Edifier W83ONB Headphones Review
These Edifier W83ONB headphones aim to strike a sweet spot by blending good build quality, comfort and impressive audio performance—and crucially, at a competitive price point. We've been testing them for the last few weeks and have been, mostly, impressed.
Design
Available in black, grey and sand white, these headphones are well-built, with durable plastics that have withstood our daily misplacement here, there, and everywhere. The W83ONB headphones immediately gained positive appraisal when we adjusted the headband length and discovered a metal adjustable mechanism. This not only adds durability but also gives them a premium feel that's often missing in this price range. The headband itself features upper padding that is pleasantly comfortable, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. However, while the ear cup padding is soft, it could benefit from a bit more plumpness. After a few hours of use, the thinness of the padding becomes noticeable, which might be a drawback for those planning on wearing these for long periods, particularly for two hours or more.
Controls & Charging
The physical buttons for controls are the biggest drawback. Although their placement on the bottom right ear cup should make them easy to access quickly, it's tricky to differentiate between them. For instance, the button used to pause/play tracks and manage calls is flanked by nearly identical volume controls on either side, making it difficult to find the right one by touch alone. On the other hand, the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) control is easier to locate, as it's separated from the other buttons. This control toggles between off and an ambient sound mode, which is intended to amplify external sounds like voices. However, this feature didn't noticeably improve our ability to hear our surroundings while playing music, so its usefulness is limited to when music is paused.
Interestingly, the ANC button also serves as the Bluetooth pairing control when held down. The Edifier W83ONB headphones support Bluetooth 5.3, which allows for simultaneous connectivity to two devices.
They charge via USB-C, and wired audio can also be transferred from this port (a cable is supplied for aux). Battery life is claimed to be 96 hours, which is such a bold claim that it's difficult to quantify from daily usage. However, after listening to them for 1-3 hours per day over three weeks, the battery is just below 50%. So it looks like with volume hovering around 50-75%, the claim is about right.
Noise Cancellation & Sound Performance
The W83ONB headphones perform on par with what we experienced with the Edifier WH700NB headphones we recently reviewed when it comes to blocking out external noise. They effectively reduce ambient noise to a minimal level, making them suitable for most environments. However, they might not entirely block out the loudest surroundings, such as busier city environments, when the volume is set midway, so you may feel the need to crank it up a little further for maximum cocooned enjoyment.
We've been listening exclusively over Bluetooth 5.3 with our Mac and iOS devices, and there's noticeably low latency, which is good news for gaming. In terms of sound quality, the W83ONB can get impressively loud without any noticeable crackling or distortion, which is a testament to the quality of the 40mm drivers, even with bass heavier tracks. There's an evident soundstage that becomes particularly noticeable with acoustic music, where vocals fly forwards past instrumentals such as guitars and drums, which also remain energised in their sound with space to be free, adding depth to your listening experience. Podcasts are especially enjoyable, thanks to the punchy bass that adds warmth and richness to voices.
High ranges can sometimes feel a bit overstretched. This is most noticeable in pop music, where higher vocals and instrumentals can sound slightly disjointed. Despite this, the general balance between the highs, mids, and lows is fine for everyday listening, and at this price point, the Edifier W83ONB headphones deserve an enthusiastic thumbs up. The overall sound profile remains consistent with what we've heard in the WH700NB model headphones from Edifier, with a tad more depth and a brighter sound style.
Verdict
Those looking for a well-built, comfortable and capable pair of headphones for general use will find these qualities within the Edifier W83ONB headphones, and it just so happens they provide change from a £100 too. While they may not satisfy the most discerning listeners due to the occasional peakiness in higher frequencies and the somewhat flawed control layout, they still manage to provide an enjoyable audio experience, particularly for those who enjoy podcasts and acoustic music.
