its simultaneous operation with music playback. The louder the music is played, the more complex it is to perceive the noise coming from the environment. However, if playback is stopped completely, ambient mode will allow you to easily have a face-to-face conversation with someone on the street, without having to remove the headphones from your ears.

In the W820NB Plus from Edifier we find wireless headphones that also offer the possibility of using them wired, with a very good structure, a firm fit and a materiality that suggests resistance and long life.

Added to this is very good noise cancellation and a powerful battery, capable of providing up to 49 hours of battery life with noise cancellation disabled. When this function is activated, the battery life drops to 33 hours, which remains the longest duration we have tested in Práctico. Its fast charging also allows you to get 7 hours of playback by simply plugging it in for 10 minutes.

One point is the availability of some of the functions that the route has standardized on the headphones of mass consumption, such as the compatibility with the assistance of your type Google, Siri or Alexa, so that you can restore the points at the same time you can connect to interact with your devices in aloud.

Its high-resolution audio is another strong point. Great definition, musicality and sound image for an immersive experience that will surely be highly appreciated by those looking for headphones to accompany walks with good music or to enjoy new albums from their favorite groups. It is also a good alternative as a work tool, given the clarity of its call function and the possibility of connecting to two devices simultaneously.

The W820NB Plus also has a specific function for players, which opens up another aspect of uses and consumers to consider. All this at a value which, when compared with other models on the market, seems more than reasonable. In fact, in terms of value for money, the W820NBs are almost unbeatable.

Note: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Product prices in this article are current as of October 17, 2023. Values ​​and availability are subject to change.