If you want better Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Choose Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.7 vs 4.0 for Built-in DAC and hi-res playback, with a 4.2 overall score.
Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 Wireless Headphones Review
Bottom Line
Choose the WH950NB Gen 2 for strong value, long battery life, comfortable padding, useful app control and effective everyday ANC. Skip it if heavy-bass clarity, simple onboard controls or guaranteed all-day comfort on larger heads matters most.
Best for
Best for value-focused listeners who want long battery life, effective everyday ANC, app-based EQ control, a good case, and comfortable padding for commuting, desk work, or travel.
Not for
Not for listeners who prioritize heavy-bass clarity at louder volumes, simple physical controls, flagship ANC, or a flexible headband that disappears during very long sessions.
Verdict
Reviewer evidence frames the Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 as a value-focused over-ear that gets unusually close to premium territory. ANC, battery life, app control, accessories, case quality, and comfort padding draw repeated praise, and one reviewer even reached for it before a Sony XM6. The tradeoff is that refinement is uneven: bass can crackle or feel overdone in some listening, onboard controls are frustrating, and the rigid steel headband can create clamp discomfort over long sessions. Sound is generally engaging with clear mids, treble, and separation, but spatial and gaming modes are less convincing. The strongest case is not perfection; it is how much everyday performance reviewers heard and felt for the money.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
57 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.021 (37%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.432 (56%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.43 (5%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.41 (2%)
Pros
-
Battery life drew some of the strongest praise across reviews, including long weekly use and strong remaining charge after hours.
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Value for money was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly comparing performance favorably against the price.
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Overall recommendations were strongly positive, especially for value-focused buyers.
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Ear cup and pad comfort drew consistent praise for plushness, softness, and a comfortable seal.
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Reviewers consistently liked the understated, stylish, premium-looking design.
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Design was praised as sleek, understated, stylish, and elegant.
Cons
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Onboard button controls were criticized as frustrating and confusing because functions are doubled up.
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Maximum-volume clarity was limited by irritating bass crackle at louder listening levels.
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Gaming or mode presets were not strongly convincing, with reviewers either noticing no difference or not finding the modes useful.
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One reviewer noted earpad or fit-related walking noise and faint rustle as a limitation.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in LDAC, Included accessories, Portability/foldability, near average in Battery, Aesthetics / discreet profile, below average in Button control usability, Maximum volume clarity, Bass performance.
Comparison summary
56 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher26 (46%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts27 (48%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower3 (5%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button control usability | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| Maximum volume clarity | 2.5 | 4.0 | -1.5 |
| LDAC | 4.3 | 3.1 | +1.2 |
| Included accessories | 4.7 | 3.6 | +1.0 |
| Portability/foldability | 4.5 | 3.6 | +0.9 |
| Carry case quality | 4.5 | 3.6 | +0.9 |
| Travel friendliness | 4.6 | 3.8 | +0.8 |
| Integrated microphone | 4.8 | 3.9 | +0.9 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Maximum volume clarity
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones. It scores 4.7 vs 2.5 for Maximum volume clarity, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better ANC background noise level
Choose JBL Tour One M3 Headphones. It scores 5.0 vs 4.2 for ANC background noise level, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Button control usability
Choose Apple AirPods Max 2. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Button control usability, with a 3.9 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Beats Studio 3
- Similar: active noise cancellation The Edifier ANC was described as rivaling the Beats Studio 3.
- Worse: battery life The Edifier was presented as offering more battery life than the Beats Studio 3.
Sony XM6
- Worse: daily preference The reviewer said they reached for the Edifier before the Sony XM6.
- Better: noise cancellation benchmark The Sony XM6 remained the benchmark for noise cancellation, even though the Edifier was praised for value.
Apple Airpods (3rd Gen)
- Worse: call clarity The Edifier call experience was better than the reviewer's usual Apple Airpods call issues.
FAQ
Is the Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 good for noise cancellation?
Yes for everyday ANC. Reviewers praised it for reducing commute, treadmill, fan, airplane, and other low-frequency noise, though it was not described as fully erasing the world like the top Sony or Bose options.
How is the battery life?
Battery life was one of the clearest strengths. Reviewers called it a big win, fantastic, and legit, with fast charging also viewed as useful for quick top-ups.
Are these headphones comfortable for long sessions?
Mostly, but with a caveat. Several reviewers praised the padding, glasses comfort, and all-day wear, while one Gen 2 review warned that the rigid steel headband can create clamp pressure after hours.
How does the sound quality compare with the bass?
Overall sound was praised as clear, engaging, and detailed, with good separation and treble. Bass was more mixed: some reviewers liked its punch, while one found heavy-bass tracks crackly at louder volumes.
Is the Edifier app useful?
Yes. Reviewers liked the app for EQ customization, mode control, ANC adjustment, hearing-protection settings, and easier control than the onboard buttons.
Are the controls easy to use?
The app controls were praised, but the physical buttons were a weak spot. One reviewer said the limited four-button layout made mode changes and skipping tracks frustrating and confusing.
Are they good for calls and work?
Yes. Microphone performance was praised for smooth calls and strong voice separation from background noise, although one reviewer noted occasional ambient noise slipping through.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
digitalreviews.net
- Review score
- 4.2
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