Edifier W820NB Review: Features, Sound Quality, and Performance
The Edifier W820NB is a mid-range wireless headphone that targets listeners who want active noise cancellation without spending a premium price. Positioned between budget options and high-end competitors, it aims to deliver a balanced feature set for everyday use.
This review breaks down what the W820NB actually offers, where it performs well, and where it falls short, so you can decide whether it fits your needs.
Quick Answer
The Edifier W820NB is a solid mid-range ANC headphone that delivers good noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and warm sound quality at an accessible price point. It is best suited for commuters, remote workers, and casual listeners who want reliable wireless performance without paying flagship prices.
Key Takeaways
- The W820NB features hybrid active noise cancellation with up to 49dB of noise reduction
- Battery life reaches approximately 49 hours with ANC off around 22 hours with ANC enabled
- Sound signature leans warm with emphasized bass, it better suited for casual listening than critical audio work
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity supports multipoint pairing with two devices simultaneously
- Build quality is primarily plastic but feels sturdy and comfortable for extended wear
- At its price point, it competes well with similarly priced options from Soundcore and JBL
Design and Build Quality
What Does the W820NB Look Like?
The W820NB has a clean, minimal aesthetic with an over-ear design and foldable construction. The headband and ear cups are primarily plastic, which keeps the weight low but gives it a less premium feel compared to metal-ced alternatives.
The ear cups use memory foam padding covered in leatherette material. Most users report a comfortable fit during sessions of two to three hours, though some may find the clamp force firm during initial use. The headphones fold flat for storage, which is convenient for travel.
Controls and Connectivity
Physical buttons handle power, ANC toggling, volume, and playback. There is no touch control surface, which some users prefer for reliability in outdoor conditions. A USB-C port handles charging, and a 3.5mm audio jack provides wired listening when needed.
Bluetooth 5.0 supports multi meaning you can stay connected to a laptop and phone simultaneously. This is a practical feature that many headphones at this price omit.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
How Effective Is the ANC on the W820NB?
Edifier rates the W820NB at up to 49dB of noise reduction, which is a strong claim for this price tier. In practice, the ANC performs well against consistent low-frequency noise like HVAC systems, airplane cabin hum, and traffic. It is less effective against sudden or high-frequency sounds like voices or sharp impacts.
For an in-depth look at how active noise cancellation technology works, see our guide on active noise cancellation: how it works and why it matters.
The W820NB also includes an ambient sound mode that lets environmental noise pass through. This is useful when you need to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
Sound Quality
How Does the W820NB Sound?
The W820NB delivers a warm, bass-forward sound signature. Low frequencies are prominent and punchy, which suits genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop. Midrange clarity is decent, though it can feel slightly recessed behind the bass presence.
Treble is smooth and rarely harsh, which makes long listening sessions comfortable. However, audiophiles looking for a flat or neutral response will find the tuning too colored for critical listening or mixing work.
The Edifier Connect app allows some EQ customization, which helps users who prefer a more balanced presentation. Preset options cover bass boost, vocal enhancement, and treble emphasis.
If you are comparing headphone types and sound profiles, our breakdown of open-back vs closed-back headphones provides helpful context on how design affects audio character.
Battery Life and Charging
How Long Does the Battery Last?
Battery performance is one of the W820NB’s strongest features. With ANC disabled, the headphones last approximately 49 hours on a single charge. With ANC active, that drops to around 22 hours, which is still competitive for the category.
Charging via USB-C takes roughly two hours for a full charge. A quick charge feature provides several hours of playback from a short 10-minute charge, which is useful when you are in a hurry.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The W820NB includes dual microphones for call handling. Voice clarity is acceptable in quiet environments, but background noise can bleed into calls in louder settings. The microphone does not perform as well as dedicated communication headsets, but it handles casual calls adequately.
How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Edifier W820NB | Soundcore Q20i | JBL Tune NC
| ANC Rating | Up to 49dB | Up to 40dB | Adaptive ANC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery (ANC Off) | 49 hours | 60 hours | 70 hours |
| Multipoint | Yes | No | Yes |
| App Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
For a closer look at the Soundcore Q20i, see our Soundcore Q20i review. For the JBL Tune 770NC, our JBL Tune 770NC review covers its performance in similar detail.
Who Should Buy the Edifier W820NB?
Best for:
- Commuters who need reliable ANC on a budget
- Remote workers dealing with office or home background noise
- Casual listeners who enjoy bass-forward sound
- Users who frequently switch between two devices
Not ideal for:
- Audiophiles seeking a neutral or flat sound signature
- Users who prioritize microphone quality for professional calls
- Those who prefer a premium metal build
Conclusion
The Edifier W820NB delivers strong value for its price. The combination of effective ANC, long battery life, multipoint connectivity, and a comfortable fit makes it a practical daily-use headphone. Sound quality leans warm and is well-suited to casual listening rather than critical audio work.
For shopping in the budget-to-mid-range ANC headphone space, the W820NB is a well-rounded option worth serious consideration.
FAQs
Does the Edifier W820NB support multipoint Bluetooth?
Yes, the W820NB supports multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices such as a phone and laptop. You can switch audio between them without manually reconnecting.
Is the Edifier W820NB good for travel?
Yes, the foldable design, strong ANC performance against low-frequency noise, and long battery life make it a practical choice for air travel and commuting.
Can you use the Edifier W820NB without ANC?
Yes, ANC can be toggled off at any time. Disabling it extends battery life to approximately 49 hours and slightly changes the sound character, as ANC circuitry can affect audio presentation.
Does the Edifier W820NB work with an app?
Yes, the Edifier Connect app is available for iOS and Android. It provides EQ customization, preset selection, and firmware update management.
How does the Edifier W820NB compare to more expensive ANC headphones?
The W820NB performs well for its price but does not match the noise cancellation depth or audio refinement of premium options like the Bose QuietComfort series. For a comparison of premium ANC headphones, see our Beats Studio Pro vs Bose QuietComfort breakdown.
