Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours on a single charge |
| Design | Simple and sleek with matte black finish |
| Sound Quality | Balanced and clear with a decent bass response |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint pairing |
| Microphone Quality | Decent for calls, but struggles in noisy environments |
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, finding the right pair of headphones can be a daunting task. If you’re on the lookout for on-ear headphones that offer an impressive battery life and various features, the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT might catch your interest.
This review aims to dissect the headphones’ design, comfort, sound quality, battery life, and other features, helping you make an informed decision about whether they are the right fit for your needs.
Design and Comfort
| Design Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Build Material | Sturdy plastic construction |
| Headband | Padded, adjustable, and features a metal slider |
| Controls | Power, volume, playback, calls, and voice assistants |
| Accessories | USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, carrying pouch |
The design of the ATH-S220BT headphones is simple yet stylish, featuring a matte black finish adorned with a silver logo on the ear cups. Crafted from durable plastic, the headphones feel sturdy and reliable.
The ear cups are equipped with soft memory foam cushions, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The headband, also padded and adjustable, incorporates a metal slider for a secure fit. Despite being lightweight, the headphones don’t compromise on comfort during extended wear.
Included in the package are a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use, and a convenient carrying pouch.
The built-in controls on the right ear cup, managing power, volume, playback, calls, and voice assistants, are easily accessible and responsive. However, it might take some time to get accustomed to the button layout.
Sound Quality and Performance
| Sound Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Sound Profile | Balanced and clear with commendable bass response |
| Versatility | Suitable for various genres, podcasts, audiobooks, videos |
| Low Latency Mode | Reduces audio delay for movies and gaming |
| Voice Assistant | Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa |
One of the essential aspects of any pair of headphones is the sound quality they deliver. The ATH-S220BT headphones don’t disappoint in this department. They produce a balanced and clear sound with a commendable bass response.
This versatility makes them suitable for various genres of podcasts, audiobooks, and videos. Notably, the headphones come equipped with a low latency mode, effectively reducing audio delay for an enhanced experience while playing games.
Activating the low latency mode is easy – just press and hold the volume up and down buttons together for two seconds. The mode’s activation is shown by a blue LED light on the right ear cup.
Furthermore, these headphones work well with popular voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, making your audio experience even more convenient.
Battery Life and Connectivity
| Battery and Connectivity | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours, with fast charging support |
| Charging Indicator | LED light on the right ear cup, also visible on devices |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth 5.0 for stable connectivity |
| Multipoint Pairing | Connects with up to two devices simultaneously |
| Google Fast Pair Support | Streamlines pairing process for Android devices |
One of the standout features of the ATH-S220BT headphones is their remarkable battery life. Lasting up to an impressive 60 hours on a single charge, they become an attractive option for those who value extended usage without the hassle of frequent charging.
The inclusion of fast charging support is an added bonus, offering three hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. Keeping track of the battery level is made easy with the LED light on the right ear cup, and you can also check it directly on your smartphone or tablet.
Wireless connectivity is powered by Bluetooth 5.0, allowing the headphones to pair with up to two devices simultaneously. This feature enables seamless switching between, for example, your phone and laptop without the need for constant disconnection and reconnection.
The ATH-S220BT headphones also support Google Fast Pair, streamlining the pairing process for Android devices. Users can enjoy a stable wireless connection with minimal dropouts or interruptions.
Microphone and Call Quality
| Microphone Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Built-in Microphone | Captures voices with decent clarity |
| Background Noise | Struggles with noise reduction in noisy environments |
| Call Quality | Satisfactory for everyday use, may not meet professional standards |
| Limitations | Volume adjustment, muting, and call management via device |
The ATH-S220BT headphones feature a built-in microphone, providing the convenience of hands-free calls. While the microphone captures voices with decent clarity, it struggles with background noise, making it less effective in noisy environments.
The call quality is satisfactory for everyday use, but it may not meet the standards for professional or important calls.
However, some limitations come with the microphone and call features. Adjusting the volume of calls directly on the headphones is not possible, requiring users to use their phone or tablet.
Similarly, muting the microphone has to be done through the device rather than the headphones. Additionally, answering or rejecting calls cannot be accomplished using the voice assistant button; instead, the power button serves this purpose.
Conclusion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive Battery Life | Microphone struggles with background noise |
| Comfortable Design | Limited control options for calls |
| Balanced Sound Quality | Not the best option for audiophiles or gamers |
| Low Latency Mode |
Summing up the ATH-S220BT headphones, they present an attractive option for individuals seeking extended battery life and convenient features. Offering a balanced and clear sound, a comfortable and durable design, and an exceptional battery life, these headphones cater to basic audio needs with reliability. The added perks of a low latency mode, voice assistant compatibility, and multipoint connectivity contribute to their functionality and versatility.
Priced reasonably at around $60, the ATH-S220BT competes favorably with other options in its price range. While it may not match the sound quality and noise cancellation of some higher-priced competitors like the Sony WH-CH710N or JBL Tune 750BTNC, it offers a competitive package for its cost. On the flip side, it surpasses more affordable alternatives in terms of features and overall quality.
In conclusion, if you are a casual listener in need of wireless headphones that can endure days of use without constant charging, the ATH-S220BT headphones might be the right choice for you. However, for audiophiles or gamers seeking a premium and immersive sound experience, exploring other options may be worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use the ATH-S220BT headphones for gaming?
A: While the low latency mode is suitable for gaming, those looking for advanced features for a more immersive gaming experience might prefer dedicated gaming headphones.
Q: How effective is the noise isolation of these headphones?
A: The ATH-S220BT headphones offer some degree of noise isolation, making them suitable for most environments. However, they may not be the ideal choice for extremely noisy settings.
Q: Is there an app to customize sound settings?
A: Unfortunately, the ATH-S220BT headphones do not come with a dedicated app for sound customization. Users may need to adjust sound settings through their device settings.
Q: Can I use these headphones with non-Bluetooth devices?
A: Yes, the ATH-S220BT headphones come with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity, allowing them to be used with devices that lack Bluetooth capability.
