In the crowded market of noise-cancelling headphones, Edifier has consistently carved out a space for itself by delivering premium features without the hefty price tag. The Edifier ES850NB headphones are a prime example of this philosophy. Let’s see if these cans live up to the hype.
ES850NB – Highlight Features
- Comfort: Lightweight and ergonomic with skin-friendly ear cushions.
- Audio: Hi-Res Audio certified with 40mm drivers and LDAC support.
- ANC: Up to -45dB active noise cancellation.
- Battery: Up to 92 hours of playback (53 hours with ANC on).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing.
- Features: “Touch-to-chat,” AI noise cancellation for calls, and app support for custom settings.
The First Impression: Comfort and Design
Right out of the box, the ES850NB scores major points for comfort. It is worth praising the lightweight design and plush, leather-like earcups that make them feel like a dream, even during long listening sessions. The understated, matte black finish gives them a sleek, premium look that belies their affordable price. Plus, they come with a durable hard case, which is a nice touch often missing from headphones in this bracket. It’s clear Edifier didn’t skimp on the build quality.
Sound Quality: A Glimpse into Hi-Res Audio
Powered by 40mm titanium-coated drivers and supporting Hi-Res Audio Wireless with the LDAC codec, the ES850NB headphones deliver a surprisingly balanced and detailed sound profile.
- Bass: Unlike many budget-friendly options that crank up the bass to an uncomfortable level, the ES850NB offers a punchy yet controlled low end. It provides a satisfying “chest-filling resonance” without ever sounding muddy or overpowering the rest of the mix.
- Mids and Treble: Vocals are clear and articulate, and the mid-range is forward and well-defined. The treble is crisp without any hint of sibilance or harshness, making for a pleasant listening experience across various genres.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A Standout Feature
This is where the ES850NB truly shines. Its ANC performance is the subject of widespread praise, with many considering it the best in its class. It’s remarkably effective at silencing low-frequency noise like the rumble of a bus, a busy office, or the hum of a jet engine. While it may not completely erase loud, sudden noises, it does an excellent job of muting them to a manageable level. The headphones also feature a handy ambient mode and a wind reduction setting, offering a versatile suite of noise-cancelling options.
For somebody like me who sits in a busy office, this feature helps even more than cutting out the noise while commuting and such like.
The Nitty-Gritty: Features and Battery Life
Edifier packs a serious punch with a feature set that rivals headphones twice its price. The battery life is a particular standout, with an astonishing 92 hours of playback with ANC off and 53 hours with it on. This means you can go weeks between charges. The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity provides a stable connection, and multipoint pairing lets you seamlessly switch between two devices. For gamers, the low-latency “Game Mode” effectively eliminates lag, making these a solid choice for mobile gaming.
Verdict
The Edifier ES850NB headphones are an incredible value proposition. They punch well above their weight, delivering a winning combination of exceptional comfort, clean and balanced sound, and remarkably effective ANC. While they may not dethrone the top-tier models from Sony or Bose, their performance and extensive feature set for the price make them a fantastic choice. For anyone looking to get the best possible experience without breaking the bank, the ES850NB is an easy recommendation.
More information
More information on the Edifier ES850NB headphones can be found on the Edifier website.
They currently retail for £127.49 and can be bought from the likes of Amazon.