Edifier W830NB Review: Budget-Friendly Headphones with Impressive Features
As a long-time fan of Edifier, I’m excited to dive into this review of the Edifier W830NB headphones. Recently, their Neobuds Pro 2 EarBuds have become my go-to, even replacing my beloved Pixel Buds Pro. The sound signature of Edifier, with its warm, clear, and balanced tones, has always resonated with me, making them a favorite in my audio collection.
Today, I’ll be exploring the Edifier W830NB, the successor to the well-regarded W820NB. Priced at around £80, these headphones are positioned as an affordable option in Edifier’s lineup. While we can't expect the same level of sound quality as higher-end models, Edifier is known for packing a punch with plenty of extra features at a budget-friendly price.
It's worth noting that I received these headphones for review purposes, but rest assured, my opinions and insights are entirely my own. Let’s see what Edifier has crafted with the W830NB and how they stack up in the world of affordable headphones.
Packaging
The Edifier W830NB arrives in a sleek and straightforward box that provides all the essential information at a glance. My unit is in the Sand White color, and the box design is both attractive and functional. Inside, you'll find the headphones, an instruction leaflet, and a USB A to USB C cable for charging or wired listening. Everything is neatly organized, making the unboxing experience smooth and hassle-free. It's worth noting that, given the affordable price point, the W830NB doesn't include a carrying case.
Design and Build Quality
I am absolutely in love with the Sand White color of the Edifier W830NB, which I find more stylish than the black version this time around. The minimalist design is enhanced by having all the buttons on one side, giving it a sleek appearance. The build quality is impressive, with matte plastic that doesn't feel cheap at all. The padding around the headband and ear cups is excellent, making the W830NB very comfortable to wear.
One minor point to note is that it's not immediately obvious which cup is left or right just by looking; you need to check the side of the headphone for that information. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, it might be for some. The left cup houses only microphones, while the right cup contains the volume, on/off, and Bluetooth buttons. The Edifier logo is elegantly placed on each side of the headphones, giving it a premium look. Overall, the design and build quality are top-notch, making these headphones seem like they should cost much more. This high standard is what we’ve come to expect from Edifier.
Features
As always with Edifier, you can expect plenty of great features. The W830NB boasts active noise cancellation, compatibility with Hi-Res Audio, and Hi-Res Audio via Bluetooth, thanks to the LDAC codec. One of the standout features is the incredible battery life, which can last up to 94 hours – truly impressive.
The headphones also offer Spatial Audio, which, while not a favorite of mine, can enhance certain tracks significantly. To access all these features, you need to connect the headphones to the Edifier Connect app. However, the W830NB requires a new app called Edifier Connex. Unfortunately, this means switching between apps if you own multiple Edifier headphones, which is a bit inconvenient. Nonetheless, the array of features offered at this price point is remarkable.
Sound Quality
First, it's important to remember that the Edifier W830NB is an $80 headphone, so it's not going to match the loudness or audio quality of $300+ models. However, Edifier has done a fantastic job here. The headphones carry the rich and warm Edifier sound signature, with clear and crisp audio.
I tested the W830NB on my iPhone, and despite the lack of Hi-Res Audio LDAC codec support, the sound was really good. When paired with my Pixel 6A, which is LDAC compatible, there was a noticeable improvement in sound quality – more refined and detailed. To truly benefit from LDAC, you'll need a compatible streaming service like Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music on Android, or Tidal. While I can tell the difference when using Hi Res Audio, the iPhone's sound quality is also excellent.
The active noise cancellation is very good, especially given the price point. It may not be top-tier, but it’s very effective. Although I didn't try the gaming mode due to not being a gamer, I did watch Apple TV+ with no latency issues, which is impressive for $80 headphones.
Overall, the sound quality is very good. You won’t be disappointed, especially considering the price.
Comfort and Usability
The Edifier W830NB headphones are extremely comfortable, with nicely cushioned ear pads that provide a snug fit. The buttons are sufficiently clicky and easy to use, making navigation a breeze. While I don’t typically listen to music for extended periods, these headphones are perfect for my usage, providing comfort even during longer sessions.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the Edifier W830NB is exceptional, offering up to 94 hours of playtime. Of course, this "up to" figure can vary if you use features like ANC, Hi-Res Audio, or Spatial Audio, which can affect battery life. Nonetheless, for the price, the battery performance is outstanding and should meet most users' needs without issue. Additionally, the USB-C charging is quite fast, ensuring minimal downtime between listening sessions.
Conclusion
I really like the Edifier W830NB. The sound quality and features are impressive, and the design and build quality are fantastic. At under $80, you get Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and more, making it a great value for money. If you're looking for the best value at this price, you won't need to look elsewhere. Edifier also offers more premium headphones for audiophiles. I give the W830NB an 9/10 because it could be a bit louder and the Spatial Audio could be better (even if I don't use it!).
Available in Sand White, Black and Gray.
Jerome
