Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of personal audio, OnePlus has made significant strides, particularly in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbud market. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2, the latest addition to their budget-friendly Nord line, bring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to an accessible price point. This comprehensive review will delve into the performance, features, and overall value proposition of these earbuds, examining how they stack up in a fiercely competitive market.
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 maintain a design philosophy similar to their predecessor, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The charging case, weighing a mere 37 grams, sports a cuboid shape that's both modern and minimalist. While its 24.4mm thickness might create a noticeable bulge in tighter pockets, the overall design remains pocketable and convenient for on-the-go use.
The earbuds themselves are impressively lightweight, each tipping the scales at just 4.7 grams. This featherlight construction contributes significantly to their comfort during extended listening sessions. The circular touch panels on each earbud feature a metallic sheen, adding a premium touch to the otherwise understated design. The flat, straight stems not only contribute to the earbuds' stability when worn but also house the touch-sensitive controls.
Available in two colorways – Lightning White and Thunder Gray – the Nord Buds 2 cater to different aesthetic preferences. The matte finish on both the buds and the case incorporates a unique speckle pattern, adding a subtle touch of distinctiveness. However, it's worth noting that this pattern can be easily mistaken for dust at first glance, which might be a minor annoyance for the particularly fastidious user.
One of the standout features in terms of build quality is the IP55 dust and water resistance rating for the earbuds. This certification ensures protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction, making the Nord Buds 2 suitable for use during light workouts or in light rain. It's important to note, however, that this rating applies only to the earbuds and not the charging case, so caution should be exercised when handling the case in wet conditions.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial factor for any pair of earbuds, especially those designed for extended use. The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 excel in this regard, thanks to their ergonomic design and lightweight construction. The package includes three sizes of ear tips, allowing users to find their optimal fit. This customization is essential not only for comfort but also for achieving the best possible sound isolation and bass response.
During extensive testing, the Nord Buds 2 proved comfortable for long listening sessions, with minimal ear fatigue reported by users. The snug fit also contributes to their stability during light physical activities, although they may not be the ideal choice for intense workouts due to the lack of additional wing tips or hooks.
One minor drawback is the absence of an ear fit test feature, which has become increasingly common in TWS earbuds, even in the budget segment. Such a feature would have been beneficial in helping users confirm they've selected the correct ear tip size for optimal performance and comfort.
Connectivity and Controls
Pairing Process
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offer a seamless pairing experience, particularly for users within the OnePlus ecosystem. They support Fast Pair technology for OnePlus devices, allowing for quick and effortless connection. For non-OnePlus Android devices and iPhones, the standard Bluetooth pairing process is straightforward and reliable.
It's worth noting that to access the full range of features and customization options, non-OnePlus phone users will need to download the Hey Melody app. At the time of this review, iOS support for the app was announced to be coming soon, which will be a welcome addition for iPhone users looking to make the most of these earbuds.
Touch Controls
The touch controls on the Nord Buds 2 are intuitively designed, offering a range of functions:
- Single tap: Play/pause
- Double tap: Next track (customizable)
- Triple tap: Previous track (customizable)
- Press and hold: Switch between ANC and transparency mode
While the controls are comprehensive, there is a learning curve associated with locating the exact touch-sensitive area on the circular panels. However, once familiarized, users generally find the controls responsive and reliable.
A notable omission is the lack of in-ear detection for auto-pause functionality. This feature, which automatically pauses audio when an earbud is removed, has become increasingly common even in budget TWS options. Its absence in the Nord Buds 2 is somewhat disappointing and may be inconvenient for users accustomed to this feature.
Sound Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are equipped with 12.4mm dynamic drivers, which contribute to their powerful and bass-heavy sound signature. This audio profile is likely to appeal to bass enthusiasts and those who enjoy genres like EDM, hip-hop, and pop music.
To cater to different listening preferences, OnePlus has included four EQ presets: Balanced, Bold, Serenade, and Bass. Additionally, a custom EQ option is available for those who wish to fine-tune their audio experience. The inclusion of these presets and customization options is commendable, especially at this price point.
A standout feature is the BassWave enhancement, which, when enabled, significantly boosts the low-end frequencies. While this may be appealing to bass lovers, it's worth noting that excessive bass can sometimes overpower other elements of the music, potentially masking subtle details in the midrange and treble.
For users with compatible OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7 and above), the Nord Buds 2 support Dolby Atmos, offering a more immersive audio experience for supported content. Other devices can benefit from Dirac Tuner support, which aims to optimize audio output based on the content being played.
In terms of codec support, the Nord Buds 2 offer AAC and SBC. While these codecs are sufficient for most users, the absence of aptX support might be noticed by audio enthusiasts looking for higher-quality Bluetooth transmission.
Overall, the sound profile of the Nord Buds 2 caters well to bass-lovers and those who enjoy action-packed movie soundtracks. However, for listeners who prefer cleaner vocals or a more balanced sound for genres like classical music, the Serenade EQ preset offers a more neutral option, though it may not fully compensate for the earbuds' inherent bass-forward tuning.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation in the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 is a significant feature at this price point. However, it's important to set realistic expectations regarding its performance.
The ANC in these earbuds is effective in moderately noisy environments, such as offices or cafes. It does a commendable job of reducing low-frequency ambient noise, like the hum of air conditioning or the rumble of distant traffic. This can significantly enhance the listening experience in everyday situations, allowing users to focus on their audio content without being overly distracted by background noise.
However, the ANC struggles in high-noise situations, such as busy traffic or public transport. In these environments, while there is some noise reduction, it may not be sufficient to completely isolate the user from their surroundings. This limitation is not unexpected given the price point of the Nord Buds 2, as more advanced ANC technology is typically reserved for premium TWS options.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of ANC can also depend on the fit of the earbuds. Ensuring a proper seal with the correct ear tip size is crucial for optimal noise cancellation performance.
Call Quality
One area where the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 surprisingly excel is call quality, especially considering their budget-friendly nature. The earbuds feature clear voice transmission, making them suitable for both personal calls and professional video conferences.
The microphones incorporate decent background noise reduction technology, which helps in isolating the user's voice from ambient sounds. This feature is particularly useful in moderately noisy environments, though it may struggle in extremely loud settings.
Some users have reported that their voice volume during calls was slightly low, which might necessitate speaking a bit louder than usual. However, this minor issue doesn't significantly detract from the overall positive call experience offered by these earbuds.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a crucial factor for TWS earbuds, and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 deliver respectable results in this department. The battery life varies depending on whether ANC is enabled:
- With ANC activated, users can expect around 4.5 hours of playback from the earbuds, with the charging case providing an additional 22-25 hours.
- Without ANC, the earbuds can last up to 7 hours, with the case extending this to a total of about 35 hours.
These figures are competitive within the budget TWS segment and should be sufficient for most users' daily needs. The significant difference in battery life between ANC on and off modes (about 2.5 hours) is notable. Given the limited effectiveness of ANC in high-noise environments, users might prefer to keep it off for extended use, especially when battery preservation is a priority.
The charging case supports fast charging, providing up to 5 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. This quick-charge feature is particularly useful for those moments when you need a quick battery boost before heading out.
It's worth noting that the case charges via USB-C, which is now standard for most modern devices. However, wireless charging is not supported, which is understandable given the price point of these earbuds.
Pricing and Market Position
Priced at ₹2,999 (approximately $36 USD), the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 position themselves as a compelling option in the budget TWS market. At this price point, they face competition from several notable contenders:
Oppo Enco Air Pro 2 (₹3,499): These offer similar features to the Nord Buds 2, including ANC, but with a more balanced sound signature. They're slightly more expensive but might appeal to those preferring a less bass-heavy profile.
Jabra Elite 3 (₹2,999): Priced identically to the Nord Buds 2, the Elite 3 are known for better overall sound quality but lack ANC. They might be a better choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over noise cancellation.
Skullcandy Dime 2 (₹2,700): These are slightly cheaper and offer a bass-heavy sound similar to the Nord Buds 2. They feature a unique design but don't include ANC.
The Nord Buds 2 distinguish themselves in this competitive landscape by offering a combination of ANC, bass-heavy sound, and integration with the OnePlus ecosystem at an accessible price point.
Ecosystem Integration and Software
For users already invested in the OnePlus ecosystem, the Nord Buds 2 offer enhanced integration and features. This includes faster pairing, seamless switching between OnePlus devices, and access to Dolby Atmos on compatible OnePlus smartphones.
The Hey Melody app, required for non-OnePlus users to access all features, provides a user-friendly interface for customizing EQ settings, updating firmware, and adjusting touch controls. The upcoming iOS support for this app will be a welcome addition, expanding the Nord Buds 2's appeal to iPhone users.
It's worth noting that while the earbuds work well with all devices, some of the more advanced features and integrations are reserved for OnePlus users. This strategy aligns with OnePlus's broader ecosystem approach but may slightly diminish the appeal for users of other brands.
Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, it's worth considering the sustainability aspects of tech products. While OnePlus doesn't make any specific claims about the environmental impact of the Nord Buds 2, the use of recyclable materials in packaging is becoming an industry standard that OnePlus likely adheres to.
The durability of the earbuds, supported by their IP55 rating, contributes to their longevity, potentially reducing electronic waste. However, like most TWS earbuds, the Nord Buds 2 contain a lithium-ion battery, which presents recycling challenges at the end of the product's life cycle.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 represent a solid entry in the budget TWS market, offering a compelling mix of features at an accessible price point. Their strengths lie in their bass-heavy sound profile, which will appeal to many contemporary music listeners, and the inclusion of ANC, albeit with limitations. The comfortable design, good call quality, and respectable battery life further enhance their value proposition.
For OnePlus users, these earbuds offer additional benefits through tighter ecosystem integration, making them a particularly attractive option. However, even for users of other smartphone brands, the Nord Buds 2 present a well-rounded package, especially for those prioritizing bass response and basic noise cancellation.
The earbuds are not without their drawbacks, including the lack of in-ear detection, limited ANC effectiveness in high-noise environments, and the absence of wireless charging. However, given their price point, these compromises are understandable and don't significantly detract from their overall appeal.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are recommended for budget-conscious consumers seeking a feature-rich TWS experience with a focus on bass-heavy sound. They strike a balance between affordability and functionality, making them a worthy contender in the competitive world of budget wireless earbuds.
