TaoTronics SoundSurge 90 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones review

REVIEW – I spend a lot of time wearing headphones whether for AV editing or work or listening to music or watching videos/movies. I am always excited to test a new set of headphones and I am always very impartial irrespective of the cost until I test them. Let’s see if these TaoTronics SoundSurge 90 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones impress me.

What is it?

The TaoTronics SoundSurge 90 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are a closed-back Over-The-Ear model with 35-hours of playtime. Features include a Built-in Mic, Active Noise Cancellation technology with feed-forward and feedback ANC to reduce ambient noise up to 30dB, Bluetooth 5 0 technology, USB Fast Charging for up to 2hrs of use after a 5min quick charge and a  built-in rechargeable battery that can be fully charged in 45min for 35hrs of music playback.

What’s in the box

1 X Taotronics Wireless Anc Headphones
1 X USB Charging Cable
1 X 3.5mm Audio Cable
1 X Carrying Case
1 X User Guide

Design and features

Features

• Hybrid active noise cancellation technology with feed-forward and feedback ANC to reduce ambient noise up to 30dB for full music immersion Turn on the ANC switch hear what you want – even in noisy environments such as in an office café bus train car, etc
• Crystal-Clear Stereo Sound TaoTronics wireless headphones equipped with 40mm dynamic driver pumps out crisp stereo sound and powerful deep bass with stunning precision and extraordinary clarity for a heightened listening experience Latest Bluetooth 5 0 technology provides an unbreakable connection and excellent wireless sound
• USB Fast Charging Advanced fast charging technology streams music for up to 2hrs after 5min quick charge Built-in rechargeable battery can be fully charged in 45min for 35hrs of music playback
• All-Day Uninterrupted Listening On a single full charge TaoTronics over-ear headset offers immersive music for up to 35hrs (with only Bluetooth on) or 30hrs music playback (with Bluetooth & ANC on)
• Optimized Fit Superior Comfort Soft headband pad adjustable headband and 90° rotatable axis are ergonomically designed to fit the unique contour of your head a seamless fit for all-day wearing Memory foam earpads with protein leather cover can completely cover your ears and reduce pressure for additional comfort

Specifications

Type: Overhead
Driver: 40mm
Audio Codec: SBC, AAC
Charging Port: USB-Micro
Bluetooth Version: V5.0
Bluetooth Transmission Range: ≧10M
Stand-By Time: 300h
Playing Time: BT + ANC 30h / BT 35h
Charging Time: 45min

These headphones are made of plastic and have a nice finish. On the outer side of the earcups, there is the branding and the Noise-Canceling microphones. The earpads are soft and comfortable and there is a foam membrane on the inside of each earcup that covers the driver. The inside of the headband is also padded.


The controls are on the outer edge around the right earcup and the micro USB charging port and battery/charging indicator LED on the left earcup. As shown below, the controls on the right earcup are the (Volume + /-, Previous / Next Track), (Power on / off, Pause / Play / Multifunction), (1/8″ audio jack), (ANC On / Off, ANC Mode) and on the left earcup (micro USB port)



The L/R markings are on the inside of the headband just above each earcup. Both earcups can swivel and the headband extends to match your head size.

Performance

The headphones come in a nice compact carrying case and fold easily into the case. There is also a pocket in the case for the user guide and cables, etc.

Once fully charged, they last quite a long time before they need recharging. Once you power them on while holding down the power button, they go into pairing mode. The headphones pair quickly and easily and the Bluetooth connection remains solid. The ANC can be turned on and off and works well. The difference between the on and off mode as well as the Travel Mode, Office Mode, Ambient Mode is quite discernable.

When using these headphones for phone calls, I can hear the other party well and vice versa.

For listening to music, I tested the headphones by listening to multiple genres, including Contemporary Jazz, Easy Listening, Gospel, Rock, Soul, Country Western, and Reggae. While the lows, Mids, and Highs are present, they are lacking in their respective range and the Lows are a bit muddy. However, the presentation is void of any discernable distortion even at the highest volume which is limited.

Operation

Power on / off: Press and hold the Multifunction Button for 2 seconds
Redial: Press the Power Button twice
Voice Control: Press and hold the Multifunction Button for 1 second
Answer Calls: When there is an incoming call, press the Multifunction Button once
Reject Calls: When there is an incoming call, press and hold the Multifunction Button for 1 second
End Calls: During a call, press the Multifunction Button once
Mute Calls: During a call, press the Microphone Button once. Press again to normal calls
Transfer Calls: During a call, you press and hold the Multifunction Button for 1 second to transfer the call between the phone and the headset
Second Call: When there is a second incoming call (B) in the course of an ongoing call (A), • Press the Multifunction Button once to answer B and hang up A · Press the Multifunction Button twice to answer B and on-hold A · Press and hold the Multifunction Button for 2 seconds to reject B During a second call, press the Multifunction Button twice to transfer calls between A and B
Volume + /-: Press the Volume + / – Button
Pause / Play: Press the Multifunction Button
Previous / Next Track: Press and hold the Volume + / – Button
ANC On / Off: Press and hold the ANC Button to turn on / off the ANC function with the ANC indicator flashing orange / turning off
ANC Mode: When ANC is activated, each time you press the ANC Button once, the three modes (Travel Mode, Office Mode, Ambient Mode) are switched alternately.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and fit well.

What I like

• Decent build quality
• Adequate clamping pressure
• Effective noise cancellation
• Comfortable to wear for hours
• Clear phone calls
• Long battery charge
• Fast charging

What I’d change

• Better representation of the frequency ranges (Lows, Mids and Highs)

Final thoughts

While I have mentioned the shortcoming of these headphones in musical reproduction, they are certainly not bad or unacceptable. The phone call quality is great, they work well for casual movie/video viewing and for listing to music if audiophile quality is not a requirement. They are comfortable to wear and the noise cancellation works well. Considering the price especially when comparing them to the cost of “true” audiophile headphones, they are a good deal.

Price: $69.99 ($72.99 @TaoTronics website)
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by TaoTronics.