OneOdio SuperEQ A200 ANC Headphones Review: Budget-Friendly Noise Cancellation?

The OneOdio SuperEQ A200 ANC headphones promise a compelling blend of affordability and impressive features. This review delves into the performance of these budget-friendly headphones, examining their audio quality in both wired and Bluetooth modes, battery life, noise cancellation capabilities, call quality, and overall build and design. We'll explore whether the A200's long battery life and high-resolution wired audio compensate for any shortcomings in its Bluetooth audio and noise cancellation.This in-depth analysis covers the A200's sound signature across various genres, the effectiveness of its active noise cancellation, and the convenience of its features such as the detachable boom microphone and intuitive controls. We'll assess its suitability for gaming and multimedia consumption, weighing its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it offers a worthwhile value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile pair of headphones with exceptional battery life. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the OneOdio SuperEQ A200's capabilities and limitations.

Pros And Cons

Super EQ A200 ANC Headphones
  • Good sound quality in wired high-res audio mode
  • Impressive battery life (100 hours off, 60 hours on)
  • Quick charging (5 minutes for 7 hours of use without ANC)
  • Detachable microphone for improved call quality
  • Decent Bluetooth 5.4 with support for AAC and SBC codecs
  • Budget-friendly price
  • No electronics work in wired mode (no mics, no ANC)
  • No IP rating
  • Inconsistent Bluetooth audio quality
  • Odd W-shaped tuning in Bluetooth mode emphasizing mid-vocals
  • No app to adjust tuning
  • No included carrying case
  • ANC performance is only mediocre

Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?

Sound Quality: Wired vs. Wireless

The OneOdio SuperEQ A200 offers a dual audio experience. In wired mode (using the included 3.5mm cable), it delivers a polished, high-resolution audio experience. The sound is well-balanced, with a satisfying sub-bass response and clear, detailed mids and highs. Distortion is minimal, even at higher volumes.

Screen showing comparison of wired and wireless sound profiles
Screen showing comparison of wired and wireless sound profiles

Switching to Bluetooth mode alters the sound signature significantly. A noticeable 'W-shaped' EQ curve emerges, emphasizing the mids and bass. While the bass is boosted and more pronounced, the mid-range frequencies can become overpowering in certain genres, making vocals sound overly forward and sometimes overshadowing other instrumental elements. This uneven sound profile is genre-dependent, with some songs sounding warmer and more muffled than others.

Battery Life and Features

Battery life is a significant highlight of the A200. With ANC off, you get an impressive 100 hours of playtime. Even with ANC activated, it still provides a solid 60 hours of listening time (tested at 50% volume). Quick charging is also a convenient feature, providing 7 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of charging (ANC off).

Headphones showing battery level
Headphones showing battery level

Other notable features include a detachable boom microphone for improved call quality, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with support for AAC and SBC codecs, and intuitive controls on the earcup.

Areas for Improvement

While the A200 excels in several areas, some drawbacks exist. In wired mode, the ANC, microphone, and other electronic features are disabled, limiting functionality to basic audio playback. The lack of an IP rating makes the headphones unsuitable for use in wet or sweaty conditions.

Headphones plugged in wired mode showing no ANC active
Headphones plugged in wired mode showing no ANC active

The inconsistent Bluetooth audio quality and lack of an EQ app for customization are further downsides. The absence of a carrying case is also a minor inconvenience for users who prefer portable headphone solutions.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

The A200's call quality is decent in quiet environments. However, background noise reduction is only moderately effective. The integrated ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) algorithm helps to some extent, but background sounds, especially higher-pitched noises, will still be audible to the recipient of your call. The detachable boom microphone improves call clarity significantly compared to using the built-in microphone alone.

Design and Build Quality

The OneOdio SuperEQ A200 boasts a simple, understated design. Build quality is adequate for the price point, but the materials feel rather basic. The PU leather headband is comfortable enough, and the earcups offer decent rotation and tilting capabilities, but the overall construction lacks premium features found in higher-end models. The headphones fold flat for compact storage, though a case is not included.

Gaming and Video Performance

While lacking a dedicated gaming mode, the A200 performs well in gaming scenarios thanks to its Bluetooth 5.4 chip. Latency is minimal, making it suitable for games like PUBG Mobile where quick response times are crucial. Video and movie viewing are equally lag-free, ensuring a smooth viewing experience without noticeable audio delays.

Conclusion: Are They Worth It?

The OneOdio SuperEQ A200 ANC headphones offer a compelling proposition at their budget-friendly price. The exceptional battery life and high-resolution wired sound are significant advantages. Although the Bluetooth audio quality and ANC performance aren't perfect, these shortcomings are partially offset by the overall value and long battery life. If you prioritize long battery life, and can live with some inconsistencies in Bluetooth audio performance, the A200 headphones are worth considering. However, if you need top-tier ANC or a perfectly balanced sound profile, exploring more expensive options might be necessary.

Final thoughts screen
Final thoughts screen

The wired high-resolution audio mode significantly outperforms the Bluetooth mode, making it the preferred listening method. The ANC is functional but not class-leading, offering moderate noise reduction. Ultimately, the A200's value is heavily reliant on the balance between price and its core features.