If you want exceptional battery longevity, a fully foldable design for travel, and deep bass-heavy immersion with 92 hours of playtime, choose Edifier ES850NB; if you need user-replaceable components for extreme durability, lossless audio transmission via aptX Lossless, and a lighter build for long sessions, choose Cambridge Audio Melomania P100.
• Edifier ES850NB: Offers massive 92-hour battery life and a premium over-ear design with leather cushions, but lacks the user-replaceable battery feature found in its competitor.
• Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: Features a 100-hour battery life with a unique user-replaceable cell and aptX Lossless support, though it uses a plastic enclosure that feels less plush than the Edifier's leather.
• Who each pick is for: The Edifier suits travelers and commuters who prioritize comfort and sheer endurance without needing to swap parts, while the Cambridge unit appeals to audiophiles and eco-conscious users who want a repairable device that delivers high-resolution audio fidelity.
The Edifier ES850NB is engineered for the person who needs their headphones to disappear into the background of their day, only surfacing when they are ready to listen. Its most defining characteristic is the sheer scale of its power management. With a staggering 92 hours of playback on a single charge when ANC is off, or 53 hours with noise cancellation active, this device eliminates the anxiety of running out of juice during a long work week or an extended trip. The fast-charging capability is equally compelling; a mere 15-minute charge provides up to 11.5 hours of listening time. This makes it an ideal companion for the busy professional or the frequent flyer who cannot afford to be tethered to a wall outlet.
Comfort is another pillar of this design. Weighing in at just 260 grams, the headphones utilize skin-friendly leather ear cushions paired with an ergonomic steel headband. This combination suggests a focus on all-day wearability, allowing you to use them for long conference calls or marathon listening sessions without the pressure points often associated with heavier over-ear models. The inclusion of a fully foldable design further enhances its portability, making it easy to stow away in a bag or backpack. For someone seeking foldable bluetooth headphones for swimming (or rather, water-resistant activities where bulk matters), the compact folding mechanism is a significant practical advantage.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this product is not for everyone. If your primary concern is repairing a device when the battery eventually degrades, the Edifier does not offer a user-replaceable battery option. It relies on the longevity of its internal cell. Additionally, while it supports Hi-Res Audio Wireless with LDAC, it does not explicitly list aptX Lossless in its core features, which might be a dealbreaker for those demanding absolute bit-perfect wireless transmission. It is best suited for buyers who value a luxurious feel, massive battery capacity, and advanced hybrid noise cancellation capable of blocking up to -45dB of ambient noise, including wind reduction modes for outdoor use.
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE stands out primarily because it treats the lifespan of the product as a priority. Unlike many competitors that become e-waste once the battery fails, this model features a user-replaceable battery and even user-replaceable earcups. This design philosophy speaks directly to consumers who view headphones as long-term investments rather than disposable gadgets. The promise of 100 hours of playback is impressive, but the ability to swap out the power source means you can theoretically extend the life of the headphones indefinitely, keeping the sound alive long after other brands would have been discarded.
Audio quality is where Cambridge Audio truly flexes its muscles. The inclusion of aptX Lossless certification allows for the transmission of music at 24bit/96kHz wirelessly, ensuring that what you hear is as close to the original studio master as possible. This is paired with Class AB amplification, which drives the dynamic drivers to produce a signature sound that is described as audibly superior to the vast majority of market offerings. The DynamEQ feature adds a layer of intelligence, dynamically adjusting equalization based on your environment, while a 7-band adjustable EQ in the app gives you granular control over your sound profile. For the listener who demands crystal clear calls wireless earbuds for swimming (or similar environments requiring clarity and precision), the adaptive nature of the ANC and the lossless codec provide a distinct edge in signal integrity.
The trade-off here lies in the materials and weight. The enclosure is made of plastic, which contrasts with the leather and steel construction of the Edifier. While this likely contributes to the device's specific acoustic tuning and sustainability goals, it may not offer the same immediate tactile luxury. The item weight is listed at 0.7 kg, which is significantly heavier than the 260g Edifier. This could impact comfort for some users during extended wear, though the design claims to deliver "even better long-listening comfort." It is perfect for the audiophile who prioritizes technical specifications like impedance (10 ohm) and codec support over ultra-lightweight portability.
• Best for raw battery endurance → Edifier ES850NB: With 92 hours of total playtime and rapid 15-minute charging, it is built for non-stop usage without access to power.
• Best for repairability and longevity → Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: The user-replaceable battery and earcups mean this device can be maintained for years, reducing electronic waste.
• Best for wireless audio fidelity → Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: aptX Lossless and 24bit/96kHz support ensure glitch-free, high-resolution audio transmission that Edifier does not explicitly match.
• Best for travel comfort and portability → Edifier ES850NB: At 260g with a fully foldable design and leather cushions, it is significantly lighter and more packable than the 0.7kg Cambridge unit.
• Best for noise isolation versatility → Edifier ES850NB: Offers multiple ANC modes including specific wind reduction, catering to varied environmental conditions.
• Best for customization → Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: Provides a 7-band adjustable EQ and Wear Detect technology for a highly tailored listening experience.
• Best for heavy-duty durability → Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: Designed with a replaceable architecture that withstands the test of time better than sealed units.
• Best for casual daily commuting → Edifier ES850NB: The balance of comfort, size, and massive battery life makes it the easier choice for everyday errands and office work.
I would buy the Edifier ES850NB. While the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 has a noble philosophy regarding repairability and offers excellent lossless audio, the Edifier strikes a better balance for the average user. The 260g weight difference is substantial; carrying 0.7 kg on your head for any length of time becomes fatiguing, whereas the Edifier feels light enough to forget you are wearing it. Furthermore, the 92-hour battery life combined with the leather comfort and foldable design makes it the superior tool for modern life. I recommend the Edifier ES850NB specifically for anyone looking for anc in ear headphones for swimming contexts where lightweight comfort and reliable, long-lasting power are non-negotiable. It simply offers more immediate value in terms of usability and comfort.
Neither product sheet explicitly lists an IPX rating for swimming, so neither should be assumed safe for submersion. However, the Edifier's wind reduction mode suggests some resistance to elements, while both are designed primarily for land-based use. Always check the specific water resistance rating before exposing them to water.
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 edges out slightly with 100 hours compared to the Edifier's 92 hours, but the Edifier charges much faster. If you need to top up quickly during a layover, the Edifier is superior; if you want to go longer without charging at all, the Cambridge wins.
Yes, the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE is explicitly designed with a user-replaceable battery and earcups, allowing you to maintain the device's functionality long after the initial battery degrades.
Both support Hi-Res Audio, but the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 specifically highlights aptX Lossless for 24bit/96kHz transmission, while the Edifier focuses on LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification for high-fidelity playback.
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