Editorrating 3.8 We test and evaluate headphones using a standardized 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Please note: The TaoTronics TT-EP002 is an older model. For the latest similar options with improved features and performance, check our most recent recommendations: Top noise-canceling earbuds Bluetooth earbuds under $100 Wireless earbuds under $50 Do these cheap wired noise cancelling earbuds live up to expectations? TaoTronics noise cancelling earbuds (model TT-EP002) have basic functionality, decent active noise cancellation, and belong to cheap earbuds. Offering the best price/performance in its range. Let us dive into the details. Lightweight earbuds Comfortable Cheap for ANC Good build quality ANC is less effective Editorrating 3.8 By HeadphonesAddict Userratings 3.9 User Ratings: 4 Category Comfort & Fit Noise Isolation Features Sound Our rating 4.0 3.5 4.0 3.5 User rating 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 RATE THIS MODEL User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic No buying options for EP022 right now. See alternatives: TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79, TWS Headphones Smart AI Noise Reduction Technology TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79, TWS Headphones Smart AI Noise Reduction Technology $39.99 in stock Buy now Ravpower.com Taotronics SoundLiberty 95 True Wireless Earbuds with Dual cVc 8.0 Noise-Cancelling Technology Taotronics SoundLiberty 95 True Wireless Earbuds with Dual cVc 8.0 Noise-Cancelling Technology $49.99 in stock Buy now Ravpower.com CONTENTS (show more) TaoTronics TT-EP002 related: Best noise cancelling earbuds What’s in the box? TaoTronics TT-EP002 Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds unboxed. TaoTronics ANC earbuds (TT-EP002) 3 pairs of silicone ear tips 2 pairs of silicone ear hooks Micro-USB cable Airline adapter User guide Travel pouch Comfort & Fit 4.0 Great The TaoTronics ANC buds TT-EP002 are pleasant to wear. The buds themselves are of average size and sit nicely in your ear. You can combine different eartips and ear hooks to find the fit for your ear shape. Overall, they stick in your ears nicely, and you can wear them for hours without discomfort. The only thing that’s a bit cumbersome is the packet where the active noise-cancelling circuitry is working its magic. It’s slightly pulling down which might be annoying if you’re moving. Since you’ll probably use them while commuting—meaning sitting down—this isn’t such a huge issue. They are light even though you are wearing a battery on the cable. Their weight is 0.88 Oz (25g). So, comfort and fit are a non-issue, and you’ll soon forget you’re wearing them. Noise Cancelling 3.5 Almost Great You can put the buds in a soft pouch for easier transportation. TaoTronics headphones have decent noise isolation by themselves since they’re in-ear monitors. The design “forces” you to put the silicone ear-tips deep in your ear canal. It’s still comfy though. The bad thing is, some of the cable noise is present. They have a low microphonics effect. Though nothing to worry about since you won’t be using these for activity. Now, as for the noise cancellation, it’s noticeable and works immediately after you press the ANC button. But, it’s less effective compared to more expensive noise cancelling buds. The price does matter here, and these are so cheap they probably didn’t put in the best technology. Nonetheless, it works well enough for the price and noticeably lowers the unwanted background noise. On one charge you’ll get 15 hours of power and charge to full capacity in about 1h. Supposedly, it reduces ambient noise up to 25dB (which doesn’t tell the whole story). Related: Check the best noise cancelling headphones. Features 4.0 Great The housing is plastic and metal. The ear hooks and ear tips are made of soft silicone. And, the wires are tangle-free and rubber protected. Overall, they are well-built buds. The 2 buttons control ANC. Button A turns cancellation on/off and the button M controls monitor mode. Also, the in-line microphone is located on the right side together with the remote control. You get 3 buttons to control: play/pause, pick up/decline phone calls, volume +/-, and next/previous for songs. There’s also the switch for noise cancelling (marked with A) and the “monitor mode” button (labeled with M) for when you want to hear your surroundings. On the module, there is also a light that glows green when Active Noise Control is active. The light switches to red when the battery is low. Moreover, when you press the M button, it pauses the noise canceling and lowers the volume, but only works in Noise Control mode. You charge them with a micro-USB cable. The battery case is metal 2.16 inches (5.5cm) long and 0.71 inches (1.8cm) wide. On the end, you can find a straight 3.5mm plug protected by a metal layer. The in-line remote (and mic) comes with 3 buttons. Accessories You get a few extra things. Like the usual, you get 3 pairs of silicone ear tips (small, medium, large) and 2 pairs of silicone ear hooks (big and small). Since these are noise cancelling earphones you also get an airline adapter and a travel pouch in case you take them on your trips. It’s a welcome accessory that will be useful if you fly a lot. Sound 3.5 Almost Great The left and right earbud marks are well visible. First, you need to know that the sound of these TaoTronics noise-canceling earbuds isn’t expected to be high-end because it’s not. These are budget earbuds, after all. Nonetheless, they sound well enough to enjoy music and movies without major earache. Plus, they get very loud–you can make yourself deaf without a problem. There is a noticeable difference in sound quality when you turn on the noise-canceling. It becomes louder and also a bit muffled. Lows are there, but don’t get too strong. Bass isn’t their strong suit. An audiophile will hear a slight lack of detail and some distortion, but for what they are, they sound decent. In conclusion, the budget TaoTronics TT-EP002 earphones have a nice sound with a balanced sound signature that’s suited for all genres. And, considering the price, comfort, build quality, and the fact they are active noise cancelling, they are the best choice for a price-conscious buyer right now. No buying options for EP002 right now. See alternatives: TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79, TWS Headphones Smart AI Noise Reduction Technology TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79, TWS Headphones Smart AI Noise Reduction Technology $39.99 in stock Buy now Ravpower.com Taotronics SoundLiberty 95 True Wireless Earbuds with Dual cVc 8.0 Noise-Cancelling Technology Taotronics SoundLiberty 95 True Wireless Earbuds with Dual cVc 8.0 Noise-Cancelling Technology $49.99 in stock Buy now Ravpower.com Specifications Type:In-earDesign:Closed-backConnection:3.5 mm (strait plug)Frequency response:15–22,000 HzImpedance:16 ohmWeight:0.88 Oz (25g)Cable length:3.94 ft (1.2m)Microphone & Controls:YesBattery life:15h for ANCCharging time:1hCharging port:Micro-USB Matija FerjanMatija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.
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