Edifier WH700NB

Battery life

The battery life of the compact Bluetooth over-ears is very long, providing 70 hours of play at a high volume. However, if the noise cancellation is permanently active, you can achieve a good 45 hours of run time. The headphones also have a quick-charging function that provides enough power for just under 9 hours of play in standard mode after only 10 minutes of charging. A full top-up via the USB-C port takes two hours, and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable is supplied for the purpose. However, there is no option for wired use as there is no 3.5mm audio input.

Bluetooth specs

In addition to Bluetooth 5.3 standard, the Edifier WH700NB supports multipoint connections, which means that two devices can be paired simultaneously. The standard SBC audio codec is used, which was not necessarily a disadvantage when watching video clips and films or playing computer and mobile phone games, as the synchronicity of image and sound could be improved by using the gaming mode. On a positive note, the wireless connection of these headphones was impressively stable. While there was a range of over 35 metres outside, inside it was possible to cross several rooms over two floors without dropouts.

Operation

You can use a three-button remote on the right-hand side of the ear cup to control playback, make phone calls or call up a voice assistant, and this also allows you to skip forwards and backwards when selecting tracks and adjust the volume. In addition, there is a separate Bluetooth button to switch between ANC, transparency and standard mode, and the selection of modes can be customised to suit your own needs via the app. Gaming mode can also be activated or deactivated via the additional button, and overall, this worked reliably well.

Edifier Connect app

The Edifier WH700NB’s app (for Android and iOS) provides access to ambient noise control, and this includes noise cancelling and an adjustable transparency mode. Amplification of the outdoors can be specifically adjusted to suit the environment using seven intensity levels.

With “Classic”, which corresponds to the factory setting, “Pop”, “Classical” and “Rock”, the app offers four sound modes to choose from. However, there is no EQ for customised settings as with the significantly higher-priced Edifier WH950NB (see our review).

Other functions include an extensive range of soothing sounds, which are intended for use during meditation or relaxation. The app can also be used to configure a timer, adjust the volume and switch gaming mode on or off. It is also possible to carry out firmware updates.

Voice clarity when making calls

Wind noise was completely suppressed by the DNN (Deep Neural Network) noise cancellation, which was surprising given the price range. However, it was noticeable that the filtering had a negative effect on voice quality in strong gusts, as your own voice was no longer transmitted smoothly but sounded somewhat choppy. This was not the case in a noisy environment, where background noise was significantly attenuated so that the voice remained intelligible at all times. Great!

Noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode

Noise cancelling was automatically activated when the over-ears were switched on and worked with surprisingly low noise levels. As expected, the low-frequency range in particular was noticeably reduced. In contrast, there was hardly any discernible attenuation of high external noises and voices also came through slightly muffled.

In transparency mode, it was possible to perceive a background noise from the medium level onwards, which increased in the higher levels. However, the amplification of the outer range was already quite intense at a low setting, which meant that voices could be understood without any problems when playback was paused. In contrast, the higher levels were suitable for improving your perception of your surroundings when listening with the headphones, increasing your responsiveness to the outside world.

Sound

In Classic mode (the default setting), the Edifier WH700NB offered an appealingly expansive, detailed presentation, which benefited more complex productions without making them too dense or cramped. The bass range was reproduced powerfully and precisely, reached far down and always sounded well-defined, even with action-packed media content. In contrast, the mid-frequency range was somewhat more restrained, with voices sounding clear and easy to understand with a slight warmth. Vocals or film dialogue did not appear superficial but were embedded in the overall structure. This was accompanied by a present treble reproduction that neither flattened out nor overshot the mark. Especially as sibilants were not too concise, reinforcing the overall impression of harmony.

A direct, full and warm sound reproduction was the programme when in pop mode, and this sounded richer in the lower frequency range and had richer low bass. The mid-range reproduction also had more body and brought lead instruments or voices closer to the foreground; this ensured assertiveness in mobile use and would be a driving force for sports use. In contrast, there was no amplification in the upper registers, which seemed good-natured but not too timid.

The Classical mode had a brighter sound image than the basic tuning. It was characterised by a present, tidy and agile mid-range with a more lively treble reproduction, while the bass range was comparatively slim.

The fourth option, Rock mode, aimed for a homogeneous, warm presentation. The (low) bass reproduction and the mid-range were reminiscent of the Pop setting, except that the bass range appeared fuller. The treble reproduction, on the other hand, conveyed an energetic and lively impression, just like in Classical mode. The sound stage also seemed wider and more open than the pop setting, and this offered more room for development.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for simple, comfortable Bluetooth over-ears with a good price-performance ratio, the Edifier WH700NB could be just what you’re looking for. While the four sound modes cover a wide range of uses, the AI-supported microphone technology ensures surprisingly good speech intelligibility when making calls, even in a louder environment or when it’s a bit windy outside. Other plus points include the long battery life, customisable transparency mode and support for multipoint connections. However, they do not support high-quality audio codecs and the option of wired use.