What to Look for When Buying Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones

You’ll love how the Edifier W820NB Plus Gen 2 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone, -49 dB ANC, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, 88H Playtime, Spatial Sound, AI Clear Calls, Bluetooth V6.1 & Multipoint – Dark Gray delivers 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res sound, powerful ANC, and up to 88 hours of playtime in a comfortable, foldable design that fits your daily commute and travel.

Budget noise-canceling headphones have improved dramatically in recent years, offering impressive sound quality, long battery life, and effective ANC without the premium price tag…

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Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for commuters, remote workers, and travelers looking for affordable noise-canceling headphones that balance sound quality, comfort, and battery life without paying premium-brand prices. If you want effective ANC for daily use, long battery life for extended listening, and modern wireless features without overspending, this review is designed for you.

Edifier W820NB Plus Gen 2 — Quick Verdict

If you’re looking for budget noise-canceling headphones with strong battery life, effective ANC, and modern wireless features, the W820NB Plus Gen 2 delivers excellent value for everyday use.

Best for

• Commuters and travelers

• Remote workers and frequent callers

• Long listening sessions without frequent charging

Not ideal if

• You want ultra-lightweight headphones

• You rely on wired analog (3.5mm) connections

If you’re still comparing models in this price range, our guide on how to choose budget noise-canceling headphones explains which features actually matter and which specs you can safely ignore.

Meet these Edifier Headphones Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone — first look

When you unbox this model, Spatial Sound, AI Clear Calls, Bluetooth V6.1 & Multipoint – Dark Gray, you’ll immediately notice how this pair balances a modern aesthetic with practical portability. The clean dark gray finish looks understated but premium, and the foldable design means you can slide them into a bag without fuss. These headphones promise features that matter to a wide range of listeners: Hi-Res audio, powerful active noise cancellation, a robust battery life, and smart software support through the EDIFIER ConneX app. In short, if you want a versatile, travel-ready set of over-ears that bring advanced tech and user-friendly controls together, these deserve a closer look.

Design and build — how they feel in your hands

Edifier designed the W820NB Plus Gen 2 to be lightweight and foldable, which makes them easy to carry as part of a daily commute or on longer trips. The headband and earcup hinges fold nicely, so the headphones don’t occupy much space. You’ll find physical buttons on the earcups — tactile and simple to learn — allowing you to control playback, switch ANC modes, and manage calls without pulling out your phone. The dark gray color keeps things subtle, and overall the build gives you confidence they’ll withstand regular handling without feeling bulky or fragile.

Materials, hinges, and the small details that matter

The materials aim for a balance between durability and comfort: soft-touch plastics in the headband and sturdy hinges that lock into place when unfolded. The earcups have a smooth finish that resists fingerprints and scuffs, and the hinges fold cleanly for compact storage. While the housing itself isn’t metal-heavy, the structural design is thoughtful, so you don’t get creaks or wobbles during use. Small design choices — like the shape of the earcup angles and the quality of the stitching on the headband — contribute to a cohesive, well-built feel that enhances everyday reliability.

Comfort and wearability — built for long listening sessions

You’ll appreciate the memory foam ear cushions on these Edifier headphones when you wear them for hours. The padding conforms to your ears and helps distribute clamping pressure evenly, reducing fatigue during long flights, work sessions, or extended listening. The headband padding adds another layer of comfort, and the adjustable size range fits most head shapes. Even if you’re someone who typically finds over-ears too snug, the combination of light weight and soft cushions on this model makes them friendlier for prolonged use. They’re not the absolute lightest on the market, but they strike a practical balance between comfort and stability.

Fit, clamping force, and heat management

Because these headphones are designed for sustained use, the clamping force is tuned to keep the earcups secure yet not overly tight. You’ll get enough seal for good passive noise rejection without the discomfort that comes from overly stiff headbands. In warmer environments you might notice a bit of heat buildup typical of over-ear designs, but the breathable cushion material does a reasonable job at keeping you comfortable. If you’re sensitive to any heat accumulation, taking periodic breaks or adjusting fit will help; otherwise, the fit is solid for daily commuting, office use, and long-haul travel.

Sound quality overview — Hi-Res audio and detailed reproduction

If you’re after sound clarity and detail, these headphones are built to deliver. They feature 40mm titanium-coated drivers capable of reproducing 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, and they support LDAC and SBC codecs for wireless listening. That combination means you’ll hear musical details across the frequency range with good precision — tight, well-defined bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The titanium coating on the drivers helps improve transient response, so percussive elements and quick note changes sound articulate. Whether you’re listening to acoustic tracks, orchestral recordings, or complex electronic music, the W820NB Plus Gen 2 aim to present a balanced, revealing sound signature that rewards attentive listening.

Hi-Res audio, LDAC, and why it matters to you

Hi-Res audio and LDAC support aren’t just buzzwords — they translate to more information conveyed in wireless playback if your source and streaming method can deliver it. LDAC lets you stream higher-bit-rate audio wirelessly compared with standard SBC, so when you use a compatible smartphone or player and the ConneX app or a wired USB-C connection, you can preserve much of the original recording’s detail. That means subtleties like room ambiance, reverb tails, and micro-dynamics stay more apparent. For busy listeners who prioritize convenience, this combination gives you near-wired quality without being tethered all the time.

Spatial sound and customization — shaping the soundstage

This over-ear ANC model includes dynamic spatial sound technology that expands the perceived soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience. Through the EDIFIER ConneX app, you can also access EQ presets and tailor sound to your preferences, so you can emphasize warmth for acoustic music or tighten bass for electronic tracks. Spatial sound works particularly well for movies and certain music genres, giving instruments and effects a better sense of placement. If you’re the kind of listener who likes to tweak the sonic profile for different content, the app’s customization options make it easy for you to achieve personalized audio without complex hardware changes.

Volume Guard and listening safety

One thoughtful addition is the Volume Guard feature in the ConneX app, which helps you manage volume exposure by letting you set a maximum listening level. This is useful if you’re worried about long-term hearing health or want to prevent accidental volume spikes when you switch devices. It’s a simple but effective tool to maintain comfortable listening habits, especially if you use the headphones for many hours a day or share them with family members who need a preset limit.

Active noise cancellation — powerful hybrid ANC

Edifier implemented a hybrid ANC system that reaches up to -49 dB attenuation, aiming to reduce a wide range of background noise. The hybrid approach uses both feedforward and feedback microphones to analyze external noises and cancel them effectively. In practice, you’ll find this ANC works well for typical commuting noise, airplane cabin hum, and office chatter. It doesn’t eliminate every sound — no ANC is perfect — but the level of suppression offered here is impressive for this class of headphone, especially when combined with the passive isolation of the cushioned earcups.

ANC modes and switching for real-world environments

You don’t have to guess which ANC setting to use: the headphones and the app provide multiple ANC modes for specific scenarios like sport, office, and travel. Switching is easy via the physical buttons or the ConneX app, so you can quickly change from full cancellation for a flight to a more modest setting when you need situational awareness in an office. Each mode is tuned to prioritize the kinds of noise you’re likely to encounter — for instance, travel mode focuses on low-frequency rumble, while office mode preserves more of the midrange so voices and announcements can sometimes remain perceptible when needed.

Transparency mode and quick awareness

When you need to hear announcements or have a brief conversation, transparency (or awareness) mode amplifies ambient sounds so you don’t have to remove the headphones. This is useful at security checkpoints, coffee shop orders, or when someone calls your name. The physical buttons on the earcups make switching between ANC and transparency instantaneous, so you can stay in the moment without fumbling through menus. The combination of reliable transparency and strong ANC makes these headphones flexible for real-life multitasking.

Connectivity — Bluetooth 6.1 and multipoint pairing

The Bluetooth V6.1 implementation promises improved stability and efficiency, and the W820NB Plus Gen 2 supports multipoint pairing so you can connect to two devices simultaneously. That means you can stay linked to your laptop for meetings while also keeping your phone paired for calls or music, and switching between sources happens smoothly. For everyday workflows where you bounce between devices — say, a video call on your computer and a music app on your phone — multipoint support prevents annoying re-pairing and keeps interruptions minimal.

Simultaneous play/charge and wired options

A convenient feature is the ability to use wired USB-C while playing and charging, which is perfect when you don’t want to drain battery during long listening sessions. The wired mode also delivers continuous playback with charging, and if you want lower latency or to preserve battery, connecting via USB-C offers that option. Additionally, there’s a gaming mode to reduce latency when you need a more responsive audio experience; this is helpful for mobile gaming, streaming, or any scenario where audio sync matters.

Battery life and fast charging — long endurance

Battery life is a headline benefit: up to 88 hours of continuous use when ANC is off, and around 49 hours with ANC enabled. That’s substantial and means you can go days or even weeks of typical daily use between charges depending on how long you listen each day. When you do need a quick top-up, fast charging gives you around 15 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging — a real lifesaver before a commute or short trip. This combination of long endurance and rapid charging flexibility keeps the headphones ready for travel and heavy use.

Real-world usage expectations and battery tips

In real-world conditions, your mileage will vary depending on volume, codec use, ANC mode, and screen brightness if you’re using a paired device. If you primarily use LDAC at high bitrates and keep ANC active, expect shorter runtimes than the maximums listed. To maximize battery life, use lower-power codecs when high fidelity isn’t necessary, reduce EQ boosts that demand more power, and use wired mode when convenient. Regular firmware updates via the ConneX app can also bring battery-efficiency improvements over time, so it’s worth keeping the firmware current.

Call quality and AI Clear Calls — prioritizing your voice

The W820NB Plus Gen 2 uses AI-driven noise cancellation specifically tuned for calls, which isolates your voice and reduces ambient noise for clearer hands-free conversations. This is particularly helpful in busy environments: the AI analyzes and suppresses background sounds while keeping your voice intact, so callers on the other end hear you more clearly. Whether you’re taking business calls on the go or chatting with friends in noisy settings, the combination of multiple mics and AI processing significantly improves intelligibility and reduces the need to shout or repeat yourself.

Practical tips for the best call experience

To get the most from AI Clear Calls, position the microphone area correctly (usually near the lower part of the earcup), minimize covering or obstructing the mic ports, and ensure you are using a stable Bluetooth connection. If you’re connected to multiple devices, make sure the active call device is prioritized in settings so the call uses the headphones’ full processing capabilities. In very noisy environments, consider switching to the most aggressive ANC mode while on a call so the AI can focus more effectively on extracting your voice from the background.

Controls and the EDIFIER ConneX app — easy customization

You’ll use a mix of physical buttons and the EDIFIER ConneX app to control the headphones. Physical controls let you manage playback, calls, and ANC modes quickly without pulling out your phone. The ConneX app unlocks more advanced customization: tailored ANC modes, spatial sound adjustments, EQ presets, personalized EQ, and the Volume Guard feature to cap the maximum output. The app also provides firmware update capabilities, ensuring your headphones can receive ongoing improvements to performance and stability. Together, the physical and software controls give you flexibility for both immediate actions and deeper tuning.

Firmware updates, presets, and future features

Firmware updates delivered through the ConneX app can add optimizations and new features over time, so keeping the app installed and checking for updates is a good habit. The app’s presets are handy starting points if you don’t want to craft a custom EQ, and you can save your own profiles for different scenarios. This ability to update and tweak settings ensures the headphones can evolve with your needs, making them a more durable long-term investment compared to models that lack active software support.

Use cases — who will benefit most from these headphones

If you travel frequently, these headphones are a strong fit thanks to ANC, long battery life, and a foldable design that tucks into luggage easily. For remote workers and frequent callers, AI Clear Calls and multipoint support will streamline meetings and multitasking. Audiophiles who appreciate high-resolution audio over LDAC, and casual listeners who want a dependable all-rounder, will both find value here. Gamers who use mobile devices benefit from the gaming mode’s low latency, while commuters will love the ANC and quick charge features. In short, these headphones are versatile enough for a wide range of daily scenarios.

Ideal scenarios: commuting, office, travel, and leisure

On a plane, the ANC tames cabin noise and the long battery life reduces charging worries. In an open office, office-mode ANC and transparency balance focus and awareness for colleagues’ cues. For gym or sport settings, the sport mode in the app optimizes settings for movement and active noise profiles. At home, the Hi-Res capability and spatial sound make movie nights and music listening more involving. You’ll find the headphone’s flexibility matches the rhythm of modern, multi-environment lives where you switch between tasks and activity types frequently.

Setup and getting started — pairing and optimizing sound

Getting started is straightforward: charge the headphones, power them on, and enter Bluetooth pairing mode to connect to your device. For the best audio quality, ensure your source device supports LDAC and select that codec in your device’s Bluetooth settings if available. Install the EDIFIER ConneX app to customize ANC modes, spatial sound, EQ, and to set the Volume Guard. If you plan to use wired USB-C playback, plug in the cable and confirm the device recognizes the headphones as an audio output. These few steps help you quickly tailor the experience to your preferences and ensure you’re getting the highest audio fidelity possible from your sources.

Maintenance and care — keep them working and looking good

Take care of the ear cushions by wiping them with a soft, damp cloth and gentle soap if needed; avoid soaking or using harsh chemicals. Keep the hinges and folding areas clear of debris that could cause wear, and store the headphones in a protective case when not in use. Try to avoid exposing the headphones to extreme heat or prolonged direct sunlight, which can degrade materials over time. Regularly check and install firmware updates through the ConneX app to maintain performance, and if you notice decreased battery efficiency, a controlled full discharge and recharge cycle occasionally can help recalibrate battery indicators.

Troubleshooting — fixes for common hiccups

If you encounter pairing issues, try removing the headphone from your device’s Bluetooth list and re-pairing; ensure other nearby Bluetooth devices aren’t interfering. If ANC isn’t active, double-check the selected ANC mode in the ConneX app, or use the physical control to toggle it. For dropouts or unstable audio, ensure your device is within range and not blocked by dense obstacles; switching to a lower bitrate codec may improve stability in crowded wireless environments. If calls sound muffled, verify microphone ports are unobstructed and try a firmware update, which often patches audio-processing bugs.

Pros and cons — a balanced view

Pros:

• Hi-Res 96kHz/24-bit support with 40mm titanium-coated drivers for detailed sound.
• Strong hybrid ANC up to -49 dB with multiple environment modes.
• Exceptional battery life (up to 88 hours) and fast charging (15 minutes → 15 hours).
• Multipoint Bluetooth V6.1 pairing and wired USB-C playback while charging.
• AI Clear Calls and spatial sound with customizable EQ in the ConneX app.

Cons:

• As with many over-ear designs, some heat buildup is possible during long sessions.
• Real-world battery life varies with ANC, codec use, and volume levels.
• To get the most from LDAC, your source device must support it.

Is these Edifier Headphones right for you?

If you want a feature-rich pair of over-ear headphones that blend Hi-Res audio, strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and practical app-driven customization, these are worth considering. You’ll especially appreciate them if you travel frequently, work in noisy environments, or enjoy a detailed listening experience without being tethered to cables. They’re not the absolute lightest or the top-tier audiophile option for the most demanding listeners, but they offer a compelling mix of performance, comfort, and convenience that suits most everyday needs.

Final thoughts — balancing value, performance, and real-world usability

This Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphone, -49 dB ANC, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, 88H Playtime, Spatial Sound, AI Clear Calls, Bluetooth V6.1 & Multipoint – Dark Gray, brings together advanced audio technologies and practical everyday features in a package that’s easy to live with. You get a headphone that performs well across music, calls, gaming, and travel, with software support through the ConneX app that makes personalization simple. If you value a balance of audio fidelity, noise suppression, and battery endurance in a portable, comfortable build, these headphones will likely meet or exceed your expectations for regular use.