The TaoTronics SoundSurge 85 sits a notch above the rest of the SoundSurge lineup, and after living with a pair for several months of daily commuting and a couple of long haul flights, I think it earns that positioning. This is TaoTronics aiming closer at the mid range headphone market rather than the strict budget bin, and the jump in noise cancellation quality and battery life is easy to notice compared to the cheaper models in the same family.
Hybrid active noise cancellation
Uses feedback style ANC with a Qualcomm cVc 8.0 microphone setup that noticeably outperforms the entry level SoundSurge models in consistent low frequency noise like engine hum and HVAC systems.
40 hour battery, ANC off
Drops to roughly 25 hours with ANC switched on, which still comfortably covers a long international flight with hours to spare for the ride home.
aptX codec support
Qualcomm’s aptX codec noticeably tightens up latency and detail on compatible Android phones compared to plain SBC, which is what most budget headphones are stuck with.
Turbo charging
A five minute charge buys about two hours of playback, and a full charge from empty finishes in around 45 minutes over USB-C.
Comfort over long sessions
The memory foam ear pads on the SoundSurge 85 are noticeably softer and thicker than the pads on the cheaper SoundSurge 60, and it shows during a long flight. I wore these through a nine hour overnight flight and did not need to take them off for a break, which is not something I can say about every pair of ANC headphones I have tested. The headband adjusts smoothly, ear cups rotate 90 degrees, and the clamping force is firm enough to stay put without feeling like a vice on your temples.
- Soft protein memory foam ear pads that keep their shape after repeated use
- Adjustable, padded headband that distributes weight evenly
- Foldable hinge design with a travel pouch included
- Physical button controls on the ear cup rather than a touch panel
How the ANC actually performs
Compared against the standard SoundSurge 60, the hybrid ANC in the 85 does a better job on mid frequency noise, not just the low rumble that most ANC systems handle easily. Office chatter and mechanical keyboard clatter got noticeably quieter with ANC engaged, which was the area where the cheaper model fell short for me. It is still not going to match noise cancellation flagships from the big audio brands in absolute isolation, but the gap has closed quite a bit.
Sound quality with aptX
On an Android phone that supports aptX, the difference over SBC is genuinely audible, especially on tracks with a lot of instrumental detail. The 40mm drivers deliver a fuller, more layered sound than the entry level SoundSurge models, with cleaner separation between bass, mids, and highs. iPhone users will not get the aptX benefit since Apple does not support that codec, but AAC still sounds perfectly solid through Bluetooth 5.0.
- Pair via Bluetooth settings the first time; reconnection afterward is automatic
- Use the cVc 8.0 microphone for calls, which handles moderate background noise well
- Switch ANC on or off depending on your environment using the dedicated button
- Use the included 3.5mm aux cable for wired listening on planes without Bluetooth entertainment
Is it worth the step up from the SoundSurge 60?
If you already own the SoundSurge 60 and it is doing the job, I would not necessarily rush to upgrade unless you specifically need better mid frequency noise cancellation or aptX support. If you are buying fresh and can stretch the budget slightly, the SoundSurge 85 is the better long term pick thanks to the extended battery life, softer ear pads, and noticeably improved ANC performance in mixed noise environments like an office or busy household.
For readers curious about the technical side of Bluetooth audio codecs like aptX versus standard SBC, Bluetooth SIG’s technology overview is a solid, vendor neutral place to start.
What is included in the box
- SoundSurge 85 headphones
- USB-C charging cable
- 3.5mm aux cable for wired use
- Printed user guide and a soft folding travel pouch
Setup out of the box took me less than a minute. Hold the power button for a couple of seconds, the LED starts flashing to indicate pairing mode, and it shows up in your phone’s Bluetooth menu almost immediately. There is no companion app required to get music playing, though TaoTronics does not offer a dedicated app for firmware updates or equalizer tuning on this model, which is worth knowing if customization matters to you. Once paired, reconnecting is automatic every time you power the headphones back on within range of your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SoundSurge 85 support aptX on iPhone?
No, Apple devices do not support the aptX codec regardless of the headphones, but you still get AAC over Bluetooth 5.0, which sounds good on iPhone.
How long does a full charge take?
Around 45 minutes from empty using the included USB-C cable, with the turbo charge feature giving about two hours of playback from just five minutes.
Is the SoundSurge 85 good for the office?
Yes, the hybrid ANC handles mid frequency office chatter and keyboard noise noticeably better than the entry level SoundSurge 60.
Does it come with a hard travel case?
It ships with a soft folding travel pouch rather than a rigid hard case, which keeps the overall package lighter for travel.
Bottom line
The TaoTronics SoundSurge 85 is the pair I now recommend to friends who want real ANC performance without stepping into flagship pricing. Battery life alone makes it a strong travel companion, and the improved noise cancellation over mid frequency sound makes it noticeably more usable in everyday environments, not just on a plane. If your budget allows for a small step up from entry level ANC headphones, this is where I would spend the extra money.
Ryan
US based gadget reviewer with a computer science background, has bought and returned more headphones than he cares to admit