Edifier WH950NB

Available in white and black, the Edifier WH950NB weigh 291 grams and come folded to save space in a sturdy hard-shell case. The fit is extremely comfortable, and neither too tight nor too loose, and sufficient support is provided for mobile use. In addition, the size adjustment of the headband covers a wide range of head sizes from quite small to large, which means that these handy over-ears can be worn not only by adults but also by teenagers. We noticed that the closed system offers significant shielding. However, good wearing comfort can be spoilt by the development of heat on the ears.

Battery life

With maximum noise cancellation and volume turned up, the Edifier WH950NB can achieve 30 hours of listening time, increasing to 50 hours in standard mode. When the battery is empty, the headphones are fully recharged within 95 minutes. In addition, a ten-minute quick charge provides capacity for up to seven and a half hours, making these over-ears ideal for commuting or travelling. Another practical feature is that the WH950NB can also be used wired via the 3.5mm audio input on the left side of the cup. This can be done passively as well as with active electronics, providing noise cancellation, transparency mode and volume control. However, the output is reduced when the headphones are switched on. A mini-jack cable, an aeroplane adapter and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable are included.

Operation

The Edifier WH950NB support multipoint connections with two devices at the same time and quick connection of Android devices via Google Fast Pair. The wireless connection of these headphones proved to be extremely stable, making it possible to bridge several rooms and change floors within buildings without any problems. Outdoors, there was a range of more than 30 metres.

The controls include a classic 3-button remote for playback control, making and receiving phone calls, skipping forwards and backwards in track selection and adjusting the volume. In addition, there is a separate multifunction button on the right side of the ear cup that can be configured via the app. A single press is used to switch between ANC, ambient and basic mode, while a press and hold calls up a voice assistant. A double press can also switch between the three modes “Music”, “Gaming” (low-latency mode) and “Theatre” (surround sound).

App connectivity

The Edifier Connect app (Android and iOS) includes two ANC modes with “High” and “Low” noise control, a special variant for wind noise and an adjustable transparency mode with seven intensity levels. In addition, the EQ section provides two sound modes to choose from, “Classic” and “Dynamic”, while the “Customised” setting provides four bands for custom settings that can be shared with your friends. In addition to adjusting the multifunction button, multipoint connections can be activated and deactivated, and a timer can be configured. A pleasant feature is that hearing protection can also be activated, which limits the playback volume to 85 decibels. Firmware updates can also be carried out via connection with the app.

Low latency mode and surround sound

In order to make it possible to improve the synchronicity of picture and sound during time-critical computer and mobile games, the Edifier WH950NB have a low-latency gaming mode. Well implemented here is the fact that the latency optimisation does not affect the stability of the wireless connection. The theatre mode, which enables a more spatial presentation and is intended for films, is also convincing. However, the two functions cannot be combined.

Speech intelligibility on the phone

According to the manufacturer, the WH950NBs are equipped with four ENC microphones to enable clear conversations regardless of the environment. This worked well with wind noise as it was effectively filtered, and even stronger gusts were not transmitted. However, in stronger winds, it is noticeable that one’s own voice loses some of its naturalness. In the case of louder background noises, there was also a clear attenuation during speech but this had very little impact on intelligibility.

Noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode

The WH950NB successfully reduced low and high-frequency noise sources. The maximum ANC mode, in particular, hardly allowed any noise components to pass through in these ranges. Voices were perceived more in the background, but the attenuation was noticeably lower. In transparency mode, effective amplification was already achieved at the lowest level so that conversations could be held while playback was paused. However, the upper levels offered a much better perception of the environment during media playback, as the proportion could be adjusted to suit individual needs. Both the attenuation and the amplification of external noise were largely silent. On the other hand, it was noticeable that the sound seemed somewhat fuller, and there was a little more substance in the bass range.

Sound

While the Dynamic mode is tuned for fun and harmonises well with modern music styles, the Classic mode aims for a more neutral reproduction. Accordingly, the low-frequency reproduction was leaner and had more punch in the upper bass range, even if the imaging reached further down. In contrast, the mid and lower bass range in Dynamic mode appeared more substantial, sounding richer but not too powerful, meaning bass-oriented productions were reproduced powerfully.

In the midrange, the Dynamic mode seemed more direct, warmer and denser, with voices and lead instruments being reproduced more prominently and having more assertiveness. In contrast, the Classic mode gave a much more homogeneous and expansive listening impression, possessing depth and revealing numerous details.

More minor differences could be detected in the treble reproduction, which was capable of setting accents in both sound modes and seemed a little more lively in Dynamic mode. Overall the high-frequency range seemed good-natured and not too loud. At the same time, the upper registers dropped slightly in both cases, but this could be remedied with the EQ if necessary.