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The Phiaton PS 202 NC is a wired in-ear earphone whose active noise cancellation (ANC) is most useful against steady, low-pitched background noise. It can soften the drone of traffic or appliances, but higher-pitched sounds remain audible. Its comfortable fit and ability to keep playing music with ANC unavailable make it practical for commuting; its older wired design and bulky inline remote may not suit everyone.
Does the PS 202 NC noise cancellation work?
Yes, particularly for low-frequency, steady noise. In its 2015 review, New Atlas reported that ANC reduced sounds such as air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, street traffic, and the general drone of busy airport terminals. Higher-pitched sounds were easier to hear through the cancellation. The Gadgeteer also found the ANC effective in noisy environments and noted little audible change to music when switching it on.
These are findings from historical reviews, not measurements of current units. The PS 202 NC is best understood as an older wired option for reducing background rumble, not as a way to silence every sound around you.
How do they sound?
The reviews describe an easy-to-listen-to presentation with more emphasis on highs and lows than on the midrange. New Atlas found decent clarity and dynamic range, but said subtle musical details could be missed. That makes the PS 202 NC a reasonable fit for everyday listening, but a less compelling choice if you want clearly separated instruments or detailed vocals.
#1 Best Overall
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: ANC headphones with active noise-cancelling technology reduce 95% of external interference from common. Music lovers rejoice with these audiophile headphones that prevent.
- EXTENDED LIFE: Phiaton’s Everplay-X extension allows you to continue listening when your battery life runs out. With Everyplay-X, Phiaton BT Wireless Headphones can be wired to play from devices that aren’t Bluetooth compatible.
- MULTIPLE DEVICE PAIRING: Connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Connect your smartphone, tablet, and MP3 player. Multiple device support guarantees you won’t miss an important call while using your Bluetooth headphones thanks to the Qualcomm Bluetooth chip.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Phiaton BT 330 NC Wireless Earphones have a long battery life. Fully charged, they provide up to 30 hours of talk or music time. With Active Noise Cancellation turned on, they provide up to 18 hours of talk or music.
- WARRANTY: Continue to enjoy your Phiaton BT Headphones long after the Amazon return period expires. All Phiaton Wireless Headphones and wireless products come with a one year warranty.
New Atlas lists a 14.3 mm driver. Driver size alone does not establish sound quality; the listening impressions above are more useful for judging its character.
Are they comfortable for commuting?
The Gadgeteer described the earphones as comfortable for hours of use, with little to no discomfort. The package included multiple sizes of silicone tips and one Comply foam tip, giving listeners options for fit. A cable clip and carrying pouch were also included, according to the reviews.
Rank #2
- DIGITAL HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING - ‘BonoBeats Lite’s Digital Hybrid Noise Cancelling tech utilizes internal/external mics to reduce the background noise, providing a truly immersive experience anytime, anywhere.
- BALANCED PREMIUM SOUND - Built-in aptX HD codec provides a more efficient digital streaming platform and high quality 24-bit depth delivers superb acoustic performance.
- PERSONALIZED SOUND - The Phiaton App gives you full control of your sound profile and settings with equalizer / preset functions. Manage firmware updates, battery and connection history all through the app.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUND - Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture) dual microphones with enhanced noise canceling technology deliver crystal clear voice transmission during calls, video calls and voice-over recordings.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE & QUICK CHARGE - Up to 30 hours of playback time with noise cancelling. 5-hrs of playback time with a 10-min. quick charge.
The inline remote is a trade-off: it handles play, pause, calls, monitoring, and the ANC switch, but reviewers found its size could feel awkward or heavy. If you dislike weight on an earphone cable, that control unit may be more noticeable than the earpieces.
What happens when the battery dies?
The battery powers the ANC circuit, not the basic wired audio connection. If it runs out, the PS 202 NC can still play as ordinary wired earphones, but noise cancellation is unavailable. The ANC circuit charges through a micro-USB port.
Rank #3
- 12-mm dynamic drivers are optimized for noise canceling performance providing an immersive listening experience
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Bluetooth v5.2 for seamless and stable connection
- up to 33-ft. operating range
- Digital Hybrid ANC effectively reduces background noise using low-pitched noise detection internal and wide-range noise detection external microphones
The Gadgeteer also reported electronic noise when listening while the earphones were charging; it stopped after unplugging the charger. For listening, charge them separately rather than keeping them connected to power.
Who should consider the PS 202 NC?
- Consider them if you want wired earphones, useful reduction of low-frequency noise, and audio playback that does not depend on a charged ANC battery.
- Look elsewhere if you want wireless convenience, stronger midrange detail, a light inline control, or confidence in current manufacturer support.
Price and availability
The Gadgeteer listed a historical US price of $89.00 in 2016, and New Atlas listed the same price in 2015. That is not a current price: present stock, condition, seller, and availability have not been established. Check the specific listing carefully before buying an older pair.
Rank #4
- ✔ [Digital Hybrid Noise Cancelling] Utilize internal and external microphones to minimize background noise, offers a genuinely immersive experience wherever and whenever.
- ✔ [True-to-Life Audio] The Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio codec delivers high-resolution quality music with up to 24-bit, 96kHz resolution, which adapts to very low latency during gaming.
- ✔ [Phiaton Sound Technology] Optimized for an immersive listening experience, the customized 12mm Dual Dynamic Drivers deliver enhanced clarity and a broad spectrum of sound, covering from low-frequency bass to high frequencies.
- ✔ [Crystal Clear Sound, Zero Distractions] Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture) dual microphones, equipped with enhanced noise-canceling technology, deliver crystal-clear voice transmission during calls, video calls, and voice-over recordings.
- ✔ [Long Battery Life] Up to 20 hours of pure sound pleasure awaits you with BonoBuds Plus. Wireless & Quick Charging supported. (Charging Time : 1 hr for Earbuds, 1.8 hr for Charging Case)
Product context
Phiaton announced the PS 202 NC on January 5, 2015, for display at CES 2015. It is a wired in-ear model with exterior microphones for ANC, an inline microphone and remote, an L-shaped 3.5 mm plug, and a micro-USB charging port for the cancellation circuit, according to Phiaton’s announcement and the New Atlas review.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
