Edifier H850 Review | 93 Data compared

The Edifier H850 is a lightweight, closed-back audiophile headphone tuned for neutrality by renowned designer Phil Jones. It features 40 mm angled drivers, 32Ω impedance for easy driving by mobile devices, and a detachable two-metre cable with a proprietary 3.5 mm locking connector. On the positive side, the headphones deliver impressive sound quality for their £30–£50 price tag, offering excellent instrument separation, deep bass, and clear mid-bass that makes vocals and 70s rock highly enjoyable. Additionally, they feature a flat-folding design for travel and a padded headband with a gentle clamping force. However, the headphones have notable design flaws, including shallow ear cups that can cause larger ears to press uncomfortably against the driver grilles, and initial uneven pressure between the cups. The build quality is decent but shows some plastic creaking and flexing, meaning they require reasonable care during transit. Sonically, the highs can sound harsh and excessively bright on modern, poorly mastered recordings, while the soundstage feels narrow and closed-in. Finally, the package lacks a storage case, an inline microphone cable, and deep low-bass emphasis, making it less...

Review Overview The Edifier H850 headphones offer highly impressive value for a budget-friendly price tag of $60, delivering high-end comfort and visual appeal that outpaces their cost. Designed with a lightweight 170g build, a flexible headband, and faux-leather cushioning, they present a minimal, Bose-inspired aesthetic with sophisticated brushed aluminum plates. These headphones deliver a warm, heavy bass response and rolled-off high notes that never get piercing or sibilant, making them highly satisfying for genres like hip-hop, rap, dance, and rock. Notable Drawbacks However, the budget pricing does introduce clear compromises in build, audio balance, and functionality. The overall construction feels very plasticky, and the ear cups only swivel 90 degrees instead of folding down for travel. Musically, the mid-range is heavily recessed, resulting in muffled, blunted vocals that fail to do justice to acoustic or vocal-centric tracks. Additionally, the included 2-meter cable is frustratingly long for daily commuting, lacks an essential in-line microphone for taking phone calls, and utilizes a rigid proprietary locking mechanism that makes finding third-party replacements incredibly difficult.

The NikkTech Edifier H850 Review evaluates a pair of budget-friendly, audiophile-oriented headphones designed to deliver high-quality audio at an affordable price point. Built around two 40mm neodymium magnet stereo drivers, the H850 features a standard 20Hz–20KHz frequency range, 32Ohm impedance, and 96dB sensitivity. While these technical specifications are common for the category, the headphones stand out because they were uniquely tuned by legendary audio engineer Phil Jones, known for his work on highly regarded compact monitors and loudspeakers. The review highlights that the H850 is lightweight at just 169g, possesses large earpads wrapped in synthetic leather, incorporates a fold-flat design for easy portability, and features a detachable 3.5mm cable with a built-in locking mechanism to prevent accidental detachment. The primary pros identified in the review include an excellent price-to-performance ratio, comfortable long-term wear due to the large earpads and lightweight chassis, and superior acoustic tuning by Phil Jones that makes them arguably the best option under the $100 price bracket. Conversely, the prominent cons lean on build and accessory choices; the exterior body relies heavily on plastic rather than metal,...

The Edifier H850, tuned by Phil Jones, is a budget-friendly, closed-back headphone characterized by a highly neutral, detailed sound profile with excellent treble extension. Pros include high-quality, balanced audio suitable for vocals, along with a comfortable, lightweight design featuring a secure, detachable cable. Cons, however, include a thin, lean sound signature with sub-bass roll-off, potential for sharp lower-treble, a generic plastic aesthetic, and a lack of included accessories, such as a carrying pouch. Overall, these headphones are considered a strong value-driven option that, while lacking in heavy bass, offers an impressive cost-to-performance ratio for listeners seeking a natural sound.