The original OnePlus Nord Buds garnered quite a bit of attention when they launched, but today, we’ll be taking a closer look at their successor, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2.
Priced slightly higher than the original, these wireless earbuds come in at $59 USD or $85 CAD and offer significant upgrades such as active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes.
In this detailed review, we will explore various aspects of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, from their design and pairing process to sound quality and battery life.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Specifications
| Brand: | OnePlus |
|---|---|
| Battery Life: | 5h / 27h (ANC on), 7h / 36h (ANC off) |
| Noise Cancellation: | Yes |
| Mono Listening: | Either bud |
| Microphones: | 2 per bud |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.3, OnePlus Fast Pair |
| IP rating: | IP55 (buds) |
| Supported codecs: | SBC, AAC |
| Charging: | USB Type-C |
| Driver size: | 12.4mm |
| Price (MSRP): | $59 USD / $85 CAD |
| Dimensions: | 27.5 x 21.05 x 24.4mm (buds) |
| Weight: | 4.7g (bud), 37.5g (case) |
| Color: | Lightning White, Thunder Grey |
OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The inclusion of ANC at this price point is a significant advantage, providing users with the option to block out external noise for a more immersive listening experience.
- Comfortable Fit: The buds offer a comfortable and secure fit, making them suitable for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
- IP55 Rating: The IP55 rating ensures that the earbuds are water and sweat-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Customizable Sound: The Hey Melody app allows users to fine-tune the sound with an equalizer, providing a personalized listening experience.
- Fast Charging: With fast charging capabilities, you can quickly get additional playback time with just a short charging session.
Cons:
- Case Design: While the case is functional, some users may find it clunky compared to more streamlined designs offered by competitors.
- Lack of aptX Support: The absence of aptX support may disappoint audiophiles who prefer higher-quality audio codecs for their wireless earbuds.
- Limited Mic Quality: The microphone quality, like many budget earbuds, may not meet the expectations of users who frequently rely on earbuds for calls or virtual meetings.
Where to Buy?
OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Full Review
Case Design
The design of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 case is reminiscent of a pillbox, offering a compact and portable form factor.
The case is primarily made of plastic, which is quite common in budget wireless earbuds. While it may not be the most robust material, it feels sturdy enough for everyday use.
OnePlus has also added a touch of uniqueness with the two-tone finish of the lightning white variant, featuring a gray lid and a white base.
It’s worth noting that some users might find the specks of dust on the case to be a design element, but personal preferences may vary.
On the rear of the case, you’ll find the Type-C charging port and the pairing button.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Pairing
Pairing the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 is a straightforward process, thanks to their support for Bluetooth 5.3.
However, it’s important to note that while OnePlus offers its fast pairing option, Google’s fast pair feature is not available, limiting instant pairing to OnePlus devices.
For other Android phones, you’ll need to use the Hey Melody app for pairing.
Buds Design
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are housed within the case, secured by magnets to prevent accidental falls.
The magnets provide a good hold, ensuring that the buds stay in place even when the case is opened.
The design of the buds features a flat, broad stem, which was first introduced in their predecessor.
The fit is comfortable, and with the right ear tips, the passive noise cancellation is effective.
Additionally, these buds are rated IP55, making them water and sweat-resistant, suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Controls
The flat side of the stem houses touch controls, which are easy to register and provide tactile feedback.
A single tap handles play/pause, a double tap changes tracks, a long press toggles between ANC and transparency modes, and a longer press switches to the previously connected device.
While these controls work well, automatic wear detection is not available on these buds, which is a feature found on some higher-priced options.
App Support
For OnePlus users, the controls can be accessed directly through the Bluetooth settings page.
However, on other Android devices, the Hey Melody app is required to access all the settings and customization options.
The app provides a clear indication of the battery status of both the buds and the case, offers various ANC and transparency modes, and includes an equalizer for sound adjustments.
Additionally, there’s a low-latency game mode that significantly reduces audio lag for gamers.
Sound Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 pack 12.4mm drivers in each earbud, along with support for the Bluetooth AAC codec.
The sound signature leans towards a U-shaped profile, with emphasis on both the bass and treble frequencies.
This tuning makes them suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, EDM, and Bollywood music.
However, the bass can sometimes feel slightly overwhelming, leading to some masking of the midrange frequencies.
Despite this, the treble has a pleasant shimmer and clarity, which adds an enjoyable element to the sound.
What sets the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 apart from many other budget earbuds is their clean sound quality.
]These earbuds offer decent sound staging and imaging, allowing for good instrument separation.
Even in complex tracks, like “Do I Want To Know” by Arctic Monkeys, the earbuds perform admirably.
Overall, the sound quality is on par with more expensive options, making them a great choice for music enthusiasts on a budget.
Custom EQ
The Hey Melody app provides a custom equalizer with limited settings, allowing users to tweak the bass and treble levels.
This feature comes in handy for those who prefer a more balanced sound signature.
Adjusting the EQ settings can help tailor the sound to your personal preferences, offering a more customized listening experience.
ANC & Transparency
The active noise cancellation on the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 may not be as powerful as some premium alternatives, as it only reduces environmental noise by 25 dB.
However, when combined with the effective passive noise isolation provided by the snug fit, the ANC performance is quite respectable.
Transparency mode, on the other hand, leaves room for improvement. The amplified environmental sounds can sometimes sound artificial and robotic.
Mic Quality
Budget wireless earbuds often struggle in terms of microphone quality, and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are no exception.
While OnePlus claims improved mic quality, it remains a limitation of most budget earbuds.
For those who frequently take calls, dedicated wired earphones with a dedicated microphone may offer better performance.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offer a respectable seven hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 36 hours provided by the case.
With ANC enabled, you can still enjoy five hours of playback, with a total of 27 hours when considering the case.
These figures should suffice for most users, allowing for extended listening sessions without frequent recharging.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 exceeded expectations with their impressive sound quality, customizable EQ settings, and decent ANC performance for a budget-friendly price.
While there are other options like the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 that offer slightly better sound quality, they come at a higher cost.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 strike a balance between affordability and audio performance, making them a solid choice for those seeking budget wireless earbuds with premium features.
Whether you’re a music lover or a gamer, these earbuds offer great value for the price.
So, if you’re in the market for an affordable and capable pair of wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 should definitely be on your radar.
FAQs on OnePlus Nord Buds 2
How do I turn on and off the OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
Turn on: Open the lid of the charging case, and the earbuds will automatically turn on.
Turn off: Place the earbuds in the charging case and close the lid; they will turn off automatically.
Are the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 water-resistant?
Yes, they come with an IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for use during workouts or in the rain.
What is the battery life of OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
The earbuds offer 7 hours of continuous playback, and with the charging case, you get up to 36 hours of total playback. If Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is on, it provides 5 hours of playback for the earbuds and 27 hours with the case.
How do I control music and calls on the OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
The earbuds have a multifunction touch area for control. You can play/pause music, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and switch between ANC and Transparency modes using different touch gestures.
What are the audio features of OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
They feature a 12.4mm dynamic driver and the BassWave algorithm for enhanced bass. Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and a dual-mic system for clear calls are also included. For OnePlus phone users, they offer Dolby Atmos support and a customizable sound experience through the HeyMelody app.
How do I charge the OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
Place the earbuds in the charging case to charge them. To charge the case, connect it to a USB charger or port using the provided USB-C cable.
How do I reset the OnePlus Nord Buds 2?
Place the earbuds in the charging case with the lid open, then press and hold the setup button on the case for about 15 seconds until a red light starts flashing.
Can the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 connect to multiple devices?
Yes, they can pair with up to two devices simultaneously and allow easy switching between them.
How much do the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 cost and where can I buy them?
The earbuds are priced at around $59 and are available for purchase directly from OnePlus or through retailers like Amazon, AliExpress. They come in Lightning White and Thunder Grey color options.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
