Design and features:This Bluetooth noise-canceling ear-insert model has an earplug-like design that along with its electronic noise cancellation can reduce both outside noise and sound leaking out into your environment. The headphones work with or without the noise-canceling feature activated. You can use the noise-canceling feature without listening to music, and the audio cable (for use with wire-connected audio devices) can be detached so it's not in the way when the headphones are being used for noise reduction only, or with Bluetooth devices. When connected to a wired device the earphones have medium-high sensitivity regardless of whether the noise-cancellation circuitry is activated or not, so they can provide satisfying volume levels even with lower-powered portable audio devices. The BT220 NC has an integrated microphone, volume, music player function, and call connect/disconnect controls that work with Bluetooth devices. This model has NFC for touch pairing with Bluetooth devices, and it can be paired to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. (So, for example, you could be watching a movie on a tablet and answering phone calls from smartphone.) This model has voice prompts for power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, and battery status--the feature can be turned off--and it supports voice-activated dialing with compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. (It will indicate the earphone's battery level when used with Bluetooth-connected Apple phones and tablets using iOS version 5 and above.) This model comes with five pairs of earpieces of various types in various sizes, a detachable 40-inch audio cable, a USB charging cable, a neck strap, and a carrying pouch.
Sound quality: The BT220 NC delivers excellent overall sound, with a neutral character and good active noise reduction. Bass has good impact, is well balanced and goes deep, and has good definition. Midrange is even and very detailed, but slightly edgy, and treble is extended but slightly smeared and bright. The overall sound is open, with good dynamics. The sound quality was the same whether you use a wired or wireless connection, or if the noise-canceling feature was turned on or off. These earphones provide good noise reduction overall; while it excels at reducing low-pitch noise, it has little effect on higher-pitched noise.
Comfort: We found that these earphones fit and stay in place with no problem, but they produce a sense of pressure in the ear opening that might be uncomfortable for some. The in-line remote control, which houses the noise reduction and Bluetooth circuitry, is heavy, so it has to be clipped to your clothing or supported by the neck strap to keep it from pulling on the earphones.
