The Edifier W83ONB are wireless headphones that seek to capture the middle ground, appealing to casual listeners and those looking to upgrade their audio experience while keeping the price on the lower end. Positioned as a mid-range option in Edifier’s lineup, the W83ONB aims to deliver a mix of sound quality, comfort, and features while maintaining a minimalist build. But in a tech space crowded with countless headphones, does the Edifier W83ONB do enough to stand out? The answer is both yes and no.
The Edifier W83ONB has a sleek design with a matte finish and features a combination of plastic and faux leather, which lends a more elegant, cushioned look while keeping it relatively lightweight. The ear cups are well-padded, and the adjustable headband is designed to fit heads of all sizes. The overall build quality is good for the price range, though it doesn’t feel as premium or durable as some higher-end models.
One minor issue is the hinge mechanism of the ear cups, which, while functional, feels somewhat flimsy. This raises concerns about how well it will hold up with long-term use. While practical for travel with its sleek, compact design, I worry it won’t last after prolonged use.
Comfort is a key factor for any headphones, and the Edifier W83ONB delivers. The plush ear cushions and adjustable headband ensure a snug fit that can be worn for extended periods without causing discomfort. However, the padding could be more breathable, as prolonged use leads to heat buildup around the ears. The ear cups may also feel restrictive for users with larger ears, though they still fit.
Sound quality is where the W83ONB shines, but it has some caveats. The headphones deliver a balanced audio profile that caters to various genres. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, making it suitable for everything from rock to classical music. However, the treble can occasionally sound slightly distorted at higher volumes, which detracts from the overall listening experience for some users.
In terms of audio clarity and detail, the Edifier W83ONB performs well for its price range. While it may not compete with high-end audiophile-grade headphones, it offers a satisfactory listening experience for casual users. That said, some users in this price range may seek a more immersive experience.
“The Edifier W83ONB performs well for its price range, offering a satisfactory listening experience for casual users.”
The Edifier W83ONB features hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an Ambient Sound Mode. The passive isolation provided by the cushioned ear cups does a fair job of blocking out external noise, making it suitable for moderately noisy environments. However, it doesn’t entirely eliminate background noise, and users in very noisy settings may still hear some ambient sound.
A standout feature is the ambient noise function, which helps mask outside noise with ANC but also adds white noise. When other sounds are muted, the white noise acts as a calming mechanism that aids sleep and makes life as a headphone sleeper more enjoyable.
One of the strongest aspects of the W83ONB is its impressive battery life. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge, which is above average for this category. This extended battery life is a significant advantage for users who need long-lasting performance for commutes, travel, or extended listening sessions. The quick charge feature is also a welcome addition, providing several hours of use from a short charging session. After leaving this headset unplugged for roughly three weeks, it still held a decent charge.
The Edifier W83ONB supports Bluetooth 5.0, which helps maintain a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency to most paired devices. Pairing the headphones is straightforward, and it can hold a connection for a decent length before any drop-offs occur. The onboard controls are intuitive and easy to use, with physical buttons for volume adjustment, playback control, and answering calls. However, the controls can be somewhat confusing at first due to their small size and close placement, requiring users some time to get accustomed to the minimalist layout.
The built-in microphone on the Edifier W83ONB offers sub-optimal performance for calls. It captures voice with a significant amount of tinniness and struggles with background noise in louder settings. While it’s sufficient for casual calls and voice chats, users seeking mid- to high-quality voice capture for professional use or streaming may find it lacking compared to dedicated headphones with superior microphones.
The Edifier W83ONB presents a solid option for users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It delivers respectable sound quality, impressive battery life, and a comfortable fit. However, it falls short in areas such as build quality, active noise cancellation, and microphone performance. Users who require advanced noise-cancelling capabilities or superior microphone quality might consider higher-end models. That said, the Edifier W83ONB is a competent pair of headphones that meets most expectations but leaves room for improvement.
- Hear Every Detail – 40mm dynamic driver with LDAC codec for Hi-Res Wireless audio, delivering 3X more detail than standard Bluetooth transmission for punchy bass and crisp treble
- Reduce Noise by Up to -45dB – 6 noise cancelling modes of ambient sound(7 levels adjustable), wind reduction, high noise cancellation, medium noise cancellation and broad noise cancellation
