Edifier Responds to Sony and SoundCore - WH950NB Review

Design & Build Quality 00:18

"In the looks department, the Edifier can easily score some points."

• The Edifier WH950NB headphones, while not audiophile-grade, present a stylish design that features faux leather textures and attractive gold accents around the microphones.

• The build is predominantly plastic, which may concern some users, but the headphones manage to impress aesthetically with a relatively clean branding, featuring only the Edifier logo on the headband.

• However, the headband design has room for improvement; it features sharp metal edges that catch fingerprints and can be difficult to adjust while wearing.

• The headphones fold up, making them a practical choice for travel, and come with a solid case that includes compartments for cables.

Comfort 01:55

"The faux leather pads on the ear cups and headband are very soft, but the downside is that the padding is quite thin."

• Comfort-wise, the WH950NB headphones feature soft faux leather padding, but the thinness of this padding can lead to discomfort over extended periods of use.

• Users with larger ears will find that the ear cups have adequate depth and space, and heat management during use remains effective without causing sweaty ears.

• The headphones offer a satisfactory fit with a decent clamp strength, although caution is advised when adjusting the headband due to its sharp edges.

Battery Performance 02:40

"The battery life is good but not spectacular compared to the current competition."

• The Edifier WH950NB boasts a battery life of 34 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled and 55 hours with it off, which is sufficient for most usage scenarios.

• Additionally, fast charging capabilities allow for 7 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making them practical for travelers or daily commutes.

Smart Features and App Functionality 03:08

"One of the basics we would’ve liked to see was a wear sensor."

• The WH950NB headphones lack a wear sensor, which would have enhanced their functionality. However, they include a ‘safe volume’ feature that limits sound levels to prevent hearing damage.

• The accompanying app allows users to customize various noise cancellation modes and provides a parametrically adjustable EQ, though it only offers a 4-band equalizer.

• Users can toggle between different ANC modes, including a wind noise reduction option specifically designed for those cycling in windy environments.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency 03:57

"Edifier’s noise cancelling is good, but not better than the competition."

• The ANC performance of the WH950NB is competent, although it is on par with other models in a similar price range, such as the SoundCore Space Q45.

• While it does not surpass higher-end competitors like Sony's flagship models, it meets user expectations adequately for its cost, offering layered ANC functionality that is efficient for urban commuting.

Sound Experience 05:52

"The WH950NB are not Edifier’s audiophile headphones."

• When powered on, the sound experience of the WH950NB shifts dramatically, providing a much more open sound signature than when used in passive mode, which is described as dark with lacking mids.

• The headphones emphasize bass heavily, making them particularly appealing for bass enthusiasts, although some users may find the sub-bass overwhelming.

• The sound quality remains rich and authentic, especially for genres like EDM and hip-hop, but adjustments can be made through the EQ for those seeking a more balanced sound.

Sound Customization 07:43

"The best thing about the app is that it has a great parametric EQ with exact frequency and Q factor control."

• Users can utilize the Edifier Connect app to customize their listening experience with two preset modes, while the parametric EQ offers a degree of sound control that can appeal to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

• Although the 4-band EQ may leave some users wanting more control, those familiar with audio tuning can achieve satisfactory sound profiles by modifying the treble and bass settings.

Safe Volume Feature 09:51

"The ‘safe volume’ feature limits your maximum volume for ear protection."

• The Edifier WH950NB headphones include a 'safe volume' option that prevents users from cranking the sound too high, which is beneficial for protecting hearing health.

• While some users might prefer to disable this feature, many find that the maximum volume level allowed is still sufficiently loud, providing a balance between auditory enjoyment and safety.

Phone Call Performance 10:08

"The WH950NB does quite well, and we would be okay to use them for calls."

• The microphone quality of the WH950NB is satisfactory for phone calls, making them a viable choice for remote work or casual conversations.

• However, when compared to competitors like the Sony XM5, the background noise cancellation of the Edifier headphones can be less effective, sometimes causing the speaker's voice to sound distant or muffled.

Multidevice Connectivity 12:41

"We're happy to see Edifier supporting multipoint connections."

• The WH950NB supports multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them conveniently.

• Users should be aware that enabling multipoint functionality comes at the cost of LDAC support, meaning they cannot enjoy both features at the same time.

Sustainability Efforts 13:23

"We reached out to Edifier about their sustainability efforts, but they didn’t respond."

• The reviewer inquired about Edifier's sustainability initiatives regarding product and packaging recycling, but unfortunately, they received no response.

• This lack of information suggests that many smaller companies may not prioritize or communicate their efforts in sustainability effectively.

Overall Conclusion and Comparisons 13:43

"The WH950NB is an excellent offering from Edifier."

• Despite its uninspired name, the WH950NB headphones represent a solid choice for consumers, especially at a lower price point compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000 XM5.

• They provide good value for users who find sound quality less central to their decision, particularly when weighed against similarly priced models like the SoundCore Space Q45, which may excel in other areas despite a potential slight edge in sound quality.