Edifier W830NB Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

A bit over a year ago, I reviewed the excellent Edifier W820NB Plus wireless ANC headphones, which were an incremental upgrade from the older W820NB.

Edifier has now launched the W830NB, which is another incremental upgrade.

In comparison to the W820NB Plus, the W830NB supports more codecs (LDAC, AAC, SBC) and upgrades the Bluetooth to 5.4, which helps them achieve a superior battery life of 54 hours vs 33 hours, and they then use the new Edifier ConneX app.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier W830NB Wireless Over Ear Headphones with -45dB...	301 Reviews	£67.99	Buy on Amazon

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Specification

• Bluetooth: V5.4
• Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
• Playtime:
  • ANC OFF: Approx. 54 hours
  • ANC OFF: Approx. 94 hours
• Charging Port: USB-C (Type-C)
• Charging Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
• Input: 5V ⎓ 1A
• Audio Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Driver: Φ40 mm Dynamic Driver
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
• Sound Pressure Level: 91 ± 3 dB(A)
• Net Weight: Around 267g
• Dimension (L x W x H mm): 170.99 x 78.88 x 194.01 mm

Edifier W830NB vs Edifier W820NB Plus vs Edifier W820NB

Features

Audio Quality

• Certified for both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless standards
• Hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) technology
  • Up to -45dB noise reduction
  • Multiple ANC modes for different environments

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Extended battery life: approximately 94 hours of playback (ANC off)
• Multipoint connection support
  • Allows switching between two devices simultaneously

Call Quality and Comfort

• Integrated microphones with AI-powered noise cancellation for voice calls
• Redesigned ergonomics for improved long-term wear

Customisation

• Compatible with EDIFIER ConneX app
• Functionality includes:
  • Customisable control settings
  • Preset equaliser options
  • Additional features accessible through the app

Unboxing / Design

Upon unboxing the Edifier W830NB, buyers are greeted with a sleek and professional-looking pair of headphones. The packaging is minimalist yet protective, containing headphones, a USB-C charging cable, and a compact carrying case.

The W830NB sports an understated design that balances aesthetics with functionality. The headphones are primarily constructed from plastic, which helps keep the weight down to a comfortable 267g. The ear cups and headband are generously padded with memory foam and wrapped in soft, synthetic leather, contributing to long-term wearing comfort.

The exterior of the ear cups features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The Edifier logo is subtly embossed on each ear cup, adding a touch of brand identity without being ostentatious. The adjustable headband provides a good range of sizes to accommodate various head shapes.

Physical controls are located on the right ear cup, including buttons for power/pairing, volume up/down, and a multi-function button for play/pause and call management. The right ear cup houses the ANC button, volume and power buttons as well as the USB-C port.

The foldable design of the W830NB allows for compact storage and easy portability. When folded, the headphones fit snugly into the included carrying case, making them suitable for travel or commuting.

Just like the W820NB Plus, these lack a 3.5mm output.

While the overall build quality is good, especially considering the price point, the plastic construction may not feel as premium as some higher-end models. However, this design choice contributes to the lightweight nature of the headphones, which many users will appreciate during extended listening sessions.

Edifier ConneX App

The W830NB headphones use a new app called Edifier ConneX, which caused me some confusion at first as I tried to use them with the older Connect app.

The new app is available for both iOS and Android devices, the app provides a user-friendly interface to access various features.

The app is well-presented, with a clean, intuitive dashboard. The main screen displays the current battery level of the headphones and quick access to key functions.

One of the main features of the app is the ability to customise the equaliser settings. Users can choose from a selection of preset EQ profiles tailored for different genres of music, such as Pop, Rock, Classical, or Jazz. For those who prefer more granular control, a custom EQ option allows for manual adjustment of frequency bands to suit individual preferences.

The app also provides control over the ANC modes. Users can switch between different levels of noise cancellation, including a transparency mode that allows ambient sound to pass through. This feature is particularly useful in situations where awareness of surroundings is necessary, such as when walking in urban environments.

Another useful feature is the ability to customise the touch controls on the headphones. Users can assign different functions to various touch gestures, allowing for a personalised control scheme that suits their usage patterns.

The app includes a firmware update function, ensuring that the W830NB can receive future improvements and bug fixes. This feature helps to extend the longevity of the headphones and potentially introduce new features over time.

Sound Quality

The Edifier W830NB delivers a sound profile that balances clarity, detail, and bass response. The 40mm dynamic drivers, coupled with support for high-quality audio codecs like LDAC and AAC, contribute to a listening experience that punches above its price point.

Bass Response

The low-end performance of the W830NB is robust without being overpowering. Bass notes are well-defined and have a satisfying punch, particularly noticeable in genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. The sub-bass extends reasonably well, providing a sense of depth to tracks with low-frequency content. However, some listeners might find the bass slightly less controlled compared to more expensive models, with occasional muddiness in complex bass-heavy passages.

Midrange

The midrange reproduction is generally clear and well-balanced. Vocals come through with good presence and detail, allowing listeners to discern nuances in vocal performances. Instruments in the mid-frequencies, such as guitars and pianos, are rendered with adequate separation and texture. There’s a slight warmth to the lower mids that adds body to the overall sound without overshadowing other elements. However, in some tracks, the upper mids can occasionally sound a bit recessed, which may affect the prominence of certain instruments or vocal ranges.

Treble

High frequencies are handled with a good balance of detail and smoothness. The W830NB avoids the harshness or sibilance often found in headphones at this price point. Cymbals, hi-hats, and other treble-heavy elements have a pleasing sparkle without becoming fatiguing during extended listening sessions. The Hi-Res Audio certification is evident in the headphones’ ability to reproduce high-frequency details, though they may not match the airiness and extension of more premium models.

Soundstage and Imaging:

For closed-back headphones, the W830NB presents a reasonably wide soundstage. Instruments and vocals are positioned with good spatial accuracy, creating an immersive listening experience. The imaging is precise enough to distinguish the placement of different elements within the mix, though it may not offer the pinpoint accuracy of higher-end audiophile headphones.

Detail and Clarity:

The overall level of detail retrieval is impressive for headphones in this price range. Subtle nuances in recordings, such as the decay of acoustic instruments or background elements in complex mixes, are generally well-preserved. The clarity is good across different genres, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of their music.

Codec Performance:

When paired with a device that supports LDAC, the W830NB showcases its ability to handle high-resolution audio. The increased bandwidth allows for more detail and a more open sound compared to standard SBC or AAC codecs. However, the difference may be subtle to casual listeners and more noticeable to audiophiles or on high-quality recordings.

EQ and Sound Customisation:

The ability to adjust the EQ through the Edifier ConneX app allows users to tailor the sound signature to their preferences. This feature can help address any perceived imbalances in the frequency response or adapt the sound for different genres of music.

The EQ has a few presets which allow you to customise the sound to your liking quite easily, or for advanced users, you can set up a custom profile.

While the Edifier W830NB delivers a commendable audio performance, some listeners might prefer a more neutral sound signature out of the box, as the W830NB’s default tuning leans slightly towards a consumer-friendly, bass-enhanced profile.

Active Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature of the Edifier W830NB is a key selling point, promising up to 45dB of noise reduction. This hybrid ANC system combines feedforward and feedback microphones to combat both predictable and sudden noise intrusions.

Effectiveness:

The W830NB’s ANC performance is impressive for its price range. Doing my normal synthetic test, playing airplane cabin noise on my Edifier S3000 Pro speakers, the headphones did a reasonably good job. 

It effectively reduces low-frequency ambient noise, such as the hum of air conditioning systems, the rumble of public transportation, or the steady drone of aeroplane engines. This makes the headphones particularly useful for commuters or frequent travellers.

Mid-range frequencies, like general office chatter or street noise, are also noticeably attenuated, though not completely eliminated. High-frequency sounds, such as the clatter of keyboards or high-pitched voices, are less affected by the ANC, which is typical even for more expensive noise-cancelling headphones.

The -45dB noise reduction claim seems to be achieved in ideal conditions with consistent, low-frequency noise. In real-world scenarios, the actual noise reduction may vary depending on the type and intensity of ambient sounds.

ANC Modes:

• The W830NB offers multiple ANC modes to suit different environments:
• High ANC: This mode provides the maximum level of noise cancellation, ideal for noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices.
• Medium ANC: Which I haven’t used much but I assume this will extend the battery life.
• Ambient Sound: This mode allows some external sound to pass through, useful for situations where awareness of surroundings is necessary, such as walking on busy streets or listening to announcements.
• Wind Noise Reduction: This mode minimises the impact of wind noise, which can be particularly problematic for ANC headphones in outdoor settings.

The ability to switch between these modes via the Edifier ConneX app or the physical button on the headphones adds versatility to the ANC feature.

Sound Quality Impact

When ANC is activated, there’s a slight change in the sound signature of the W830NB. The bass response seems to be slightly boosted, which can add warmth to the overall sound. This effect is subtle, and I would say the impact is less than that of many competing options. Many people may prefer this slight change to the sound, especially in bass-heavy genres. However, purists might notice a minor loss in clarity and soundstage width with ANC enabled.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Edifier W830NB is its exceptional battery life, which sets it apart from many competitors in its price range and even some more expensive models.

Playtime:

• With ANC off: Approximately 94 hours
• With ANC on: Approximately 54 hours

These figures are impressive, especially considering the price point of the W830NB. Even with ANC activated, the 54-hour battery life surpasses many competitors, allowing for extended use without the need for frequent charging.

In practical use, I haven’t timed the headphones, but I spent a week using them and didn’t have to recharge. I would guess the battery life aligns closely with Edifier’s claims, though actual results may vary depending on factors such as volume levels, use of different codecs, and environmental conditions.

The battery life of the W830NB outperforms many competitors in its price range:

• 1MORE SonoFlow: Up to 70 hours (ANC off), 50 hours (ANC on)
• Anker Soundcore Space One: Up to 60 hours (ANC off), 40 hours (ANC on)
• Anker Soundcore Q45: Up to 65 hours (ANC off), 50 hours (ANC on)

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Edifier W830NB Wireless Over Ear Headphones with -45dB...	301 Reviews	£67.99	Buy on Amazon
	Edifier W820NB Plus Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling...	2,821 Reviews	£55.99	Buy on Amazon

The Edifier W830NB has an RRP of £80, but at the time of writing, Amazon had a 15% off voucher, bringing it down to £68.

The older Edifier W820NB is available for £45, and a 20% voucher is available, or the Edifier W820NB Plus is available for £70 + 10% off.

For alternative brands, you have:

• 1MORE SonoFlow, which have an RRP of £89 with these regularly discounted to £64.
• Anker Soundcore Space One have an RRP of £90 and is regularly discounted to £70.
• Anker Soundcore Q45 have an RRP of £140 but was £91 at the time of writing.

Verdict

The Edifier W830NB wireless over-ear headphones are an excellent option in the mid-range segment of the ANC headphone market. These headphones offer a good range of features typically found in more expensive models, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on functionality.

While these are better than the Edifier W820NB Plus, there is not much difference between them, so I would say it is worth keeping an eye on the price of the older model. If it is just a few pounds difference, I’d get the newer Edifier W830NB, but you won’t miss out on much if you can pick up the Edifier W820NB Plus with a deep discount.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API