Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones

Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 1
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 2
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 3
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 4
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 5
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 6
Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones — image 7
74%
26%
67%
ANC Performance
74%
Sound Quality
62%
Build Quality
81%
Comfort & Fit
84%
Value for Money
58%
Touch Controls
83%
Bluetooth Stability
79%
NFC Pairing
71%
Battery Life
86%
Portability & Case
77%
Wired Mode
63%
Microphone Quality
76%
aptX Audio Fidelity
More

Overview

The Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones launched in mid-2018 as Edifier's value-driven push into the noise-cancelling space — a market segment they've always approached with practicality rather than prestige. The build is plastic throughout, which keeps the weight manageable at around 9 ounces, but sets appropriate expectations about material quality. A clamshell carry case is included, a genuinely useful detail for commuters and travelers. Bluetooth with aptX support and a 10-meter wireless range round out the connectivity basics. These Edifier ANC headphones aren't trying to compete with high-end rivals — they occupy a practical middle ground, and that framing matters before you buy.

Features & Benefits

The W860NB's active noise cancellation works best against steady, low-frequency sounds — HVAC hum, office fans, airplane cabin drone. Don't expect it to block out sharp, unpredictable noise like conversations or city traffic with any real authority. The touch controls take a few days to get used to; the panel is responsive, sometimes too much so, and accidental swipes happen when you're adjusting the fit. NFC pairing is a genuine convenience for Android users — tap your phone to the cup and you're connected in seconds. The aptX codec noticeably improves wireless audio quality if your source device supports it. And the retractable wired cable is a lifesaver when the battery gives out mid-flight.

Best For

This over-ear set makes the most sense for budget-conscious commuters who want some relief from transit noise without dropping serious money on premium alternatives. It's also a solid pick for office workers who sit near HVAC systems all day — the ANC handles that kind of constant, low-level hum reasonably well. Travelers will appreciate the included carry case and the wired fallback option, which matters when you're hours into a long-haul flight with no power outlet in reach. If your phone or laptop supports aptX, the wireless audio quality gets a meaningful bump. Those who need both wired and wireless flexibility will find the W860NB covers both without fuss.

User Feedback

Most buyers who land on these Edifier ANC headphones are satisfied with comfort during long wear — the over-ear cushions get good marks, which matters for commuters and desk workers who keep them on for hours. Bluetooth stability is another consistent positive, with pairing reported as reliable and quick. The criticisms are worth noting, though: some users find the touch panel too sensitive, resulting in skipped tracks or accidental volume changes. The ANC, while useful, draws comparisons to flagship options and inevitably falls short — expected at this price point, but worth knowing upfront. Sound signature divides opinions too; those expecting heavy bass tend to be disappointed, while neutral-leaning listeners are generally satisfied.

#Over-Ear Headphones
#Headphones & Earbuds
#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • ANC effectively reduces steady background noise like HVAC hum and fan sounds in office or transit environments.
  • NFC one-tap pairing is a genuine time-saver for Android and Windows users on compatible devices.
  • aptX Bluetooth support delivers noticeably better wireless audio quality for those with compatible source devices.
  • The clamshell carry case offers real structural protection — not just a soft pouch — ideal for frequent travelers.
  • A retractable wired cable and 3.5mm jack let you keep listening when the battery runs out mid-trip.
  • Extended wear comfort consistently earns praise from users who keep them on for hours at a stretch.
  • Bluetooth connection stability is reliable, with few reported drop-outs during everyday use.
  • The W860NB bundles ANC, NFC, aptX, and a protective carry case into one competitively priced package.
  • A 1-year US and Canada warranty provides a basic but reassuring layer of purchase protection.

Cons

  • ANC performance falls noticeably short when compared to premium noise-cancelling headphones from leading brands.
  • The touch panel is oversensitive and prone to accidental swipes when adjusting the headphone fit.
  • All-plastic construction feels insubstantial in-hand and raises durability questions for heavy everyday users.
  • Sound signature leans neutral, which will disappoint listeners expecting strong, elevated bass response.
  • Sharp, sudden, or variable sounds — conversations, traffic — cut through the noise cancellation with little resistance.
  • Battery life reports from users are inconsistent, with some finding runtime shorter than expected on longer trips.
  • Released in 2018, these Edifier ANC headphones lack newer codec support and connectivity improvements found in more recent models.
  • No companion app or EQ controls mean you are locked into the factory sound tuning with no room to adjust.

Ratings

These scores reflect AI-driven analysis of thousands of verified buyer reviews for the Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones, with spam, bot submissions, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out to preserve accuracy. Each category is scored to represent real-world experience across a broad range of buyers — from daily commuters and office workers to frequent travelers and first-time ANC users. Both genuine strengths and recurring frustrations are transparently captured, so you know exactly what you are getting into before you buy.

ANC Performance
67%
33%
The ANC does solid work against steady, predictable noise that most users encounter day-to-day — office HVAC hum, airplane cabin drone, and commuter train rumble are all reduced to a noticeably quieter backdrop. For buyers entering ANC at this price point for the first time, that reduction is genuinely appreciated.
Sharp, irregular sounds like conversations, clinking cutlery, or sudden street noise pass through with little resistance, consistently disappointing users who benchmark these against more expensive Sony or Bose models. Several reviewers describe the ANC as a modest assist rather than meaningful isolation.
Sound Quality
74%
26%
The W860NB produces a balanced, reasonably clear sound that suits podcasts, spoken-word content, and general music listening without fatigue over long sessions. On aptX-capable devices, the wireless audio takes a real step up, and reviewers consistently describe the tuning as pleasant rather than obviously colored.
Bass-heavy listeners are regularly let down by a low-end that lacks the depth and punch needed for EDM, hip-hop, or cinematic soundtracks. Detailed analytical listening also reveals a resolution ceiling that audiophiles will find underwhelming compared to similarly priced wired alternatives.
Build Quality
62%
38%
In day-to-day use the plastic construction holds up adequately — users who have owned the headphones for a year or more rarely report structural failures or hinge problems. For a commuter headphone that spends most of its life protected in a rigid case, the durability is serviceable.
The all-plastic chassis feels hollow and lightweight in-hand, creating a budget impression that undercuts the overall experience. Several buyers specifically mention that the ear cups and headband feel less assured than competing products even marginally above this price tier.
Comfort & Fit
81%
19%
Extended wear comfort is among the most consistently praised aspects across all user feedback — the circumaural ear cups sit around the ear rather than pressing on it, and most users report wearing them through a full workday without significant discomfort or heat buildup.
Users with larger heads or more prominent ears report that clamping pressure becomes noticeable after two to three hours of continuous wear. The headband padding, while functional, offers less cushioning than similarly priced over-ear alternatives from competing brands.
Value for Money
84%
Getting active noise cancellation, aptX Bluetooth, NFC pairing, and a rigid carry case bundled together at this price tier is a genuinely competitive offer. Buyers upgrading from entry-level headphones without any of these features consistently cite overall value as the single strongest aspect of this over-ear set.
As competing brands have released more capable options and closed the price gap since this model launched in 2018, the value argument has softened somewhat. Buyers who research thoroughly may find newer alternatives offering comparable or better specs for similar money.
Touch Controls
58%
42%
When the panel works as intended, managing playback and volume without fumbling for buttons is a smooth experience that commuters genuinely appreciate. After a short adjustment period, most users internalize the core gestures without having to think about them consciously.
The panel's high sensitivity regularly causes accidental swipes — repositioning the headphones on your head can skip a track or spike the volume unexpectedly. A meaningful portion of reviewers specifically call out the touch controls as their biggest ongoing frustration with the headphones.
Bluetooth Stability
83%
Reliable Bluetooth performance is a recurring positive in user feedback, with very few reported drop-outs or pairing failures during normal daily use. The 10-meter range covers most real-world scenarios comfortably, whether moving around an office or leaving a phone on a desk across the room.
Range drops noticeably through walls or across longer distances, causing occasional stuttering that becomes frustrating in open-plan homes or larger office environments. Users who expect consistent signal across obstructed spaces will find the rated range optimistic under real conditions.
NFC Pairing
79%
21%
For Android and compatible Windows users, the tap-to-connect feature genuinely speeds up device switching and removes a small but real friction point from daily use. Users who move between a phone and a laptop throughout the day appreciate skipping the Bluetooth settings menu entirely.
NFC is entirely absent from the iOS ecosystem, leaving iPhone users with no access to this feature and a standard manual pairing process. Even on compatible devices, the first tap occasionally fails to register, requiring a second attempt before the connection completes.
Battery Life
71%
29%
Most users report that the battery comfortably covers a standard workday of mixed wireless and ANC use without needing a top-up. For typical commuter and desk-based listening patterns, the runtime is adequate and rarely cited as a dealbreaker by satisfied buyers.
Runtime reports vary more than expected, with a segment of users finding the battery drains faster than anticipated during long trips with continuous ANC. The absence of a prominently stated battery life figure from Edifier makes pre-purchase planning unnecessarily difficult.
Portability & Case
86%
The rigid clamshell carry case is a standout practical detail — it protects the headphones from compression and impact during bag carry or overhead bin storage in a way soft pouches simply cannot match. Frequent travelers consistently single out the case as a decisive factor in their purchase.
The case adds noticeable bulk compared to slimmer folding headphones with compact pouches, which matters when packing light for short trips. A small number of users also report that the latch mechanism feels a little fragile after extended daily use.
Wired Mode
77%
23%
The retractable 3.5mm cable is a practical fallback that many buyers do not appreciate until they actually need it — plugging in mid-flight when the battery is dead or on a device that restricts wireless audio is a scenario this over-ear set handles without any drama.
Wired audio quality is functional but unremarkable, and the retractable cable mechanism has raised occasional concerns about long-term durability in user reviews. The non-removable nature of the cable also limits replacement options if the mechanism eventually fails.
Microphone Quality
63%
37%
The built-in microphone handles brief commuter calls and short check-in conversations adequately, with voice clarity that most call recipients find acceptable in quiet surroundings. Users who treat the mic as an occasional convenience rather than a primary work tool are generally satisfied.
In noisy environments — busy streets, transit platforms, or open-plan offices — the microphone struggles to isolate the speaker's voice and call quality drops noticeably. Users who depend on the headphones for long video calls or remote-work meetings will find the mic performance a genuine limitation.
aptX Audio Fidelity
76%
24%
On aptX-capable Android devices and Windows laptops, the improvement in wireless audio clarity is real and audible — music sounds tighter and more defined compared to the same headphones running standard SBC. For commuters on compatible devices, this codec support is a meaningful differentiator at this price.
The aptX advantage is entirely dependent on the source device, and iPhone users miss out on it completely due to Apple's ecosystem restrictions. AptX HD is also not supported, meaning the audio ceiling sits below what newer codec-equipped headphones in a comparable bracket can now deliver.

Suitable for:

The Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones are a strong fit for everyday commuters and office workers who want meaningful relief from low-level background noise — think HVAC hum, desk fans, or transit rumble — without the steep cost of flagship alternatives. If you spend long stretches on planes or trains and carry your headphones in a bag, the included clamshell case adds real convenience that cheaper options often skip. NFC pairing makes these particularly practical for Android users who switch between devices and don't want to dig through Bluetooth menus every time. The aptX codec is a genuine bonus for anyone with a compatible phone or laptop, offering a step up in wireless audio fidelity without any extra effort. And the 3.5mm wired fallback means you won't be stuck in silence mid-flight if the battery runs out — a detail that matters more than it sounds.

Not suitable for:

If you're expecting the noise-cancelling performance of premium headphones from Sony or Bose, the Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones will disappoint — the ANC handles steady, low-frequency hum well, but sharp or variable sounds cut right through it. Audiophiles and listeners with high standards for sound quality should also look elsewhere; this over-ear set is tuned for general listening, and while the sound signature is reasonably balanced, it lacks the refinement found in higher-priced alternatives. The all-plastic build, while functional, doesn't inspire long-term confidence, so buyers who are rough on their gear may want something sturdier. Bass-heavy music fans will likely find the sound tuning underwhelming, as these are not a V-shaped, bass-boosted design. And if you have a strong preference for physical buttons over touch controls, the panel here will be a persistent source of frustration rather than a convenience.

Specifications

  • Form Factor: Over-ear (circumaural) design with cushioned ear cups that fully enclose the ear, providing passive isolation in addition to active noise cancellation.
  • Weight: The headphones weigh 9.2 ounces (260g), which is moderate for an over-ear ANC set and generally manageable during extended sessions.
  • Dimensions: Overall dimensions measure 10.63 × 9.13 × 3.19 inches, sized to fit within the included rigid clamshell carry case.
  • Connectivity: Primary connection is Bluetooth with aptX codec support; a 3.5mm wired audio jack with retractable cable provides a wired fallback when needed.
  • Bluetooth Range: Rated wireless range extends up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) under open, unobstructed conditions.
  • Noise Control: Active noise cancellation (ANC) is built in, designed to attenuate consistent low-frequency ambient sounds such as HVAC systems, fan noise, and engine hum.
  • Impedance: Driver impedance is rated at 32 Ohm, keeping the headphones compatible with standard consumer audio sources without requiring a separate amplifier.
  • Controls: Playback and volume are managed via a smart touch panel on the ear cup, replacing traditional physical buttons entirely.
  • Pairing: NFC one-tap pairing is supported for compatible Android and Windows devices, enabling a fast connection without manually navigating Bluetooth settings.
  • Cable: A retractable 3.5mm audio cable is included, allowing wired listening when Bluetooth connectivity is unavailable or the internal battery is depleted.
  • Materials: The headphone body and frame are constructed primarily from plastic, which keeps total weight low at the cost of a less premium tactile feel.
  • Accessories: Included accessories consist of a rigid clamshell carry case and a headphone cable; no additional adapters or replacement ear pads are bundled.
  • Power Source: Two lithium-ion batteries power the headphones, with both ANC and wireless Bluetooth operation drawing from the integrated battery system.
  • Warranty: A 1-year limited warranty is provided for buyers in the United States and Canada from the date of purchase.
  • Target Use: Designed for travel, office use, sports, and general exercise, with compatibility across Bluetooth and NFC-enabled devices as well as any standard 3.5mm audio source.
  • Audio Codec: aptX codec support enables higher-fidelity wireless audio transmission compared to standard SBC, provided the paired source device also supports aptX.

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FAQ

The Edifier W860NB Over-Ear ANC Bluetooth Headphones handle constant, low-pitched ambient noise reasonably well — engine drone, HVAC hum, and steady fan noise are all noticeably reduced. Where the ANC shows its limits is with irregular or higher-pitched sounds like conversations, PA announcements, or sudden traffic noise, which cut through more than you'd hope. For the price tier, it's a genuinely useful feature, but not a near-total sound blocker.

Honestly, yes. The touch panel on the ear cup is quite responsive, but that sensitivity cuts both ways — accidental swipes when adjusting the fit are a common early frustration. Most users settle in after a few days of use, but if you have a strong preference for tactile physical buttons, that adjustment period is worth factoring into your decision.

Yes, it connects to iPhones via standard Bluetooth without any trouble. That said, NFC pairing is not supported on iOS, so iPhone users will need to pair through the Bluetooth settings menu the old-fashioned way. The aptX codec also doesn't work on iOS, so Android or aptX-capable Windows devices will get a slightly better wireless audio experience.

Absolutely — and this is one of the more practical details about this over-ear set. The included retractable 3.5mm cable lets you plug directly into any device with a standard headphone jack, so you are not left with dead hardware mid-trip. It's a genuinely useful fallback, especially on long flights without easy access to a charging point.

On compatible Android phones and Windows devices, it's fast — tap the phone near the ear cup and the connection typically completes within a couple of seconds. It sounds like a small thing, but if you regularly switch between devices, it removes a real friction point. Just confirm your device actually has NFC support before counting on it.

It's genuinely protective. The rigid clamshell shell holds its shape under pressure, which is a meaningful step up from the soft drawstring pouches that often come with budget headphones. It won't survive being run over by a car, but it will handle the bumps and compression of daily bag carry or overhead bin storage without issue.

Comfort during extended wear is one of the most consistently praised aspects of these Edifier ANC headphones. The circumaural cushions sit around the ear rather than pressing directly on it, which helps a lot during longer sessions. Some users do notice clamping pressure after several hours, but for a typical workday listening session, most find them comfortable throughout.

The sound signature is balanced and clear enough for everyday listening, and the aptX codec does provide a real improvement in wireless fidelity on compatible devices. That said, detail retrieval, soundstage width, and bass depth all trail noticeably behind what you get from higher-priced alternatives. Bass-heavy listeners in particular are likely to find the low-end underwhelming compared to their expectations.

Edifier lists kids among the intended users, and the adjustable headband makes them physically adaptable. However, there are no built-in volume limits, which is a real consideration for younger listeners whose hearing is more vulnerable. For older kids who can manage touch controls, they are a workable option; for younger children, a dedicated kids headphone with volume capping is the safer call.

User reports on runtime are somewhat mixed, and Edifier does not highlight a single definitive battery life figure prominently in the product listing. Most users report getting through a full workday of mixed Bluetooth and ANC use, though running ANC continuously drains the battery faster. For long-haul travel, keeping the wired cable accessible is a smart precaution.