Maybe a name WH950NB be the least elegant of the new headphones over the ears by Edifier. They are designed to compete in the middle range of the market, for less than 200 euros they promise us more than decent ANC noise cancellation technology, until 55 hours of autonomy (34 if ANC is on) and perhaps the most interesting detail, codec integration LDAC.

LDAC is an encryption technology that enables the transmission of high-resolution audio over a Bluetooth connection. Unlike other Bluetooth-compatible encryption technologies such as SBC, it works without converting Hi-Res Audio content (except DSD format content), allowing for approximately three times the data transfer, ideal for services streaming like Qobuz or Tidal. On the other hand, it doesn’t support Apple’s AAC codec, so Apple Music users will have to settle for lower quality like SBC.

And speaking of Bluetooth, we don’t want to overlook that its version 5.3 equipment allows connection with two devices at the same time. If we also have an Android device, we can enjoy the technology Google Quick Pairing.

On the outside, we mentioned that it offers an elegant and sober design, the skeleton of which is built in plastic in piano black and in specific areas it is covered with synthetic leather padding for greater comfort. Each of the headphones balances on forks, which in turn fold up for easy transport in a sturdy case.

Inside the case, in addition to USB-C, we also find a 3.5 mm jack connector. which allows us to listen to the sound through a cable (if we wish) and a two-pin adapter, suitable for use in some aircraft that still maintain this type of connectivity in their infotainment systems.

The black and dark gray that dominates the product is only “broken up” by the gold Edifier logo on either side of the headband, just above the pads. Under 300 grams (296), the kit feels comfortable from the start and offers good passive insulation thanks to the adjustable pads.

Data sheet

• Bluetooth: V5.3
• Bluetooth protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
• Audio coding: LDAC, SBC
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz
• Driver: Ф40 mm dynamic
• Output sound pressure level: 91 dB ± 3 dB SPL (A)
• Playback time: ANC on: 34 hours / ANC off: 55 hours
• Charging time: 1.5 hours
• USB-C (Type-C) charging port.
• Weight: 296±1g
• Dimensions: (LxWxH mm): 193 x 169 x 82 mm

Autonomy and performance

We already mentioned that with an autonomy of 55 hours (which more or less fulfills what was promised), battery drain will not be a problem. And if so, its fast charging technology comes to the rescue: in just ten minutes we will be able to get another seven hours of music; if we can wait too 90 minuteslet’s get fully charged.

Those numbers we mentioned are significantly lower if we use its ANC noise canceling technology. Performance in this area of ​​new WH950NB is it right. If the sound is constant (plane interior, traffic, etc.), the microphones work at a good performance and can completely isolate us. In more complex situations with multiple voices and differentiated tones, we get more attenuation than cancellation, but that’s typical in this price range.

In any case, the design of the headphones favors good passive isolation, and in many situations the use of ANC is not necessary. Under the left pad we have a series of buttons with which we will be able to control both the volume at which we want to listen to the music and the level of noise suppression, for which Edifier offers us three modes: Active ANC, Ambient Noise (an intermediate option that is equivalent to the transparency mode) and ANC off.

Through your application Edifier Connect, we can go a little further, with options like “Wind Limit” for windy days. or “Low Noise Suppression” if we don’t want high isolation. The app also has a fairly complete equalizer (although perhaps a bit technical) and special modes for music, movies and video games. In fact, many of these options are more gimmicky than real, as the quality of the audio source will determine how we appreciate the differences. And if what we’re going to do is listen to Spotify from our smartphone, the variations will be small.

As for the sound quality, there is not much to complain about. Highs and mids are clear, with good dynamic range, although they can seem somewhat flat or muffled. The same can be said about the bass tones, which are well defined, with almost no distortion even at high volumes (which is quite commendable), but they certainly don’t have the depth found in high-end headphones.

In other words: Edifier WH950NB sound in the entire range (especially in the mid-range), but they do not have excellent expressiveness that would make them stand out in something specific. This is not necessarily a negative: many times over-processing produces real disasters, and of course everything here is kept in a fair balance, above what its market price suggests.

Conclusions

The Edifier WH950NB are good mid-range headphones with which few can be disappointed. Careful design, comfort after a few hours of use, noise reduction at the level of what we expect (without exaggeration) and balanced sound throughout the dynamic range, these are the ingredients that we usually find in devices that can cost us. up to 50% more than what the Chinese manufacturer suggests to us.

To this we will add a good case and details such as the possibility of connecting a 3.5 mm cable. and we have a winning opportunity in our hands. The lack of AAC codec support and perhaps some impersonality in the sound can penalize it somewhat. In any case, a more than interesting purchase for those who want to opt for mid-range headphones without investing too much.