Edifier isn’t new to the game. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Beijing. Over the years, it’s grown into a global name with around 3,000 employees worldwide. You’ll find their products in all sorts of places — from studio setups to casual desktop spaces — and they’ve managed to build a solid reputation without going full mainstream.
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Their lineup is broad. They make speakers, wired and wireless headphones, gaming gear, and even own the legendary electrostatic brand STAX. That last one might not ring a bell if you’re not deep into hi-fi, but it says a lot about where Edifier wants to be.
They position themselves as a value-first brand — aiming to give users more features and better sound than you’d usually expect for the price. Not quite budget, but not ultra-premium either. Somewhere in the middle, with just enough polish to stand out.
Flagship & Popular Models
One model that keeps popping up in reviews is the Edifier Stax Spirit S5. It’s a wireless, over-ear set with planar magnetic drivers — something usually found in much pricier gear. People like it for its clarity and low distortion. It’s got Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, and even support for aptX Lossless. That’s not something you find in many wireless headphones right now.
Then there’s the Edifier W820NB Plus, which has become one of their best-known models for everyday use. It’s got active noise cancelling, USB-C audio support, and long battery life. Sites like SoundGuys have rated it highly, especially for the price. Reviewers say the tuning is well-balanced, and the app it pairs with has just enough features to keep most people happy.
Expert Reviews & Ratings
TechRadar named the Spirit S5 one of the best wireless planar magnetic headphones you can buy. They liked its clean sound and the fact that it offers a level of detail you usually only find in wired gear.
SoundGuys also gave the W820NB Plus strong marks. They highlighted its LDAC support and said the ANC was more than decent, especially for the cost. The companion app is a bit basic, but it does the job.
A few Medium and Head‑Fi reviews mention the same thing — balanced sound, effective ANC, and a solid ambient mode that doesn’t sound too fake or processed.
Real User Feedback
On Reddit’s headphone threads, the W820NB Plus gets praise for being “clean and balanced,” especially in the mids and highs. Users say the soundstage feels wider than expected, even for a closed-back headphone.
The W830NB, another wireless over-ear model, is liked for its portability. It folds up nicely and holds a charge for days. But some folks say it feels “hollow” or plasticky. Nothing that breaks easily, just not the most premium feel in the hand.
Over on Head-Fi, some users had notes on the WH700NB. While the sound is okay, the ANC doesn’t keep up with Bose or Sony, and there’s not much room for fine-tuning in the app.
Key Strengths of Edifier
Edifier’s biggest strength is probably the sound. The Spirit S5, with its planar drivers, delivers a level of detail and separation that’s rare at this price point. It’s smooth, precise, and clear — whether you’re listening to jazz, ambient, or just gaming in a quiet room.
Then there’s the value. Features like LDAC, aptX, active noise cancelling, and long battery life — those are things you’d usually expect from $300–400 models. Edifier manages to offer them for a lot less.
And the range is hard to beat. Whether you want something wired, wireless, noise-cancelling, gaming-ready, or just a basic pair for Zoom calls, they’ve got something that fits.
Weaknesses & Considerations
That said, not everything is perfect. One of the main knocks against Edifier is the ANC performance. It’s good for everyday use — cutting out fan noise or train rumble — but it doesn’t quite reach the same level as what Bose or Sony offer. If you need absolute silence on a plane, you might want something else.
Build quality can also be hit or miss. Some models feel solid and well-assembled. Others, especially around the $100 mark, can feel a bit lightweight or plasticky. That’s not always a dealbreaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind if durability is important to you.
The software side could use more depth, too. The Edifier app works, but usually only offers a few EQ presets. There’s not much room to tweak things beyond that.
Edifier vs Competitors
| Feature | Edifier | Bose/Sony | Value Brands (1More, Anker) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Detail | Planar-level clarity | Great, but pricier | Good, but mid-range |
| ANC | Solid, but not best-in-class | Top-tier performance | Varies a lot |
| Codecs | LDAC, aptX, SBC, AAC | Some models include LDAC | Usually just SBC/AAC |
| Price Range | $80–$400 | $250–$500+ | $50–$200 |
In short, Edifier fits in a sweet spot. It offers better detail and more features than most budget brands, without the high price tag of flagship models. For a lot of people, it hits the right balance.
Best Edifier Headphones by Category
- Audiophile pick: Spirit S5 – wireless planar magnetic with top-tier codecs.
- Best ANC wireless: W820NB Plus – tons of features, great tuning, affordable price.
- Gaming option: Hecate series – tuned for spatial gaming audio, works across PC and consoles.
- Budget wired: H750 or H840 – on-ear, studio-style, surprisingly clean sound for the money.
Final Verdict
Edifier isn’t the flashiest name in the audio world, but it delivers where it counts. Solid sound, fair pricing, and a wide range of options — from gaming to audiophile — make it a brand worth considering.
If you’re looking for headphones that punch above their weight, especially in terms of detail and features, Edifier is a smart pick. Just keep in mind that the noise cancelling and build materials won’t match the very top-tier names — and for some, that’s totally fine.
FAQs About Edifier Headphones
Are Edifier headphones durable?
It depends on the model. Higher-end ones like the Spirit S5 feel premium and sturdy. Budget models are lighter and might not be built for rough handling, but they usually hold up fine for everyday use.
Do Edifier headphones support LDAC and high-res audio?
Yes — especially on their newer wireless models. The Spirit S5 and W820NB Plus both support LDAC, and many have high-res certification.
What’s customer support like?
It’s decent overall, but experiences can vary by region. Some users report smooth returns or replacements, others less so. It’s worth checking what policies apply in your area.