Edifier W830NB Headphones

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Tech Specs

A Decently Priced, Allrounder

The Edifier W830NB headphones are an over-ear wireless model designed to offer active noise cancellation (ANC) and high-quality sound at an affordable price. With a focus on comfort and long battery life, these headphones cater to casual listeners and audiophiles seeking a balance between performance and cost. Below is a detailed technical review of the Edifier W830NB, examining various aspects including design, audio quality, connectivity, noise cancellation, and overall usability.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier W830NB headphones feature a sleek and understated design, primarily constructed from durable plastic with metallic accents on the ear cups. The ear cups are large and well-padded with memory foam and covered in synthetic leather, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The headband is adjustable and reinforced with a metal strip, ensuring durability without compromising comfort. The headphones are foldable, making them portable and easy to store, though the plastic construction might not feel as premium as some high-end models. I have worn these headphones for a few hours at the gym and comfort was never an issue.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is a standout feature of the W830NB. The plush ear cups and lightweight design (approximately 0.62 lbs or 280g) ensure minimal pressure on the ears and head. The clamping force is well-balanced, providing a secure fit without being too tight, which is essential for long listening sessions. However, users with larger ears may find the ear cups a bit snug.

Audio Quality

The Edifier W830NB are equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, delivering a well-rounded sound profile. The headphones offer a V-shaped sound signature, with enhanced bass and treble frequencies, making them suitable for genres like pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

• Bass: The bass is pronounced but not overwhelming, providing a deep and punchy low end. It’s controlled well enough to avoid bleeding into the midrange, though it might lack the precision and tightness found in more expensive models.
• Mids: The midrange is slightly recessed, which is typical of a V-shaped sound signature. Vocals and instruments are clear but can sometimes feel overshadowed by the bass and treble. For genres that emphasize vocals, the midrange may feel less prominent.
• Treble: The treble is bright and detailed, though it can become slightly harsh at higher volumes. The emphasis on treble adds clarity to the sound but may cause fatigue over prolonged listening sessions for sensitive listeners.

The overall soundstage is decent for closed-back headphones, providing a sense of space and depth, although it’s not as expansive as open-back models. Imaging is accurate, making it easy to distinguish between different instruments and sounds.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The ANC feature on the W830NB is effective, particularly for its price range. It does a commendable job of reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum of an airplane or the rumble of traffic. However, it’s less effective at filtering out higher frequencies like human voices. The ANC mode introduces a slight hiss, but it’s generally not noticeable during music playback. When ANC is activated, there’s a minor but noticeable change in sound quality, with the bass becoming slightly more pronounced and the treble less bright.

Connectivity and Controls

The W830NB supports Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable wireless connection with a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet). Pairing is straightforward, and the headphones support the SBC and AAC codecs, providing decent audio quality over Bluetooth, though they lack support for higher-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC. I did notice a better Bluetooth range than my Galaxy Buds I normally wear.

The on-ear controls are intuitive, allowing users to adjust volume, turn the headset on and off and even select the differing listening modes and features. I would have loved the ability to skip tracks directly on the headset but I just used my watch instead.

Battery Life

One of the most impressive aspects of the W830NB is its battery life. The headphones offer up to 94 hours of playback time without ANC and around 45 hours with ANC enabled. This is significantly higher than many competitors in the same price range. The headphones charge via USB-C, so chrgin is not an issue with USB-C now being the industry standard for most devices. I have noticed the battery life being amazing, I use these headphones every day for my bike ride to work and four gym sessions a week and have only had to charge them once so far. The battery life is truly impressive.

Conclusion

The Edifier W830NB headphones offer an excellent combination of comfort, sound quality, and battery life, especially considering their price point. While they may not compete with high-end models in terms of build quality or advanced features, they provide solid performance in all the essential areas. The ANC is effective enough for most environments, and the sound signature, while not perfectly balanced, will appeal to bass and treble lovers.

For users looking for an affordable pair of wireless ANC headphones with impressive battery life, the Edifier W830NB is a strong contender. However, audiophiles seeking the best possible sound quality or those requiring superior ANC might want to explore higher-end options. I will certainly remain to use them for my daily commute and gym sessions. The battery life and comfort is superior to my Galaxy Buds, making my buds take a back seat for now.

Rapid Reviews Rating

4 out of 5

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