If you want a lighter, fold-flat on-ear headset with up to 35 hours of playback, choose SONY Headphones WH-CH510; if you need over-ear comfort, stronger noise-cancellation features, and longer battery life, choose Edifier W820NB. For college students, I’d choose based on whether portability or fuller-featured listening matters more in your daily routine.
The SONY is the simpler carry-around option: its earcups swivel flat, it has a built-in microphone, and its claimed battery life reaches 35 hours. The Edifier brings a broader feature set, including multiple ANC modes, app-based sound options, and up to 88 hours of playback without ANC. Neither is a pair of earbuds, so searches for hi res true wireless earbuds for college students or with mic clip on earbuds for college students point to a different category.
• SONY Headphones WH-CH510 — biggest strength: up to 35 hours of playback, a swivel-flat design, Bluetooth, and hands-free calling. Trade-off: on-ear fit and fewer listed sound and noise-control options.
• Edifier W820NB — biggest strength: over-ear design, multiple active noise-cancellation modes, app-based EQ options, and up to 88 hours of playback with ANC off. Trade-off: its longest battery figure drops to 49 hours with ANC enabled, and it is the larger over-ear style.
• Choose SONY if you want a straightforward, fold-flat headset for a backpack, everyday calls, and music without a long feature setup.
• Choose Edifier if you want more control over noise cancellation and sound, over-ear cushions, and a longer stated battery ceiling.
• For college students: SONY suits a lighter, simpler carry routine; Edifier suits long listening stretches, shared spaces, and a preference for over-ear coverage.
The WH-CH510 is an on-ear Bluetooth headset built around basic, useful essentials. Its 30 mm dynamic drivers handle audio, while the built-in microphone supports hands-free calls and voice-assistant commands. It connects to a smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth and supports SBC and AAC audio formats. Sony lists up to 35 hours of playback, which makes this the more compact-feeling option on paper for students who do not want to think about charging every day.
The swivel earcups are the practical detail I like most for a student bag. They turn flat for easier packing, and the stated Bluetooth range is about 30 feet in line of sight. There is no headphone jack listed, so this is a wireless-first choice. Sony also lists active noise cancellation, but the supplied details do not describe multiple levels or an app for adjusting it. I would not treat it as the more configurable option in this comparison.
I’d consider the Sony for someone who values uncomplicated Bluetooth listening, calls, and a fold-flat design more than extra audio modes. It may also make sense if on-ear headphones are your preferred fit. Skip it if you want over-ear cushions, a longer battery claim, or detailed controls for tailoring ANC and EQ. The spec sheet names quick charging but does not provide a charging-time figure, so I would not use that as a deciding point.
The W820NB is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone with 40 mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation, and more ways to shape the listening experience. Its listed ANC reaches up to -49 dB and includes multiple modes, with physical buttons for switching levels. The Edifier ConneX app adds EQ presets and specialized sport, office, and travel modes. That combination makes it the more adjustable choice for students moving among a dorm, library, commute, and study space.
Battery life is a major distinction. Edifier lists up to 88 hours of continuous use with ANC off, or 49 hours with ANC on. It also states that a 15-minute charge can provide up to 15 hours of playback. Those figures give the W820NB a larger battery cushion than the Sony, though actual use will depend on settings and listening habits. Its memory-foam ear cushions and foldable design are aimed at comfort and portability, while its over-ear fit is a clear contrast with Sony’s on-ear layout.
I’d lean toward the Edifier if you want noise-control choices, app-based adjustments, AI-assisted call-noise reduction, and longer stated playback. The trade-off is that it is an over-ear headset rather than a flat-swiveling on-ear model. If your priority is the simplest possible carry or you specifically prefer on-ear headphones, the Sony may fit your habits better. The W820NB lists a USB-C headphone jack; the provided details do not clarify the full behavior of wired listening, so I would not assume more than that connection listing.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-09 · 14 min read · Independent comparison
• Best for longer stated battery life → Edifier W820NB. It lists up to 88 hours without ANC and 49 hours with ANC; Sony lists up to 35 hours.
• Best for ANC options → Edifier W820NB. It specifies multiple ANC modes, physical switching, and app-based customization. Sony lists active noise cancellation, but not the same range of controls.
• Best for fold-flat packing → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. Its swivel earcups turn flat, a straightforward advantage when a bag is already crowded.
• Best for over-ear cushions → Edifier W820NB. Its over-ear design and memory-foam cushions are the clear fit for shoppers who prefer coverage around the ears.
• Best for basic calls and voice commands → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. It has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice-assistant commands.
• Best for call-noise handling features → Edifier W820NB. Its listed AI call-noise cancellation is designed to reduce ambient sound around the voice.
• Best for sound customization → Edifier W820NB. App EQ presets and spatial sound give it more listed listening adjustments; Sony’s specifications are simpler.
• Best for an uncomplicated everyday headset → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. Bluetooth listening, a mic, and a swivel design cover the basics without the Edifier’s wider menu of options.
The phrase “best head phones for college students” can mean very different things depending on the day. A student who walks between classes and wants an easy-to-pack headset may prefer Sony’s swivel-flat design. Someone studying in noisy environments or listening for long stretches may value Edifier’s ANC modes, over-ear cushions, and larger battery claim. Neither model is a true wireless earbud, and neither should be judged as a clip-on-earbud option; they are both over-head Bluetooth headphones with microphones.
There is also a meaningful difference in how specific the listed audio features are. Sony identifies its 30 mm dynamic driver and SBC/AAC support. Edifier lists 40 mm titanium-coated drivers, LDAC Hi-Res Audio support in its product information, and spatial sound. That gives the Edifier more advertised audio flexibility, but it does not establish that every listener will prefer its sound. The practical choice is whether you want those extra modes and controls, not whether a larger driver number guarantees a better experience.
In my opinion, I would buy the Edifier W820NB for college students who want one headset to handle study sessions, calls, and changing environments. Its over-ear design, multiple ANC modes, app controls, and longer stated battery life make it the more versatile package. I’d choose the SONY WH-CH510 instead if fold-flat portability and a simpler, on-ear design matter more than customization. For my overall pick, the Edifier’s broader feature set is the stronger fit.
The Edifier W820NB lists up to 88 hours with ANC off and up to 49 hours with ANC on. The Sony WH-CH510 lists up to 35 hours. These are manufacturer-stated maximums, not a guarantee of identical runtime for every listening setup.
It offers more specified control: multiple ANC modes, physical buttons for switching levels, and additional app customization. Sony lists active noise cancellation, but the provided details do not specify comparable mode choices. If adjustability is your priority, Edifier has the clearer feature advantage.
Both include a microphone and support hands-free calling. Sony also lists voice-assistant commands, while Edifier describes AI noise cancellation for calls to reduce surrounding noise. For classes or calls in a busy setting, Edifier has the more specific call-noise feature; the specs alone do not establish which will sound better in every room.
No. The WH-CH510 is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone, and the W820NB is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone. If you are searching for hi res true wireless earbuds for college students or with mic clip on earbuds for college students, these models do not match that form factor.
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If you want a fold-flat on-ear headset with up to 35 hours of playback, choose SONY Headphones WH-CH510; if you need over-ear comfort, multiple noise-cancellation modes, and longer stated battery life, choose Edifier W820NB. For college students, the deciding question is whether you value a simpler, easy-to-pack design or more control over listening and noise reduction.
The Sony is the straightforward carry-around option. Its earcups swivel flat, it has a built-in microphone, and its listed battery life reaches 35 hours. The Edifier adds more listening adjustments, including multiple ANC modes and app-based EQ, plus up to 88 hours of playback with ANC off. Neither is an earbud: searches for hi res true wireless earbuds for college students or with mic clip on earbuds for college students describe a different kind of product.
• SONY Headphones WH-CH510 — biggest strength: up to 35 hours of playback, fold-flat earcups, Bluetooth, and hands-free calling. Trade-off: an on-ear fit and fewer listed sound and noise-control options.
• Edifier W820NB — biggest strength: over-ear cushions, multiple ANC modes, app-based sound adjustments, and up to 88 hours of playback with ANC off. Trade-off: its stated runtime is 49 hours with ANC on, and it uses a larger over-ear design.
• Choose SONY for a simpler headset that folds flat for a backpack and covers everyday listening and calls.
• Choose Edifier for more control over noise cancellation and sound, plus a longer stated battery ceiling.
• For college students: Sony suits a light, simple carry routine; Edifier suits long listening sessions and changing study environments.
The WH-CH510 is an on-ear Bluetooth headset focused on everyday essentials. Its 30 mm dynamic drivers handle audio, while a built-in microphone supports hands-free calls and voice-assistant commands. It connects to a smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth and supports SBC and AAC audio formats. Sony lists up to 35 hours of playback, which gives students a substantial stated battery life without the Edifier’s larger over-ear design.
The swivel earcups are its most useful packing detail. They turn flat, making the headset easier to tuck into a bag or suitcase. Sony also lists a Bluetooth range of about 30 feet in line of sight. There is no headphone jack listed, so this is a wireless-first option. Active noise cancellation is included, but the supplied specifications do not describe multiple ANC levels or app-based adjustment.
I’d consider the Sony if you want straightforward Bluetooth listening, calls, and a fold-flat design, or if you prefer an on-ear fit. Skip it if you want over-ear cushions, more detailed ANC controls, or a longer stated battery life. Quick charging is listed, but no charging-time figure is provided, so I wouldn’t make that feature the deciding factor.
The W820NB is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone with 40 mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation, and more ways to adjust listening. Its listed ANC reaches up to -49 dB and offers multiple modes. Physical buttons switch between ANC levels, while the Edifier ConneX app adds EQ presets and specialized modes for sport, office, and travel. For students moving between a shared room, library, and commute, that range of settings may be useful.
Battery life is a key difference. Edifier lists up to 88 hours of continuous use with ANC off and up to 49 hours with ANC on. It also states that a 15-minute charge can provide up to 15 hours of playback. The over-ear design includes memory-foam ear cushions and a foldable build. Those features make it the more comfort- and adjustment-focused option on paper, though the fit preference between on-ear and over-ear headphones is personal.
I’d lean toward the Edifier if you want several noise-control options, app-based sound adjustments, AI-assisted call-noise reduction, and longer stated playback. Choose Sony instead if you prefer an on-ear headset that folds flat. Edifier lists a USB-C headphone jack, but the provided details don’t clarify the full behavior of wired listening, so I wouldn’t assume more than the listed connection.
• Best for longer stated battery life → Edifier W820NB. It lists up to 88 hours with ANC off and 49 hours with ANC on; Sony lists up to 35 hours.
• Best for ANC choices → Edifier W820NB. It specifies multiple modes, physical switching, and app customization. Sony lists active noise cancellation without the same level of detail about adjustable modes.
• Best for fold-flat packing → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. Its swivel earcups turn flat, which is handy when bag space is tight.
• Best for over-ear cushions → Edifier W820NB. Its over-ear fit and memory-foam cushions are the clear choice for shoppers who prefer coverage around the ears.
• Best for basic calls and voice commands → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. Its built-in microphone supports hands-free calls and voice-assistant commands.
• Best for listed call-noise reduction → Edifier W820NB. Its AI call-noise feature is designed to reduce surrounding sound around your voice.
• Best for sound adjustments → Edifier W820NB. App-based EQ presets and spatial sound give it more specified listening options.
• Best for simple everyday use → SONY Headphones WH-CH510. Bluetooth, a microphone, and swivel-flat earcups cover the essentials without the Edifier’s broader set of modes.
“Best head phones for college students” depends on what a typical day looks like. A student carrying a packed bag may prefer Sony’s fold-flat design. Someone who studies in noisy spaces or listens for long stretches may care more about the Edifier’s ANC modes, over-ear cushions, and larger battery claim. Neither product is a true wireless earbud or a clip-on-earbud model; both are Bluetooth headphones worn over the head.
The audio specifications also differ. Sony lists 30 mm dynamic drivers and SBC/AAC support. Edifier lists 40 mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, LDAC Hi-Res Audio support in its product information, and spatial sound. Those details give the Edifier more listed audio features, but driver size alone doesn’t determine which headphone will sound better to an individual listener. The practical distinction is that Edifier offers more ways to adjust the experience.
In my opinion, I’d buy the Edifier W820NB for college students who want one headset for study sessions, calls, and different environments. Its over-ear design, multiple ANC modes, app controls, and longer stated battery life make it the more versatile choice. I’d pick the SONY WH-CH510 instead if fold-flat portability and a simpler on-ear fit matter more than customization. Overall, the Edifier’s broader feature set is the stronger fit for me.
The Edifier lists up to 88 hours with ANC off and up to 49 hours with ANC on. The Sony lists up to 35 hours. These are stated maximums; actual runtime can vary with settings and use.
It has more specified controls: multiple ANC modes, physical buttons for switching levels, and additional app customization. Sony lists active noise cancellation, but not comparable mode details. If adjustability is your priority, Edifier has the clearer feature advantage.
Both have a microphone and support hands-free calling. Sony also lists voice-assistant commands, while Edifier describes AI noise cancellation for calls. For a noisy setting, Edifier has the more specific call-noise feature, though the specifications don’t establish which will sound better in every room.
No. The WH-CH510 is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone, and the W820NB is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone. If you want true wireless earbuds or a clip-on-earbud design, neither matches that form factor.
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