TCL ELIT200NC Review: Affordable Active Noise Cancellation, But Is It Enough?
Active noise cancellation, once a luxury feature reserved for premium headphones and earphones, has become increasingly accessible, even gracing affordable wireless audio products. However, while the technology is becoming more ubiquitous, the performance gap between entry-level and top-tier ANC headsets still exists. The TCL ELIT200NC, priced at Rs. 2,299, is a neckband-style wireless earphone sporting active noise cancellation, aiming to compete in the budget segment. But does it have what it takes to stand out against the likes of the recently launched Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones Pro and claim the title of best affordable ANC earphone? Let’s find out.
Design and Features: A Simple and Discreet Neckband
The TCL ELIT200NC adopts a neckband design, a cost-effective solution commonly found in wireless earphone offerings. The flexible neckband’s ends feature large plastic modules that comfortably rest on your collarbones. These modules connect to the in-canal earpieces via short cables. The earpieces come equipped with proper-sized silicone ear tips for noise isolation and comfortable fit.
While the design is far from flashy, it prioritizes simplicity and discretion. However, the TCL logos on the left of the neckband and outer sides of each earpiece are undeniably conspicuous. The right module houses no controls, while the left module encompasses all the buttons.
The controls are conveniently located on the inner side of the neckband, and a Micro-USB port is present at the bottom for charging. While Type-C charging is becoming standard even on budget earphones, the Micro-USB port feels outdated. A 2.5mm audio input allows for wired connectivity, and the included 2.5mm-to-3.5mm stereo cable enables connection to a source device.
The box contains a Micro-USB charging cable and three pairs of silicone ear tips for customizable fit. Interestingly, the TCL ELIT200NC incorporates a vibration motor in the neckband, allowing for call notifications and status updates.
Connectivity and Battery: A Familiar Yet Unremarkable Picture
The TCL ELIT200NC utilizes Bluetooth 4.2 for connectivity, supporting only the SBC Bluetooth codec. Sound is delivered by 12.5mm dynamic drivers, complemented by active noise cancellation. Unfortunately, the absence of a water resistance rating necessitates cautious use around water.
Battery life on the TCL ELIT200NC is unimpressive for the form factor. The earphones lasted a little over six hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled. Frequent "low battery" voice prompts, which emerged when battery levels dipped below 20%, proved particularly annoying and disruptive during use. The quick charging feature is a saving grace, providing two hours of listening after a 15-minute charge.
Sound Quality: Basic Performance Lacks Character
While many affordable wireless earphones have impressed with their audio output lately, the TCL ELIT200NC falls short of delivering anything remarkable in terms of sound quality and active noise cancellation performance. There are no glaring flaws, but neither is there any particular brilliance. The limited codec support might contribute to this lackluster performance, but the tuning itself seems to be the primary culprit.
Across multiple genres, the TCL ELIT200NC demonstrated a sonic signature best suited for electronic music, with a noticeable emphasis on bass. In tracks like "Dance Wiv Me" by Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris, the powerful beat stood out as the only somewhat enjoyable element, while the mid-range and highs appeared relatively dull in comparison.
Although the bass is loud, it lacks the depth, power, and definition found in similarly priced options like the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z. Even the Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones Pro, featuring ANC and priced under Rs. 2,000, offers more character than the plain vanilla sound of the TCL ELIT200NC.
Despite the loud output, the TCL ELIT200NC‘s main drawback lies in its lack of character. Tracks like "Fire" by Ferry Corsten offered minimal detail and definition, leaving the busy, fast track feeling somewhat muted. Vocals felt subdued, and the synthesized bass sounded unrefined and raw, creating a closed and restricted listening experience. The narrow soundstage struggled to achieve proper stereo separation, with minimal virtualisation beyond mere directionality.
Active Noise Cancellation: A Basic Yet Functional Implementation
Considering that active noise cancellation is a rarity in wireless earphones priced below Rs. 3,000, the TCL ELIT200NC deserves credit for incorporating this feature. However, the ANC performance is far from exceptional. With ANC engaged, the TCL ELIT200NC provided a slight reduction in common household background noises, such as those generated by a ceiling fan or air conditioner. This made it marginally easier to enjoy music or dialogue in videos. It falls significantly short of the level of performance expected from high-end ANC earphones and might not be effective in loud environments.
Call Quality and Vibration: Additional Features with Mixed Results
The TCL ELIT200NC performed reasonably well on voice calls at home, showing no connection stability or performance issues. The vibrating neckband proved particularly useful during phone calls, but the vibration intensity was somewhat excessive for my preference.
Conclusion: A Functional but Uninspired Offering
The TCL ELIT200NC holds a significant advantage over competitors in its price segment with its combination of active noise cancellation and a price tag under Rs. 3,000. These wireless earphones boast a comfortable design, and the vibrating neckband is a unique feature. However, sound quality and battery life are areas where the TCL ELIT200NC falls short, offering only average performance in these departments.
If seeking functional and usable ANC solely, the TCL ELIT200NC might be an acceptable choice, especially considering its stable connectivity and vibrating neckband. But when it comes to sound quality, it’s worth exploring alternatives like the Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones Pro, priced at Rs. 1,799, which delivers a slightly superior audio experience. While the TCL ELIT200NC represents a step in the right direction for affordability and ANC, it ultimately falls short of being a truly compelling wireless earphone option in its price bracket.
