Last Updated: February 2026
We periodically revisit our reviews to ensure information reflects current firmware, pricing trends, and availability.
Quick Verdict
If you’re still comparing options, our complete guide on what to look for when buying budget noise-canceling headphones breaks down the key features that matter most before choosing a model.
Priced in the budget ANC range, the Edifier W820NB Plus Gen 2 offers strong everyday comfort, punchy sound, and usable noise cancellation for commuters and casual listeners. If you’re shopping under the mid-range ANC category and want solid features without overpaying, this is an easy recommendation.
Who should skip it
If you demand studio-grade neutrality, best-in-class ANC, or premium build materials, you should look higher up the price ladder. Also skip these if you need rock-solid multipoint connections out of the box or the absolute lowest-latency headset for competitive gaming.
Who this headphone is best for
If you want an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones that puts enjoyable sound and comfortable everyday use above audiophile precision, these are a great pick. You’ll appreciate them if you commute, work in shared spaces, or want a portable travel set that won’t break the bank while still offering usable ANC and a warm, fun sound signature.
👉 How we test
If you want to understand how we evaluate comfort, ANC accuracy, and long-term durability, see 👉 How We Test & Review Products.
Quick Specs
• ANC: Hybrid (manufacturer-stated)
• Battery: Up to 30 hours (manufacturer claim, ANC on)
• Bluetooth: 5.2
• Codecs: SBC / AAC (LDAC varies by region)
• Charging: USB-C + fast charge
Disclosure: This review includes affiliate links to Amazon. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Who This Headphone Is For
Listening habits
You’ll find this model suits casual everyday listening. It favors a bass-forward sound with energetic highs that make streaming, podcasts, and playlists feel lively. If you mostly listen to pop, hip-hop, EDM, or watch videos, you’ll enjoy the punch and immediacy these headphones deliver.
Use cases
Use them for commuting, working in cafes or home offices, on short to medium flights, and for watching video on phones or tablets. They’re light enough for daily carry and fold into a compact shape, so you can toss them in a bag for travel. They’re less suited to long mixing sessions, critical monitoring, or intense multiplayer gaming where very low latency and multipoint reliability are priorities.
Design and Build Quality
Materials
The headphones mix dense plastic with metal-reinforced sliders. The surface plastic feels matte and resists fingerprints, while the headband and hinges show some metal elements for strength. The overall impression is that Edifier aimed for durability without pushing into premium-cost materials.
Foldability
The ear cups swivel and fold flat, which makes them more travel-friendly than fixed designs. The folding mechanism is smooth and secure, so you won’t fight with stiff joints when packing. The package usually includes a soft carrying pouch rather than a hard case, which saves weight but won’t protect against heavy impacts.
Portability
These are compact for travel and easy to stash in a backpack or carry-on. The folded profile is smaller than many over-ear rivals, and the pouch gives basic protection. If you prioritize minimal bulk and a pair of cans you’ll actually take out of the house every day, this model is convenient.
Comfort and Long-Term Wear
Padding
The ear pads use soft memory-foam-like cushioning wrapped in a protein-leather material. The padding feels plush initially and provides decent isolation without being suffocating. The headband has a thin pad that spreads pressure but isn’t as plush as higher-end options.
Clamp force
The clamp is on the firmer side but not overly aggressive. You’ll get a secure fit that keeps the headphones in place during walking and light movement. If you have a very large head or prefer feather-light clamping, you may notice pressure during extended sessions. For most users, the balance between hold and comfort is reasonable.
Heat management
Expect moderate heat buildup around your ears during long sessions or warm environments. The pads trap some warmth, which helps passive isolation and bass impact but means you’ll feel a bit warm after several hours. They breathe better than heavy leather-clad models but not as well as open-back or perforated designs.
Sound Quality
Bass, mids, highs
The tuning leans toward a slightly V-shaped presentation. Bass is prominent and punchy, which makes modern production sound full and engaging. Mids are present but sometimes sit a little behind the bass in dense mixes, so vocals can lack the air and micro-detail you’d hear from neutral cans. Treble is crisp enough to give clarity and sparkle, though it doesn’t push into fatiguing territory.
You’ll hear engaging low-end thump on electronic and hip-hop tracks without muddying most content. If you prioritize vocal intimacy or classical music detail, you might notice a mild midrange recession. For general listening and entertainment, the balance favors fun and immediacy.
Music and call clarity
Music playback is enjoyable across genres that benefit from boosted bass and clear highs. Acoustic tracks and orchestral music still sound pleasant, but you shouldn’t expect studio-accurate reproduction. Call quality is serviceable for most one-on-one conversations. In quiet indoor environments, the other person’s voice is clear. In noisy or windy situations, the microphones struggle more — you’ll notice reduced clarity and some background noise leakage.
Codec support
The headphones reliably support SBC and AAC codecs, which covers most smartphone and tablet use. If you need aptX, aptX Adaptive, or LDAC for higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming, verify the regional model listing before buying — not all budget models include those codecs. For typical streaming and video watching, SBC/AAC provide an acceptable experience.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
Effectiveness
The ANC on this model focuses on low-frequency noise reduction. It tames airplane engine hum, metro rumble, and steady HVAC noise well enough to make travel and commuting more comfortable. The cancellation isn’t in the class of flagship ANC headphones, so don’t expect perfect silence; instead, you get significant reduction in continuous low-end noise.
Real-world environments
In a quiet office, ANC gives you a nice sense of isolation and helps reduce distractions. On trains and buses, you’ll notice the roar and rumble drop significantly, making it easier to enjoy music at lower volumes. In heavy city street noise or gusty outdoor wind, ANC does less to reduce sudden high-frequency sounds and wind noise can still bleed through. For short flights and public transit, ANC is definitely useful; for very noisy environments, it helps but won’t eliminate the need to raise volume at times.
ANC modes
You’ll typically find at least two modes: ANC on and transparency/ambient mode. ANC mode focuses on cancellation, while transparency lets outside sound in for safety and conversations. The modes are straightforward and switchable via a physical button or the companion app. The toggles are practical and easy to use on the fly.
Battery Life and Charging
Realistic usage expectations
Manufacturer claims often cite long runtimes, and in everyday use you can expect many hours of playback. With ANC enabled and moderate listening levels, realistic all-day use falls into a comfortable zone: you’ll likely get multiple days of typical commuting or office use between charges. If you push volume high and use ANC constantly, runtime will be reduced accordingly.
Fast charging
The headphones support a fast-charge feature that gives you a meaningful amount of playback from a short top-up. A few minutes of charging will get you through a short commute or meeting. Full charging times are reasonable for budget ANC cans. This makes them practical for travelers or anyone who needs a quick boost before heading out.
Connectivity and App Experience
Bluetooth stability
In normal line-of-sight conditions, Bluetooth connections remain stable and consistent. You may experience brief drop-outs in crowded RF environments or when your transmitter device is in a bag or pocket. For phone calls and video watching, the latency is low enough that lips and audio stay acceptably in sync on mobile devices. For highly latency-sensitive gaming, wired mode or a dedicated gaming headset will be better.
Multipoint
Some units support simultaneous connections to multiple devices, allowing you to stay connected to a laptop and phone at the same time. Multipoint behavior can vary based on firmware and the devices you pair. If multipoint is a crucial feature for your workflow, double-check the current firmware capabilities and user manual for the specific regional model you plan to buy.
App customization
The companion app provides basic but useful controls: EQ presets and a simple graphic EQ, ANC on/off or mode switching, and firmware updates. The EQ allows you to tailor the sound to your taste without needing an external DSP. The app interface is straightforward and doesn’t feel cluttered. Expect periodic firmware updates that can improve stability or add small features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price for usable ANC and engaging sound.
- Punchy bass and lively treble make casual listening fun.
- Comfortable for most listeners with soft ear padding.
- Foldable, lightweight, and travel-friendly.
- Companion app provides useful EQ and firmware updates.
- Fast-charge feature gives quick top-ups.
Cons
- ANC isn’t class-leading — it reduces rumble but won’t remove all noise.
- Mids can feel slightly recessed compared with neutral headphones.
- Mic performance struggles in windy or very noisy environments.
- Multipoint support and high-resolution codecs may vary by region.
- Carrying pouch offers limited protection compared to a hard case.
What Frustrates Some Owners
Even though the W820NB Plus Gen 2 delivers strong value, there are a few recurring annoyances reported by longer-term users.
Some listeners mention the clamp pressure can feel noticeable during the first week, especially for larger heads, although it typically relaxes with use.
Others point out that while ANC handles steady rumble well, it doesn’t reduce sudden voices or high-frequency sounds as effectively as premium models.
Transparency mode works for awareness, but outside audio can sound slightly digital or artificial rather than fully natural.
Finally, while multipoint is available on many units, switching between devices may occasionally require a short pause or manual intervention depending on the phone/laptop combination.
None of these issues are unusual in this price range, but they are helpful expectations to set.
Common Return Reasons
Most returns don’t happen because the headphones are bad — they happen because expectations didn’t match the tuning or feature level.
The most frequent reasons include:
• Wanting stronger ANC similar to Bose or Sony flagships
• Expecting premium materials instead of practical plastics
• Preferring a more neutral midrange for vocals or studio work
• Needing higher-end Bluetooth codecs for specialized streaming setups
If you buy these understanding they are built for value and daily convenience, satisfaction tends to be much higher.
What Improves With EQ
A small EQ adjustment can noticeably change how the W820NB Plus Gen 2 sounds.
Reducing bass slightly can clean up the presentation and bring vocals more forward.
Adding a touch of upper-mid or treble lift can improve perceived clarity and detail.
Podcast listeners often benefit from trimming low frequencies while boosting presence for speech.
The companion app makes these tweaks simple, and many users report finding a sweet spot within minutes.
What You Notice After 3 Months
Longer-term ownership reveals some practical benefits.
The clamp usually becomes more comfortable as the headband loosens a bit.
Battery life remains stable and predictable for most users.
The foldable structure proves convenient for daily transport.
You also grow accustomed to the sound signature, especially once EQ is dialed in.
In short, they tend to feel better over time, not worse.
Compared to Competitors at This Price
When you line the W820NB Plus Gen 2 up against other popular budget ANC headphones, the differences usually come down to tuning philosophy and comfort priorities rather than raw specifications.
Compared with bass-heavier options like the Soundcore Life Q30, the Edifier tends to sound cleaner in the midrange, which helps vocals and podcasts stand out. You may sacrifice some low-end punch, but you gain clarity for speech and mixed music libraries.
Against similarly priced JBL or entry Sony models, Edifier often competes well on battery efficiency and foldability, while ANC performance remains in the same general class — strong for steady rumble, less dominant for complex city noise.
Where the Edifier frequently wins is in how easy it is to live with day after day. The lighter feel, straightforward controls, and predictable sound make it less polarizing than rivals that chase dramatic bass boosts.
If you want fireworks, another model might impress faster. If you want balance and usability, the Edifier makes a strong argument.
Durability After Extended Use
After months of regular commuting and travel, owners generally report that the headset holds up well when treated with normal care.
The matte plastics resist scratches better than glossy finishes, and the headband sliders maintain their tension without slipping during wear. Hinges continue to feel secure, though like most folding headphones in this price tier, they benefit from being packed in a pouch rather than left loose in a bag.
Ear pads show the most wear over time — this is typical for protein-leather materials. With heavy use, you can expect gradual creasing or softening, but replacements are widely available and affordable.
Importantly, long-term battery performance appears stable. There are few reports of dramatic degradation within the first year, which supports the model’s reputation as a dependable daily companion rather than a short-term gadget.
Daily Commuter Experience
For commuting, the W820NB Plus Gen 2 hits a practical sweet spot.
The foldable design makes it easy to pack away quickly when boarding or exiting transit. Weight stays comfortable during long rides, and the clamp is firm enough that the headphones don’t shift when you’re standing or walking.
ANC removes a significant portion of engine and rail noise, letting you listen at lower, safer volumes. While sudden announcements or sharp external sounds still come through, the reduction in constant rumble makes a noticeable difference in fatigue.
Multipoint, when cooperating with your devices, becomes especially convenient during commutes — you can stream music from your phone and still take a work call from your laptop without fully disconnecting.
After repeated trips, many users find the Edifier becomes their default grab-and-go pair simply because it’s light, predictable, and easy.
Alternatives to Consider
Soundcore Life Q30 / Q35
If you’re looking for another budget ANC option, the Life Q30 (or Q35) provides strong value with a different tuning and a feature-rich companion app. It’s known for long battery life and solid ANC for the price.
You can also read our detailed Soundcore Life Q30 review to see how another popular model performs in daily use.
JBL Tune 760NC
JBL’s offering delivers a punchy sound and simple ANC in a similar price bracket. If you prefer JBL’s sonic signature or want a different fit, this is a reasonable alternative.
Sony WH-CH720N or WH-CH710N
Sony’s budget ANC models occasionally sit close to this model’s price point and offer competitive ANC and Sony’s ecosystem advantages, making them worth a look if you want a slightly different balance of performance.
For readers comparing this headphone directly with another strong budget contender, our Soundcore Life Q30 vs Edifier W820NB Plus (Gen 2) comparison highlights how these two models stack up for commuting, work, and everyday listening in 2026.
Edifier improved many aspects in the Gen 2 revision, but this is still a value-focused product. Materials are practical rather than luxurious, and while ANC is effective for steady noise, it won’t match flagship headphones in complex or highly dynamic environments.
The companion app is stable and easy to use, though advanced listeners might wish for a deeper equalizer instead of simpler tone adjustments.
Understanding these boundaries helps frame the product realistically and highlights how much performance you are receiving for the cost.
Who This Headphone Fits Best
The W820NB Plus Gen 2 works particularly well for listeners who value comfort, clear vocals, and reliable multipoint behavior between a phone and laptop. It’s a strong everyday choice for work, study, and commuting.
Who May Want Something Else
Bass enthusiasts looking for heavy impact or users seeking the strongest possible ANC regardless of price may want to explore alternatives aimed at those priorities.
Final Verdict
Clear recommendation
If you want an affordable, travel-friendly set of headphones that give you usable ANC, a fun sound signature, and comfortable day-to-day wear, these strike a good balance. You’ll get punchy bass, clear highs, and enough noise cancellation to make commutes and flights more pleasant without spending big money. They’re a practical buy for casual listeners who value portability and a lively presentation.
Buying confidence
For a deeper breakdown of ANC types, comfort factors, and battery expectations, see our budget noise-canceling headphones buying guide for side-by-side comparisons.
Buy these if you prioritize value and everyday usability over absolute cancellation performance or impartial studio accuracy. They’re not perfect, but for the price, they deliver a compelling mix of features, comfort, and sound that will suit most listeners’ daily routines. If you need better call noise handling, flagship ANC, or audiophile neutrality, consider spending more or exploring the alternatives listed above.
About the Author
Ren Ariola is a product reviewer and researcher focused on budget-friendly audio and practical technology. He tests everyday-use scenarios such as commuting, remote work, and long listening sessions to translate technical features into real-world buying advice.
His reviews emphasize comfort, durability, and long-term value rather than marketing claims.
We independently select products. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.