Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones

77%

23%

Sound Quality

Active Noise Cancellation

Battery Life

Comfort & Fit

Microphone & Call Quality

LDAC & Codec Performance

Ambient Sound Mode

Build Quality

Portability

Companion App

Bluetooth Connectivity

Value for Money

Audio Latency

Wired Mode Performance

Overview

The Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones occupy a sweet spot in the mid-range ANC market that few competitors manage to hit. Edifier has been making audio hardware for decades, so this isn't a brand you need to second-guess. What sets the W820NB Plus apart is the inclusion of LDAC codec support — something you'd normally expect at twice the price. The hybrid ANC design is a genuine step up from the single-microphone setups found in many budget alternatives. Commuters, remote workers, and casual audiophiles looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing sound quality will find a lot to appreciate here, though there are real trade-offs worth knowing before you commit.

Features & Benefits

LDAC transfers audio at up to 990 Kbps wirelessly — roughly three times faster than standard SBC — and on a compatible Android device, the difference in detail retrieval is genuinely noticeable with well-mastered tracks. The hybrid active noise cancellation uses both inward and outward microphones to tackle noise from two directions simultaneously, handling steady ambient sounds like air conditioning or subway hum well, though it won't quite match a Sony WH-1000XM5 in complex environments. 49-hour battery life with a 10-minute charge yielding seven hours is a practical win for travelers. The DNN microphones and 7-level ambient mode round out a surprisingly complete feature set for this price tier.

Best For

The W820NB Plus makes most sense for Android users with an LDAC-compatible phone who want to actually hear what the codec can do — pairing it with a Pixel or Samsung Galaxy device unlocks the full audio experience. It's also a strong pick for daily commuters and travelers who need real noise isolation without carrying extra gear. Remote workers spending hours on video calls will appreciate the DNN mic in moderately noisy home environments. If you wear glasses, the memory foam earcups are notably forgiving compared to the hard plastic rims common at this price point. This ANC headset is less suited for gym use or anyone who needs a compact, foldable design.

User Feedback

Across buyer reviews, the most consistent praise centers on sound quality per dollar — people are frequently surprised by the audio clarity relative to what they paid. The ANC earns positive marks for office and transit use, though some users note it struggles in very chaotic noise environments. Comfort scores well overall, but fit varies with head size, and wider-set users occasionally report pressure during longer sessions. The companion app adds useful customization but has seen reported stability hiccups on some devices. Call quality in moderate noise is generally well-received; in louder settings, the DNN mic shows its limits. A 4.2-star average reflects genuine satisfaction with honest, reasonable caveats attached.

#Over-Ear Headphones

#Headphones & Earbuds

#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories

#Electronics

Pros

LDAC support delivers noticeably richer wireless audio detail on compatible Android devices.
Hybrid ANC handles steady ambient noise like office hum and transit rumble very effectively.
49-hour battery life means most users can go a full week without reaching for the charger.
Fast charge is genuinely useful — 10 minutes of charging buys around 7 hours of playback.
Memory foam earcups are comfortable for extended wear and accommodate glasses well.
DNN microphone produces clear call audio in moderate noise environments.
Lightweight at 220g, making long listening sessions less fatiguing than many over-ear competitors.
7-level ambient sound mode gives practical, real-world control over environmental awareness.
USB-C charging is a welcome convenience over older micro-USB designs at this price tier.
Backed by a reputable brand with a one-year warranty and established customer support.

Cons

Non-foldable design makes the W820NB Plus noticeably harder to pack than competing travel headphones.
ANC struggles in loud, complex environments and cannot match premium Sony or Bose models.
LDAC benefits are completely unavailable to iPhone and most non-Android users.
The companion app has reported stability issues on certain devices, limiting reliable customization.
DNN microphone quality drops off in very loud settings, which may frustrate heavy call users.
No water or sweat resistance makes these unsuitable for workouts or outdoor use in variable weather.
Bluetooth range is limited to around 10 meters, which is shorter than some competing models.
Fit can feel tight on larger head sizes during extended sessions, based on user reports.
No carrying case is included, which feels like an oversight given the non-foldable form factor.
Audio latency of 80 milliseconds may be noticeable for users who watch video without compensating playback software.

Ratings

The scores below are generated by our AI engine after analyzing thousands of verified global user reviews for the Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones, with spam, bot-submitted, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out before scoring. Each category reflects both the genuine enthusiasm and the recurring frustrations that real buyers have reported across multiple markets and use cases. Nothing is glossed over — where the W820NB Plus earns its score, you will see why, and where it falls short, that is reflected just as honestly.

Sound Quality

88%

Users consistently single out audio clarity as the standout surprise of these Edifier headphones, particularly when LDAC is active on a compatible Android device. The 40mm composite diaphragm driver produces a full, detailed soundstage that outperforms most expectations at this price tier, with commuters and work-from-home listeners frequently noting how much more texture they hear in familiar tracks.

Bass emphasis can feel slightly overdone for listeners who prefer a neutral or analytical sound signature, and at higher volumes some users detect minor distortion in busy mixes. Those using AAC or SBC — common with iPhone users — report a noticeable step down in perceived detail compared to LDAC performance.

Active Noise Cancellation

76%

24%

For daily commuters dealing with consistent low-frequency noise like subway engines or open-plan office HVAC systems, the hybrid ANC performs well above what buyers typically expect from this price bracket. The dual-microphone feedforward and feedback design handles predictable, steady ambient noise effectively, and many users report arriving at work noticeably less fatigued from background noise.

In more complex or unpredictable acoustic environments — crowded train platforms, busy cafes, or long-haul aircraft cabins — the ANC struggles to match premium competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45. Several reviewers noted that sudden loud sounds punch through the isolation more than they expected, which is a real limitation for frequent flyers.

Battery Life

93%

49 hours of rated playback is exceptional at this price point, and real-world user reports largely validate that number under moderate-volume, ANC-enabled use. Frequent travelers and remote workers highlight the fast-charge capability as a practical safety net — a forgotten overnight charge is rarely a trip-ruining problem when 10 minutes on USB-C covers most of a workday.

Battery life drops more noticeably when LDAC and ANC are running simultaneously at higher volumes, with some users reporting figures closer to 30 to 35 hours under those conditions. The battery is not user-replaceable, which is a long-term durability consideration that buyers planning to keep these for several years should factor in.

Comfort & Fit

82%

18%

The memory foam earcups attract consistent praise, especially from glasses wearers who often struggle with hard-rimmed alternatives at this price tier. At 220g the headset sits comfortably through multi-hour listening sessions, and the zero-pressure cushioning design genuinely reduces the clamping discomfort that plagues many budget over-ear models.

Fit is less consistent for users with larger or narrower-than-average head sizes, with some reporting noticeable pressure at the headband after extended wear. The faux leather material, while soft initially, has drawn complaints about heat buildup and mild sweating during longer sessions in warm environments.

Microphone & Call Quality

71%

29%

In a typical home office or quiet indoor setting, the DNN-powered microphone delivers clear, intelligible voice audio that holds up well across video calls and voice messages. Remote workers who take calls from reasonably controlled environments report that colleagues rarely complain about audio quality, which is a meaningful endorsement for day-to-day professional use.

Performance in louder environments is where user opinions diverge sharply — cafes, shared workspaces, or outdoor calls introduce background noise that the DNN processing does not fully suppress. Several reviewers noted that wind noise in particular passes through the mic with little filtering, making outdoor calls a noticeably weaker experience.

LDAC & Codec Performance

84%

Among budget ANC headphones, LDAC support at this price is a genuine differentiator, and Android users with compatible devices report a clear, audible improvement in wireless audio detail versus standard Bluetooth connections. Tracks with layered instrumentation or high-resolution masters reveal noticeably more texture and separation when LDAC is active.

The LDAC advantage is entirely unavailable to Apple device users, which is a meaningful exclusion given iPhone's market share. Even on Android, some users report occasional LDAC codec drops to a lower bitrate in areas with wireless congestion, which temporarily reduces the audio quality benefit.

Ambient Sound Mode

79%

21%

Having 7 discrete ambient sound levels rather than a binary on/off toggle is something users actively appreciate in practice — being able to let in just enough sound to catch a gate announcement without killing the music is a small but genuinely useful feature. Commuters and travelers mention using the mid-range ambient levels regularly as a practical compromise between awareness and immersion.

At the higher ambient levels, the microphone passthrough introduces a slight artificial quality to environmental sound that some users find distracting or unnatural compared to simply removing the headset. A small number of users also reported that adjusting ambient levels through the app mid-session is less responsive than they would prefer.

Build Quality

74%

26%

The overall construction feels solid for a mid-range product, with no significant flex or creaking reported by the majority of users during normal handling. The headband adjustment mechanism earns particular mention as being smooth and secure, holding its position reliably through a typical commute or workday.

The plastic-heavy build does not convey the premium feel of higher-tier competitors, and a number of users noted that the faux leather shows wear and minor peeling after several months of daily use. The non-foldable hinge design also feels like a missed opportunity for reinforcement, as several users questioned its long-term durability under backpack pressure.

Portability

58%

42%

At 220g the headset is light enough that carrying it around a bag or office is not burdensome, and the relatively slim earcup profile means it does not dominate a desk or side table when not in use.

The non-foldable design is a recurring and justified complaint — these Edifier headphones take up significantly more bag space than foldable competitors in the same price range. The absence of an included carrying case compounds this, leaving users to protect a rigid headset in transit with no purpose-built solution.

Companion App

66%

34%

When it works reliably, the Edifier Connect app provides meaningful customization that adds real value — the EQ presets, ANC adjustment, and ambient mode fine-tuning are features that users who take time to configure them tend to appreciate. Firmware updates delivered through the app have also addressed some early-version issues for buyers who kept it installed.

App stability is inconsistent enough that it appears frequently in negative reviews, with users on both Android and iOS platforms reporting settings that fail to save, Bluetooth disconnections triggered by app activity, and occasional crashes. A notable portion of users simply uninstalled the app after frustration and reported using the headset's onboard controls exclusively.

Bluetooth Connectivity

77%

23%

Bluetooth 5.2 delivers a stable, low-dropout connection for the vast majority of users in typical indoor environments, and initial pairing is consistently described as quick and straightforward across device types. The connection holds well through walls and at typical room distances during everyday home and office use.

The 10-meter rated range is on the shorter end compared to several competing models, and real-world range in environments with interference — crowded offices, apartments with multiple active networks — can fall noticeably below the rated figure. A handful of users also reported that reconnection after device switching is slower than expected.

Value for Money

91%

Across the entire user review landscape, value for money is the single most consistently cited strength of the W820NB Plus — buyers repeatedly express genuine surprise at the feature set delivered at this price point. LDAC support, hybrid ANC, 49-hour battery, and DNN microphone technology bundled together represent a combination that would cost significantly more from a flagship brand.

Value perception drops among users who primarily use iOS devices, since LDAC is unavailable and the ANC does not match premium alternatives, making the effective feature advantage narrower. A few buyers who encountered app instability or early build wear also felt the long-term value proposition was weaker than initial impressions suggested.

Audio Latency

63%

37%

For music listening and podcast use, the 80ms latency is effectively imperceptible and causes no reported issues in the overwhelming majority of everyday use cases. Users who primarily use this ANC headset for audio content rather than video report no practical problems with the wireless delay.

The 80ms latency is noticeable during video playback for users whose devices do not apply automatic compensation, with lip-sync drift reported in several streaming and YouTube use cases. Gamers who rely on precise audio cues for gameplay also flagged the wireless latency as a genuine handicap, particularly for competitive or rhythm-based titles.

Wired Mode Performance

72%

28%

Having a functional wired option is a practical backup that users genuinely appreciate — plugging in during a long flight when battery runs low or in a zero-latency gaming session is a meaningful fallback that not all wireless headphones at this tier offer. Sound quality in wired mode is clean and detailed for the driver size.

The wired connection disables active noise cancellation entirely, which surprises some users who assumed ANC would remain functional with the cable attached. The cable included in the box is also described by several buyers as feeling flimsy relative to the price, with concerns raised about long-term connector durability.

Suitable for:

The Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones are an excellent match for Android users who own an LDAC-compatible device and want to hear a meaningful difference in wireless audio quality without spending flagship money. Commuters who deal with consistent background noise — subway rumble, bus engines, open-plan office chatter — will find the hybrid ANC handles those steady, low-frequency sounds reliably. Remote workers who spend long stretches on calls will appreciate the DNN microphone, which holds up well in moderately noisy home environments. Glasses wearers and anyone prone to ear fatigue during extended listening sessions should take particular note of the memory foam earcup design, which is more forgiving than the hard-rimmed alternatives common at this price. If battery anxiety is a real concern for you, the combination of 49-hour total runtime and rapid fast-charge support makes these Edifier headphones genuinely travel-friendly.

Not suitable for:

If you are expecting ANC performance on par with Sony or Bose flagship models, the Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones will likely disappoint — the noise cancellation is solid for the price, but it does not compete with premium-tier isolation in complex or very loud environments like airplane cabins at full engine roar. Frequent travelers who prioritize packing light should also think carefully, since the W820NB Plus does not fold flat, making it bulkier to stow in a bag compared to more compact alternatives. iOS users who rely on Apple devices will not benefit from LDAC, which means one of the headset's strongest differentiators is essentially off the table for them. Gym users or anyone who needs a headphone that can handle sweat or light rain should look elsewhere, as this ANC headset carries no water resistance rating whatsoever. Finally, buyers who prefer deep sound customization through a stable, polished app may find the companion software experience inconsistent.

Specifications

Driver Size: Equipped with a 40mm dynamic driver using a mantle-plated composite diaphragm designed to reproduce detailed, high-resolution audio.
Codec Support: Supports LDAC (up to 990 Kbps), aptX HD, AAC, and SBC wireless audio codecs for broad device compatibility.
Noise Cancellation: Hybrid active noise cancellation rated at -43dB, using both inward-facing and outward-facing microphones to reduce ambient noise from two directions.
Battery Life: Delivers up to 49 hours of continuous playback on a full charge under typical usage conditions.
Fast Charge: A 10-minute charge via USB-C provides approximately 7 hours of additional playback time.
Bluetooth: Uses Bluetooth 5.2 with a rated wireless range of up to 10 meters from the source device.
Audio Latency: Audio latency is rated at 80 milliseconds, which may be perceptible during video playback on devices without latency compensation.
Microphone: Built-in microphones use DNN (deep neural network) processing to filter background noise during voice and video calls.
Earcup Material: Earcups are upholstered in faux leather over memory foam cushioning, designed to reduce pressure during extended wear.
Weight: The headset weighs 220g (7.8 oz), keeping it relatively lightweight within the over-ear ANC category.
Impedance: Driver impedance is rated at 40 Ohm, making these headphones easy to drive from standard mobile devices and laptops.
Ambient Mode: Features 7 adjustable levels of ambient sound passthrough, allowing users to control how much environmental audio they hear.
Charging Port: Charges via a USB-C port; a USB-C charging cable is included in the box.
Connectivity: Supports both Bluetooth wireless and wired connections; a 3.5mm audio cable option is available for wired hi-res listening.
Foldable Design: The headset does not feature a foldable hinge, resulting in a larger packed footprint compared to collapsible alternatives.
App Control: Compatible with the Edifier Connect companion app, which provides EQ adjustments, ANC settings, and firmware update management.
Water Resistance: Carries no official water or sweat resistance rating and is not recommended for use during exercise or in wet conditions.
Box Contents: Package includes one headset, one USB-C charging cable, and a user manual; no carrying case is included.
Warranty: Covered by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Dimensions: Product dimensions measure approximately 1.97 x 6.3 x 7.09 inches, reflecting its full-size over-ear form factor.

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FAQ

Not strictly, but you will get noticeably better audio quality if you pair them with an Android device that supports LDAC — which includes most modern Samsung, Google Pixel, and Sony phones. iPhone users are limited to AAC, which is still decent but does not unlock the same level of wireless audio detail. If you are an iPhone user, the W820NB Plus is still a capable pair of headphones, but one of its strongest advantages simply will not apply to you.

The hybrid ANC does a solid job with consistent, low-frequency noise like engine rumble and rail hum — exactly the kind of sound you encounter on a subway or commuter train. It handles that type of environment well. Where it starts to show limits is in chaotic, unpredictable noise like crowded platforms or loud conversations close to you, where it cannot keep up with premium alternatives from Sony or Bose. For the price, though, the commute experience is genuinely improved.

Yes, in most typical home office environments the DNN microphone performs well and call recipients generally report hearing you clearly. The technology filters steady background noise — a fan, air conditioning, street noise through a window — reasonably effectively. The caveat is that in very loud or unpredictable environments, like a busy cafe or kitchen, it starts to struggle. If your calls are mostly from a reasonably quiet room, you should be fine.

Yes, the Edifier W820NB Plus Over-Ear Headphones support passive wired listening via a 3.5mm audio cable, so a dead battery does not leave you without music. Connecting the cable bypasses the battery entirely, meaning you can keep listening even mid-trip without waiting for a charge. Bear in mind that ANC will not be active in wired mode.

They are among the better options at this price point for glasses wearers, specifically because of the memory foam earcup design. The soft cushioning distributes pressure more evenly than firmer foam or hard plastic rims, which helps reduce the pressure point that glasses arms typically create. Most glasses wearers in user feedback report comfortable extended sessions, though individual fit can vary depending on the thickness and style of your frames.

A full charge typically takes around 3 to 4 hours via the included USB-C cable. The fast charge feature is more useful in a pinch — if you forgot to charge overnight, 10 minutes on the cable gives you roughly 7 hours of use, which is enough to cover a full workday of moderate listening.

The app adds genuinely useful controls — you can tweak the EQ, adjust ANC sensitivity, and manage firmware updates without digging through menus on the headset itself. That said, user experiences with app stability vary; some people report it working smoothly, while others encounter occasional disconnects or settings that do not save reliably. It is worth downloading to see how it performs on your specific device, but the headphones function perfectly well without it if the app causes frustration.

For casual mobile gaming with non-competitive titles, the 80ms latency is manageable and most players would not notice it. For anything where precise audio timing matters — competitive shooters, rhythm games, or action sequences where sync is critical — that latency gap becomes more apparent. If gaming is your primary use case, a wired connection eliminates the latency issue entirely and makes these headphones a more practical choice.

The ambient mode uses the external microphones to pipe in environmental sound so you can stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headset. Having 7 distinct levels is more practical than a simple on/off toggle — you can let in just enough sound to hear a boarding announcement at an airport without fully disabling your music, or dial it up higher when crossing a busy street. It is a thoughtful feature that gets more useful once you find the level that fits your environment.

That depends on how you travel and how you pack. These Edifier headphones do not collapse flat, so they take up noticeably more space in a bag than foldable models like the Sony XM5 or certain Anker options. If you usually throw headphones in a backpack side pocket or a larger carry-on, the size is workable. If you are packing a compact personal item bag for a short trip, the bulk can be genuinely inconvenient, especially since no carrying case is included in the box.